Izzy OE

Birthday Antics

2010-10-05T07:38:00.000+01:00

Three blogs in a row! I am sorry everyone and anyone that's reads these. I will try and keep this one short :)

The weekend just gone was my birthday and I took leave from work till Tuesday to fly tithe UK to celebrate it which was great.

Land at Gatwick and waited over an hour to clear passport control! Seems that 3 people doing non-EU queues at UKs 2nd busiest airport is the new standard. Avoid Gatwick people else you loved on might also be waiting eagerly at the doors for and hour for you to get thru!

The rest of the weekend was great. Nick and Janine were visiting so Nick and got to share our birthday (same day, same year and only 15 hours apart). On Saturday Sarah and I went to my favourite musical, Wicked, while N&J explored the Big Ben area and Southbank as Niney hadn't been there before and then was all meet for a boozey night in Camden with some of Nicks friends and some friend from Otaki. I think Sarah liked meeting some of my school friends and see how well we always get on evern though it maybe years inbetween catch ups.

Next day we had a Sunday roast and Guininess session in Angel with Myfawny and Jasr joinin us to which was nice. Good chat and good catch as always. Thanks cuz :)
That night Janine and Sarah force us boys to chill out and enjoyed being waited on as they prepared us curry for dinner and bought us drinks while we jammed out NZ classics on the guitar and had a good time.

Finally Monday saw Sarah take me for my surprise birthday treat being Go Ape in Dorset. It was a surprise until we were half an hour away when I told her what I thought it was and was right. Just as we pullinto the Moors Forest in Dorest the dark clouds cleared and sunshine blessed you our afternoon of climbing in the trees which was great. We finished the day wih a dinner in Pompy with Pete and Yuliya and
finally home by 22:00 for bed.

Now Sarah is at work and I am on the plane flying over the Alps as I
type.

Thanks for the great weekend everyone and especially my girl for
putting it all together xx

Antibes! We are landed!

2010-09-18T07:38:00.000+01:00

So we are Antibes now, the work heat is off and sun heat is on and we get to enjoy it now. It's been a long hard haul to get to get to this point but making to the Riveria and being here with Twizzle has made it all worth it. The yacht is attracting lots off attention. Even Sarahs brother who's boat is tied up next to ours told me that when he is on pasarelle watch people keep asking him about our boat! It's easy to feel proud about working on Twizzle.

The Monaco Yacht Show was a raving success for Twizzle. We were not in Port Hercules like all the other new yachts but out on anchor and our tenders were flat out running around guests and visitors all desiring a peak at the latest Royal Huisman creation. Everyone I spoke to seemed to be impressed which I guess is the reaction Twizzle was after and deserved.

Antibes is the same at it was last year, the beach is busy by day and the Hop Store is busy by night. Because we have been working for so long we are all cheap drunks at the moment but true to sailor form I am sure we will adjust..

On our first night off I ran into James who became a good friend of mine last year when I was here and it was great to see him. Also had my brothers sister in law in the neighbourhood for 1 nite too as her
and her friend has been touring Spain and France and just happened to be here for one night before they headed to Italy. Always nice to see some friendly and familiar faces.

It's back to work for us for the next few weeks adding the finishing touches and getting ready for the Caribbean but Captain has said it will be 8-5 Monday To Friday with will be an absolute pleasure
compared to the last 3 months.

I am very keen to do some touring around this year as now I have a job and can afford to. I have done the standard sights of Nice, Cannes, Juan Le Pins and Monaco but anyone has some tips about what to see and do in the countryside then please flick me a mail :)

As for now this is it. Au revior

We are moving!

2010-09-11T18:43:00.001+01:00

As I write this we are cruising past the Bay of Biscay, France and heading to the French Rivera for the Monaco Boat Show.

As mentioned in Sarah's last blog update for me, it has been very full on. We are on 5 weeks straight with out a day off and working 12-20hr days to get this ship, ship shape. Even with 11 crew working that tirelessly it still seems that we have a lot to do before she is ready to be showed off but I am sure we will get it done in time.

So we left Harlingen Port where we lived for 6 weeks during sea trials. Some small glitches but nothing that changed the schedule and on the 2nd of the month we ventured on our maiden voyage to the Isle of Man to register the boat. At the Isle of Man we got our first snippet of time off - 4hrs and with a 1 hr cab ride around to Douglas, the maintown, we managed 2hrs sight seeing on the Isle. The town was a bit rubbish but the country looked ruggered and tortured by the weather on the coastline and lush green and quaint inland. I would have liked to explore the inland areas more had we the time.

So it was 2 nights anchored in the protected bay of Port Erin before we left into some nasty 30-40 knot headwinds, horizontal rain and 3-5 metre swells that were slamming us about and ruining any chance of sleep after a exhausting 4 hour weather beaten watch till 2am. Tonight looks calmer so fingers crossed for nice sun set and calm sailing ahead :)

Izzy

Update by GF Proxy

2010-08-26T23:21:00.004+01:00

So, I am taking over Izzy’s blog this time around because he hasn’t got a hope in hell of writing anything other than what’s on his mile long task list - lists of equipment, spares, procedures, safety docs, and the odd e-mail to me (hopefully not too much of a task!!!) Plus I thought it was about time there was an update. Lots has happened since our big night out in Reading!

Twizzle is about 2 weeks from her maiden voyage and things are busier than ever, the whole crew are working what seems like 24/7 - certainly 15/7 at least, and the final tweaks are being made so she sets off in tip top condition for her lucky owners!

http://www.twizzle.org/twizzle-news

The launch at the beginning of July was really special, and I felt lucky to be there and proud to be there for Izzy. No expense was spared for two delicious meals for the crew (plus groupies!) and 100 of the owners nearest and dearest, and despite a seriously heavy rain shower and some thunder - Twizzle was christened and unveiled to us all in her full glory! An incredible sight, even for a total boat (sorry, yacht) novice like me. I even got to watch her masts being put in (sorry, ‘stepped’!)!! Izzy impressed everyone with his knowledge of the state-of-the-art electronics systems, and I ooohed and aaahed at the 2 Michelin star 4-course meal we got to eat! Some of it looked a little odd, but apparently the chef was Hollands best :)

Then it was straight into the hard work, making sure Twizzle was functioning absolutely as she should be ready for the off... Izzy moved aboard nearly two weeks ago and shares a room with the chef - not bad I reckon - means he might get first refusal of the delightful leftovers from the owners table!! (My first thought is always food...) The main downside is that the chef is known not only for his fine cuisine, but also for his snoring. Eek. Earplugs ahoy I understand. The hardest thing I can think of is having to fit my wardrobe into what is essentially a shared box room with built-in bunk beds (and a computer/DVD/internet screen with ensuite - of course ;) ) but Izzy has become a bit of a pro at living out of a suitcase over the last year or so. Oh, and leaving bags with me in London and my folks in Bath ;) But that’s not to say he hasn’t managed to find a very secret place to stowaway his kiteboard which is great! But don’t tell the captain...

Izzy did manage a quick visit over to the UK the weekend before last though to join me and the family for Granny Joyce’s 84th birthday day out in London. We had a day visiting Buckingham Palace which was fantastic, got to walk around all of the state rooms and look at the Queen’s Gallery - an astonishing collection of art amassed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert during her reign. The weather was a little dodgy as one expects for London in August (!) but we managed a lovely cream tea on the lawn and then went for a slap up meal at Carluccios in South Ken - you can’t beat it!

Once the Guy family had safely departed The Big Smoke me and Izzy met up with a few of my uni mates for a drink before heading to Camden to share a shisha and have a boogie at Proud Galleries where my housemate DJ’s. Izzy still managed to throw some decent shapes despite his immense tiredness! On our return home we decided to make a long overdue Skype call to NZ and had a lovely hour long chat with Justine and Nigel who caught us up on all the Pritchard and McLaren news! Well, as much as could be done at 3am with Izzy more than a little boozed and me falling asleep between sentences! Was great to see the Pritchards though, and in true excitabunny style I have already started the countdown till the New Year’s trip for Daya and Wiff’s nuptuals! Four months to go!!!
For now though it’s heads down and fingers to the buzzers to get everything done in time, and then hopefully the trips to the French riviera will begin! Izzy is hoping to sort out a weekend in London at the start of October when the lovely Nick and Janine will be crashing with me and we’re planning a night on the tiles to celebrate I and N turning the big 3-2!!! Oldies!!! Hehehe - just jokes ;)

I guess the next update will be around then, and hopefully the main man will be back in the driving seat! But in the meantime... thanks for having me :) Sx

The Reading Reunion

2010-05-14T21:22:00.002+01:00

Come visit, come visit, come visit!! They called over months and months of separation. The Reading crew were missing their Kiwi menace and hoping that he wouldn't slip out into the ocean with out one last finale. He could not let those so dear to him down. One final soiree was a must. Friday night was a calm relaxing dinner but Saturday was another all night rager like the days of past. Good times, drinks, yarns and playing with baby Ava sums up the weekend which closed rather tired and headachey before my return to NL. Hope you are satisfied Reading! We did it good me thinks!

Queens Birthday - The Dutch Super Party and Breaking and Entering

2010-04-30T22:08:00.005+01:00

The biggest day in Holland

So its not the Queens Birthday, its her mothers, and they don't start on Queens Day, it starts the day before but hey, here in the Netherlands not everything makes sense but go with the flow and you always have a great time. Especially when its their biggest party day of the year!!

So Luke and I come in on the train after work carrying 'a few' samples of rigging gear for his mate Christian which turns out to be about 30kg worth! and land in Amsterdam at a respectable 6:30pm. Luke had forewarned me that 'when he got the the key cut for his mates apartment in Antigua it didn't seem to be the right cut but trusted the guy and took it anyway'. Well . . .

Good news . . . the key for the building worked

Bad news . . . the key for the apartment didn't

Good news . . . there was some card near buy to try and jimmy it

Bad news . . . it didn't

Good news . . . lets call a locksmith

Bad news . . . how? at 8pm on Queens night with no phone number

Good news . . . there was a phone book on the bookcase by the door!

Bad new . . . it was in Dutch

Good news . . . the first page Luke opened was alarms and locks!

Good news . . . they spoke English

Good news . . . they were coming in 30min!

Man arrives . . .

Good news . . . he can get us in

Bad news . . . he will have to smash the lock and replace it

Good news . . . Luke has his mates number to call and make sure that's ok

Bad news . . . he doesn't answer

Good news . . . the guys is happy to do it anyway

Good news . . . we are in!!

Bad news . . . bricking it!! the photos on the windows sills are not of Neals! Wrong house?!!!

Good news . . . there is a post card on the mantle from Luke himself

Bad news . . . no lights? No power

Good news . . . the key man is also an electrician!

Bad news . . . its in the meter box

Good news . . . there are some candles

Good news . . . there are more candle and plenty of Heineken in the store down the road

Sooooorrrr'ed!

From there the rest of the weekend is a little blurry. I know we partied till 7am and then up again at 10am for more. I know that Sarah arrived at 11pm that night and I hadn't put our stuff in the hotel, in fact, I hadn't even checked in!! (but I had a loose plan ;)

But I do know that I had a great time! The Queens Day celebrations went off without a hitch! Amsterdam was closed to traffic (even public buses and all!) and there were no ploddies in sight. A day of harmonious Dutch beer drinking and canal boat watching. We had a great day!

The Dutch know Tulips

2010-04-30T21:12:00.004+01:00

Look at these little beauties!! For 3 or 4 weekends of every year the tulip fields of Holland are open to the people to roam and admire the amazing colours. We were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to get a ride up there to look at them!

But then, do you know the travesty! They are grown for their bulbs not for the flowers. After the 3-4 week 'flower amnesty' a funny little tractor cruises the flowerbeds and lops the heads off spilling them in to the isle to turn in and regenerate! I couldn't watch it!

www.flickr.com

NZ Trip - Weddings and In-laws

2010-02-24T17:36:00.008Z

So New Zealand is great huh. When doesn't NZ make for a wonderful trip home and even better when you got 2 weddings and girlfriend to show around!

We landed at 7am, in the rental car by 8am, traversed via the sheepdog in Tirau to be in Rotorua by midday, met the whanau, over to go Zorbing in Rainbow valley, then luging on the Mount, then back to meet the rest of the Whanau then off to the pub for the pre-wedding night shin dig till 2am. First day in NZ - welcome Sarah :)

The next day we had Liberty and Williams wedding at Williams Grandmothers place on the mountain side with a stunning view over the lake. She looked amazing, he looked dapper and the sun was shinning hard as though to bless them. The ceremony was beautiful and thoughtful, the meal and speeches were fun, the Pritchard haka stood firm and the night was, dancingly and merrily, drunk away.

11am came all but too soon and we were on the road again to Ayesha and Handsome Robs but we had some more adventure en route. Yes we were booked in for a 2 hour quad bike safari in a native forest reserve just out of Taupo (I rolled the bike twice!! no damages though) and then finished with a Huka Jet Boat ride before settling into the cousins place for a big as kiwi style BBQ and had Peter and Yuliya join us.

Next day we were on the road again to the Hawkes Bay. We farewelled Charlie as she goes to get her dress for her wedding that we were sadly going to miss by a few days and head to Napier to meet up with Sarah's cousin from Bath who is NZ for the 2nd time on a cricket exchange. He is happy to meet us but I think her accent brings back memories of home and, while he says he is having a great time, James is missing his mates back home. Careful not to lose the opportunity for Sarah to hung out with her cousin in the 'bay' of sunshine we invite him to join us for our onward trip to the Hydes and Ocean Beach. I call ahead to Kate and ask if her Mum/Dad and co mind us poppin for a drink but don't have to if they are busy with wedding planning (yeah yet another one). Not only are we warmly received by my udder mudder, she insists we stay over! We nip off to the beach so Sarah can finally bury her feet in the send and then back to the Hydes for an alfresco dinner and a big question time from Geoff and Kate about the yacht - they were both very interested.

Next day Martinborough is scheduled but we have already packed in a lot and the weather is packing in itself, so we decided to make the direct trip down to Kapiti. Did we sleep well that night or what!!

Following morning we stole (borrowed really) Mums car and headed in to the city for some site seeing, shopping and dinner with Uncle Stan, Auntie Vanessa, Pete/Yuliya, Nicky/Scott, Libby/Will, Daya/Wif and ourselves. Stan's standard Chinese was on the menu and we ate and chatted about what we had all been up too. From there we meet up with Nick and Janine at MishMash for a few quiet drinks before heading back to theirs for the night.

The next week was at a much slower pace but did included the following:

Sarah's birthday party with more seafood than she could see and Cranium to finish
Dinner with Uncle Dave and Auntie Jacqui
Dinner with Auntie Julie and Uncle Rod with a late visit from Timmy Rabbit
Claybird shooting off the back of the quad
Picnic up the Gorge with Joey and Reps
Pipi collecting with the Maori twist at Otaki Beach
Drinks with Lizzie Santos
Rented a plane an flew over the Tararua, Kapiti Island and Kapiti Coast
Kite surfing lessons for me
Freak wind storm in Wellington
More Wellington sightseeing and another visit to Nick and Neens
Finally Sam and Alice's wedding at Old St Pauls and Shed 5 which was a beautiful event and again NZ put on some stunning weather for them.

And then, as quick as it started, the trip was over :( Once again we were all at the airport and I was being farewelled but I had company this time which made it a little better. Surprisingly, Sarah was missing NZ before the planes wheels left the tarmac. I trust the trip has left a lasting impression on her and we both hope to be back soon. Very soon!

Christmas is Merry and White as al!

2009-12-23T12:36:00.002Z

Global warming hmmmmm do they mean global freezing maybe? UK has not seen snow before christmas for over a decade I think and now . . . it wont stop!

It is looking like we might be in for a white christmas!! My first one ever (Finland let me down 4 years ago!) I have been taking lots of photos and sending to my family and thought it best I share some with you :)

The boys at work tell me that its -10 over there! Eeek. Time to bring out my big big black coat I think!

If you are reading this on facebook go here www.izzyoe.blogspot.com

3pm

5pm

8pm

Today I caught a ride on a chopper

2009-12-17T19:06:00.004Z

and then shortly after that it started to snow!! We might be in for a white Christmas in England this year!

Video here

The long awaited update

2009-12-15T19:16:00.013Z

Hi everyone,

Well yes it has been a long long time since I updated this but it was on purpose. I have been busy getting a job and securing it. It took 2 months before I got my contract and because it was such drastic change of circumstances I knew that even describing where I lived would create questions so I have waited until I was gainfully employed and settled so I could give you all the information.

I currently spend my weeks in Holland working on Twizzle. A 57.5 m sailing yacht currently being built in Holland. I am the 2nd Engineer/ETO and have been heavily involved in the IT and AV setup on board and along with many other engineering systems.

http://www.royalhuisman.com/en/cp1_yachtsailplan999.html
http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/884
http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/royal-huisman-yacht/10393-royal-huisman-twizzle.html

The crew live in apartments down the road from the shipyard on the edge of the Beulaker (Blue Lake) which was fun during summer for windsurfing and kayaking the evenings but now it is getting very very cold. Now I can look forward to ice skating maybe!!

Weekends and holidays I spend in England with family and Sarah. She lives in London and loves it and works as a medical journalist and loves that too. We met in Antibes in Southern France back in April and have been together ever since (yes even while I went to NZ for Joeys wedding!)

And right now I am back in England for the month to do training and spend Christmas/New Years with loved ones. The training I have been doing are advance medical, advance fire fighting (video here) and currently rescue craft at Warsash (where we were told today that we maybe doing a helicopter lift exercise with the coastguard if the weather conditions are good!). Next week and the few weeks after will be, around Bath with Sarahs family, around Glastonbury with my family and London for New Years with Sarah, Yuliya and Pete then back to Holland and back to work :)

See told you lots had changed :)

Post Wedding Update

2009-08-01T13:08:00.001+01:00

The 2 weeks in New Zealand after the wedding was very hectic. I nominated myself to collate all the photos from the wedding from 20 different people, designed and installed a heat distribution system in my brothers ceiling and fixed Dads computer and CCTV system at his work. Throw in go trying to catch up with as many friends as possible and go night hunting too and 2 weeks flew by! I had to leave home at 3pm for my flight and hadn't even packed by midday.

But now I am back in the northern hemisphere and been looking for work which is looking successful at the moment but more to come on that at a later date :)

So back in the UK at the moment helping Pete out and waiting for good weather to take the boat out. Went to meet and stay at Sarahs parents in bath last week which was great. Met lots of cool people but still the weather hampered our activities :( We both went back to Portsmouth and the sun was shining but the damn swell was up so still no boating :( Petes brother Tim was there tho so we all had a nice catch up over dinner and a pint.

I do not know what the next few weeks hold for me and its making me nervous but things always seem to have a way of working themselves out for me. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Jonah and Ripeka - The Wedding Story

2009-07-22T16:56:00.003+01:00

The boys are standing on the beach in pin stripe shorts, and a red flower buttonholing their white shirts. The bride is ushered by her twin sister beneath a canopy of palms where sun beams pear through looking for her white dress to ricochet from. Beneath their feet the sand has been adorned with red rose petals by her leading bridesmaids in a blue ensemble that contrasts with ocean. The sea, sand and palms form a picturesque envelope in which to make marriage on this day all the more special. She gazes to him with her smiling eyes oblivious to anyone and everyone around and takes his hand.

The ring is blessed by each groomsman, the parents and finally the bridesmaids before the 'I do's'. A small rogue wave rolls in lapping at the ankles of the crowd to add a little humor to the serious formalities ahead. The vows are made, including putting dirty clothes in the hamper and rolling up the garden hose correctly!, and the register is signed. The centerpiece duo have completed the the tradition that binds them till days end and the groom can stop peeing every 10mins!!

Champagne, canapes and bridal party photos follow before coaches take the party crowd the the Highland Paradise convention center. Upon arrival, all are greeted by a tribal elder. He walks them to a tier level arrangement of rocks called a Marae (sacred meeting place) to complete the Tapu (bad spirits) lifting ceremony so they will not interrupt the festivities to follow. The elder calls to a warrior who chants back welcoming the wedding party into the hall. More champagne follows along with more photos in the serene and island religious gardens.

MC (Mardi) opens the evening with housekeeping and then a karakia (blessing for the food) is chanted aloud to many bowed heads. The 80 strong supporters of the stunning couple enjoy the delicacies of Island Umu Kai (earth oven) cooked meats and fresh raw fish salads a topping plates based with Taro (island potato) while being strummed to by a guitar trio and 2 traditional island singers.

With stomachs full, speeches begin with best man (Daya) reciting how special they are and how Ripeka was proposed to. Groom responds with his version of they met. Bridesmaid (Eriaka) lays out a Maori welcome and then praises the lovely couple and family. Bride speaks with praise for the families joining and her transaction into her new one and her version of how they met. Aria sings and plays a song she wrote followed by Atahua and Izzy reading messages from afar.

The speaking part finishes with the parents praise for their children and how good the families are together. Beautiful and heart filled words that make the crowd sigh agreeingly and all are feeling the warm openness that typifies the 2 whanau (families).

MC opens the deserts tables and everyone enjoys traditional island banana and coconut dishes along with chocolate and cheesecake to level the balance. Quite pleasantly a cousin has been preparing in a back room and, with the aide of her partner on the guitar and brother on the drums, she dedicates a traditional island dance to the couple using her swaying hips and and hand-gesture symbolisims to show her respect for the two at the table head. The bride and her maids melt at this dedication to her and clap wildly at the end to show there appreciation.

With desert over a traditional Maori speech is delivered followed by a tribute Haka. Usually a song of battle but at such an occasion it becomes a song of utmost respect and only presented to truly loved ones of which the married couple are.

The cake is cut and consumed plateless as the bridesmaids carry it from person to person with napkins. Even with all the kai (food) and kai moana (seafood) still in everyones belly from dinner there is room. It is well known that our Maori and Island families have capacity for more and the bridal cake is almost eaten.

The string band change the music to one nominated by the newly weds and they take centre stage. Each person attending has been given a gold balloon which they have inflated and when the couple take to each others arms all balloons are thrown above them. Bridesmaids and groomsmen kick the balloons up in the air creating a flurry golden bubbles above their heads while they embrace share their moment together. The Groom opens his arms to his mother and she is warmly welcomed in to close out the dance with them. She is honoured.

With that song over then its a song for everyone to dance to. A big circle opens up and centre stage can be taken by anyone to skite their talented moves. The children see an adult popping one of the golden bubbles so their new mission begins - pop them all!!! Young dance with old, family with family and the night slowly closes, the buses arrive to take everyone home.

Photos Here

Riviera to Raro

2009-07-05T12:08:00.001+01:00

Ok everyone - you can quit the abuse - here is an update!! I know it has been a while but you will see why :)

Before I continue I know that many of you want to hear all about my brother and new sisters wedding in Rarotonga but this will have to wait a few days I am afraid. I feel that they should be the first to tell their story and to send photos out so I will follow up on that soon. FYI the blog is already written for it so that's a bonus!

So the first reason for the long delay was that I got work - yay!! The incumbent ETO on a 65m boat called the White Rose of Drachs (http://yachts.monacoeye.com/yachtsbysize/pages/whiteroseofdrachs01.html) needed a hand preparing for their owner trip to Greece. With only one and half months till they departed there was plenty to do! The boat had been in yard for a paint job and they hadn't much time to prepare it for sea so it was all hands on deck (don't mind the pun) and any contractors needed to get the job done were bought aboard. Now that's were I came in. I was in staying in Montpellier with my girlfriend, Sarah and chilling on the beach in super hot sun when a voice mail came through from the first mate stating that they had some work for me and they were heading to Villanova in Spain (just south of Barcelona) to berth and dress the boat up for a promotional shoot at a new marina shortly. I called back to find out how soon they were leaving and how much longer I could stay in Montpellier with Sarah. He informed me that it was at midday the very next day and I was 6 hours by trains away!! So after only being in Montpellier for 28 hours I was on a train back to Monaco to go aboard. I arrived at 2am and we set sail at midday as advised!

So what was life like and what did I do you ask? Living onboard was great but also interesting. Can you imagine living in the office that you work in or the building site that you work on. Its a strange feeling to finish work but not actually leave it! At the same time you live with your work mates and I had 16 onboard this boat so it was fun fun fun after hours. It's a little different with the owner onboard of course though but that's the job and I wasn't onboard when the boat set off for the summer trip so I didn't get to see it.

My work on board was to fix anything electronic or electrical that may need to be fixed. This included everything from CCTV systems (23 cameras) to lighting systems (probably a few thousand lights!) to sky and movie systems to electric drapes to satellite systems and more. Being a boat it has to have all the services of a house, restaurant, business office, bar and leisure centre and all the electronics that comes with it so an ETO needs to be pretty versatile in his abilities. Not to forget the added pressure of the guest and crew that always want it fixed now :) So I was employed initially for 10 days which extended and extended out to a month and the only reason I left he boat was to come back for my brothers wedding, otherwise I would have probably been onboard until they set sail!

I had a great time onboard and was exposed to a number of technologies that I hadn't worked with before but picked up pretty fast and even managed to solve a few problems that had remained unresolved for sometime. I especially liked the jobs on the deck like the satellites on the mast, or deck lighting etc because that got me out in the glorious Mediterranean sun :)

Towards the end of my time there we started regular volleyball games down at the beach which were loads of fun. Often we missed dinner cause we were playing but it was so good to get a run around :) There was no shortage of exercise on the boat for me though. If you saw the pictures in the link above you understand how many kms I would walk a day moving around the boat. There was nothing more annoying than being on the sundeck wiring up the AV system to find that I needed a tool that was in the engineering room 5 stories down. I quickly figured that carrying a tool box round with me everywhere was the way to go for sure!!

While I was there I managed to experience all the hype and activity that is the Monaco Grand Prix. Even though I was 2 bays around from Monte Carlo's main port, Hercules, the deafening buzzing was able to bounce of the mountains on one side and the water on the other to me on the boat. It made the hair on my neck stand up knowing what break neck speeds where going on over there. During the evenings I went over and meet a few friends for drinks. Astoundingly they only close the track off during the racing and by night the track becomes the dance floor as people are spilling out of the bars and the party mood swings into top gear. I was blown away by the 'premises' that the teams had. It was a bit like transformers really. About 4 to 5 trucks would be parked up side by side and then they were all cladded together and built on top a few stories to look like office blocks which I guess they were. You could see in the main entrances and they had restaurants and function rooms in there for the teams to congregate after the race. The only negative point I found was that the presence of the Grand Prix changed beer prices dramatically :(

Right now I am gonna jump the timeline pass the wedding to last night . . .

I went to Doc and Iri's (Ripekas twin) last night to bless my Taonga (Maori necklace). After dinner we all sat on the floor. Doc asked what the name was for my Taonga, what I wanted call it? I didn't know they had names!! I was caught unawaress! They all queried me about what the Taonga would mean to me to spur me towards a name. I told them it meant family to me. I was how to describe 'family' in a name and then it jumped into my head and it blew me away. The name that came to me was Atama! My great great great grandfather. Atama Paparangi was the chief of my Iwi, Te Rarawa. I was both shocked and amazed that happened - the one and only name that came to me was his! From there we passed the stone around to touch it and give good omens to it, including the kids (baby Tiamihi liked it a little too much and didn't want to give it back!). Once it was back with Doc we started the Karakia. I did not know the karakia but Doc and girls did. After the karakia was done Doc gave me the Toanga to put on for the first time - I hadn't even touched till the now because I wanted it to be as pure as possible before its blessing. I put it on and it felt wonderful and I felt humbled. My Toanga, named after my great ancestor Atama, means family to me in every way and I was fortunate enough to have it blessed by and with my family. There is a lot of me,
and little bit of all of my family in this Toanga. It awesome :)

French Riviera Again

2009-04-20T15:12:00.004+01:00

Hello French Riviera!!!

In January this year I completed and yachting standards course and an AV manufacturers course in preparation to infiltrate the super and mega yacht industry. Now I am living in the French Riviera on the Mediterranean looking for work on these boats which is proving to be a lot of fun.

The French Riviera is the french people holiday locale much like Coromandel or Taupo is for NZ. You will have heard of place like Cannes (home of the Cannes film festival) St Tropez and Monaco. Well that is the coast this I am on and the same coast where most yachts hang out for the Mediterranean summer. Antibes is the town that boast the largest marina in Europe and hence that is where I am. I am in an apartment with English, Aussie and kiwis of which we are all looking for work (hence the apartment else we would probably be living aboard!)

Antibes has 2 parts like most of the Med coastal towns - the 'town' and the 'old town'. The yachts, and fortunately therefore, the sailors are located in old town. A quaint and small township with tiny alley streets and paved roads etc. Most of its inhabitants at this time of year are English speaking crew or wannabe crew all frequenting the 3 most popular pubs The Hop Store, The Blue Lady and The Gaff to engross themselves in the all important task of networking. Jobs are found here in 1 of 3 ways - agents, dock walking or having a pint at pub and building up a big contacts list. I am currently excelling in the latter one haha.

Living here is fun and I am lucky to be able to simply train to some of the most beautiful places and beaches in France and to have Monaco (who is setting up for the Grand Prix right now) a hop, skip and jump away and usually where we start for Friday drinks. Even after a few weeks we are still in awe of cars driving by while we sit at the Brasserie drinking their local brewed Blonde. Every second car is a Ferrari, every forth a Lambo, an one in a dozen is a Rolls or Bentley. Even got to see the Merc SLR Roadster up close that surely will be on the next batman!!

Work?? Well the super yacht industry is hurting like all others, or maybe they are not hurting but certainly showing signs of conservativeness. My position, ETO, is very rare and I have only seen 3 come up in the last 2 months. I have it on good word thou that this is normal and 4 to 6 months is not odd. Either way, I am keeping my finger on the pulse and am in the right place should something come to fruition. I might head towards Palma and Mallorca also as there are some big marinas there also I may benefit from showing face too.

Weather?? Hmmmm well that has been a bit of a downer really. When its been good its has been good and topless sunbathing prevails as expected but being good has been a rarity since I arrived. In 2 weeks we have only had about 4 days of stunning weather otherwise is has been overcast or raining. Weather reports show that this due to clear this week and the sun should pour in - fingers crossed!

Anyway, that's about it for now. Unless I get a job soon I do not expect things to change so there may not be an update for a bit but always feel free to give me a holler on FaceyB and check out my photos there too :)

Au revior

Its over when its over :)

2009-03-23T22:25:00.005Z

So its been a long long time since I last put a blog out. I have no excuse at all (as usual) but rest assured I have been a busy busy boy!!

Below is the list of things that I have been up to and some pics to but I would like to dedicate this blog to Britain and its people as this my last blog update in this country for a long long time; my next adventure is only weeks away - I am moving to the French Rivera to try my luck at Europe's largest super yacht marina in Antibes.

So to the point, firstly and most importantly, thank you those Brits that have taken me in or under their wing. I promised myself that I would not be one of those kiwis that just moved into west london with a bunch of kiwis mates and became friends with a bunch of other antipodeans and drink for 2 years as so many have done before me. I decided that all my adventures would be as culturely engrossed as they could be and have stayed true to that.

So I have jumped in here to be as sovereignly obliging as possible. Read books on the monarchy history, did the castles and mystic locales, each of countries, celebrated the national game with them and lived as they do. This meant I had to learn that going dutch is a law rather than a display of politeness, guinness is a food, Saturday and Sunday mornings are actually the tail end of the night before - the real day started 12pm and remaining in bed till then was also law. That small cars don't mean you are a pansy; and will free up more pub money. That bacon and egg sandwiches take to long - just bacon will do. That democracy can be effected using the media. That 60 miles per hour means 90 if there are more than 2 lanes and layers of clothes and coats do eventually do become comfortable after months of wearing them. All of which have been a pleasure to learn and experience.

I have pondered for hours on end to understand how an island much smaller than little old NZ could have made such impact on this world. Why the land and their people have become a super power, they are conquerors and discovers and so mighty in so many aspects in history. In everything (but rugby. haha) they set standards and set them very high. The following are my final thoughts in reverse order of significance:

Numbers - there are lots of them so lots can get done but that doesn't make them any different from many highly populated other countries so that leads me to;

Finance - being one of, if not the most, influential countries in the creation of money, real or digital or trade, as we know it today. I am sure they will battle out this current recession storm and rise to glory of the pound again which brings me to my final hypothesis based on the literature I have read, castles and sights that I have seen and the people observations I have made;

Fighters - and yes meant in every way. Placid are some and boisterous are others but there is a patriotic flame in each, that only centuries and centuries of defending and winning can give, that roots in the stomach of each British person . . . "Generations of fore-fathers achieved against all odds to get me here and I will make them proud I will". Admitting defeat is not an option - war, sport, work and play - that flare is there. It is easy for little old NZ to lose and let slide because "we are small and were up against from the start - chances were slim to none begin with" but this is not what my nation treasures our values are slightly different. This British bath in 'Conquer and Glory' has been fun and interesting to live amongst - thank you for sharing it with me. I have enjoyed understanding this and had my far share of banter from it!! (BTW the word 'pants' come from the French play character from in the 1600's called Pantalone where the main actor where trousers though out the play which was out of the ordinary for those times. Since then Pantalone was shortened to pants . . . . still referring to trousers! :)

Sentimentality and philosophy over my friends - time for the actions list for the last 2 months:

Snow

Sun

Madam Tussauds

British Museum

Natural History Museum

Science Museum

Warwick Castle

Tower of London

Wicked on Broadway

La Clique on Broadway

London Zoo

Rugby in Wales

Yacht training in London

Parties in Portsmouth

Parties in Reading

Parties in London

Parties in Wokingham

Parties in Wales

And plan to finish with

London Bus Tour

London Eye (again)

London Dungeons

Chicago on Broadway

Lion King on Broadway

Not to bad for 2 months huh - told you I was busy :0

So again, thank you everyone, I have had the most wonderful 3 years - I might even say "Et 'as bin a rite laugh guvs, an I is 'ad a well pucker time. Fank ya ta ya all"

My last bash is on Saturday night starting at the British famous 'Walkabout" and with that . . . this adventure comes to a close my friends (sniffle sniffle), the dress suit is coming off and sailor suit coming on. Mediterranean heeeeeeeereeee I coooooooome :)

Ka kite :)

Summer Fun in the Sun

2009-01-19T04:41:00.003Z

Wow – what a summer. Busy busy busy and action packed and there’s the reason why there haven’t been any blog updates!! Sorry

Right now I am on a bus from Auckland back up to Warkworth where I am doing a seafarers safety course ready for the next adventure in my life. Gonna spend some time at sea now.

