Postcards from Trey

Recommended Podcasts

2008-12-05T16:20:00.002+01:00

So I'm behind with my "postcards" as always, but would love to share my favorite podcasts anyways.

This American Life (weekly/1 hour):
http://www.itunes.com/podcast?id=201671138

There's a theme to each episode, and a variety of stories on that theme. It's mostly true stories of everyday people, though not always. There's lots more to the show, but, like we said, it's sort of hard to describe. Probably the best way to understand the show is to start at our favorites page, though we have full guides to our TV show and our radio show, with clips. If you want to dive into the hundreds of episodes we've done over the years, there's an archive of all our old radio shows and listings for all our TV episodes, too.

The Moth (weekly-ish: 5- 17 min):
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=275699983

These are some of our favorites among the thousands of stories we have recorded at our Moth Mainstage shows, Moth StorySLAMs and MothShop Community shows over the last 10 years. The stories range in length from approximately 5 to 17 minutes. Sometimes funny, occasionally sad, often poignant, we hope you will find the stories memorable and representative of many aspects of human experience. Because the stories are culled from many years worth of archives, the sound quality varies.

Studio 360 (weekly/1 hour) :
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73799286

PRI’s Peabody Award-winning "Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen" from WNYC is public radio’s smart and surprising guide to what's happening in pop culture and the arts. Each week, Kurt Andersen introduces you to the people who are creating and shaping our culture.

On The Media (weekly/1 hour):
pcast://www.onthemedia.org/index.xml

On the Media explores how the media "sausage" is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of "making media," especially news media, because it's through that lens that we literally see the world and the world sees us.While maintaining the civility and fairness that are the hallmarks of public radio, OTM tackles sticky issues with a frankness and transparency that has built trust with listeners and led to more than a tripling of its audience in five years. Since OTM was re-launched in 2001, it has been one of NPR's fastest growing programs, heard on more than 200 public radio stations. It has won Edward R. Murrow Awards for feature reporting and investigative reporting, the National Press Club's Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism and a Peabody Award for its body of work.

Selected Shorts (weekly/1 hour):
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&partnerId=30&id=253191824

A Celebration of the Short Story.

My first photo on Wikipedia

2008-08-18T22:51:00.004+02:00

I've had my photos gleaned for many exciting publications, such as Timmy's book report on Mountains - but I had my first one used on wikipedia recently: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Boy_Arnold

I've just arranged shipping of my life (all 5 filing boxes) from New Zealand and with it comes my camera gear. I seriously need to get off my camera bum and hopefully I will start taking photographs again instead of my current stream of snapshots.

First month in Amsterdam

2008-08-18T00:50:00.002+02:00

Some of the time it has been pretty challenging and other times have been fantastic, but overall it’s good.

I’ve started work at a place called Schuberg Philis and the place is great. I work with about 50 guys that all posses a technical prowess I’ve never encountered before. I learned more in my first two weeks then I did in my last two years in New Zealand. I’m loving the challenge, but still checking my ego at the door, as I’m not used to be the person asking all the questions. A pretty intimidating place though, as despite being friendly there is a palpable, if not silent, disdain for anyone less than brilliant.

I’ve still been living as a gypsy with my first week of accommodation in the red light district, then a couple weeks with a cranky old Dutch guy who smoked like a chimney, now I’m in a adequate single room in the “centrum” – the only bugger with this place is a shared bathroom with about 7 other rooms (thankfully most of the time they are empty or not showering when I am). I’ve discovered that *all* of my clothes excluding jackets and sweaters fit in a single load. (that’s a front loading European load too – not the US top-load that can fit a medium sized ocean)

My weekends have been punctuated by some great adventures already with the “Over the Ij” arts festival the first weekend. A visit from my good friend Simon for a couple great nights out on the town followed by a fantastic weekend to Austria for Griet and Sashi’s wedding. Held in the Austrain Alps outside the Salzburg, cobble stone roads with snow-capped mountains in the background carried Griet to a beautiful old Cathedral for a 12 o’clock ceremony given in 4 languages. I left the party at 3:30 am, by which time I’d met some great people from all over Europe (and the world for that matter). Selfishly, the best part of the weekend for me was seeing all my old friends from New Zealand. We managed to still wake up at a reasonable hour on Saturday and climb the mountain peak next to Griet’s family’s house.

Then another weekend back in Amsterdam for the “Canal Pride” which was a blast – and I was thoroughly impressed by the large business and government backing and participation in the parade. Not to mention it was on the water, and for me everything is improved by the act of floating.

