Pierrot's Home Page

December 2000

1 December

Wow, what a slacker I have been at updating my page. Tonight I may fix that up...

In addition to trying to bring these up to date, I fixed one of my bookshelves and loaded that up - with fiction. I still need to buy at least one more bookcase and a desk for my computer. Currently, my computer is sitting beside my bed, with the monitor on a bedside table. Not the best set up in the world. I guess I'll be making a visit to Target at some point this weekend...

I was on call again and had a quietish sort of night. John, Sarah and I had ourselves a "family dinner" at Bridgetown Grill in Little Five Points, and then went to Home Depot to pick up some supplies. It seems that the plug on Sarah's drier is not the same as the receptacle we have in the apartment. It also happens that I can't get a premolded cable with the correct plug, so I'm going to have to cut the old plug off and replace it with one that will work.

I was also feeling a little under the weather. I popped up to the Local for a couple of drinks and was home in bed fairly early.

2 December

More sorting and tidying today. Other than that, I can't really recall how I spent the day. But as you shall see, that was pretty much par for the course for the entirity of my waking hours today. I did fix the drier, though. Michele emailed me to say that all hell has broken loose, so I hope she's okay.

Events tonight: drinking at Lauren's, Jenny's housewarming, the Vault, return to Lauren's to continue festivities. Damn that Red Bull and vodka. It seriously screwed with my brain.

After watching Gladiator I wandered up to Lauren's to begin the evening's festivities. We got straight into the aforementioned Red Bull and vodkas, and (of course) played some drinking Uno. After a couple of games (and the resultant drinks), Glenn arrived and we had some more drinks.

We bundled into Lauren's car and hurtled over to Jenny's new apartment. There was a good turnout there and times were fun. Someone (Dill, I think) took some pictures: Linda and Stacy, Kevin and John, Stacy and Sarah, John and Vanessa, Stacy, Jenny, Linda. Then it was off to the Vault for Cyberia. It's about now that things start to get really hazy. I can recall meeting Clair's friend Leslie. From what I recall (which, like I said is limited), she seemed pretty cool. Jesse and Andie were also there, and I think I spoke to Jesse about getting together for steaks for my birthday. Grace and Shawn were also there. And Brad who joined our party for continuing merriment after the Vault. I had hoped to see Michele, but she was not there.

So at some crazy hour we (Lauren, Brad, Glenn) bundled back to Lauren's and the party continued into the morning. Glenn wandered off at some stage. I have no idea what the time was, but Brad, Lauren and I finally decided that sleep was required and we all bundled into Lauren's bed. Nice and cosy.

3 December

Oooh, day of recovery. Ugly. Very very ugly. Need sleep. Oh well.

I did manage to get out to Target to get a desk for my computer. They didn't have the shelves I wanted, so I am still short on those. I came home and built the desk, and the shelves I had previously purchased for my towel cupboard. Did I mention that I have my own separate bathroom with lots of cupboard space for towels and sheets and things?

My room is not damn near to being complete, and it looks pretty good. I'll probably put photos up when everything is finished.

The evening was spent in front of the television (as so many Sundays are) with John, pizza, and coke. At least now John doesn't have to drive home when Sunday TV finishes. Heheh. I still haven't heard from Michele, which is a concern. I left a message when I got home this morning, but I think she has work today, so I guess she'll call me when she is able.

4 December

I didn't want to get up this morning. Not enough sleep. And what I did have was broken. I hate being on call...

Work happened, and then I came home to tweak things around in my room. I need that last bookcase. Damn. I'm sooooo close. I picked up some dinner from Harry's In A Hurry: salmon, beans, brocolli. I should have picked up rice instead of one of those greens, but hell, my intake of veges has been down a bit lately, so it was probably good for me anyway. I also picked up some more OJ.

5 December

Not a very good night's sleep last night. I got paged a couple of times, and I had some coughing type trouble, but I made it through. Just in time for work. Eh.

While I was able to get stuff done at work today, I wasn't as productive as I would have liked. I'm just tired. Must sleep tonight. After work I got online and chatted with Michele. She's had a rough few days but is getting over it. Yay. I then went and had dinner with Lauren at Gumbo-a-Go-Go. Yummy, chicken ettouflee... After that I stopped by Green's and picked up a few bottles for Friday's party. This should rock.

I got home and got online again and spent more money. Damn I'm bad. I got the rest of the Cowboy Bebop DVDs and the first few The Prisoner DVDs - each with three episodes per disk. Rock on! I think an early night is on the cards...Oh, I also bought a USB hub today. Geek.

6 December

Quiet night at home.

7 December

Another quiet one.

8 December

Anything but quiet...

Tonight was the Housewarming/Birthday party. And it was huge. It scored great booty: a bottle of The Balvenie (thank you very much, Jenny), a bottle of Belvedere (aww, who's a fluffy Lauren), a bottle of Vigneti La Selvanella reserve Chianti Classico (1995) (cheers, Russ), Liz Phair Exile In Guyville (thank you Lauren), a bottle of Smirnoff, some candles and candies (thanks Paula), a set of Power Puff Girls plush dolls (thanks, Kevin, so cute...). Stacy gave us a bottle of Jack Daniels as a housewarming gift.

We had a good supply of alcohol to begin with, and people brought more, but the place was pretty cleaned out at the end. I think maybe half a dozen beers remained.

There were a lot of people. There were so many people on the deck that I was a little concerned it might collapse, but no, it survived (as did our guests). I would like to thank each person who came, but I know I can't remember everyone who was there. It was a riot of a party. The last people (Danny, Denise, Shane, Andie, etc) around 4:30.

The Kitchen was full most of the night, and the living room also saw a lot of action. Look, there's Sarah, Alice and Shannon.

9 December

I was awake at 7am. I lay in bed trying to sleep, but no, it was not coming. Damn. Damn. Damn.

Eventually I got up. I played a little on the computer. I picked up all the cups and bottles that were laying about the apartment. Five bags worth. Damn.

All in all, it was a slow day. I watched another disk of X-Files Season Two. All episodes I had seen, but good nonetheless. After that I went off to the Local for dinner (about 10:30) and discovered a band and a film crew from VH1. I might be on TV. Then again, I might not.

After the 10th had rolled on, I bought shots for Tim and Steve and myself. From the Local I went on up the Vault for Cyberia. This was pretty quiet tonight. Afterwards I went to Taco Cabana with Danny, Denise, Roy, Shane, Heather, and Shane's other roommate who's name I can't recall but think it might be Jesse. Taco Cabana is horrible and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Once again I got to bed around 4-4:30.

10 December

Twenty nine today. How about that eh? Not much longer to go.

When I finally got motivated to go out, I finished my Christmas shopping. I think it'll get to NZ in time for Christmas if I pay enough money. So that I shall do, and for once the family will have Chrissy presents from Damon on Christmas Day. Heheh.

I also bought myself some blank minidisks so I can record more stuff to listen to while travelling. I need some more variation. I also bought a Sony Universal Remote Control with a nice LCD touchscreen display. It rocks.

I checked my email and Nicole had send me an electronic Happy Birthday card. Awww, thanks Nicole.

John cooked me steak and mashed potatoes for my birthday. Thanks, John, you rock. And then we watched the usual Sunday night TV. I think John enjoyed the new remote.

11 December

I worked. And then I went home. And then I went to pub and hung out with Charlie, Steve, Todd, Scott, Stephanie and Stephanie. Then I went to the Alex Patterson/Juno Reactor show at the Masquerade. Here's my reveiew:

So I left the gig early and wandered back over to the Local to enjoy Karaoke.

12 December

I stayed out a little later than I had planned last night, so I was a little late to work. That and the fact that telephone companies kept calling me just as I was trying to leave the house. Bastards.

After work I stopped by Lauren's to see how she was. She's sick at the moment, which pisses her off greatly. But I think I cheered her up a little.

Then I came home, and John made me a sandwich. Thanks, John. I scanned in a few more pictures for the web page (they'll be up soon) and added these few notes. I wrote up labels for the minidisks I've recorded over the last few days (Liz Phair, The Twilight Singers, VNV Nation, a synthpop sampler),

13 December

Work and then Trivia. It was just Jenny, Lisa and me. And we came third! Woohoo!!

14 December

Work and then pub. Clair gave me a couple of Power Puff Girl play sets for xmas/birthday. Rock on Clair. John also came out, as did Sarah, and we had a great night,

15 December

John has a hangover!!! Hahahaha!!

What follows is a slightly edited version of my notes, comments and observations that I made when I was in NZ.

15 December

Jenny dropped me off at the airport and I got into line to check my bags on. I'm never quite sure which line I should be getting into (domestic or international) because I'm only flying Delta domestically and switching to Air New Zealand for the international bit. But International it is, since my journey will land me in another country. This is a good thing, because this line seems to be moving quicker than the Domestic line.

Travel Problem Number One: It appears that although I have a ticket, I do not actually have a booking. I ask the pleasant fellow behind the counter how this could be and he asked if there had been changes made on the tickets. I remembered at that point that Mr Travel Agent was tantamount to useless, so I figured he may have screwed things up. But fortunately, the nice Delta man was able to sort things out (for the Delta flight anyway), and I leave my bags with him in exchange for a boarding pass. He also suggests that I ring Air New Zealand to make sure all is good with my later tickets.

Once at the gate (and with quite a bit of time to spare), I give Air New Zealand a call. Hooray, all is well - I'm booked and confirmed and everybody is happy.

It's about this time that I realise that I have forgotten to bring details of the Clinique stuff that Celise wants me to pick up through Duty Free. I tried calling, but was unable to get a signal out. Bother. So I went off to buy some water (getting thirsty) and then sit down to listen to one of the compilation discs (Happy Pop Comp) I made recently (yay for CD burners and mini-disc players), and to read some more of the Anton Checkov short story collection I have brought with me.

Travel Problem Number Two: It is announced that my flight to Los Angeles has been delayed by 45 minutes. Crap, damn, and blast. The arrival time will be after check-in closes for the Auckland flight, but still two hours before departure; I should be able to swing it okay. If not, I will be mightily pissed. Time to call Celise again... Signal's not too good but I am getting through; maybe if I wander around I'll find a clearer spot...

After talking to the blister I came back to my seat and sat down with my headphones on. The girl next to me tapped me on the shoulder and asks, "Excuse me, but are you Australian?" She definitely was! She had heard me talking on the phone and thought I sounded like an Aussie. Well, it wouldn't be the first time that's happened, and not the first time from an Aussie, either! Bizarre. So we chatted for a bit and it turns out that she's at Auburn with a five year tennis scholarship, and was heading home to Adelaide for Christmas. She was pretty hot - most of my friends would have been "awww yeah..."

After a while, a lady sitting opposite us joined the conversation. She was from Sydney but living in Los Angeles. She was travelling with her nineteen year old daughter (who was definitely more my type than the 21 year old athlete - more curvey). We chatted for a good forty-five minutes about the difference in lifestyles between antipodean living and US living. Both commented on my accent sounding more Aussie than Kiwi. Strange.

Finally we got to board the plane. I'm going to be pretty pissed if I miss the Air NZ flight. It'll be about 7:30pm by the time we get into the air, which is 4:30pm LA time. Given a roughly four hour flight time, we should be able to get there by 8:30. But we shall see if they will fly the way they should for being an hour and a half late. Back to Anton Checkov.

We're in the air and 9:30 is now the estimated time for being at the gate. It's starting to look like I'm not going to get back to NZ. I will have to have words with the flight staff to determine what is going to happen in LA.

My happy pop compilation has finished and so now I'm listening to my industrial sampler: "I'm in this mood because of scorn/I'm in the mood for total war!" Yay VNV Nation. At least that and Checkov are working out for me.

Oh, the in-flight movie is The Replacements - an American Football movie with Keanu Reaves as the misunderstood quarterback. Oh the appeal of this film... I did watch (just watched, I did not pay $5 for headphones) bits and pieces of the movie. Talk about trash.

So my "Summon Flight Attendent" light has been on for bloody ages with no response, so I just ask a passing stewardess what the deal is about getting my NZ flight. She doesn't know. Christ! What the hell do they teach these people? It seems all they do know is how to fasten a seatbelt.

Another thing, Celise mentioned that her friend had set me up with a $390 executive suite - for $120. Rock on. I think I will have to acquire for myself a playmate... Back again to Checkov.

The plane got into LA at about 9:30. I rushed off the plane and spoke to the Delta rep, who sent me over to the Air NZ terminal, which is across the other side of the airport. Hrm, while I think of it, there was a really cute girl in the crowd, waiting for someone, who married the features of Eleanor from NZ, Amy from Chicago and another cute, round-faced blonde I like. Anyway, I ran over to Air New Zealand at terminal 2 and they sent me to United at terminal 6. Right next to where I got off the plane. Damn. But, with maybe five minutes to spare, I get to the gate, get my boarding pass, and get on board. Woohoo!!! I'm going home.

I'm sitting with a chap from Nebraska and a girl from Baltimore, both of whom are friendly enough. The meal was rather blah (chicken teryaki, undercooked rice, ugly vegetables) so I'm looking forward to a whiskey and coke. There are three movies tonight: Keeping The Faith, Toy Story 2, and Coyote Ugly. I'm not sure which I'll watch; VNV is a great band to listen to and Checkov is a great read.

Ooh, they might have Glenmorangie - it's on their list of alcohol available on international flights.

Nope, they didn't, so it was a couple of Jack and Cokes while Toy Story 2 played and I listened to music. Toy Story 2 was visually amazing. Those guys at Pixar have done an amazing job with computer animation techniques and with modelling human movements and expressions.

I fell asleep and woke up to what could only be Coyote Ugly. Talk about dodgy. So I tried to sleep some more. The next movie was Toy Story 2 again. How odd.

17 December

Breakfast consisted of a very tasty ham, egg and cheese wrap with salsa and fruit. I was very happy with it.

Finally we landed in NZ and I did my duty free shopping and went to collect my bags. My first bag, the one with the Christmas presents and so forth, popped off almost immediately. And so I waited for my other bag.

Travel Problem Number Three: And I waited. And I waited. For an hour. And still no bag with clothes. Shit. So it turns out it got stuck in LA. When they find it, they'll send it to me. Just call the magic number and tell us where you'll be. Christ.

So I go to meet Celise with only the Christmas presents. Damn. Well, Celise is definitely pregnant. Heheh. She drops me over at the Domestic terminal and I send her home.

Travel Problem Number Four: The flight I have from Auckland to Wellington is not direct; it goes through Wanganui. This travel agent is a fucking tosser. Fortunately, the nice lady at the check in desk is able to put me on a direct flight that gets in to Wellington a few minutes later than the original flight. Of course that means I have to spend mkore time waiting here, but that's why some bright man invented the airport bar.

First stop, the ATM to get some cash (wow, NZ money is funny - it's plastic and has see-through bits; this is when I should have realised that this trip was going to alter my perception of myself). Next stop, the bar, and a draught of Speight's Old Dark. And another. And another. And another. Beer, real beer.

Finally my flight is up and I'm off to Wellington. At the airport I am met by Bev and Neil, who fill me in on sorts of news and such as they take me to Masterton and drop me off at John and Andie's.

I have a nice long shower and seeing as I have now run out of clothes, Andie washes my travelwear and then we go into town to buy some things (like razor, shorts, shirt, etc). The weather is great and the walk is just about what I needed to get blood dlowing again. After grabbing some essentials, we stop up at the Slug and Lettuce so I can get some food and have another beer. Then it's a stop at Woolworths before heading home. I read the latest Pavement for a while before falling asleep on the couch. I decided to go take a nap and slept right through until 7:30 the next morning.

18 December

I felt pretty refreshed when I awoke, so I got up, had a shower, and at about 8:45 Dominic picked up John and I to take us in to work. The first big things was to try to track down my bag, which I left in Bev's capable hands. Then it was a case of running around all of the departments, meeting all the new people and catching up with all the old ones. I had lunch with Bev and her daughter Jackie, and with Kevin Preston and his family, who were about to head back to Liverpool for Christmas. By the way, Liverpool beat Manchester United 1-0 last night, which had Kevin stoked. For lunch I had a steak and mushroom pie, which was absolutely marvelous.

I bought some post cards to send back to important people in the US and then it was back to work. Afterwards I invited a bunch of people up to the pub (Slug and Lettuce) for drinks. It wasn't a large turnout, but it was fun. After a few rounds I opened a tab and this was charged incorrectly to my card at the end of the night - $0.68. Woohoo!! I got a lift there with Dominic, and we were met there by John, Geoff and Lisa, Stuart and his wife, and Simon. Much fun. And then when John and I got back to his house I was informed that my bag had arrived. Happiness!!

19 December

It's Tuesday morning. I'm currently using my cellphone to check the time. It's 6:30. Wait a second, there's four bars on the signal strength; there's a D for digital service; and it says "ROAMING". You've got to be kidding me? So I rang my apartment (with a 001 prefix) and what fo you know, I can use my cellphone here in NZ. Craziness.

Once again the day is fairly laid back. I shouted morning tea: Sausage Rolls and doughnuts. Murray also did a shout: sausages and meat patties. All very yummy.

After work, John and I went to Bev and Neil's for dinner. Geoff and Lisa were supposed to come too, but an earthquake in Wellington caused the rail lines to be checked, halting all trains. Hence, Lisa was stuck in Wellington. Greg and his wife (Vivian) did make it over and an enjoyable evening ensued. Neil cooked up sausages and meat and kebabs on the barbeque, and over the course of the night we consumed six or seven bottles of wine and a couple of kahluas and milk. Lance (Bev's son) dropped John and I back at John's place.

20 December

I woke up early (as I expect I shall for the remainder of the trip). The day was again laid back, and I had lunch with Carl at a great cafe called Slow Food Cafe. I had an emu pizza; it was great. The waitresses were also rather cute. Heheh.

Leo drove me down to Wellington and dropped me off at my home for the next few days, the Duxton Hotel (formerly the Plaza International). I was checked in by a very cute young chickie and went to my room. I took some photos of the great view (looking over the Michael Fowler Centre, looking towards the new stadium, looking towards Te Papa, looking towards the Hutt Valley) and watched a movie on Sky. I then went to the bar for a few drinks before calling Megs. At the bar I was reading the paper and was saddened to read of the death of Kirsty MacColl.

I am finding New Zealand scary. The accents, the TV programs, its all very scary.

So I called Megs at 8pm, and now it's 9:20. Dunno about this; will have to call again. I called and she was home, so I threw on my boots and wandered up to her flat. Dawn (just as cute as I remember her) answered the door and then it was bigs hugs with Meredith. She introduced me to her other flatmate and then we went out for a drink (and, for me, dinner).

We went to a cafe called Up! on Courtenay Place, where we had a glass of wine each (NZ$6) and I ordered chicken fettucine (NZ$16). Not bad really. We wandered back around midnight and I returned to the hotel. Megs hasn't changed much, except that she has lost weight. I'm taking her and Dawn out for dinner on Thursday night and on Friday we are going to Atomic 80's at Bodega. Cool! I must call Ray and meet him for coffee today or tomorrow.

21 December

I got up, got some cash from an ATM, and went in search of breakfast. I first wandered up to Calzone on Courtenay Place but it was closed so I wandered back to Cuba Mall and tried a cafe there - Plum on Cuba. Eggs Benedict. Hmmmmm.....

Observation: Everyone in NZ has a cellphone.

More Turkish places have opened up, and in fact there are a lot more restaurants of all sorts of ethnicities. It's great. This is why I love Wellington. My next task today is to explore the shopping options and my some clothes.

I'm still just getting used to the accent - it sounds strange, even though I grew up with it. It sounds provincial, lower class, uneducated. I know that sounds rude, but hell, that's probably how I sound, too. All very odd really. Oh well, time to go a-wandering up Cuba Mall.

Okay, I've been wandering around for a couple of hours now, buying CDs and window-shopping for clothes. Wellington is very much a rave/techno town, especially seen in the CDs and clothes. I need to buy some stuff. But all that aside, I've come to a realisation - most of the sales people I've dealt with, well especially the girls, talk like they are talking to a young child. I'm sure they don't realise it and I'm sure that most customers don't realise it either. All very interesting.