Anyway, the summer. Well if I try to descriptively tell you what I have been up to then this up date would be ridiculously long so I am gonna break it down to bullet points:

Arrive to a BBQ and my sisters with some friends and family there
First week was in Otaki with a cold from the plane and raining each day but Dads computers needed a good seeing to so I did that then.
Had a coffee and catch up with my Aunty Pam
Drove to Taupo wth my brother Joey to see our cousin Charlie and her fiancé Rob and bumped into my friend Kristin and Joey mate Lance
Christmas Eve count down and garage party at Joey’s
Christmas on the coast at beach front houses with plenty of food and great catch up
Boxing day was out beach skim boarding at the river mouth (see the pictures)
Next was heading up to Gisbourne with Nick but got in some torpedo fishing and claybird shooting before we left
Stopped in at May and Geoffs for the night the break the trip – thanks guys.
Gisbourne was camping and going a 3 day music festival in a big vineyard in the vines. Big acts were The Kooks, Ferdinand, Public Enemy, Black Seeds, Shihad, Ladyhawk and many others over the 4 stages
Swimming at the beach each day after a cafe cook up and hair of the dog beer or 2 then seeing cool places in Gisbourne like the Rere Waterfalls and Rere rock slide and then having Wisconsin Burger before heading out the the festival again.
Meet up with school friend Janine and her friends Lucy and Monique and hung with them for a day and being given paua (abalone) by a local to cook and eat on the beach
Travelled to the Hawkes Bay to camp in Havelock and stopping in on Nicks Uncle and Aunt and my family friends.
Played copious amounts of Cranium with Janine and game master Lucy
Travel back to Otaki and drive through the rain for 2 hours crossing it as it headed north and we headed south back into sweltering hot weather.
Couple of parties in Wellington
NZ vs West Indies cricket at the stadium
A few more parties
Dinner in town at Chow with my Sister, Libby and Willy
Fix Dads crashed server at work
Dinner in town at Chow with my Sister and her fiancé Sam and my brother and his fiancé Ripeka (what’s going on!!)
Day trip to Christchurch to see my Uncle David at Burwood who was looking good and doing well. Saw Aunty Jacque, Alice and John also.
Flew back to Arctic Monkeys gig at Wellington Town Hall
Lunch with Uncle Stan
Fight to Auckland and out the training course
Picked up by my cousin Phil and wife Caro and taken north the a couple of beaches where it was real and the body surfing was great fun
Packed up to catch my bus back to Warkworth and was lucky enough to catch Phils brother and family, Mark, Lucy and the kids Georgia, William and Oliver which was a wonderful stroke of luck

Bringing us up to now!! Phew!!!!!!

Highlights:

Well seeing so much family has been a bonus for sure. My families on both sides are large and this is the busiest time of year so I am greatful to have had the opportunity to spend time with them
Spending time at the beach with my Mother, Father, brothers and Sisters and having so much fun together. Most of us ended the day damaged in one way or the other but I wouldn't take any of it back!
Having an awesome time with Nick and getting up to so many cool things, fishing, shooting, concerts, crickets pibs and parties. Awesome time my brother - cant wait to do it all again some time soon!
The heat!!! Nicks Alfa reported the outside temperature at the beach in Gisbourne was 39.5 degrees!!! It has been yet another scorcher!
The friends that I had had a beer or coffee with on the way - thanks and look forward to many more soon

Regrets:

Never!!!!!!!

Laterz everyone - next update might come from England which is were I head to on Tuesday.

Random Waterfall near Taihape

Ayesha and Joey on Segways in Taupo

Joey skim board at the river off the buggy

Nick realxing at Waimarama in the Hawkes Bay

First night at the Rythm n Vines - down pour but great time

Panorama of the festival mainstage

Rere waterfalls just out of Gisbourne

Boys on the way to the festivals on one of the regular and free buses

Hammocks and mainstage at the festival

Crowd at the Kooks

Nick and I rocking it out

Camping and relaxing at Waimarama with Janine and Lucy

George and I at the cricket

Another adventure over

2008-12-15T02:19:00.002Z

Well that's that. Another annual adventure over; I am back Heathrow for the long haul flight home again. Waiting for me in 3 days will be sun, fun, family and friends and after this year's whirlwind called life I am keen to soak up as much leisure time as I can and think its deserved.

So what has happened this year in a nutshell. Work wise I was granted the opportunity to restructure a department and utilise all facets of my experience in IT Service Management, customer service and customer experience to give the NHS Berkshire a friendly face and slip-stream the working procedures between the, sometimes warring, teams and the clients. Has been a challenge and exciting at the same time. The staff members complained recently that this year I did not have my regular 3pm laugh off (didn't realise that they were journaling my behaviours) and that I was much more serious this year. I would like to think that I wasn't so serious but just damn busy!! "Too busy to laugh . . . that doesn't sounds like Izzy" you might say. Maybe you are right. Maybe more office humour next year :)

Outside of work, been a roller coaster really.

Places I have been

Dublin, Prague, Cesky Crumlov, Munich, Vienna, Edinburgh, Newquay, Cornwall, Brighton, Lake District, French Alps and obviously London.

Things I have done:

St Paddies in Ireland, snow skiing in the French Alps, fly a plane, rebuild a speed boat, been a best man, 160kph on the Autobahn, Brighton Pier, Brighton Palace, Windsor Castle, Cabinet Wars Rooms, Walking tour and river cruise in Prague, Mozart and Strauss concert in Vienna, whiskey tour in Scotland, witnessed another wedding, shared a number of 30th birthdays, beer halls in Munich, Tate Modern, Salvador Dali exhibition, relearnt the guitar and needless to say party after party.

The result of all of the above is that I am exhausted now (the bags under my eyes say so!) and the lengthy wind down in NZ is my medicine for coming back next year and doing it all again! :)

For anyone that does not know my Further Leave to Remain for 24 months came through with my passport at 10am yesterday . . . I fly out at 9.30am today!! Talking about living on a fine wire huh. It was saga that almost meant I may have been flying on Christmas Eve and Day but as always with my dogged travels . . . it works out fine :) Right Nick.

So to everyone that has been part of my life this year be it work, leisure or pleasure - thanks being so cause memories are lonely if they cannot be shared.

2007 will bring its own challenges and good times I am sure . . . bring it on!! :)

Izzy

The whirlwind that was November

2008-11-30T22:20:00.000Z

So what’s been going on? It been so long I have had to look at my photos to remember!!

There was a Halloween party, and house warming, a party in London, I flew a plane and caught up with cousins and a sightseeing trip in London.

The Halloween party was for Em and Pauls leaving party. Em wanted to go out on high and chose Londons most cheesiest clubs (don’t worry I am not offending her, she opening admits it is and loves it!). If you dressed in theme you got in for free so everyone put in the effort and it looked like something from a horror movie with every person having painted on wounds or dressed as witches. We all had a great time and booze flow generously making the next rather tough having to carry furniture downstairs to the car and being normal at lunch with Emma’s parents. Emma’s Dad started lunch with a dram of whisky which sent a sickly shiver down my spine – I just stuck to a plain old beer as that was all my stomach could handle if that.

The next weekend was Dom’s housewarming. Unfortunately poor Kirst was rather ill and wrapped up in a blanket on the couch which was a far contrast to how hot she looked the week before at the Halloween party and as the night was miserable outside it was very much a house party. The most prominent entertainment was baby Ava showing her distaste of meat and potato mash that Will and Alex both tried to feed to her and most of which end up on her bib I think. Anyway, Dom (and helpers) have done a great job on the house and it’s looking fab J

The next weekend I fulfilled a promise that I had been making for 2 years. I have no idea why it took me so long to go to Jo and Krystian’s place in London. I am in London frequently and hadn’t dropped in but as they made, yet another, special effort to make it to my birthday I held fast to my promise that I would go and am very happy that I did!! They had arranged for me and a group of their friends to go to a Brazilian dance club called Guanabara Bar. There were lots of beautiful Hispanic looking women, and dance shows and a really great night out. Will have to do that again!!

Last weekend was a weekend of good fortune really. I went to Pompy to Pete and Yulias. In the morning I was up quite spritely and cooked breakfast watching the news. Pete came in and checked the TV guide for something a little more interesting and stumbled across the Rugby League World Cup Final!! It was in my plans to watch that day but I thought it was on at 2pm!! As luck would have it it was just at the National Anthems. So we watched NZ out class AUS in the World Cup and take the trophy for the first time in history (sorry Noels L)

As soon as the game had finished we had to shoot off to Southampton to pick up Myfanwy and go to Bournemouth airport for my flying lesson that all my cussies had so kindly pitched in for. We had a really nice lunch together and let time slip by so we had to high tail it to the airport and made it with minutes to spare. As it turned out the last flight hadn’t come down yet so we were fine and as an extra bonus they told us that, for an extra tenner, someone could come with me in the back of the plane. Myfanwy snapped that up as Pete had done a flying lesson of his own in Grand Canria Islands a few months back. It was great fun; I did the take off and flew the whole time!! It was fantastic. We circled over the Isle of Wight and The Solent as I have spent so much time a few years ago and it was so different looking from the air. As luck would have the clouds cleared just as we took off, there was a sunset and I got another 15mins in the air due to a landing queue, all of which was witnessed and captured by my own photographer and didn’t she do a fabulous job!! Thanks Myfanwy J

After the flight we dropped Myfanwy at the station and headed home for the All Blacks match, and would you believe it but we walked in the door and turned the telly just as the Haka was forming!! Our day was full of ‘just made its!’ and we were thankful for it too and we watched the game. We weren’t to please with performance as England wouldn’t be so forgiving on mistakes the following week!

Near the end of the game Liberty arrived as the final cousin contingent for the weekend and had decided that she won’t be going back to London later that night and will stay over. That just warmed hearts as did the mulled wine and beer that reminisced over J

Finally this weekend; went from a long weekend to Wales to day out sightseeing in London which was excellent despite the bitter cold. Brian and I headed of early and squeezed the Cabinet War Rooms where Churchill and the Cabinet formulated their war plans against Germany, the West Minister Abbey, Big Ben, the weird and wonderful world of Salvador Dali, caught the Haka at West Minster Walk-About and swung for the London Towers but was too late for the full tour. Maybe next year J

And now I am winding my life down. Some of my friends hate me saying that because it sounds so permanent but you never know what can happen when you go home to the other side of the world for 7 weeks. I dread the packing up though. It’s not like moving from house to house where you loosely throw things into a box and drive it across town. I have packed everything tightly and safely into shipping boxes deciding what I definitely won’t be needing for 6 weeks if I do ship it home, what I do need back in NZ, what to give away here, what I don’t need here in England anymore and can take back to NZ with me and what the hell I am going to do with my cousin Campbell massive 10 tonne bag.

Well that’s enough rambling form me, you should be doing your work rather than reading this email anyway haha.

So to finish. Those of you here in England that I haven’t caught up with yet – I having a moving/leaving party here in Reading next Saturday – you are welcome. Those of you at home – I land on Sunday the 14^th.Daya is arranging a dinner out for my return. Shouldn’t think it will be too big as it’s a school night but then again – it is the hot and festive season in NZ so we might be up for a Sunday session!! If you are, email me back and I will make sure you are on the list for dinner and good times.

I won’t say good byes yet as I have still got 2 weeks left. If you can’t make it to mine on Saturday then we maybe able to sort thing out mid-weeker J

Adeeeb adeeb adeeb tahts all folks J

Birthday and Edinburgh

2008-11-01T08:47:00.004Z

Two weekends ago I had my last party with my cousins. I organised us a trip to Brighton for bit of fun and wild times. I met Libby at Clapham with a nice hot coffee which she relished due to her night out. We stationed in at Brighton at a sprightly 10am for a bit of a Brighton special adventure. We were extra lucky because Pete was driving up so we had a car to tour around in. Well . . . that was the plan but we are not sure whether this plan existed in my head only or whether I did tell Pete but he never registered it. either way, they did not arrive until around 5 o'clock that night so needless to say our driving tour did not transpire and we came up with other ways to enjoy the day :)

Libby and I met up with my friend Ellie that I met that almost a year ago to the day. She joined us for the afternoon on the beach until she had work at 7 while Lib and I indulged in some apple on ice and the stunning surroundings.

We where joined by Willy around 3 I think and Pete and Yulia at about 5ish. By then I was well geared up for a bit night life and mischief. Under the promise of hotdogs I managed to drag the team to the famous Brighton Pier for some fruit machine fun and fair ground freak outs and whose prices and thrill factor where farin fact from fair but no matter the girls managed to best both Pete and Willy at the basketball shootout. Tough to swallow for two super competitive boys.

Don't worry about this story dragging on as its about to come to an ending that surprised my as much as it will you. We went to Ellies pub for dinner and despite their attempts to resist it they all started nodding off :( Libby held out the best but we never made it to clubs that I was so geared up for. But on the upside I got up see my cousins again and altogether to which was wonderful as always and for my birthday they all pitched in and got me a flying lesson! Thanks cuzzies!

Right, now for the weekend gone. At relatively short notice, I took a long weekend (thanks Dave) and shot off to Edinburgh. Now shooting off to Edinburgh from Reading is a little mis-statement as shooting off would insinuate a quick trip. Our sat nav (tom tom or jane as u might know them) told is it was 7 hours. However, traversing though Birmingham and Manchester on a Friday at peak hour had us vehicle bound for 10 hours straight! Lucky we had an awesome DJ (me) and friends in a bottle that made it all the little more enjoyable.

The next day me and my South African friends Hugh, Candy (McFluff) and Lisa (Oros) battled the torrential rail and completed three bus tours of the city but sadly no tour of the castle due to the strong winds.

That night we hit the town and did more walking looking for bars than actually being in them but when you are in a medieval city and there is a venue called the caves you just gotta go right. Well the girls didn't appreciate my motive as it was so cold out and Hugh was a little miffed at me for walking out on 2 scantily dressed birds that were out for free drinks and find guys that will keep them topped up for the night. Unfortunately, and maybe a down fall of mine, but I don't respond well to gold diggers no matter short them shorts are!

The next day we ventured to the dynamic earth center created as Scotland's contribution to global environmental awareness which, ironically, had number elaborate and sometimes pointless displays the were sure to be energy gobblers. Much like that energy awareness rock concert at Wembley earlier this year that had a carbon foot print bigger then a small nation! Anyway, gripe over :)

After that we went to the Roselyn Chapel that some of you may have read about or seen in the Davinci Code but is more respected for its beauty and age than the novel and we were lucky enough to see and hear a latin chanting choir in the crypt which really made it for me.

So, chilled to bone and feeling the previous nights drinking escapades we headed back to the hostel to contemplate the pros and cons of going out or staying in. Needless to say (for us boys) 2 pints in the hostel bar had settled the decision and we cabbed it out to Frankensteins club for another night of mischief and partied the night away :)

During the rest of our stay in Edinburgh we also did a whisky tour with tasting (not for me!), the dungeons tour and went looking for our family tartans.

Monday we headed off early to take the scenic route home and cut through the Lake District and true to everyone's claim it is one of the most beautiful places. The autumn colours creating an oil painting of a country side for us to admire and quaint towns dotting the lake edges made of cobbled roads and slate rock homes. We were even graced with the views of snow topped mounts. Are you getting the picturesque haha.

We made it home at decent hour and I bid farewell to my friends. We agreed that we were a good travelling quatro because we embraced every experience we could and everyone keep going. Thanks guys for making it so :)

Birthday and wedding

2008-10-15T22:20:00.002+01:00

Wednesday was fun evening of friends, wine and a booby cake. Was only intending on having a nice quiet evening but the hang over at work the next day said otherwise and I had to call on neurofen my friend to sort me which it did.

The weekend just gone was wedding time for Emma and wickes. Easily the most traditional wedding I have been to. Ancient church that had crumbling walls. A full choir. All men in morning suits and women in hats or fascinators, a string quartet when entering the old hotel and a jazz band for the meal and dancing. Everything arranged and beautiful but none more so than the bride herself. Emma looked stunning as did the bridesmaids and best men were well dapper in there hats and tails. I myself almost let the side down as I was wrestling with my bow tie in lav while being hassled by two girls wishing to rebouncify and reposition hair strands but still I got it done and didn't let the side down.

The meal was fantastic, the speeches hilarious, band booming, booze downing and everyone having a great time.

I closed my night by telling my trademark shamus and paddy Irish joke. The pun line was not the funniest part apparently but comically superseded by random shifts so
accents from Irish to Scottish to Cockney to
Indian and even Kiwi!

All in all in was beautiful wedding and fun was had by all - thanks Emma and Paul and congratulations

And the weekend gone was my birthday!!! We dress up like A Day and the Races and all looked fantastic!!! We had dinner at La Tasca and then headed up to the VIP lounge and Reading latest club. Good times for sure.

The highlights were:

My cousins very very heart warming speech
My true love - the plastic version anyway
My solo Haka
The sitting Sakura with whole bottle of spirits and table service
Seeing Zac (my best friend at school) for the first time in like 10 years!!

Can't wait until my birthday next year!!

Izzy goes to Cornwall

2008-10-02T22:40:00.000+01:00

Wow try temperature has really changed and how quick was that! Went from walking to work in the sun in a shirt with my sunnies on and just 2 weeks later I am back in my full winter coat and even contemplating gloves!

Two weekends ago was William Cooks birthday party in London. I had intended go to the Tate Modern on the way but London transport logistics are not always predictable like they shutdown half of the underground in the weekend! Still I made it the next day and really enjoyed it. Some pieces, like the stack of bricks, I believe were a little misinterpreted as art

Last weekend I took Thursday and Friday off so Pete, Yulia and I could take the boat to the Lake District for a boating weekend but while the boat was ready its trailer was not so we planned to go to Cornwall. Wednesday came and Pete was still unsure if he was going to make it or not. Thursday lunch was the deal sealer – he folded on our possible closing weekend so I jumped online and rented a car for the next morning at 10am.

So the very next day I was humming down to Cornwall and was struck so much nostalgia on the way with terrain that had some NZ familiarity. There was the straight stretch of road through pine trees like just coming into Taupo or the roads leading out to the north. There was roads through dense country forests mimicking the Kauri forest of the cape and finally my favorite being the windy cliff roads that open out suddenly to glistening oceanscape like at the Coromandel!

The weather was awesome and town was humming with the tail end summer holiday goers. I meet a huge amount of people out in town and partied the first night away finishing in a drum and bass club which I isn’t really my scene but had fun anyway. The highlight of the night for me was finding a vending machine in the gents that you get a blow up sheep for a 6er!! (see photos for proof).

Next day I was up for the free breakfast and then headed to the beach to see it low tide which was such a contrast to high tide!! I wondered around soaking up the beaching atmosphere or nippers surfers and sandcastle makers and then headed to the Aquarium by the beach. Kelly Taltons leaves this one for dust but it was still interesting to see some north hemisphere fish types.

Next I jumped in the car and drove to the Eden Project which is a bunch of huge Bio-Domes that where built to test the viability of creating foreign environments in bubbles like rain forests and Mediterranean gardens. It was quite amazing as the photos will show.

All over England you find Cornish Pasties but I have never liked them. Some people that I meet on the first told me that I must try a Cornwall Cornish Pastie as that is there origin and they are much better. You will see in the photos they make some pretty huge pasties but I just tried a small one. I stomached half of it then binned. Nope even Cornish Pasties from Cornwall work for me.

On the high street I went to an ATM to draw yet more cash out. There was some crazy person at the machine and a young couple kanoodling beside them. I queued behind the person at the machine and then the young guy got his wallet to indicate that the queue was actually where he was at and to queue after them. Behind the affectionate couple was a sign say ‘Another cash machine at side of building’. I lean to look down the side and sure enough there was. I went and draw my cash. Coming back around the crazy person was still at the machine being crazy and young girl watched me put my cash in my wallet and looking a little surprised. I glanced back as I walked on and sure enough she had broken from the embracing of her man and looking around the corner signaling that there was a machine there!! Haha

Finally I was driving back to Reading which takes 4 hours!! I decided to take the coastal road and found the fishing town of Padstow which was fantastic (see photos again) and further on found the final battle ground of King Arthur against his son Mordid which was not meant to be a battle but was start by a random soldier drawing his sword to behead and grass snake at his feet. The mis-interpretation was disastrous and in the end only 3 men were standing – King Arthur, his best man and Mordid however the King had received and wound that shortly thereafter took his life.

On the motorway home my fancy car screen said I have 35kms to go before I run out of fuel. I past a sign saying the next motorway station was only 17 miles so I was going to make it easily. 5 mins later that lying little screen starts flashing that I must go get fuel and the fuel light on the dash came on. Still I figured now worries. 5 minutes after that that actual fuel drops like a bomb to nothing and fuel light starts flashing!! Hell – there was no way I was going to make. I took the next off-ramp and pulled into a small village. I asked a local where the nearest station was and they said the next town. I gingerly motored to the next town ensure I rolled in neutral on the down hills. In the next town got lost!! Eeek. When I asked another person they said that it was, in fact, on the other side of town by the motorway. I laughed and figured that sometime shortly I would be going for a long walk! To my surprise and immense relief I did manage to roll into a servo!! Yes lesson learnt!! And Libby – I know that you a chuckling about the disaster that Izzy and his travels but still - I have a laugh and enjoy myself. Give me stories to tell ?

Ka ki te everyone.

School boy and Rugby

2008-09-11T23:55:00.000+01:00

School boy and Rugby. The 2 of those normally go together but for my last couple of weekends they were separate.

The friday before last I avoided the clubs and pubs and even a party at my own place! Cause the next day I had four games of rugby to play at the Windsor Hieneken 10s. The weather was awesome, the grounds were awesome and the beer was awesome but my match fitness was not! Luckily no on elses was either :)

We lost every game but still had fun in the sun. My good times came to an abrupt end when this dude took offence to me being faster than him when chasing the ball down and gave me a nice solid push to the ground. I was just winded on the turf but feeling otherwise ok . . . that was until I tried to stand up and just collapsed Again tried to stand and went down. Something wasn't right. The doctor on our team poked and prodded and concluded that my hip was close to dislocating and all the tendons and muscles around it were banged up. Two days later I could finally walk again and 2 weeks later its still a challenge in some positions :)

So now the school part - we'll the weekend was 3 parties in 24 hours and that's always good times. Firstly one of polish girls I live with was going home so we had a party for her on Friday night. Was not going to be a big one because of the 2 parties the next day, but when they turn the lights and everyone leaves the a nightclub, you know its late.

Saturday was a struggle in the morning but once we were on the road with a few beers everything got much beta. First stop was Leonie Titshalls new flat and have our first decent catch up in about 10 years! And as a special bonus Mishy Hyland turned up too. Blast from the afternoon was :)

We left around 6pm as we had school assembly at Wayne and SJs house which was more drinking and Hors d'oeuvre's to celebrate her birthday. Then at about 11pm we headed to the school disco which was a nite club fill of girls in short skirts and pigtails - this place must be a stepping stone to heaven!! We are definitely going next month :)

And well that's it my friends - making plans for the next few months but still need to keep my money in the bank for my home coming!

Photo Time!!!

2008-08-26T21:52:00.004+01:00

So another weekend swung by and a party it was (no not a swingers party!!) Firstly Pete said he would come to The Church!! That means he would leave Pompy and come up to the crowded London Town. I had to embrace this and not let this moment pass by so, despite my reluctance to go to Popmpy yet a again for the the 20th weekend in a row, I did. Just to secure his attendance!

I disembarked at Fratton for what someone lyingly told me was a short walk to the the Grave Diggers bar and meet Pete, Yulia, Will and Vicki to listen to one of Petes employees, Dave, playing a the bar that night. I few pints down and we were having a great time with the camera. When we finally got back to Pete and Yulias with our kebabs Yulia tried to push Vodka into our hands but luckily we defend our well being for the morning (which didn't actually help my condition!) as we had to take the engine out of Whero Nui again. Some might think we are just doing it for fun now and it almost is. We could do it blind folded!! Just jokes - this time it is just a short job to check the balancer. It will back in very soon.

The next day Will and Vicki collected Pete and I and we head to Reading to meet up with my South African friends there for our trip to the church. Thanks to the rain slowing the roads and us realising at Junction 3 that we were supposed to have taken Junction 6 we missed 3 trains but no loss cause Brian and Hugh were running even later and despite that . . . we still got the the Church on time :)

The Church ran aa normally as it would, party party party. Thanks to my acid reflux I could not make the normal jaunt back to Shey Bu Walky with Brian and Hugh and needed my meds rather urgently so we bundled Pete on a train home before his wife got home from work and headed to Reading.

Once there a quick shower and then down the Griffin to meet up with Will, Alex, Simona and Hookey and to start it all again. We finally finished and 3am in Revs with Alex thinking she was the rounds Queen which we had to persistantly refrain.

So yeah - start 9am on day and finish at the 3am the next with a heavy duty bout of acid refulx in the middle but do you know what . . . I was fine on Monday!! A little tired thanks to 4 late late nights and early starts but that not out of the ordinary. So I was quite impressed with my bodies healing ability. Probably gonna catch me up during the week tho huh :(

Anyways, thats it for now - enjoy the pics!

Boys on Stag

Yip - we took it

The man himself - took pole and flag!

Ummm yeah - a little excited

Wind down in the Bournemouth sun

Tiki Time!!

Look good but damn slow. Thanks Health and Saftey UK!

Going to watch Dave play at the Grave Diggers

Dave promise - we did listen a bit

Can I have a crack rave Dave?

Church 08 - this is 9am

Church 08 - this is 12am

Umm - no comment

Me, Will and Vicki - god only knows what time! Who cares!

The aftermath

Give my hat back $&#@!

Ok - you got me (wink wink)

Party On :)

2008-08-18T23:23:00.002+01:00

That as 5 weeks that I never want to repeat again!! Individually they were fantastic but back to back. I have aged in that short time. From weekend to weekend:

A catch up and Party in London
To Portsmouth to work on the boat
50-60 hours per week at work
A30th on London
A Stag in Bournemouth
A Wedding in Portsmouth with a Reception
A week off work to work on the Boat in Portsmouth
An ex-work mate booze up catch up
A farewell to my brother
2 laptop rebuilds
A visiting from many family from home
Some dinners and catch ups with my local friends
And finally a SA vs NZ party

And needless to say they all include copious amounts of alcohol and late late nights. Short of the invite to The Church on Sunday I am clear for a long Bank weekend!!! Oh what will I do!!

Anyway let me expand on the highlights.

Libs birthday was fun. We went to her sisters place (Myfanwy's) and had a nice big BBQ and lots of drink. Pete and Yulia came up from Pompy to help celebrate but due to their 'happy couple' living they have sacrificed the tolerance levels that would have helped them on that very night and saved Pete from reaching into a rather wet and chunky handbag to get some change for the taxi!!

The stag was a blast – clay bird shooting, outdoor go-kart racing, dune buggy racing and standard night clubbing (etc etc wink wink). The outdoor go-karting really set the stage for the night (because the All Blacks performance that day didn't!!) as three quarters the way though we had lapped the other teams . . . 4 times!!

Next on the list would have to be the wedding and what a wonderful affair that was. I am afraid that I don't have any photos from any of these adventures just yet but trust me – the weather turned it on for us and we all looked fabulous but none more than the blushing bride . . . who blamed her tears on me!! Surely is was the happiness love :)

We had family from all over England, New Zealand and Belarus (just beside Russia). Despite the large language barrier, the common alcohol induced hugs and hand shakes prevailed to ensure that we all had a great time and the kiwi guitar player from London strumming out a load of kiwi favourites also helped.

For the groom the traditional vodka caught up with him just after dinner so what he remembers, or has so far recalled, will hopefully be what happened – everyone having a wonderful evening in a great venue under a clear starry lit sky. They could not have asked for anything more from the day or the night.

The boat – well after literally living and working on it 24hrs a day for the week to have it ready for after the wedding we were struck with bad water in the harbour and no use for the it :( We had to make use of the bars and bowling alley where I had a personal best Finishing on 174!

Finally, the NZ vs SA game on Saturday was almost a no go due to the catch up with Sandra the night before and night caps of Vodka that almost guaranteed me bed ridden for the day. The text insults calling a me girl had the very effect that Brian was after and me, my fragile stomach, throbbing head and half closed sleepy eyes boarded a train to Wokingham for afternoon of beer and rugby followed by a night clubbing.

Now I am clear . . . finally, finally I have a wind down gap. I had promised no drink for at least a week but my brother Mardi flew out today and I had to leave work early and have one last beer with him until I see him again along with everyone else in December

So on that note I shall sign off., finish reading the last 7 CVs I have for work and then head to bed :) Thanks for reading :)

2008-07-14T19:26:00.007+01:00

Holy crap - 4 weeks since thw last update. That's worst yet! Sori I will crack straight into it

4 weeks ago we had Yulias birthday (I won't tell you how old). We had a nice dinner at Gun Wharf Quays with a new addition to our southern England family being Lianas 8 year old daughter Olijia. I kept finding coins behind her ears which she thought was giggle. Alvetin (ones of Petes staff) joined us for a few and as it was his birthday too he was a little chopped. Even had a problem ordering water!

The next weekend I shuffled off to Myfawny's straight after work on Friday for a BBQ. Was great to see my cussies again and meet some new people. The BBQ started like a normal 5 person BBQ but more and more people kept coming bringing more and more meat. Due to being the BBQ proud kiwi that I am I wouldn't let anyone take my tongs and was there for what felt like hours - but it was great! That night I stayed over at Libby and Wills so I could watch the All Blacks whip England the following morning.

It was about at this point that my new laptops harddrive died. Fortunately all data from a week before hand was backed up. Unfortunately that was the week when I completed the 2007 accounts for my company back home and that totalled around 40 - 50 hours lost!! I was well upset!

3rd week was Pauls stag. Stayed at Wills the night before with Dom and another Will and watched that new movie - teeth - yeah vagina dentata movie and can definitely recommend you keep your cash in ur pocket on that one. It was rubbish.

The next day was paint balling in Theale and the was an experience alright. The masks were so scratched up you weren't worried about the pellets hitting you but of running square on onto a tree!! The other team was a bit serious to and we got whipped but all in good fun.

All in all it was a good day with the best man getting more of a hiding than stag on the last game! But the strippers belt strap levelled the score haha

Finally for the last 2 weekends I have been at Pete and Yulias. The first weekend was to work on the boat for a bit but mostly to sort out suits and wedding stuff. Still a bit to organise but Yulia has done a great job. As for the boat - we thats a never ending saga that one but we have finally cracked I think and on the home stretch. Aliging the stern drive with the engine stole about 6 hours off us on Sunday but we have sorted the method now and will have it in this weekend.

And that's it folks, otherwise its been work work work.

Now that my lappy is alive again (fingers crossed and touch wood!) I should be a little more regular (I know I always say it huh)

Last stop Vienna

2008-06-02T23:16:00.013+01:00

Enroute to our next destination we stopped at the Concentration Camp called Dachau. Was a pretty sobering experience at while it was and ‘extermination camp’ like Mathausen was it was still chilling demonstration of cappy humans can treat humans – Nick was upset with what he saw – he was pissed! “angry” that is. A camp build for 6000 people that eventually housed 30,000. It was battery humans like battery hens really.

Finally we rolled into Vienna for our last day before heading back to Prague for the final night. It was here that we had our first ever issue. We had only planned flights and hotel in Prague for the first 2 nights. Nothing else was planned at all so we managed a car, Cesky Krumlov, Munich and Vienna under laissez-faire with out hiccup. This time we stranded without accommodation and everything appeared booked! After only 2 hours of looking and around 15 phone calls we struck lucky, actually I could say we struck gold!!! The place that we happened to find at a very decent price to was right on the St Stephanz Platz!! One of the busiest squares in Europe

We did a coach tour of the town to see all the magical sculptures, the Hapsbergs Castle, the Shonbrun Castle, the café where Sigmund Freud used to hang out, the stature of Mozart and in the evening took in a Mozart and Strauss strings opera which has certainly giving me a new respect for classic music (still listening to Girls Aloud though haha), lastly took in some ornithology of which we are both in agreeance that they took the cake – it was eye candy galore.

From Vienna we motored back to Prague. The Austrian autobahn is wall made and designed to handle our little ford fiesta at 170kph but the Czech motorways were a different story! Still, it stop the lulling feeling of the trip ending from overcoming and we found and English radio playing the classic we grew up with! So all in all we were satisfied that we made the most of it.
Highlights:

* Chanting – dura dura dum de dum like Jane did every time she told us we were speeding
* Always falling on our faces (I meant feet but it became a running jokes)
* Seeing who would get the girls return glance as we walked past and checked them out
* Micheal our BnB guy writing the google map driving instructions to Munich for us – by hand!
* Me with a hangover in the car having a think and then saying – ‘the breakfast would have been crap anyway!’ then looking at Nick and realising that I was actually just talking in my head!
* Nick getting his ABC’s so fast
* The Czech strip clubs (gotta go back!) adorned with its very own Cathedral and encircled by countless Opera houses and the famous. We decided that we just had to make it 2 nights there and that we did!

But most all, yeaaaaaaah most of it was all . . .
It was seeeeing Niiiick

Bye all

The road to Munich

2008-05-22T19:42:00.000+01:00

More rain and more bad weather grrrrrr but . . . . that don’t matter in the bear halls of Munich!!

As Munich is considered Western Europe rather than Eastern our sat nav dropped off as we left Austria and we learnt to a her as we very quickly got lost (twice) but once we found the hotel and made our way into town we were set for a good night. A very very pretty girl called Judith told us which was the best hall to go to and there we headed for. We wandered past the Glockenspiel and I tried to serenade Nick with its historical importance and appreciation for its architecture but his enthusiasm had started to wane as the ABC disease started to kick in (that’s Another Bloody Church, Another Bloody Castle and Another Bloody Cathedral) so we made a bee line for the Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall.

We happened to seat ourselves down on the table the accommodated some kind of Chess genius that apparently just sat there all day and people paid a euro to play him. One guy at our table got beaten severely, Nick faired a little better but even with their powers combined the Chess champ stripped them of their money!!

After that hall we decided for a change of scenery. On the way to another beer hall we came across a quartet playing on the street side. They were playing Mozart and Strauss with vigour and so entertaining to watch. Nick was starry eyed, gazing upon the lively group with drop jaw that said ‘oh my god, this is what you stumble across on the streets of Europe. That leaves Kenny and Tennis Ball Mike from Courtney for dead!’

We found the next hall and got stuck in there. Meet some more girls that invited us to a BBQ the next night but as Nick is all loved up he didn’t want to play so he headed back to the hotel and meet up with some other random people and went out night clubbing with them which was fun but the afternoon of drinking caught up and my vision was blurring so at about 3-4am I headed back to the hotel. For some reason I didn’t call Nick, I texted him and knocked on the door without answer but never phoned him. Without access to the room I settled in for the night in the hallway and that is exactly where he found me at 10.30am the next day!!

Off to Vienna we go!

