Hakuna Matata means no worries, it’s also a yummy cafe in Blenheim where we had breakfast. After that we walked around town, did some shopping and checked out civic art.
We spent the afternoon at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, where they have exhibits about both WWI and WWII aircraft. Peter Jackson not only donated some of his own war plane collection and memorabilia, his company also designed and built the sets and mannequins.
I was amazed by the variety of aircraft that were used especially in WWI, which started barely a decade after the Wright brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk. There were heartwarming stories about how sworn enemies helped each other, showing their humanity, a number of videos from WWII and an impressive collection of war propaganda posters and beautiful linen postcards
We were both impressed by how both of the exhibits included specifics about women’s contributions to the wars from both sides (the British Air Transport Auxiliary paid women at the same rate as men!) and detailed information about the aircraft and personnel of the opposing forces. In particular the Stalingrad experience graphically portrayed the huge losses the Russian military suffered in WWII.
Outside we were treated to the sight of a WWII biplane cruising around the airfield. It was definitely the most interesting aviation museum I’ve been to.
We ended the day reading and watching the NZ Taskmaster finale which did not disappoint!