Also, looking around, I'm seeing some very cute girls. Of course, I'm sure they are all too young for me, goddamnit!! And the other thinh is a huge proportion of the males under 30 are really thin. Many of my female friends in Atlanta would be drooling over the pickings.

I just rang my apartment and spoke with Sarah. They've had four inches of snow. Ridiculous. And I've missed out on it all. Ah well, at least I'm toasty just wearing t-shirt and shorts. Now, on to more shopping!

Okay, that was successful - he says after spending over NZ$600 in the space of oe hour. Heheh. After this binge I went back to the hotel for a nap. Megs called at five to say we were going to have dinner with some of her workmates. That worked well for me, but the place we were meeting at was closed. So we wandered down to The Lido, which was excellent (as it always is). After eating, Megs and Esther, Kevin, and I went over to the Malthouse (via the $2 Store), where I had a couple of Tuborgs; the first since I was in Denmark in 1998.

After leaving the pub I went back to the hotel to rest before hitting the town. I watched the end of an Irish film with a really hot actress (whose name I didn't catch) and the start of Ronin. Then I went to Valve - formerly The Hole In The Wall. This was pretty quiet. I talked to a guy named Darrel for a while (about Tesla, beer, and the US) and then went for a wander up to Bodega. This was packed so I went down to Barney's. This wasn't so packed so I hung out there drinking Steinlager and the occasional shot of Chartreuse.

Then this girl came over and dragged me on to the dance floor with her friends. So I danced with them and flirted with one of her friends. That didn't work out in the end - I went back to the hotel alone. Hahah!!

22 December

Friday morning and I'm feeling well and truly hung over. I had breakfast again at Plum on Cuba, this time a Montreal: eggs benedict with salmon and spinach instead of ham. I'm off to buy sandals next. Oh my head hurts.

It's now late afternoon. I have spent most of the day laying on the bedfeeling sorry for myself - why oh why did I not pack any Aleve? Oh well, chalk that one up to foolishness.

I did some more shopping - a pair of sandals and a shirt from the outdoorsy shop at the bottom of Cuba St. Sandals make so much sense right now - my boots are just too hot and my Nikes are also not appropriate for happy feet. Feeling a little more alive late in the afternoon, I went up to KFC on Manners Mall and had excessive fatty food and a mountain dew. Heheh. I had a works burger - damn good - and now I'm sitting in the civic square, where I think a photo opportunity is presenting itself. Damn. People just walked in front of my photo op. Try again.

Tonight's plan is to meet at Megs' place around 8:30/9pm, drink for a while and then go to Bodega. Until then, what to do? Look for more photo ops!

Not too many ops presented themselves so I went back to the hotel to read more of Martin Amis' Experience. A little before nine I wandered down to Meredith's place. There I met Philip (who I think is Dawn's boy), Stephen (flatemate I met last night) and a couple more people. Stephen and a friend were going to the Lord of the Rings wrap party. Good score. Megs, Dawn, Philip and I polished off a cask of cheap NZ white wine while the girls were getting ready. Another friend (Vanessa?) turned also up. Eventually the five of us headed over to Bodega for Atomic!

Once at Bodega we danced our proverbial arses off. We boogied to some great 80's tracks, included kiwi hits that one just doesn't hear in the US, for the next three hours. As Bodega wound to a close we wandered over to Barney's for more 80's dance pleasure. At about 4am I walked Dawn home and wandered back to the hotel. Damn, I wish I had a photo of Dawn - she's cute. Hehe.

Back at the hotel I ordered some breakfast and sucked back a river of water. I did not want to feel like I did when I woke up today.

23 December

And it worked. I'm still a little dry in the mouth but no hang over - which rocks because it was a severe mix of alcohol last night - wine, beer, gin - and the last time I had that mix I was throwing up the next day.

And so I made it to the airport in good time for my flight to Auckland. The weather in Wellington has taken a turn for the worse - overcast and windy - but I hope Auckland is fine. The battery in my walkman is running low; I shall have to buy some batteries when I get to Auckland.

In Auckland I was met at the airport by Nicole, who took me to the hotel via Newmarket so I could see some of the hometown. We got to the hotel (Sky City), and eventually we found our way to the check-in desk . My room was located on H3, and up we went. A very nice executive suite. We checked it out: a nice big living area, a big-ass bedroom (with a sweet king-sized bed), big bath, big shower. It was rather nice. And the view out the window was of the Sky Tower and down Victoria St.

From there we went up the Sky Tower (complimentary tickets with the room), to look over Auckland on a beautiful summer day. I took several photos of the city (towards Devonport, towards Takapuna, towards Birkenhead/Glenfield, Ponsonby and the Western suburbs, Mount Eden and evnirons, over Auckland University, towards the Eastern Bays), and had much glee in making Nicole walk over the glass floor sections which allowed you to look directly down to the ground 200 metres below.

After the Sky Tower adventure we went for a drive through town and along the waterfront to Nicole's flat, where we sat in the sun for an hour or two. I met Nicole's flatmates (Molina and Carolyn) and then Nicole dropped me back at the hotel. On the way there we picked up her friend, Lauren, with whom she was going to a party that night.