Cesky Krumlov

2008-05-20T19:42:00.001+01:00

The next part of the trip took us to the ancient town of Cesky Krumlov. While most of Europe got destroyed during the wars this town was vacated and left alone. Was everything had settled the people return and town was there just like time stood still. While you do see older constructions travelling through Europe you would be hard pressed to find an entire town that has been preserved. In fact the entire town is on the world heritage list!

We eventually found our BnB after our Sat Nav (Jane) had guided us to the centre of town like we had asked her too which meant she took us right through the town square which we were not sure was legit but as the weather was so cold no one bothered to come out and tell us so.

We took a short walk around and then headed to the ‘cave’ for a big open BBQ under recommendation of our BnB host. It was a great experience and the food was by far the best of the entire trip! We had to battle a snobby head waitress to get a table but we finally got one and it was so worth it. Again the beer flowed cheaply and once more Nick and drunkly solved all the worlds problems but didn’t remember how in the morning

The next day we wandered the streets and castle with audio guides from the information centre. The renaissance frescos on the external walls wer e everywhere and very elaborate. The construction of building was a little haphazard with buildings on leans and nothing appearing to level but that just added to the character. At the entrance of the Castle was the Bear Moat. We saw the signs about it during the short walk the day before but did not that is was a moat with actual beers in it!! The was a first for I Europe for sure. Apparently the bear was a very symbolic animal for the Rosenburg family that built the castle.

First stop Prague

2008-05-18T20:30:00.000+01:00

So I met Nick and the airport at 6amish, He was looking suitably jaded from the night before but nothing a good coffee and croissant couldn't fix.

We flew into rain at Prague and that pretty much set the weather tone for rest of the week but that wasn't gonna get us down. We went for a wander around and soaked in the city sights. After a walk through the torture museum (that was not a good way to start a night!!) we headed to the other side of the river to soak up Czeck dark beer, pretzels and big pork knuckle. We as the beer was only 1 quid we tucked right on in and food was super cheap also - we eat and drank to our hearts content for only 25 quid total!!

After that we headed into town and were disappointed with how quite it was. Even though that should be expected on a Sunday but locals had said 'the city parties every night!' we just couldn't see where. We ended going up to the strip club (when in Rome) and we understood why saw bugger all hot chicks in town. Cause they were in the strip joints. My my they were unbelievably stunning girls. After about 40mins of continual propositions we headed of to the hotel.

The next morning I woke up about an hour before breakfast finished and showered ready for the days walking tour. I told Nick to get cracking cause breaky will be closing shortly and we got to get going. He told me that it was already over - I hadn’t changed my clock and was an hour out!! It was actually 11.30am!

So we jumped on the internet to find out what time our walking tour started. I had a feeling it was around 2pm. Turns out is started at 10am! I jumped on the phone and called the company. They said the will be starting the boat cruise at 12pm. We trammed and ran to the boat point and got there just time to enjoy the afternoon of the tour learning about many things. One thing we learnt was about the sculpture on the hill. A tall needle like the orange one by Kilbernie Park in Evans Bay (Wellington) that was rocking back and forth. I had told Nick the previous day that it was one of those that things that the Praguians use to tune their pianos. He looked at my face and read through my bluff then called me a dick but on the boat cruise the guide advised us that it was in fact a metronome!! Nick just looked in shock and we both cracked up laughing.

The tour took to the Charles Bridge, Castle Prague and through the Jewish Quarter. We would have to see the rest the following day as they kindly allowed us to join them the following the morning for the bit we missed.

Hangover tired and tour walking exhausted we headed back to hotel and had a nice and cheap meal at a small restaurant close by. The Goulash is stunning there - cant be beaten.

The next morning we rose at a decent hour and did the morning walking tour. We were late again and the guide just chuckled at us but did take the time to get us up to speed.

From there we rented a car and headed to Cesky Krumlov. Read on to hear all about it :)

The market place in Prague

Nick with the Charles Bridge in the background

It that 2 or three . . . . stat you bro!!

My friend Nick - the Diddler Fiddler

The Charles Bridge and the something River

On the bridge (ok too many pics of the bridge huh)

The spit roast pork knuckle (the only spit roast we had all trip :( )

The Prague Castle by night

The Anatomical Clock in the town square (5 quid for a small beer at the beer across from this - avoid it!)

Nick on the boat cruise

The Catherdral that was built in 2 stages over 4000 years!

A stain glass window sponsored by and insurance company and is in fact - a advertisement!!! Bit dissappointing :(

The gothic styling front facade was very intricate and stunning to see

Lots going on!!!

2008-05-17T17:57:00.002+01:00

Sorry all. What a hectic 3 weeks I have had so I will crack right into it.

3 weekends ago I meet up with a high school mate that I hadn’t seen in about 15 years!!, Wayne Maki, and my other kiwi friends George, Warwick and Pete in London. We went to the annual NZ London vs NZ Wanderers ANZAC match in Action where Arama, Maki and George (for 3mins till he dislocated his shoulder!!) played. Despite being the team that was just put together that week the whipped the NZ London team that have existed for years and are a London Regional club! That night we headed to the Hammersmith Apollo to watch Fat Freddies Drop play – they were absolutely awesome and we had a great time. After the gig we headed to the Redback that was packed fill of kiwis; I was a little disappointed in the state of kiwi girls there but I guess that they are mostly travelling so are just having a good ol’ messy time. George got well hammered as it was to be his last Saturday in England! He is home now and party has probably stopped.

Thanks Maks for meeting up – good times bruv
Thanks Warwick for sorting the tickets (without a flaw too I might add!) and the couch. Bring on Ios!!
Thanks Pete for letting the good time roll. Legend man and I am still drinking the same stuff haha See you in Ios
Thanks Georgie for the last 2 years – been a stunner travelling with you mate. Keep the party going in NZ ok :)

The following weekend was another fun one with a big catch party for the skiing crew and others in Henley on Thames. We drunk and partied the night away with Paul turning into his ‘jack in the box’ style master and Kate trying her luck on an Argentinean international horse polo player. In the end Kate and I left them to it headed to a night club in Reading called Mangos but by the time we got there my hangover was already kicking in!!

On the Saturday I shot to Portsmouth to work on the boat. We got some good working hours in and think that we have finally finalised the back bench seat design. We have had to start fresh cause to get the old one rebuilt would cost near on £1000! The boat was only £2500.

Finally the last 2 weeks. On the Wednesday I walked from one end of Reading to the other looking for a flat to move into as I have had enough of living by myself. I found one I liked and took it. The next morning I woke up and my shin was killing me and I couldn’t walk right. I had to catch the bus for the rest of the week. During the week I found another place that I really liked so took that one instead and last weekend (still not able to walk properly) moved in. The place is fab. Room is massive huge, huge back yard with a pool and big BBQ, living with an English guy and his polish GF that own the place and 2 other polish birds and we all get on real well!!

Yesterday morning I went to the doc about me leg. Don’t worry its all good but I did ask for physio. He said sure I will refer you and they should schedule you in in about 2 weeks. “2 weeks!!!!” I gasped. What use would a physio be after 2 weeks when it comes to a sports injury!! That’s just the way it is here – these people are used to waiting and it’s the norm. Guess its cause there are so many of them waiting in line is just how it’s done. Anyway, I passed on the physio cause things might change while I am in Prague and touring Czech Republic which I am doing next week!! Yay!!!! Another country that I don’t know the language – cant wait (seriously , its fun that way! :)

Night out in Henley with Alex, Kate, Will and Dom

WheroNui - she is almost there!

Ava in her bean bed. Safe as houses in there huh!!

The new laminate floor we laid on the first day I moved in! Good flatmate huh.

Andrew and Silvia in the 'not so warm' pool.

Finally got some pictures from Dublin

2008-05-03T13:48:00.001+01:00

<<Dublin-1.jpg>> <<Dublin-2.jpg>> <<Dublin-3.jpg>> <<Dublin-4.jpg>>
<<Dublin-5.jpg>>

Stones, Rock and Pebbles

2008-04-24T21:52:00.002+01:00

Sorry for the late update folks. Been waiting on photos from mates. I know I should be taking my own pics but I took one of G Man and Warrick and then it never worked again!! Since beer and travel have been top of my budget list the camera has been missed off. I miss my one though :)

So yeah Stones, Rock and Pebbles

Stones - Mardi, Jippy and I went to Stonehenge
Rock - on Yulias finger at the engagement party
Pebbles - what Dom neighbours would have thrown at us if we kept making noise on Sunday morning

Lets start from the beginning then. 2 weekends Mard's, Jippy and I headed via Stone Henge to Gosport for Pete and Yulias engagement party. The Stone Henge stones were . . . well some stone that . . . no one knows anything about.

Trying to find the cheap way in :)

Needless to say the brochures don't say much and justification for the 6 squid entry fee would be interesting but that didn't stop us from having quite the experience as halfway around sky started sprinkle droplets on us. Not too phased about it Jippy and I charged on around while Mards girled out and went back. Turns out he made the right decision as halfway around - yes same distance back as forward the skies completely opened up and dumped like monsoon bucket was above us and it manage to come at us frontwards, and side wards too - there was no escape!! We ran like the wind around the last quarter of this mythical icon to the under road tunnel that was acting as refuge for many others who hadn't made the wiser decision either. Mardi was towering above all the people as usual laughing contently at our mis-fortune as we wiped the running water from our brows and rung our clothes. Soaked and cold we were and still 1 hours drive from the next Rock.

Soaking wet but still good looking lads haha

The next Rock was Yulias fabulous engagement ring. We (Myfanwy, Libby, Willy, Lika, Pete, Yulia and us 3) meet at their place in Gosport for Champagne and dinner to celebrate the (to be) union of these 2 wonderful people. We spent the afternoon catching up over champas and having a few laughs then went to Petes fav for dina - a chinese on the waterfront - the main stable of Pete dining experiences for the last year! Then onto Gun Wharf for a night out. My lack of presence in the last 6 months showed with Pete diminished drinking abilities (and maybe a little to do with him working 300 hours a week for the prev 2 weeks) as he was a little rolly eyed at the first bar!! I got in a couple of shots for the boys but missed Pete as he is no good at them these days but as I set my down he slowly lifted it up glancing at Yulia and straining to focus. She gave a wise head shake knowing that would be the good night nurse drink if he did. Their mystical silent language seemed to get the message across and Pete gingerly put his drink down to a cheer of laughter's from all of us at how sullen his face looked but all knowing it was the best decision!!

And finally the pebbles - yes well last weekend I help Dom renovate again. We cracked into it early Sat morning which was fine and got plenty done then headed into London to meet his girlfriend Kirsten and some other girls that she wanted me to meet (go cupid! nice one) and had fab time at Waxy Oconners. I was have a great time and really enjoying myself but all to soon the train chimes were ringing and we had to head off to catch the last train to Reading - the ultimate buzz killer that train is!! It is the slow one and takes just over an hour. We had plans to carry on in Reading but only had one beer at the first bar ad called it a night :( Damn slow train!
All was well because the tragically shortened night meant a cracking start in the morn and we were at it by 8am the next day!! Out of politeness we decided not to run the sanding machines till after 11am being Sunday and all and by then most of town should be up gearing for sunday church haha. Alas, the very next door neighbour was showing signs of a hard night whence she came over banging on the door demanding we leave it out on a Sunday. Short of slamming the door in her face we told her that we will for now but will be at again at 2pm and that was that! At about 1pm she swings by to apologise and say they were heading out so we could get into it. Interestingly though, you remember that proposition I got from the older kiwi bird a few updates ago . . . well Dom is quite certain that only a guy lives next door. Three of them came out of the house; the 2 men jump in the front of the car and the ma'am (in ritzy wares) hoped in the back disappeared for about 20mins and upon return she was not with them!! Lady of night me thinks . . . lady of the night that includes in her standard rate - abusing the neighbours for being noisey if the client requests?!?! Henley is getting more interesting every weekend!!

A Unicorn Guiness from the Unicorn pub by Henley

So now that brings us close to date. Early in week I shot up to London to have my last beer with my brother before he goes to Greece and to catch up with a family friend Amy Hyde which was absolutely fab (and heard that her family read this blog - goodo and hi Hydes:)). And then the highlight - Alex and Will had Ava. A beautiful 9 pound girl that, while she doesn't smile yet, is surrounded by smiling people adoring he and even more so beaming smile from happy Mother and Father - congrats you two. She beautiful baby! :)

Me and Ava - we both dig pink (looks better on her though huh)

And that brings it all to a close for this week. Got an action packaged weekend coming up and the one following also but I will leave you in suspense for that one.

Ka kite :)

Special Edition

2008-04-08T21:19:00.003+01:00

While NZ is enjoying the longest summer that everyone can remember England is enduring the longest winter in years but it has come to an end in the most wonder way – it snowed!!! Yay. Lots of fluffy, super white snow and which is well out of season! The winter months are definitely over as the sun is staying up past 5pm and the daffodils are wiltering down so the snow can be nothing more than a seasons miracle. Doesn’t the park look magic.

Skiing in France again

2008-04-05T12:08:00.003+01:00

So I have just finished another weeks skiing in Courcheval in the French Alps and in the airport in Geneva (Switzerland) at the moment waiting for my flight back to England.

It was a great week for skiing. Out of 6 days 4 were splendid and 2 were spectacular. We were blessed with snow each night and perfect sun every other day making the most perfect off piste powder skiing!

We stayed in a chalet the small town of La Praz at the base of the ski restort owned by Doms, brothers, wifes parents (tongue twister!) The chalet is serviced whiched means 2 girls (emma and biz) cooked our breakfast and dinner, made mulled wine and coffee and also told/took us to the good places to go party. For them the exchange is season passes, accomodation, food and a very small wage (for the bars). The girls looked after us well and made the trip so much more relaxing.

The 3 top highlights would have to be our 4 valley traverse thru Meribel, Val Thoren to Orelle where we found untouched slopes with a fresh sprinkle of powder. The skiing was nothing short of what you would see on ski videos.

Also we went sledding last night after our ski. That was absolutely awesome! 4euro plastic sleds with hand brakes either side that you use to steer (which was near impossible) and a twisting turning luge slope made for so much fun! Dom has a bruised arm and me a bruised bum but it was well worth it!

And finally my new boots. I hired boots to start with and went through the standard agonising pain that people with wide feet get and was truely considering packing it in. Instead I went to a shop to talk to a boots specialist and he reckoned he could fit a pair of boots to me the would feel just like wearing shoes. It cost me 400 euros and I put him to the challenge. After 4 visits to him, a custom sole and melting then widening my boots he was successful! I did not know it was possible! From then the skiing was bliss!

Well that's it for now my friends. Got petes engagment party in pompy next weekend so till then :)

Pictures Here

Relaxing Weekend

2008-03-31T19:50:00.002+01:00

It was a nice relaxing weekend at Petes last weekend which was just what I needed to help me battle down this stupid cold I have had for 3 weeks. Our goal for the weekend was to get lots done on the boat and that we did.

The long weekend started with a night out with Dom in Reading. We went for pizza and then ended up in the Purple Turtle (like we always do damn it!) and ended up having a good night. I took a long time to get started as the sleep deprivation, from Ireland and my coughing/sneezing each night, was still troubling me but alas, many many pints can dissolve such and issue and I started waking up an having fun.

The next days train ride to Portsmouth was a little painful on the head but thank to the cold outside when I got there it was very sobering and that’s the way I stayed for the rest of the weekend. Sober and focused on the task ahead – ski boat renovation!! We worked solidly and intently and completed everything that we had to do. Carpets in, new wiring loom done, new stereo system in and battery wiring ready. Very productive weekend that finished with me back at Reading at lunch with friends for Kirst’s birthday.

Right now I am in the French Alps. Dom and his family had planned a trip over earlier in the year and they had a spare room. Unfortunately I could not get on their flight nor even their airport so while they made the 25min trip to Heathrow I laboured out the one and half hour trip to London City Airport!! Turns out this worked heavily in my favour. If you are not aware Heathrow opened the new Terminal – T5 – and with out reasonable testing they transferred 50% of all flights to the terminal on Monday. Now they are cancelling flights, flying half empty as people cant get through security fast enough and lost 15,000 bags. And sadly, those bags included Doms and his parents!! And they left and hour late with a half empty plan. They didn’t have luggage on board the plan at all when then took off J

Despite that it was fun calling Dom last night and signing off the phone with – “Ok mate, well see you in Geneva tomorrow J” How often do you get to say that!

So yes – we are at La Praz right now and will be on the slopes up at Courchevel tomorrow – cant wait!

Renovations and St Paddies

2008-03-23T22:18:00.000Z

Another late update!! For a guy that is as wired up as me I am pretty useless huh!!

So whats been going on. Well work has been awesome - I am achieving so much and some really good things are happening. There is definitely something to be said about feeling like you are making a difference and that your work has a purpose. I am working intensely and doing some decent hours and still feeling happy about it so that a good thing huh!

