Nights out in Auckland

We managed to get in a few good nights out in Auckland even though it isn't the best place in the world for clubbing.

Friends, Ben and Debbie, we met in Wanaka came up to Auckland to sell their van and so we managed to get a night out with them. We did a lot of walking around in and out of bars/clubs trying to find something good. Nothing great! but had a great night though.

Debbie and Ben



























One of the nicer places. Enjoyed it but didn't stay too long.




















Since meeting up with V at the BDO I was extremely lucky that she gave me a ticket to see PJ Harvey at the main theatre in Auckland. Unfortunately we couldn't afford a ticket for Em so was just V and I

Cheers V!

The theatre was really grand and all seated, which is strange for such a rock chich as PJ.

There were no photos allowed to be taken in the theatre at all. Really, when anyone would try to take one at any point, even before she came on, an usher would come to tell you to stop. Therefore the only way I could get away with the 3 photos of PJ that I took was to take without flash, on night setting, crouched low with my fingers over the red power light, trying to stay as still as possible. Hence why the pictures turned out a little blurred.

The gig was amazing, Thanks soo much V. Very different than expected with only PJ playing (no band) and singing, apart from Mick Harvey (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) who supported beforehand, coming on to play piano for 2 songs.

A Kiwi Family Christmas

Last years Christmas, considering that we had no family with us, was something to beat as we had a great Xmas with new friends in India. But this year was just as good if not better, with a more heartwarming twist.
Having spent 6 months in Wanaka and then 5 weeks the South Island in our camper van, it was a treat to be staying in proper house.
The moment we got inside, the fridge was stacked with food and drink, the decorations and tree went up (tree that we jumped over a fence to saw down, he he he.....WHAT?! they grow wild in this country!!!! its informally allowed god dammit!!........ hmmm that sounds like I'm trying to convince myself more than anything, whoops, oh well,they are everywhere.)
When my sister arrived I was elated. Not having seen any of my family for over year, it was truly a shining moment in my journey. You where an anchor in disguise for me Jenny. It was wonderful. I really found it hard over my birthday a few months previous, and so you really made my Christmas. The best present of all xxxxx

Over the course of three days we ate, drank, talked, ate, drank, laughed and ate again. The cottage itself was a perfect setting. Really comfy, and even though it was the middle of summer we still got a fire going in the living room, well, we had to make the most of our money, aye!
















Jud, Jenny and Jamie. Happy after the present opening. And guess who took the role of handing them out...oh yes i took that responsibility, as i have done since I was old enough to lift my arms, as im sure my whole family will agree !!





















Even though sandra wasnt there, she still sent her love overseas with the most amazing necklace. Although i must say, what an awfull picture of me, check out that morning face, I look like I need to stick my head in a bucket of ice cold water!




















Morning Cheer!!!





















WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. OH Jenny, now thats not a face of trust now is it!
The swing on the land was but 1 bit of fun provided, there was also small seated zip slide.




















Thanks to both Jenny and Jud for making our Xmas so special. And was glad to meet you again in Nelson just after NY. From Jamie xx