I returned to my suite, got changed, and wandered down to the Occidental, my old drinking haunt, now a Belgian Beer Cafe. Already there were Paul Markham, Thomo, and Andrea. I ordered a round of drinks (Hoegaarden for me) and started the catching up process. Among the first to arrive was Maree Harper and Stephanie and a friend of theirs. I was very surprise (and very pleased) to see Maree. Wendy arrived, as did Paul, Robert, George, Brent, Belinda, and Carolyn. Zeal, Philby and Ant weren't far behind. This was really great.

While I was in getting (yet another) drink, who should come walking in but red-head Melissa. She had arrived with Bianca, so I bought them both a drink and went out to find the midget. Shock of all shocks, she had head of hair. Quite startling. And a lemur. And then there was the next super suprise.

Walking up Vulcan Lane towards the Occi was Coral. This was the last place I had seen her, some four years previous. She didn't know I was in town, and it was quite a coincidence that she and her boyfriend and entourage were going to the Occi. What a huge catchup, as she hadn't seen much of many of the others who were also out.

Everyone started drifting off to other places around midnight, so Brent, Belinda, Carolyn and I headed up to Voodoo Lounge for a couple of hours. Much Jack was consumed, and we danced around to a bit of alternative rock. Then we headed back to the hotel for some of the duty free Jack that I had picked up. I tried (almost successfully) to persuade Belinda and Carolyn to share the king sized bed with me, but Brent elected to leave and so they did, too (they live in the same area as each other).

Just so you know who everyone is: Philby and Zeal, Thomo and Ant, George and Carolyn, Brent, Andrea and Rob, Rob and Paul, Thomo, Maree and Paul, Coral, me and Wendy, Wendy, Maree and Coral, Bianca and Melissa, Melissa and I, me and Bianca (and a lemur).

Just for the record, the Sky Tower is damn impressive at night.

24 December

Nicole arrived around 10:30 to pick me up. We went over to Takapuna to the Grain and Grape for breakfast. Once again, eggs benedict was the order of the day for me. I was feeling a little tired and seedy after last night's abuse of my body, so I got Nicole to just drop me off at my sister's place. When we arrived, Ross and Matto were just on their way out to play golf, so I spent the afternoon catching up with Celise and NZ television. Celise fell asleep while I watched music videos, news, and cartoons. Allie found a a little resting place under one of the chairs. A very restful afternoon.

Ross and Matto returned from their game around 6:15 and the Steinies were broken out. We munched on throw-together food and leftovers (ribs, bacon sandwiches, etc) and watched a number of programs about the years' highlights in International Cricket and Rugby. A bit rough some of the rugby.

25 December

Christmas Day was now upon us and off we trundled to Mum's place. Ross dropped me at the top of the drive. I gave them a couple of moments and then called: I had arranged with mother that I would call at 9am New Zealand time. So I called, and talked about the weather and all that sort of rubbish. She passed the phone over to my dad when she saw Celise arriving. Then I wandered down the driveway and into the garage just as she was getting something from there. No heart attack, but she was somewhat dumfounded. Heheh, desired effect acheived.

Then, after greetings, hugs, explanations, and so forth, it was time for breakfast: bacon, sausages, ribs, eggs, hash browns, corn fritters, and lots of bubbly wine. Following breakfast was presents time. I think everyone was happy with their haul. I had brought the package had sent me so I could open it with the family. Mum also gave me a letter from my friend Sarah in Australia. I must send her a reply.

The next few hours were spent drinking more bubbles, eating (ham and cheese sandwich), and entertaining visits from Norm, Sue, and Craig. Then it was off to the Wright's for a couple of Steinies, a bottle of Chardonnay (Shingle Peak, 1999), and a glass or two sauvignon blanc, and, of course, more food. Then it was back to Celise's place for a few more Steinies with Ross and Matto (are you seeing a pattern here?).

26 December

For Boxing Day, the plan was to get together with Thomo and Brent and meet "Uncle" Martin at the Occidental. Thomo picked me up about 10:30 and we went back to his house. He showed me round the place (it's a good size), and then we watched some TV until Brent arrived. Mark and Barbara popped in for a bit and then went to the Mall. We watched the start of the Boxing Day Test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe. Oh, that's a five-day cricket match for those of you Stateside. Then we blasted into town in Thomo's new car.

We parked by, and wandered through, the new fashion area behind High Street, and then down Vulcan Lane to the Occi. We ordered some food and got stuck into the Hoegaardens. I ordered salmon for lunch and Thomo ordered bangers and mash. Martin turned up and after a while, Thomo and Brent headed off to keep watching the cricket. Martin and I had an absolutely spendid afternoon, catching up on two years worth of activities and gossip.

Finally Brent and Thomo returned and took me to R'Toto over in Takapuna for a couple more beers, and to watch more of the cricket on the big screen. Then it was back to Thomo's place; Brent had to take off to do some chores, aso I stayed and continued to watch the cricket at Thomo's. Jackie and Chris stopped by for a while, which was another great catchup. After the cricket had finished for the day, Thomo and I went out to grab some food. We tried a place called Nandos Chicken. This was way overpriced - NZ$10.90 for a can of coke, a small number of fries and a chicken pita. Not impressed.