The last 2 weekends have been very different. First one I went to Henley to help Dom renovate. We completely removed his kitchen ready for the new one and stripped the wall paper. For my efforts he took me out for the night with Kirst. We had a yummy and hilarious dinner at a wonderful Greek place then went to some night clubs. I tell ya - The Bull in Henley is weird and attracts weird people too (and we were there!!). This older and quite boozed bird kinda stumbled over to me with plans a foot. Turned out she was from New Zealand and that she worked for the 'Luxury Channel' on TV in UK and that she knew all the right people and had given tonnes of people a leg up in the industry and that she lived in a mansion in Henley which is guarded by Maori boys and then finished with "I fancy younger guys so lets grab a cab to mine and #@$%!!! Needless to say I went with her - ha ha just jokes. I spun on my heels and high tailed out of there!! Dunno why I told you that but I found it entertaining at the time :)

The weekend just gone was awesome and reminded me how much I am gonna miss my brother when he goes. When went to Dublin to see the Guinness factory and for Paddies Day. I was not on best form at all and really struggled and it was not from booze. It was sleep or the lack of it rather!! Thursday night I HAD to do my business accounting for my company back home as the tax year is closing so I was in the office until 2:30am then up again at 6am for work, then to London to Mardi's place and after the pub we hit the hay at around midnight then up at 3.30 am to go to Luton for our flight. So I was a walking zombie by the time we got there. We checked into the Hostel then went for a breakfast which had to accompanied by a Guinness or course (when in Rome!) and then off to the Guinness factory for its famous tour. The factory is cool but very much set up for tourists. You don't get to see any beer vats or the likes its just 5 floors of displays and videos and most of it about the history like how they made beer barrels with hand tools only etc. But it was very interesting anyway and some cool details too like it is served in 148 countries and brewed in over 40 of them (yes New Zealand is one!!) but there is claim that none taste like true Irish Guinness and that's one reason why all the British breweries have been closed and production moved back to Ireland (I think). We finished the tour atop the highest part of the building where you get your complimentary pint the most fantastic view of Dublin. While there were saw and very cute Maori bird. We debated whether she was Maori or from the Islands. As we left, and to settle the quandary, I went and asked her "Hey, we were just wondering if you are Maori or Islander?" to which she replied in a heavy accent and quizzed look upon her face "No I am Scottish"!!!

After that we caught a mini bus with the 'singing cabbie' and ended up at Temple Bar which is the popular pubbing area in Dublin which also ironically had the bar the we stayed at all night . . Temple Bar (confused I know but if you have been there you will know) The night was great. Mardi was on form and had everyone around him smiling intently. Arama and Willy took a bit longer to get into it but were all go after a few pints and me . . well sh1t . . all I wanted to do was sleep!!! In the wee hours of the morning, and after a fair few pints assisting in sellotaping my eyes open, I came on form but it was somewhat too little too late really and we ended up in the rain on the street consoling some Aus chick who's friend was mean to her!! Get over it love! Try getting hit on by the Luxury channel lady!!

Next morning we rose early for the hostel check out (bugger all sleep again!!!) and headed into town for KFC. We monstered that down and then off to the restored Kilenhiem Prison (hope i Spelt it right) where political figures were held and then executed by the British law for trying to coup their own government for their own country. Sounds a little unfair huh but that's the nature of Europe - coups, over-throws, royalty assassinations. Bless'ed New Zealand has had it pretty sweet and with a few hundreds years of history rather than thousands we don't really have enough details in the sands of time to write such a story. Whoa have I digressed!! Anyway, so in mid-speech about the six condemmed politicians I decided to rest against a wall behind Mardi. Within seconds I was fast asleep!! Yes standing up like horses and cows do! I was suffering I tell you.

After the prison we headed back to Temple Bar to help the Irish celebrate and snort snuff (menthol for colds). We meet up with Mo (John and Mardi's flatmate) and her friend and had a good afternoon. Ants got well boozed and was a real laugh. From there we headed off to the airport for our 10pm flight back to London. In the airport we ran into Miss California who was the absolutely stunning bird that I started chatting to on the flight to Irelend who was throwing a hens weekend for her friend and friends mother. It all started a bit oddly with Mardi trying to pull the bride to be's garter off with his teeth and being lectured to by the mother, to finishing a vino bottle or 2 back in Luton airport with Mumsy getting them out and dancing around!! It was a hoot.

To close the weekend Mardi dropped me at Paddington Station to catch the slow train back to Reading to which the guard had to wake me from the parked up train at the frightful hour of 3am - yes - still bugger all sleep!! You getting the jist of the sleep deprivation thing!!

So there it is - the end of a great couple of weekends again. I am still sleep deprived and feeling rock star that is just ticking over on the drugs only (but without the drugs of course) and hoping for a bit of R and R so am off to Portsmouth for the weekend to work on the ski boat and relax before my next 8 - yes 8!! pre-booked weekends start it all over again!

Active Man

2008-03-05T22:45:00.003Z

Kia Ora all,

Hope everyone I well and healthy. If you are in England then you were teased by the warm patch we had last week and tricked in to wearing less cothes out and probably caught a cold like everyone is starting to get. If you are NZ then its still been hot but you can feel an change in the air and will soon be caught in the cold and catching a cold. Listen to me being all pessimistic here!! NZders - I evny the summer you just had, Brits – I am excited about the summer we are about to have!! This year is gonna be the best – I just know it J

So formalities first - the work weeks have been long. Only recently have I started seeing daylight again. Walking to work in the dark and home in the makes you feel some nocturnal. But my assignments at work have been very challenging and I am really enjoying it. The ability to be able to make a difference really inspires me and hence why I do not mind working long hours (besides there is only laundry, ironing and and the sounds of my TV at home!)

The weekends. Well the first weekend I trained to Portsmouth again to see Pete and Yulia. The goal was to do as much work on the boat as possible and that we did despite that few welcoming dozen beers Pete had waiting for me when I arrived!! However, we were up as planned and headed to the workshop. Saturdays plan was to review all the work that the boat needed. Just make a list really and that we did. Then we headed off to the pub to watch 2 games of rugby whereby Wales handed out a whipping and Scotland stole the winnings from their game in the last 15. Though out the games however we formulated a weekly and monthly plan for the boat and broke it down to bite sized chunks which worked a treat because as on big job it appeared a little daunting.

We meet Yulia for dinner before she went to work and had a really nice Indian at a place just down the road from them and then walked her to the ferry before heading back to the pub to see England slip in a sneaky win in the final minutes too before heading home to bed at a very reasonable midnight.

Sunday was fantastic. We hadn’t planned to work on the boat by any token but with the good nights sleep under our belts and the inspiring work list in front of us we couldn’t have but to head down and achieve so much more than we expected to!! The whole boat is gutted and ready for recarpeting, the new couch, sunbed and sounds systems. Then next month the engine and finishing touches and we are ready for a long hot summer on the water (fingers cross and veru excited)

Weekend just gone was a trip to London to see my brother and cousins. Libby, Willy, Myfanwy and I met for dinner on Saturday night for Malaysian in South Kensington with was most delightful in every way (barr the fish sauce on everything I ordered). The service was second to none and atmosphere was minted (expensive for NZders). It was great to catch up and we had to finally part ways with me heading to Libby and Willys for the night. On the way home we swung by their local for a few more drinks and that was where Libby suggested going to the Terracotta Warriors Exhibition at the British Museum the next day – that catch thought was that we had to on the tubes by 7am to get the door to buy tickets by 8am!!

I was so proud of Lib in the morning. I tapped on their door 6am and whispered “Bub, still ok to go the Warriors?”. The sleepy response draw a smile from ear to ear for me “Yes, ok”. A quick shower and shampoo and we were on our way. London at 7am on a Saturday morning is soooo peaceful. Presumabley 8 million of the 9 millions people are still slumbering!! It was nice. Ayway I digress – we got to the museum at about 10 past 8 and even the queue was halfway around the atrium! But armed with a café coffee and releiveing knowledge that there were many ticket booths open were though and back out the door with 4 tickets (Willy and Mardi too) and a booking time of 12.20pm.

After roaming the streets with Lib for a few hours and a few more café coffees we meet the boys and went to the exhibition. What worth while wait it was too. The Warriors were amazing!! The story is that the First Emperor of China, whom joined the 5 states to the current one country through warfare was so paranoid about death and losing his reign as the ‘Emperor of the Universe” that he had thousands of men build a mountain as his tomb and 7000 man sized terracotta warriors and horses to represent his existing army. Each one was unique and took 30 years in the making. They was all painted and fully armed before massive pits, dug in a 2km perimeter around the mountain tomb, became their home to guard the tomb after death in full military formation. These pits were then covered by timber and many layers of soil. After the emperor died their was a revolt by his enemies and looting at the mountain (although never breached and still not out of respect) and the pits collapsed and destroyed most of the warriors and buried them all. In just 1974 a lowly farmer was tending to his crops nearby and struck a terracotta head. From then excavations have been under way and over 500 pits have been uncovered!! It was amazing exhibition and fun day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army

From there we all went for a beer before Mardi headed to Colchester for Udder Mudders Mothers Day and Libby, Willy and I headed out with some there friends for dinner and drinks. All in all is was a very eventful and satisfying weekend. Thanks Lib J

So now its back to work again and preparation for my next adventures which are – renovating will Dom this weekend, Ireland with Mardi the weekend after engagement party for Pete and Yulia the weekend after that, then France for a weeks skiing then well . . . I am sure something will come up quick!

Dont forget the pictures link on the right

Travel, A&E and Sexy Dancers

2008-02-13T19:58:00.002Z

Despite being as skint as skunk I have managed to have quite an eventful couple of weeks!!

Firstly I am happy to say that I have furnished my house. I have a lounge suite, shelving, 2 wardrobes, a slat bed and the standard nick naks. Just need a mattress and a desk now and I am done! The place is very cosy and comfortable but it’s still pretty cold here so I cant walk around nude yet :)

So weekends. Friday night I stayed in Reading for a few quiet pints with my Reading friends which ended up being Dom, Adam and I back at my place at about 2am, yapping about the meaning of life for another hour and then watching the movie 'The Fastest Indian' so god knows what time we did actually get to sleep!

The next day I went around to Doms to help him move a massively heavy cast iron bath down the stairs. Dom and I just wanted to pick it up and carry it down but Adam was being a little more cautious than us and insisting we take our time and do it in many small movements so we did. From there I jumped in the car and headed for Pompy (Portsmouth). Arriving at Ruben and Rachs place was a delight! They have this really nice place in a quaint cobbled neighbourhood right on the water front! Would be magical during summer I am sure!!

So that night Ruben, and his South African friend Itchen (can you send me his email Rubs), and I went and watched the England vs Wales game which was a table turner. England was pouring it on in the first half and then crumpled in the second finishing defeated!! On the way home we stopped at their local and meet some old timers that told us how it was and then we played a kind of rugby on the way home. Rach had a lovely dinner ready for us and some warming wine.

After than we headed to another local in which I ran due to the cold but took a fall and landed fair dinken square on to my right wrist which hurt like hell. To ease me from the embarrassment Ruben, Itchen and Rach all dropped to the concrete and rolled on the ground - bless them!! We finished in Tiger Tiger which was an old stomping ground of mine when I lived in Portsmouth then headed home at god know when.

The morning I woke to horribly black, swollen and throbbing wrist. Ruben had to cut up my beans on toast like I was a baby!! So I was cold, hung-over, in pain and had a 2 hours drive back to Reading to look forward too. I do everything 100% huh . . even if it’s in the wrong direction!!

So I landed back in Reading and decided that I had better see a doc and went to A and E as I had already broken that wrist in the past. The nurse took one look and sent me for xrays. From the directions of the shots that he got, the doc, said I was clear. If it was still troubling me after a week to come back and they will try different directions. Well it has mostly recovered now (2 weeks later). But now that over-all throbbing has gone I can pint point some niggling pain right where the old break was!! Argh!! Time will tell I guess.

So anyway, moving on. This weekend I had grand plans and 4 functions altogether but due to circumstances they dwindled down to 2 and, considering my back account balances and still swollen hand, it just as well!! On Friday night, rather than meeting on Saturday and doing the pub crawl together, Alesha decided to come to Reading for the evening. I had a few drinks with Mel and Mark from work then awaited her arrival that, due to the massive tube outage’s in London, wasn't until about 9.30pm!! But we still had a good catch up and a fun night out. Ended up in the Purple Turtle as usual though. This year I really have to find another late night club in the this town (other than Mangos of course)

Saturday kinda of came and went as my sleep deprivation caught up with me so I hardly saw it!! Next thing I knew it was Sunday. Which was a lovely day and Alex had arranged a lunch for a bunch of us at the Bel and Dragon to say hi to Paul and Emma as they had come over from London. It was a really fun and funny afternoon. Lots of good chat and plenty of laughs. From there we headed back to the station for them to go home but decided to stop at the Oakford Social Club for one more before they left. Well . . one more turned to two more that turned to 3 more and more and more and then some Burlesque Girls came out and danced for us with their tassle tossers going crazy and one of them even stomping and sitting on glass (was real too cause she came and stood by us after and was bleeding from bum cuts!). We finally finished at a reasonable 10.30pm and for those of who did not sleep on the train and went all the way to Waterloo and who did have 2 panadol with lots of water before bed . . it was and delightful sleep and the week started fresh :)

Click on the photo link for some pic J

Charging Along

2008-01-30T21:28:00.001Z

Work work work has been the name of the game for the last 2 weeks. Both NHS work and helping my friends, Alex and Will, renovate their house before they move in. This is what my days have looked like:

Alarm goes at 5.30am
Get up at 6am
Walk to work and arrive at 7am
Finish work at 7pm
Walk home
Get changed and go around to Alex and Wills
Sand, plaster and paint until 11 or 12
Go home and unpack some stuff and do laundry till 1am
Alarm goes at 5.30am

I can assure you it was exhausting. Thankfully Alex and Will are in and I have my nights back but on the down side. . . I have to get my own beer and dinner now haha

8am on Saturday Will and I headed off to get the moving van and loaded it up from the storage shed they had. It would have been one load, and that’s what I was going for, but the dishwasher leaked water when we put it on its side so we had to leave for another trip. We took of at around 11am to get my sofa bed from Wokingham which was apparently worth over 500 quid from Marks and Spencers but I got to snap it up for 95. It looks a little dated but it a solid little number and suits my flat fine.

We finished the moving around 5pm and then did some painting until 9pm and headed to the Griffin for dinner with Dom and Red. After a few pints I was geared up to go out but they weren’t sadly. However, Alex gave me a leg up by calling her friends Leila, Kate and Jas and they were going out –yay!! They picked my up from the Griffin and we clubbed until 6 in the morning!! After that week, that day and that night you wouldn’t believe how shattered I was in Sunday. I claimed it as a day of rest as soon as I woke and had a nice chilling day sorting out the rest of my stuff and unpacking.

So then this week was back normal, well as normal as 7 to 7 can be but am really enjoying work and am a happy lad J Have made a few phones calls and emails to my family and friends here and slowly catching up. If I have missed you I am sorry, don’t by shy to give me a call though J My number is the same.

So that’s it for now - laters

Life Back In England

2008-01-20T16:28:00.001Z

Well I am back in England now and struggling with the contrast in temperature for sure!! From above 20deg each day sweltering in the sun to less than 10deg and shivering in my house, has been a real shock to the system. Throw in going back to work for the first time in 2 months along with pinch of jetlag and one has wonderful recipe for ‘what the hell are you doing!!’ haha. Yes it has been a big shock all around but go go pace of England has kicked in and making it easier to smile each day.

I flew back via LA, so I could take twice as much luggage as going through asia (hint for thise not in the know), leaving at 5pm out of Wellington and landed at Heathrow 9am Saturday morning. Felt weird considering I had been in the air for 30 odd hours!! I only got about 3 hours sleep over the span of the 2 days and even that broken. Might fly First Class from now on haha. So once landed I was picked up by Yulia’s friend, Lika we and headed to Portsmouth to see Pete and Yulia and as a bonus Mardi was in South Hampton with Sarah so they came to join us for dinner. On the way to Pete’s we swung by Reading to sign up my new single bedroom flat. She’s pretty small but comfortable.

Monday I was back at work again doing a slightly different role to what I was doing when I left and one that interests me more also so that’s good but I have a few hours to catch up on being on leave for 2 months!! The work week felt really long but that’s probably just my body adjusting to working again huh J

On Friday Mardi came to Reading to stay and we went to my favourite Indian restaurant – Standard Tandoori – for dinner and had an excellent meal as usual. When we got home he convinced me to put my sleeping bag under my sheet on my airbed as the cold air inside it makes me freeze during the night and have a restless sleep and it worked a treat! Thanks Mards J

On Saturday we jumped in the car around 10am and headed to Colchester as Mards and George were playing rugby so thought I would go watch. It was a real mud bath out there and they had heaps of fun!! It looked fun too. Unfortunately they lost by 2 points in a last minute try but it was a good game to watch for sure.

After the game we headed back to London to go out with a bunch of Mardi’s mates and Becky, who had just come over for a few days before heading to Germany for a trade fair then back home, but she went to see family and it made more sense for them all to save themselves for Sunday to have a big night so I headed home and after the physical and mentally stressful week that I have just had my body and mind thanked me for it – I was shattered by the time my head hit the pillow and I was glad to be in bed!

So that’s it for now my friends.

Quick One

2008-01-08T11:59:00.000Z

I know that I said that I wasn’t gonna have another blog update before I go but today was a day of extreme circumstances and I just had to!!

My month stay here has, weather wise, brought about the most torrential sun. Beaming down and searing the grass and skins of land and people. Today, in an almost sentimental tribute the weather gods chose to celebrate my coming and now my leaving with torrential rain!! Yes it has flooded torrently at the Kapiti Coast and it has been soooo exciting!!

Firstly Marcus and I came back from Wellington to his place to find the local river had flooded out over the main highway. We went exploring in the truck to see the extent and took a rope and boogie board with us just in case. Well the river was swollen and running hard but was only over flowing gently on the other side of the road. Perfect skimming conditions!! So out Marcus hops first and holds onto the back of the truck and we got into some roadside skim boarding!! It was lots of fun and we both mastered the technique!!

