Believe it or not, the world capital of Steampunk is an “ordinary” coastal town, three hours south of Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island.
The Guinness Book of World Records has “proved” this, as explained here.
State Highway 1 between Christchurch and Dunedin bypasses the “city centre” of Oamaru.
If it were in China, Northern Otago’s largest town (population circa 13,000) would be considered a modest village.
From the highway, it appears unremarkable.
Accordingly, many tourists stay on Highway 1.
However, if they do turn, a big surprise awaits, most especially for those who take it for granted that Fremantle is “the place, in Australasia” to experience a 19th century port streetscape.
Fremantle’s has undoubtedly had more money lavished on the restoration, preservation and repurposing of its heritage buildings.
However, Oamaru probably has Australasia’s most substantially intact 19th century port precinct…and it is bigger than Freo’s.
Oamaru’s ”Victorian precinct” sorely needs quite a few more million dollars worth of loving repair.
That said, it is definitely worth the wee detour off Highway 1…and the more people who make that detour, the more likely it is that the necessary millions will be forthcoming.
I took this post’s image on 25 March 2019, outside Steampunk World HQ, the Victorian precinct’s most popular attraction.
I think the core of an actual train lurks within the Steampunker.
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The Scottish-born Canadian songster David Francey’s Morning Train was inspired by a moment in a train station in Denmark.
David realised, of course, that the striking guy – the one with the “iconic” appearance, who had just disembarked from an incoming train – could not really be Jesus, but…..
This version is from David Francey’s 2004 album, The Waking Hour.
As you can hear, David Francey is his own man, but as a songsmith he shares not a few virtues with the late Great John Prine.
Both use simple language, but their “simple” songs are beautifully crafted, compassionate but unsentimental.
I particularly love this, which is one of his love songs to his wife:
…and if you’d like to know the full story behind Morning Train, see/hear the “live” version, below. If that story is all you wish to hear, skip the video’s (admittedly, entertaining) first 3’20”: