Wellington Cup, Trentham

Elizabeth and I had a stunning day at the races courtesy of Radioworks. Their hospitality enabled us to drink, nibble and walk between race and fashion events until our feet could not handle the high heels anymore.

I picked my bets by their pretty outfits, pink or baby blue, how sparkly the flanks of the horses were and if they had stars or diamonds on them – I faired well for a non-gambler.

We parked in the middle of the course, the best place as you do not have to walk too far and no queues – there was compulsory breath testing on the way out which I think was a brilliant idea.

The frocks and hats were gorgeous, some good picks by the judges and some dodgy ones – but what else would you expect from a head case golfers wife, a designer, an apartment sales women, a hairdresser plus a no namer with a celebrity mum?

Manly Beach, Sydney

If only it was as exciting as the title could lead to believe – if it wasn’t for the work slotted in each day then it could have been.

Left Wellington’s 30degree plus temps for rain, warm wind and even warmer water. We did, however, manage a quick swim and a run each day.

Stayed at the Novotel on the beach front which is getting a much needed make over; it is nice to be able to see the water each morning.

If you like surfing then this is a place for you as the waves were pretty consistant and rain or shine there was a cluster of grommets out there every day, all day long.

I like the cafes and surf shops, excellent service, a nice place to visit for a weekend and if you find you are bored with Manly itself and require more hustle and bustle there is a ferry that goes directly to downtown Sydney.

Police Concert in Wellington

We went to another rocking concert at the Westpac Trust stadium last night – Police!

I always like to be on time for concerts to ensure I do not miss a thing. I enjoy the warm up bands and like watching the venue fill up.  Hence I was amping in my pants waiting for Craig to get off his flight from Auckland, then a quick change in the car-park and high tail it down the street with the other 21,998 fans.

We had only bought cheap $150 tickets as it was a ‘nice to go to’ band for us rather than a ‘must see’.  We sat in our little stadium seats thinking this sucks we are miles away from the action when we spotted a lady swapping people’s tickets for prime front row seats on the grass area.  So I bolted up to her and scored the last two tickets.

Down on the grass we went, then shit, we are not sitting together so the security guard said see that lady over there and she will give you others – Bingo even better seats – centre stage 12 rows back, close enough to see everything up close and personal on stage and far enough back to view the big screens – as they make a concert too.

So, jumping around for joy at our fabulous seats and good score we saw a guy handing out ‘official party’ wrist bands up front for the after party – I was in!  Then the thought of having to get up early for flights the next day made us pass – cannot be too greedy now can we?  Knowing we could have had them was enough for us.

I cannot remember who the first rock band on were but they were a bunch of guys giving it heaps.  Then the hot warm up act of Fergie hit the stage with her dance troop.  Her early days of a stripper definitely paid off with the walk overs etc.  Now that was an entertaining gig. Yes, she did have her fly undone on her gorgeous pants of her first outfit; of which there were three.

I could have handled a lot more of Fergie actually she put on a good show and woke the sitting middle aged rocker crowd up.

Then the event of the night, three crusty old rockers in stovepipes and t-shirts come out to strut their stuff.  Andy, drummer, still was the entertainer of the group.  He was funny!

As with most of the old bands we go and see i do let out the odd yawn while a quiet one is crooned away waiting for another classic hit to be belted out.

A rocking night!

The Kiwi Christmas Holiday

The typical Kiwi holiday starts with the packing of the car so that you cannot fit a mintie more in it and usually there is sports gear hanging from every possible angle all over the car as well.   Then you tend to head North as it is warmer.  Look out Mt. Maunganui here we come.

Once the Xmas days are over and Santa has come and you have bored yourself senseless over the endless cooking and cleaning and you are dreaming of getting out and doing things you can finally then get stuck into the fun stuff.

I think first up it was Aerobatics in a Cessna - learning to fly and do 360 degree rolls, barrel rolls and downward spirals took a lot of self control.  After 20minutes of that I was nearly chucking and it took all day to calm down my stomach but at least I can say I flew and upside down.  A stunning day that one.  I was looking forward to the site seeing on the way up to 3000ft but I was too busy flying to look around everywhere – duh. 

Surfing was next on the list and it was fun - nothing like a natural buzz to keep the excitement levels up.  The water is much warmer than in Wellington so I could last two hours at a time with a 3mm wetsuit on.  Seriously doubt I will get back in the water now that I am home hmm  Somehow I managed to get burns on my fingers from getting up on the board over and over again.  Hanging out to get back in to the water again.

One day my uncle took us all out to a secret little camping spot on a private farm out of Te Puke that is absolutely magical – fresh spring water to drink and swim in, stunning walking tracks that the farmer has built and a water slide, log cabins and amenities all for a nominal donation at the gate.  There are lots of hidden gems around New Zealand like this that you do not know about and never would unless you have been told or shown them.  Looking forward to exploring that one a little more some other time.

We also ventured out one night to Bay Park stock cars and cringed and laughed at all of the crashes – ouch, great to watch once but not on a regular basis.  Definitely entertaining.  Watched one poor idiot get carted away in an ambulance after doing a triple flip back onto its wheels and then crash into a wall as his throttle had stuck. Just heard this guy is still in an induced coma.

We played a few games of golf and we learnt the hard way that you need to go out early if you want to avoid cooking in the midday sun.  I did not come last in either games and I did not lose as many balls as the boys either.  It means I must still be playing it safe – actually I can not hit the ball that far to be truthful   My advice is do not play golf with family members as they fight like cats and dogs over the score and by the seventh hole you are ducking for cover and reminding everyone they are on a golf course and to shut up.

The Mount is a great place to spend New Years, always lots to see and do, the people, warm weather, shopping, the free bands and fireworks make it a great week away.   Throw in the odd run and bike ride for extra exercise to counteract all the Xmas goodies.