After that we headed to my parents place in the hope that we would find some more skimming puddles there but instead we found some huge ones!!! The water was higher than the trucks running boards!! And just as we settled down for dinner my cousin called to say that they were stuck in it!! So we went and towed them out then after dinner Marcus, Joey and Ripeka decided to rowing around our neighbourhood and at some places – looking in through their dining room windows watching tv as the 3 of them rowed past!!

Oh what fun but I am sure the pictures speak a thousand words (as they do!!) Click on my picture link on the side J

Summer Fun

2008-01-07T10:44:00.001Z

We have just passed the most exciting time of year. Christmas and New Years. I have friends that love the Christmas the most with pressies from Santa and lots time with the family and others who sway more towards the big New Years parties with the intense drinking and meeting new people on sunny beaches (speaking for NZ here of course). For this year they both were up there with best I have ever had. I don't know whether it was because I was at home and had been off work 2 months (but guessing that helped a lot!) or we just had so much fun you couldn't help but to have had a fantastic time.

So let's kick off with Christmas Eve. Dad had sternly stated that the traditional Christmas Eve party at our place was not to be. The clean up chore was always, invariably, left to those who get up first and, predominantly, well consistently, this was Mum and Dad. So hence the new enforcement. However . . . the day of, while we were setting up the lakeside for the New Years party, Dad asked if anyone was coming over. I said 'oh, half a dozen I guess'. 'Well you might as well have it up at the house then' he replied. Oh a fathers loves is so great and his forgiveness is endless. By nights end we must had 40 people come and go!! But, to respect our parents,
we ensured the place was spotless before bed!

Christmas day was relaxed and this year we didn't really the extended family thing on Christmas Day but did on Boxing Day. It was nice and chilled out all around and that's just what I felt like.

New Years eve closed in really fast and we had big things planned. We set up 2 big marques that my sister got from Coca-cola, BBQ, benches, diesel burner (big heater), stereo system etc down at the lake (just down from the house) for a youngies party while Mum and Dad setup at the house for an oldies party.

We had about 50-70 people over and had a great time. My brother, sister, Marcus and I set up games like - claybird shooting, apple bobbing, plank walking, egg throwing, volleyball, egg and spoon races, sack races, swing ball and of course - drinking games! It was a great night of fun and the weather was perfect.

A few of us stayed to watch the sunrise of 08. Their was and early morning ground mist that settled as the sun came up and then was burnt off as the heat from the sun came down. It was a very beautiful sight and a great way to see the New Year in.

This weekend was lots of fun, I went parting in town with my sister and 2 of her friends till 4 in the morning then at when we arose we headed up the coast to Waikawa Beach (10mins north of my folks place) to stay at the Moffats beach bach. We played a beer drinking board game and swam in the super warm ocean oblivious to the shark warnings on most of the coasts in NZ as the water is so warm they have headed down from the tropics to give birth and eat some of the abundant fish we have. And speaking of the abundant fish - Joey went up fishing in the weekend and the had a great catch of terakihi, paua and kina. Apparently the were feasting till they popped!

So now I am on my final week. And I am getting sadder by the hour. I have started wondering why I am really going back to England but like I said at the beginning - I am living a dream here and it wouldn't last like this if I was home for good. Gotta work sometime right!!

So for all of you that I did see - thanks for a fantastic time and that is truly what I have had. For those that I didn't - I am sure that I will be back soon and we can spin stories over a drink or two :-)

Photos here

Izzy

Sunny NZ and Christmas Time Looming

2007-12-20T02:00:00.001Z

SPECIAL NOTE – for anyone who may have taken down my mobile number from the previous blog update and texted me and have, rudely, not had a reply that would be because . . . I put the wrong number on there . . . sorry!! It is 021 112 7366. Sincerest apologies!!

So what a wonderfully hot couple of weeks we have just had here. This is really out of then norm for summer to have come so early but no one is complaining!!

It been great spending time at home with Mum, Dad, Joey and Ripeka. It has been really relaxing for the last 2 weeks and I am getting comfortable!! But don’t those in the UK hoping I will return worry at all . . . the permit is granted and the flight is booked for the 11^th of Jan so yes – I am coming back (much to my mothers disappointment – sorry Mum).

Last week I emailed all my Aunties and Uncles in Wellington to tell them I am on my way and will see them on Saturday or Sunday if they could spare a coffee break for me then that would be wonderul. This didn’t transpire in the end, as Dad’s Christmas function took a turn and he did not have a caterer anymore! I put my hand up and offered to cook for the 18 people. It was a mammoth feat to pull off alone and I had to call upon Mum and Dad in the last 30mins to help with the steaks and finish a salad but all in all everyone ate themselves full and had a great time. The evening started down the lake where, Warren from outdoor experiences, had some activities for us to do which was clay bird shooting, riding a bicycle that steers from the back and front, target shooting where Noel brought his black powder gun (that you have to pack with gunpower like the old days) and a small canon, Brett bought has boat so we went water skiing and finally and probably the highlight – a car that had the pedals on one side and steering on the other and the steering was reversed!! Turn left and it went right!! It was so much fun. Movie coming to You Tube shortly.The week bought about more weed eating and mowing, along with a few guests over for dinner and plenty of time spend in the spa!! Oh and we had a Pritchard Family dinner at my Uncles Stuart and Aunty Mary’s house at Paraparaumu beach and that was wonderful to have us all together! (see photos)

The weekend came fast and was a very very busy one that included – spud gun shooting, more clay bird shooting, more skiing, erecting the marques by the lake for Christmas and new year and some night time bull rush type of game. By Sunday night we were all very exhausted and I am still feeling it even today.

On Sunday, Daya and I, went to Uncles Stan and Vanessa’s place for dinner and was joined by my cousin Nicola and husband Scott also. As per usual, Vanessa put on a wonderful meal and as per usual I ate too much L But is was a really nice evening and great to see them again.

This week I stayed with my sister in Wellington for Sunday/Monday and been up at the coast at my friends Lizz’s place till now. Lizz is sisters to one of my best friends, Jezz, who I went to see for Christmas in Finland last year (Lizz meet us there too). Anyway, we only had a 1 year catch up to do but it still took us a whole bottle of Jim Beam to get it all done!! Haha.

So all what a year again. Lots of stories, lots of fun and lots of god friends met along the way. I hope to see as many people as I can over the Christmas and New Year preriod but if not then know that my festive wishes are with you :)

Here are some photos J

Another week in paradise

2007-12-05T09:22:00.001Z

Well it has been the most amazing opening to summer in NZ that I can remember. Last time it was this good was the summer we had a boarding school huh Pete. When we used to play the tennis ball game out on the field everyday after school. Anyways, yes it is that hot right now. Just check out the photos for the proof!!

My days go as follows. Wake about 7, shower and go into the office to work. About midday mum and I head into garden to mow the flat parts or weed whack the hillside. We retire with ailing bodies about 5pm when the rest of the whanau get home (Dad, brother Joey and his GF Ripeka) and then we start with the building or hanging Christmas lights or cooking dinner, then I am back into the office to keep working. Think I might be pretty keen to get back to England and have a break!! If it weren’t for the sun and intense tan I have got in just 1 and half weeks I would be haha.

So the weekend. Well I was a little ill last week with a cold and hay fever at the same time L I went into the city on Friday but didn’t feel good enough to go partying so met up with Matt and Daya for brunch on Saturday and then headed home stopping into Ripeka’s friends place in Paekakareki for a chat with them then headed home. Ripeka and Julz followed not far behind and then we went to her sisters place to meet the rest of the whanau and babies and then onto the beach. The sand was hot and the water so refreshing. I was a bit of ‘missing the point’ man on Sat cause I took my towel to the beach but not my togs!! Idiot. So I only waded in knee deep.

That night Matt came to Otaki and the 4 of us had a feast where I made a Mediterranean couscous salad and we cooked up some fat ham steaks, from a big Christmas ham on the bone, on the BBQ and dined like kings and queens ;) After a few champagnes and cocktails we hit the spa for a bit and then finally bed. Yes, I did awake a little worse for wear and so did everyone else. Matt took off home early longing for his bed I think, Ripeka had church in Paraparaumu and Julz went to the beach and was sick – sympathies my dear J Anyways, we had a good time.

Now its back to mowing, weed whacking and domestic duties. Gotta pull my weight or the folks might charge me board!! I am going to Wellington tomorrow night to play tennis with my sister and friends and may go back in the weekend too to see some other friends and family also – see how I feel J

Oh and good news – the Work Permit has been granted for me to return to England!! The paperwork will arrive here next week and then it will take about 2 weeks to process here at the High Commission so not sure if I will make it back on this side of the year as it is so close to Christmas now but we’ll see. So those that can spare me a bed for Jan till I can find somewhere would be my bestest friend in the whole wide world J

Ka kite all J

A week at home :)

2007-11-29T09:45:00.001Z

So I have been back in Sunny Otaki, New Zealand for a week now. Mum and my sister met me at the airport where I walked out into glorious sunshine. Despite my failed attempts to beat jetlag using staggered sleeping patterns I arrived well under slept but feeling quite good. We travelled back up the coast dropping in to see my brother and the building site he is on right now (building a house with and for a friend) and then we motored on home. My home town has changed so much. The main street was developing I knew that but how much had to been seen to be believed!! New shops and restaurants everywhere. I didn’t even look like the same town.

By the time we had dinner, I had meet my brothers live in girlfriend that I have never meet, and my Uncle Daryl had come to visit jetlag was kicking in. My brain went furry and my vision went fuzzy and I had to call and early retirement to bed. I slept like a bear in winter!! Until 6 that next morning that is where my still ill-adjusted body clock decided it was rising time. So while everyone else went to work Mum and I had a casual breakfast and I set out in the office to do my annual computer clean up for them. Being 2 years since the last is was a mess along with the office. Both have now been cleaned and I have rationalised them down from three to 1 powerful laptop. Less for me to support to when they call their Helpdesk (otherwise knowing as me!)

The weekend brought about a trip into to Wellington to see my friends and old work colleagues. Was great to seem them as expected but unexpectedly they didn’t seem to happy in their work and they couldn’t stay for a 2 hour lunch at Luveun. My things have changed. Not that I have a 2 hours lunch in England on any day of the week but the old Computerland ‘offsite’ meetings was a stable component of stress management for us and Luveun the most effective vehicle for it. Was sad that after a short 30mins or so they were departed L

Anyway, as I was walking aimlessly around the streets of my city I was summoned by name. I turned to see Tama!! My close family friend and great mate. He had finished his exams and was heading in for some pool and beer. This chance upon meeting deserved a celebration as it was obviously meant to be. Pool and beer it was. I departed a short while later on the promise that I need to see my work friends again but will meet him in town later and that we all did and painted the town red. We had a fabulous night and great catch up.

Saturday was a party night compliments of my sister, Daya. She had phoned ahead to cousins and friends and offered her place up for the chaos the inevitably ensues. It was great to see everyone again and I apologise if I had a seemingly odd lack of enthusiasm but my stomach was playing up as it does after too many drinking nights and the vodka, rum, CC and dry’s, and beers were reeking havoc on me. You will be glad to know that it was very unstable the next day and it was all I could do yes to keep is contents in there all day!

So back in Otaki again and I have been set to work. Still had a few things to do for the NHS, still got paper work and to find an accountant for my company and my parents have a chore list for their large house and land that could put me on the mower or weedeater for a week straight!! So after a few days of 8am till midnight trying to cover everything off and keep all happy I fell ill. It like a bout of hayfever with a nose that will not stop running and headachey. I am on the mend now and just have the runny nose so was back on the mower again to do the last big lawn and the paths around the house.

So what is it like being back home?? Well this particular trip I am finding just as weird as when I left (pulling at peoples heart strings saying goodbye when I might possibly be back very shortly) as I am not sure if I should be running around getting in some quality time with my extended family as I might not get a visa and be staying anyway and therefore can help out with the over growing jungle at the folks or cast myself away from them and do the intensive family run around like Myfanwny did so expertly 3 years ago . . . . and I don’t gots a car eiver L. I do have a plan (cause that’s what I do!) but wont revel it yet. Next weekend I will tell you how if I swung way or the other or struck a heathy balance J

So till then my friends, don’t be email strangers and my NZ number here 021 112 7366

Here are some pictures http://www.flickr.com/photos/izzyoe/

Ka kite J

Departure time

2007-11-17T10:13:00.000Z

Hi all,

Its been a really topsy turvy few weeks for me. My work visa was coming to a close and I was winding things down then in an wild twist a Work Permit offer came up!! So then it became a frenzy of paperwork and flight arranging!

The result is - I have left my flat and sent all my belongings to storage. I fly to NZ on Sunday night arriving Tuesday afternoon as I have to be in my home country for the Work Permit to be granted. It takes about 2-3 weeks and then, if accepted I have book to a short notice flight back (at christmas!!) and find another flat and go back to work!! What a polava huh but I am happy cause, while I have travelled lots, I haven't seen Scotland or Ireland yet and only been to Finland in the eastern block so still got a bit to go before I can say I have done it!

So I will be coming back to the NHS to carry on my good work there. It has been a good year and very challenging. The culture is so different coming from coporate to public but I am enjoying the work and getting to make a few changes on way which is great. Would hate work so unfruitfully :)

So right now I am on the high speed train to London after having a last pint with my Reading friends. Gonna stay at Mardi and my cousin Johns place in Fulham. There are a few parties planned so that's exciting - just got to bear in mind the 28 hour flight I have the next days right!!

So if you are in NZ - see u soon. If you are in England - see you when I get back :)

Izzy

Party and Party

2007-10-29T21:57:00.000Z

So 2 weeks - what's been going on . . . Well I had my birthday and thanks to everyone that came and those that emailed me well wishes. We had a wonderful night and splendid Sunday. I am still having flashbacks and piecing it all together but reports are that everyone enjoyed themselves so that great.

Sadly the English lost the rugby and had an altogether bad sporting week with losing the football qualifying match to Russia in Russia and Lewis Hamilton lost the podium spot in the grand prix for a debut history books entry. But that didn't stop everyone from going out as the clubs were packed and town was positively humming.

The week ran rather smoothly and the cold has set in. I got me a weather station thingy and if it’s above five degrees I can wear my normal suit jacket. If it’s below then I need my woolly jacket, gloves and hat and there have been a few of those!!

Damn you air condidtioner!! Can't see its cold outside!! Blow warm air or else I'll . . .

Went to Windsor Castle again this weekend with my friend, Alesha from NZ who is living in London. This was my third time and with all my experience I was now the guiding the tour. I was a little amazed at how much I knew and how much I liked being there agaaaain! That castle is fantastic and there are so much cool things to see like the dolls house with replica crown jewels, the armoury, the knights hall - i think its all jsut fabulous!!

I am on my way back from London now where my cousin Myfanwy had a birthday dinner of 27 people last night! Drink and food was fantastic and I meet a kiwi guy that was the chef! (hence the good food) and his Brazilian girlfriend/s. I tried, persistently, to get Lib, Will and Myf into bar on the way home for a family drink and catch up but they successfully eluded my charmed propositions so we headed home. I stayed at Myfanwys and, cousin I must apologise for my drunken ranting. You did well to stay up for another hour and listen to blaging on social edicts and relationship advice - and on both counts I am hardly a good example myself!!

Anyways, I am almost home now and looking forward to chilling out a bit. Maybe even and small nap like little children have haha.

Luvz u all - Izzy

Website Updated :)

2007-10-18T22:49:00.000+01:00

2 updates this time and some photos – http://izzyoe.blogspot.com/

As for Saturday – it will be great to see as many people there as possible – all my cousins (bar Pete) are coming so I am happy about that!!, people from work, NZ friends from all over the country and of course many of my English friends.

Here is the island that we are going to. They are going to play the rugby for us which is splendid. To get to it you go down some stairs on the bridge ok

Here is how to get there from the station – it’s a 10min walk or £5 cab from the station take your pick but when we are finished at the Island we will be walking back to into town for Absolute Chambulls Jugs (Absolute Vodka, Champagne and Red Bull) at Revolutions J

If you want to stay here is a top spot that I stayed in when I first got here - £25 for a single and £35 for a double J http://www.cavershamhouselodge.co.uk/room_rates.htm

So see you soon J

Just a relaxing one

2007-10-18T22:13:00.000+01:00

Well what a nice weekend. Its the first weekend I have been home it about 8 weeks! But I must say that I had to show restraint. A number of times I was thinking 'hmmm what should I do now?’ I even almost booked a trip to Spain on Wednesday! But no - I kept my pennies in my pocket and used the rugby as my entertainment.

And how entertaining the rugby was - England taking France in a nail biting clincher, the had may English flatmates and friends hanging of the edge of their seats!) and the South Africans absolutely steam rolling Argentina. Wish it was my team that I could have backing :(

Thanks to everyone’s birthday emails. I will respond I promise. Just not having internet at home at the moment and the busy times since the Europe trip.

Beautiful Brighton

2007-10-11T09:18:00.000+01:00

Was a rather active week last week with my birthday dinner on Thursday night. We ate tapas at La Tasca which was yummy as and I was delighted that my cousin Myfawny made it from London despite me giving her slighty wrong directions and sending her walking away from Reading main street rather than to it! Sorry cuz.

On friday night my flatmates Pete, Tom and I went 2 Brighton for the weekend. We arrived in our first pub at 11.30pm and did not expect to be out for long considering the heavy birthday party the night before but we still managed to stay out till the clubs closed thanks to a guided tour from a local, thanks Ellie.