Then Thomo dropped me back at Celise's where the boys were watching Keeping The Faith. This was slightly more entertaining than I had expected.

27 December

Wednesday was a day of rest. A late start to the day. Well, relatively speaking. I watched The Mummy on Sky and then day two of the cricket on Sky Sports. I called Coral during the lunch break and had a good hour's conversation with her (sorry about the long distance charge, Celise, I forgot Whangaparoa wasn't local). She hasn't changed too much. I also spent a fair bit of time trying to get in touch with Bianca, with no success. I think I will be spending tomorrow with Nicole, and then going up to Mangawai on Friday. Then more drinks on Saturday night and then back to the US on Sunday.

Today was a great day of cricket, one of the best I have seen in a long time (even taking into account the fact I haven't seen any cricket in a long time.

In the evening, Celise dropped me over at Brent's place. After some pizza (oh yeah, and meeting his flatmates and one of the flatmates' girlfriend) Belinda dropped us down at Speaker's Corner, a pub in Browns Bay. We had a pint there (me: Monteith's, Brent: DB Export) and then wandered through Browns Bay to another bar and the end of the Bay. There we had another pint (Guinness, Lion Red) and watched some of the Aussie vs West Indies cricket match. They were closing up , so we thanked the cute bar-chick and headed back to Speaker's Corner. It was surprisingly quiet, but most people will probably be out of town until the New Year. This makes some sense.

About elevenish, Belinda picked us up again and took us back to Brent's. I had left my key to Celise's at her place, so I called a taxi so I knew I could get in. While we waited, Brent and I played Galaxians on his Playstation. Loads of fun. The taxi turned up and off to Celise's I trundled. When I got back, there was a message that Bianca had called, so now I had her mobile number.

28 December

Thursday morning was back in the overcast mode. Ross and I watched The Brat Pack on Sky and then I called Nicole and Bianca. Nicole will be coming to pick me up soon, and I will call Bianca back again tonight to organise tomorrow's plan.

Nicole picked me up and we headed into town. We passed the new technology park on Fanshawe Street, by the Viaduct Basin, and we went to park at the Downtown Parking building. When we saw the price of parking there, Nicole balked somewhat (quite understandably), so we zoomed back up to TVNZ and parked there (Nicole works for Good Morning). Then we wandered down to the Viaduct Basin area and through all the new cafes and bars that were build for the 2000 America's Cup.

On our way we passed the old Auckland Markets building, where I once attended the bFM Private Function; that brought back some memories I could have done without. And then, going past the Loaded Hog, just by some moored boats, reminded me of a pleasant Sunday of several years ago, that was spent on the harbour, including a stop here. The rest of today took a more sombre, philosophical direction (sorry about that, Nicole).

We made our way over to the Ferry Building and discovered that the we had just missed the ferry to Waiheke, so we wandered back to the Viaduct and had lunch at a cafe called Mecca. I had the chicken lasagne (with spinach and mushrooms), which was very tasty, a couple of glasses of a very agreeable Marlborough Chardonnay. Very pleasant and laid back. After we had eaten, we wandered back to the Ferry Building and embarked on our thirtyfive minute nautical adventure to Waiheke Island.

Seating was at a premium, so we had to sit inside. Once we arrived at Matiatia Bay we decided that it was a nice enough afternoon to make the mile or so walk up to Oneroa rather than get on a bus. There's not much to see on the walk, but the legs were in need of a bit of a work out. Once at the top of the hill, we wandered through the village, and realising that it was really a little late in the day to go on a wine trail, we just grabbed a table at Vino Vino and toured the island's vinyards from there.

Vino Vino had been recommended to me by a couple of people, but I found the service to be quite apalling. Getting the attention of the wait staff, so I could order another drink, was a mission in futility. Nevertheless, I still managed to try three wines:

• Camena Farm, Chardonnay, 1998
• Penninsula Estate, Chardonnay, 1997
• Island Red, Merlot Cabernet blend, 1999

The cashier fucked up our bill, so I just paid them what I thought they deserved and left. We headed back to the ferry and obtained upstairs, outside seats for the journey home. I took several pictures of the harbour, but due to the overcast nature of the day, it just didn't look too picturesque. I did note that the Rainbow Warrior II was in town.

Once back on the mainland, we headed back to Nicole's so she could change clothes before taking me out to dinner. I was thus able to catch up one more time with Nicole's flatmates, who really were nice people. I can't recall the name of the restaurant we went to, but it was in Mission Bay, and I had the fillet mignon, acompanied by a glass of Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz. All very tasty, and all very tasteful.

And then it was hometime. Nicole dropped me off about ten o'clock or so and I had a couple of phone messages to follow up on for the next couple of days' excitement.

29 December

Friday morning, and Ross dropped me and my stuff over to mum's place. Ross and Celise were heading up to Waipu for the New Years weekend. Barry, Arron and I took off up to Mangawai Estuary, where my dad has a caravan (and where, indeed, he was currently staying). It was an interesting drive in that I was able to check out much of the road upgrades and developments north of Auckland that have occurred in the last four years or so.