The next morning Tom and Pete did as they do and opted to stay in bed. I showered,dressed and went to the famed Brighton Pier and what wonderful icon to have. The old Brighton Pier burnt down around 15 years ago but as it is named a heritage building its skeletal carcass still struts out into the ocean and has been claimed by the local starling community as their twilight roosting viewpoint.

Anyway, why is the new pier amazing. Well, from a profile view it looks like a normal pier with shops but once on it you can see how big it is! 2 rollercoasters, 2 big spinny things going high into the air, a horizontal spinny thing, countless arcade machines and the only ride that I went on - the ghost train of which was only ghostingly empty and for good reason. The teletubbies are scarier than that!

Once the boys were up we found a pub and watched the English beat Australia which I was happy about as it would easy for the All Blacks in the final but in less than 6 hours later the chance to play them was stolen by a sluggish All Black team and a forward pass try. Oh the davastation! I could not speak for about an hour and just milled about in a state of shock.

A few hard shots and power drinking later I managed to dull the effect the game was having me and we end up in Casablanca Jazz Bar that had a brass funk band on and I loved it - live music always makes me happy!! We stayed until it closed.

The next day the boys had to rise early cause we had to check out. We downed a much needed full fry up and headed to the pier again to play video games and relax on sun loungers.

A standard practice at Brighton (like most beaches) is to have fish and chips on the beach which is exactly what I did - well almost - just chips and its a stone beach but nice anyway. Pete decided to try jellied eel and cockels (otherwise known chaquaqu testicles). It lokked like a stomach turner to me but he still tried them.

So we had a few pints on the beach then headed back to Reading getting tangled up in Brighton to London trafrfic but made it home for a much needed sleep.

My with the new pier in the background

Look what I found!!!

My flatmate Pete

The beach and the old pier in the background

To Europe again:)

2007-10-05T15:49:00.000+01:00

Well it’s been a pretty action packed few weeks as I have been travelling with my mother, father, brother - Joey, sister - Daya, and other brother - Mardi. Yip - all of them! Aren’t I a lucky boy to have them all with me for a few weeks and obviously they were lucky to be in my presents also haha.

The first stop was Marseille where we meet Mardi and all his friends on their van tour. It was great to hang out with a bunch of kiwis for a bit we really did work the bars quite hard for a few nights. The highlight there though was going to the All Blacks vs. Italy game in which we took quite easily but, my now English accustomed skin, did not take to the sun too well though and I got quite burnt!

From there we trundled through to Cannes and Nice with an evening excursion out to Monaco in 2 hired cars. On the travels we lost our sat nav and that wasn’t fun in the wee hours of the morning!

Next it was on to Florence (swinging past the Leaning Tower of Pisa of course) which is my favourite place in Italy. To me the square is the most wonderful place in world to sit at a restaurant and have a few drinks being looked upon by the statues of David, Michael Angelo, Raphael, the Uffizi galley, and the Ponte vichhio whose history I never get bored of hearing.

Then we headed to Rome for 2 days to see the sites on offer there. Unfortunately I took us to the wrong tube stop to get to the Vatican but very fortunately it took to the St Peters Basilicas (behind the Vatican) in which there had gather hundreds of people?? Upon the steps of the Basilica (church) was a red carpet and a solitary chair. ‘No way!’ I thought to myself ‘we haven’t stumbled across the Popes address have we??!!’ and then minutes later the Pope was driven through the crowd waving to us!! Dad was so close to him as he past that he could grabbed his hat! (but didn’t of course). Anyway the Vatican was grand and my siblings got the see the Sistine Chapel for real. I feel that the importance of this occasion for them was somewhat subdued by the headaches and ill feeling from the partying the night before but hey – they ‘been and seen’ and I am happy about that.

We also went to the coliseum and had a guided tour. I was glad to see that Joey was absorbing, like a sponge, the greatness and awe that it represents. The sheer numbers of animals and slaves slaughtered there and fact that it was considered ‘entertainment’!

From Rome Mum and Dad headed to Santorini in Greece while I had planned for Joey, Daya and I to spend the night in Capri. We drove through Naples and parked up in Sorrento. The island of Capri was as beautiful as it always is. The boutique shopping was pleasure for Daya but the prices weren’t. We dined atop the island in a wonderful restaurant over looking the harbour and lapped up the local mainstay drink Lemon Cello.

The next day was whirlwind drive to Brindisi to catch our ferry to Corfu, Greece. The schedule was very tight and our morning hadn’t run all that smoothly so we decided to pass on Pompei (sorry Joey) but we made good time and got to the ferry well early so found a beach for Daya to finally bathe upon.

The ferry trip was fantastic and we happened upon the same boat as 2 Contiki busses (which I did a year ago) which happened to include the cook from my Contiki, Welsey!! So we drunk the night away had a whale of time.

We land in Corfu at about 4am local time and cabbed to the other side of the island to Kavos. We were lucky enough to find that a hotel was open and had a room for us but if they didn’t I am sure a little sleep on the beach wouldn’t have hurt; the temperature was definitely warm enough!!

Corfu was a bit of a relax time for us which was greatly appreciated by Daya who spent most of it on a sun lounger on the beach and be-friended a beach boy who gave her drinks and like for free!! Wonder why??!!

We meet a cool Welsh couple Nerys and Glenn who shared our passion for Rugby and became our guided tour friends for the frenzied party street of Kavos where heckling with stunning women on the street side for cheap drinks at their bar was the done thing and you could get 3 cocktails and 2 shots for 5 bucks!!

After 2 days we flew to Athens and meet up with Mum and Dad again. We saw many historical sites of ancient Greece and of course the Acropolis. Once again Joey was absorbing all that he could while Daya appeared to prefer to get back to the tourist fashioned shopping streets.

From Greece we flew up to Paris for the last few days with Joey and Daya before they headed on to the States. We knocked off the main attractions, the Lourve, Notre Dame, Eiffel etc and completed 3 of the 4 open bus tours. Sadly, my siblings left leaving me realising how much I had really missed them in the last 18 months but was, even more so, grateful that I got to do this wonderful adventure with them and share in excitement of Europe’s offerings. We spent another couple of days in Paros where Mum and Dad got to take the ‘big kid’ to Euro Disney. Dad and I went on and awesome rollercoaster that Dad claimed was the best he had ever been on.

After their departure we grabbed another rental, my brother Mardi, his girlfriend Sarah from the airports and headed to Burgundy (yes the wine place) for a 4 day canal boat cruise. We got an excellent 6 sleeper boat with all the garnishings of home. After a short briefing we were on our way. The locks were exciting and felt, to me, like big baths. I was astounded at the simplicity of the gates and how quickly the ‘big baths’ could fill and empty. The novelty wore of quite quickly after the rain set in for 3 days as we had to jump ashore to tie off the boat at each of he locks which seemed be upon us at each time I got to a good part in my book! A feature of that trip was the amount of warmness and friendly chants we received from people on the sides on the canal when they saw our All Blacks flags that we had hung from the sides of the boat.

From there we headed back to Paris and I left my Mother and Father to spend the weekend romantically together and went back to England. I arrived at 1am and by 10am the following morning I was on a train to Portsmouth to see Pete as he was back for the weekend. We dined, drunk and went bowling, having a good ole time.

So that’s been my adventure for the last month. Sorry about the delay in the up date as we have had our tinternet cut of at home and my cell died in France but I will be a little more regular from now I am sure.

I have some unfortunate news too; my work visa is up in November. While I still have 6 months left on my holiday visa it’s too expensive to live without a job and besides, summer is coming up at home. So I am not entirely sure what I might become of me and if anyone has any tips on how to stay here they would be appreciated else adventure maybe continuing back in NZ by Christmas

Catch you later.

View of the Acropolis from our hotel room

The Moulin Rouge (with All Backs flags beside !)

Bowling in Portsmouth

Statue of David in Florence

Mum with Cupid

Joey relaxing

Daya relaxing

Me and this thing called the Eiffel Tower or something like that

Euro Disney!

At the All Black vs Italy game

The family and Pisa

Joey and Daya at Mone Lisa in the Louvre

A window in Notre Dame

One of the 'big baths'

Festival is coming

2007-08-22T21:51:00.000+01:00

Counting down to the big trip with my family - only 2 weeks to go yay. I have been emailing with Daya (my sister) & she sounds more and more excited too. I think Jonah (my brother) is working so hard he doesn’t even realise he going away!

Reading festival is really warming up here. If you are an avid reader of mine you would know that I went last year & it’s a mad house! I walk past the venue to get to work each day and they queuing to get in now - 2 days before it even starts! I haven’t got tickets this year but will try and get a day pass first thing Saturday. Unfortunately festivallers appear to look a lot like tree huggers but are far from it! The city that adopted me has begun to look like a litterers wonderland. There is roadside ubbish building up at a rapid pace. Imagine Monday once its all over – a test for the Reading Council I guess – lets see if they can keep better than they can keep there buses on time ha ha.

Last weekend we went Twickenham for the Middlesex 7s. I had a spare ticket and after asking about a dozen people I eventually asked Pete (ha ha just kidding - I asked you first cuz). It was another friend, Pauls, birthday. We had a good time. Not as drinky as I thought it was going to be but I think that they were saving up for clubbing in London which we didn’t not join.

Last time I was at Twickenham I saw a restaurant called The Invincibles and thought 'hang on, the Invincibles were kiwis weren’t they?! And a tribute to them at England’s most famous rugby venue? Surely not!' This time I looked closer and yes in fact it was I saw the Silver Fern! :) so I scored me a photo of doing a rather lame but dedicated haka (see the photo link).

Had my first ever boerwurst hotdog which is just a big BBQ sausage really but very very yummy. The meat was rough ground which I thought would put Pete off but l guess that lager helped de-sensitise him a little.

So the summer appears to have come and gone without us really noticing. We had 2 nice weekends where we spent plenty of time at the Island bar on the river, some days in the park and even a small motor boat cruise down the river.

So that’s it for now my friends and a few pics to check out. If I get to the Reading Festival I will tell you all about it :)

Photos

3 in 1 :)

2007-08-02T21:07:00.000+01:00

So three weeks to talk about this time. Well its only actually 2 as the 3^rd has nothing to discuss as you will see shortly.

So three weeks ago I was invite to a double banger cuzzy weekend in London. First was Liberty’s birthday atop Primrose Hill in London which is a really nice park over looking the city. The day was perfect as was the food, drink and of course the company. Many of her and Willies friends turned up and lots were from NZ and was good to catch up with them.

We bathed in the afternoon sun and some of us drank a little past our normal confines and then went to some local pubs for a bit of the night scene there. It was a fun area but after a day of drinking and in the sun we were too tired to pull of and all nighter.

The next morning I lay in bed contemplating how much my head will spin if I stood up. I was not looking forward to the next day ahead but ‘do the crime, do the time right’. I decided to email Myfanwy – she was having a flat warming at 2pm and I had already said that will probably not make it but as I was in London and it was still early I sent a text that rhetorically offered to come and help her set up for the party . . . . . she accepted!!! That I was not expecting. So I showered and tubed to Myfanwy’s place to help her clean up and make salmon sandwiches.

The following weekend was abound with wonderful plans to go camping with about 10 others in Brighton. It was to be an instant party and loads of fun guaranteed!! However, the weather came, it was such a shame, all that rain. Thetrip was aborted and a wise resolve it was at that weekend began the super floods of England that I am sure you all knows about as I have been told they were also on the NZ news. For the following week the rains came monsoons like England had sailed into the sub-tropics. Records were broken, river banks were broken, houses were broken and even some loss of live. Luckily the banks of the Thames (of which I am 11 house down from) stood strong in area and never had to wear welly’s to work. Here is a pic of how bad it got

Finally, the weekend just past. The RedBull Air Race over the Thames, in the middle of London. It was an amazing day – beautiful weather, 6 mates and some super noisey, super fast and super acrobatic planes were racing super close to the water and super close to us!! I was like a kid as I was at Chessington Park. I was enjoying it so much and was so taken back by the skill and abilities of these pilots. I was also amazed that no planes crashed into us as our place on the river banks was in the direct line just after they had completed a massive 9G turn!! Check it out here

The Loop

The Slalom

All the redbull videos

And some picture of my pictures of Libs Birthday and Reading

The Regatta

2007-07-10T22:09:00.000+01:00

Here I am back again and so fast too. The working week just gone was pretty intense as I was trying to catch up on lost hours from being sick the week before which I did manage to do. I also had to do presentations to all of the IT staff in my department which was about 50 people over 4 presentations. I was off the drinking so that made it easier. Also got a few gym sessions in to which was really needed as I have only been about 4 times in the last month!

So the job I was going for didn't happen and I thought my hopes for a visa were dashed. My boss, however, is still trying for me as a contractor? Don't know how that works but he has applied for many visas for staff in the past and knows more than I do! So if that pans out then I maybe working there for another year & if not then probably off to Spain with Nick and then Eastern Europe with Pete and Yulia maybe. Derek – haven’t forgotten about Ireland with you mate:)

So the weekend was fun. Had a real quite night on Friday – worked until 7pm then to the gym and a few quiet pints with the flat mates at the local but was in bed by midnight for the big day to follow – Henley on the Thames Annual Royal Rowing Regatta

The regatta is held on the Thames River and its banks are inundated with marquees and grandstands. Most people were in bow tie suits and summer frocks. As this was my debut I wore shorts! But I did have a nice shirt on so kind of fitted in.

Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. Originally staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose.

The 1839 Regatta took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840. In 1886 the Regatta was extended to three days and to four in 1906. Since 1928 its increased popularity meant entries exceeded the permitted numbers in several events, and so qualifying races are now held in the week before the Regatta to reduce the number of entries to the permitted maximum. In 1986 the Regatta was extended to five days, with an increase in the maximum entry for certain events.

You can check out some race photos (both historic and current) here

It was a fabulous day for both weather and company. We started at Simons in Henley for a BBQ and then head to the river around 3pm. We paired up to by drinks as the group was so big it would break the bank just to buy one round and to make it even more effective we brought 2 drinks at a time. The boys were on the beer and girls (yes TomTom and Simon) were on the Pimms – a typical British summer drink fill of fresh fruit and mint and very very yummy!

Around 5pm I asked the boys when we might go and watch a race? They said they finished at 4pm!! I was aghast – we had missed all the racing L I felt a little disappointed in myself but while peeing a short while later and having a chat with a guy while in there he told me it goes till 7pm! I ran straight back and told the others. Only Tom and Dom were interested and we went to watch our one and only race (I took a photo for proof!)

After the racing had finished we headed down to the clubbing tent for the rest of the night and dance the night away. We had a wonderful time!

Now my friend Jas back at work in NZ has told me that my blog site it taking too long to load with all the photos so I have cut the history back and all my photos are going to Flickr now. Click here to see the pictures of Chessington Park and Henley Regatta

Bit late - Sorry

2007-07-03T21:57:00.000+01:00

Its been a while but I have not been able to find the time I swear. Now that that big project is over I have time to myself again. In saying that I am actually writing this on the train on the way into London - you can call me Mr Efficient.

The past few weekends have been pretty fun. The first (about 3 to 4 weeks ago) I went to the Twickenham International Sevens. Now its got nothing on the Wellington Sevens as the only ones dressing up were the kiwis. It will catch on globally I am sure :). On the Saturday I went with my skiing friends. The beer went in easy and we were quickly enjoying ourselves despite the rain. In fact I had enough alcoholic influence to confuse me when NZ played Scotland and NZ wore the white shirts. First try was Scotland and I thought it was us - I cheered!!

The next day I went again but this time it was to meet up with Sam Orouke (longtime family friend). This time the beer was a bit harder to get in but after some power drinking I was back to good form. It was great to see Sam cause he went back to NZ the following Wednesday!

The next weekend a few of us from work planned a pub crawl. There was an England footy match on first to watch and then it was all go. Unfortunately I did not eat properly on the Thursday night and had an acid attack on Friday morning and was in bed in pain by lunchtime. I slept it off the best I could and was feeling much better by 8pm so went to join the pub crawl. 2 beers and a gin/tonic later and I was real sore again. Guys in our group were havin a tiff with each other and the money machines were broken so no one could get cash (still cash here BTW) so we all called it quits and headed home. During the night I overheated and was sweating, next thing I knew the sun was powering through the curtains belting out the heat of a perfect tanning day and I was wrapped up in my duvet and shivering uncontrollably! I think heatstroke kicked in cause when I got up I was all dazed and confused. Having had heatstroke before I knew I had to cool down. I had a luke warm shower then walked to the park where I could lay in the shade with the breeze blowing across me. Feeling much better I went home to have a quick nap before heading out for dinner. I lay on my bed with the sun streaming in and it happened again - heatstroke (or something) was all giddy when got up 2 hours later!!

Now we are up to the weekend just gone. Had 2 really fun nights out in Reading with the flatmates and friends drinking pitchers of Absolut Chambulls - that's is Absolut vodka, champagne and red bull - yum yum!! Then on Sunday I dragged Tom and Dom out & went to Chessington Park. A fun park just south of London. It was lots of fun. The boys were calling me a big kid!! I didn't care though cause I was lovin the rollercoasters so much!!

And now I am on my way home from dinner with my Uncle, Libby, Will and Myfanwy - was so good to see them again xoxo

Absolut Chambulls Nite

Twickenham Sevens Day 2

Twickenham Sevens Day 1

Twickenham Sevens Day 2