It was a fairly laid back day at the campsite. Dad and I went into the Mangawai Heads township to check email (they have a cyber cafe there - cool) and have a drink. Then we came back and checked out the fun and excitement at the estuary.

All of a sudden it was lunchtime. Fresh flounder sandwiches and fresh trevally sandwiches - über-yum. These were the fruits of my father's recent fishing exploits.

The rest of the afternoon was spend sitting back, reading the newspaper, having a yarn, and drinking tequila with Mark. (Mark and Tricia, friends of my dad and stepmum, have a caravan next to my dad's. I actually used to work with Mark before I was aware of a connection with dad and Wendy). Another couple I met were Peter and Joanne (yeah, she's a bit of all right) and some other people whose names I can't recall. Around sixish we headed back to Auckland.

When we got back I called Bianca and put a plan into effect. I threw myself at the shower (making sure to miss the sides) and not long after completing my ablutions, Bianca arrived and we headed out for dinner. The restaurant of choice (it received a commendation in Metro's Place To Be Seen in 2001) was a cafe called Deve in Kingsland.

We started with humous and pita bread, but our main courses arrived quite quickly - lamb shanks for Bianca, steak for me (blue, of course, which brough a thank you comment from the chef). While I thoroughly enjoyed the perfectly ('un-' as some would say) cooked steak, Bianca's lamb shanks were mouthwatering (I was going to say "Bianca's shanks were mouthwatering", but then you might have gotten the wrong idea), and the bite I had was divine. Sheep is good. I, of course, had wine with dinner (another Aussie shiraz).

After we finished eating our main course, Bianca called Melissa (who lives just up the road) and we ordered desert. Melissa arrived very quickly thereafter, and so did desert: chocolate cake for Bianca, Cointreau on ice for Damon, port for Melissa). More chatting and catching up ensued and then the three of us went off to meet two of Bianca's friends from Leciester: Louise, who Bianca flatted with, and Chloe, who flatted with Bianca's boyfriend, Ed). Both were cute. After a glass of wine, we all went up to a club called The Kuju Lounge (I think_ at the corner of Queen Street and K' Road.

We had even more to drink there (except, of course, Bianca, who doesn't) and then had a good dance to some initially good music that quickly became very repetitive. This music was performed by a DJ and two drummers with bongos. Melissa went home and not long after, Bianca and I also left. Bianca dropped me home, feeling tired and quite happy, around 2:30ish

30 December

I was awake early again on Saturday with more shopping to do before leaving on Sunday night. As arranged last night, Bianca picked me up and she, Melissa and I had breakfast margaritas at SPQR. Correction, Mel and I had margaritas, once I explained to the barman how to make a Texas margarita. Heheh.

We also had food. Lot's of food. Actually, you could say that about this whole trip: I had lots of food. And then after having food, we had a visit from Brandon and his girlfriend (Katherine). Brandon is off to med school in Wellington in the new year and he's really looking forward to it. Hell, it's got to be better than Dunedin where he did his first three years.

From SPQR, Bianca and I headed to the bottom of Queen Street and the best of tacky souvenirs. I spent quite a bit of money on complete shite. Heheh, had to be done though. I also spent a lot of money on CDs (which with Paul's employee discount at Marbeck's was quite tasty). Bianca disappeared to pick up Louise and I met them at Sounds. I hadn't found the Head Like A Hole best-of on my journeys thus far, so I disappeared to try a hunch (it was a good one) and then met them at the Atrium food court.

Bianca wanted to visit Dymock's (a big bookstore) before we left. I almost survived unscathed until I spied two Iain M Banks novels that I hadn't seen before, and hence had to buy. Damn you Bianca, I was doing so well...

And then it was home to arrange the evening's festivities. Brent and Kerry picked me up and we shot over to Thomo's where we swapped cars and blasted into town. At the London Bar I ordered the first round and got some dinner (a decidely average lasagne). Paul turned up next and we were also able to hunt down Philby. There was some hope that Kevin might come out, but no, the miserable little bastard was a miserable little bastard. Bastard.

The Shore-boys took off home around 10:30 (light-weights :-) ) but the Glendowie boys and I stayed on until closing. From the London Bar we headed down to the Control Room where we played pool and drank loads until they closed. Overall it was a pretty quiet night in town, but then again, all the kids will be either at the Mount, Pauani, the Coromandel, or the Bay of Islands. Serves me right.

31 December

New Years Eve and my last day in New Zealand. I just spent the day lazing around my mum's place, doing some reading, and generally doing nothing exciting. I had fish and chips and a hot dog for lunch (we didn't have any real milk - everyone here drinks the watery shite) so it wasn't quite the perfect fish and chips meal, but it was better than anything comparative in the US. For dinner we had roast lamb (at my request), and then it was off to the airport.

Travel Problem Number Five: The travel agent has screwed up my upgrade to business class. So I'm stuck in cattle class again. Not a happy wee chappy.

So I'm in a grumpyish sort of mood when I get on the plane, but at least I have bought batteries for my MD-man so I can listen to VNV Nation, and I have my books, and I know I will be drinking.