Then last weekend I hopped the train to Belgium and was treated to amazing hospitality thanks to Tom, Griet, and Griet’s mum. Buggered off after work Friday, Tom picked me up in Antwerp and then drove me to Lockeren to attend a town festival (I was expecting the ubiquitous bad arts and crafts booths and meat on a stick). Turns out it was a music festival with Macy Grey and Grace Jones followed by a great DJ – we danced until 3:30. Not to be held back, Tom took me mountain biking the next day on a 60 KM loop starting in Flanders, through a forest with roads built by the Romans that have managed to sink 20+ feet into the ground from thousands of years of walking, a cruise through beautiful countryside in Wallonia, and finally to Hoegaarden to enjoy a Hoegaarden, before the jaunt back to Leuven for a Stella in a medieval town square. Sleep not being an option; we headed back to the music festival for another night of dancing until 4:30. Then up Sunday for a cruise to Brugges were Griet and Kaat’s family plied us with hospitality at their restaurant before touring the city. It was Sunday and we were tired, but knowing it was still the weekend we drove back to Antwerp that night and enjoyed something thing along the lines of 10,000 Belgian’s swinging glasses of beer and singing drinking songs – do we have drinking songs in the US? (Not written be AC/DC that is) Hit the sack about 2 at Tom’s brothers place before getting up a few hours later to hop the train back for a bright and early start at work about 10:30 with nearly a full beard.

This weekend was bit more subdued with a some great weather (which is less common than a blue moon around here) I caught up with Ehud, an Israeli fashion designer I had met over a couple drinks in Wellington 7 months ago, before I had any idea I would be living in Amsterdam. Not to waste his great taste we trolled a few shops and cafes and I managed to find a couple goodies by the end of the day. I then got a bit more practice keeping myself company, I must say I’m a great date too: a glass of wine watching the sunset over het Ij, then a wicked Turkish meal before cruising home through parks beneath a lunar eclipse. (too bad I’m not an earthworm, otherwise I’d be in love) Today I joined some folks for a bike ride to the next town to the West, Haarlem, where we entertained ourselves with a bit of indoor snowboarding – with which I was thoroughly under whelmed. But then I thought, “if I could do anything this afternoon what would I do?” and I remembered I bloody can do anything, so I left the odd little snow hill and rode my bike to the beach on the North Sea. Contrasting with my general distaste for the highly developed Dutch “country side” filled with motorways, power lines, and a stream of jumbo jets overhead – I was blown away by the national park on the seashore. I rode through coastal forest and along dunes as sea birds flew in to land in the estuaries around me. This was like a hit of Trey heroin – I hadn’t realised how badly I needed to not hear a motorised vehicle for a while. I rode for hours until the sunset and I arrived in Zandvoort for a dinner where I really enjoyed my own company.

I’ve noticed that I’ve spent a lot of time writing old friends lately. I’m really missing folks like Stu and Jo back in NZ and a bit bummed I’ve not met more like-minded folks here yet. It’s only been a month, but I think the 2 months of waiting in London and another month in Texas has made be a bit “new place” fatigued. Throw in the Dutch sense of humour (ha… ha… ) and a bit of language barrier (everyone speaks English, but not out of preference) and I’m getting the chance to notice my social dependencies. In one way it sucks a bit not having any good friends yet, but in another I know it’s really good for me. These are the times where growth happens, where I’m forced to attain that next level of comfort with solitude, and hopefully another step towards quite confidence.

A first in a bit of catching up

2008-07-20T11:32:00.001+02:00

To get back into the swing of updating my blog, I’ll have to gloss over the past… what 18 months?

Well back in May of 2007, I did my “surprise” visit to the states. I had it in my head that I wanted to be out of the US on my own for a good chunk of time to prove my “expat credentials” (something that feels a bit ridiculous now). I had visited for a couple days for my sister Audrey’s graduation, but this was my first proper visit home. My first visit back to Austin to see my friends, back to see my 4 week old nephew Achilles, and spend 5 weeks back in the states.

I’m ashamed to say my carbon footprint was a bloody atrocity:

WLG→AKL→LAX→SFO→APA→AUS→ATL→PHL→NYC→PHL→ATL→CRP→MIA→SJU→SIG→VQS→SIG→SJU→MIA→CRP→AUS→APA→LAX→AKL→WLG (okay, I drove to New York but bloody hell that was a lot of peanuts – oh wait we don’t get those any more)

I started the trip in San Francisco and had a blast with Matt and Jessica, visiting one of my favourite US cities where I especially dug just hanging out with Matt and Jess. Our trip to the Tourist Club in the Muir Wood didn’t do anything to dampen my spirits though, then again neither did the visits to wicked cheese and chocolates shops ☺

Then I made my way to Austin and caught up with the old gang, fell in love as soon as I meet my nephew, and tried to eat my weight in Mexican food and BBQ. By the way, I’d never felt as impressed by anyone as when I saw my brother slip on fatherhood like a custom Italian suit – he wears it effortlessly and passionately.

Then it was off to visit my Mom in PA including a trip to NYC where I spent like I was a millionaire, a habit that will just about guarantee I won’t be one anytime soon. Off all places, I bought my alpine climbing gear in the south of Manhattan. I was impressed no one arrested me for cruising on the subways with ice axes strapped to my backpack – implements that would make perfect props for a horror flick.

After giving my Mom a hug goodbye, it was off to Rockport, TX where with the help of my step-mom Jane I was snuck into my Dad’s clinic as his last patient of the day – the surprise went off without a hitch! (I’m just glad I didn’t give him a heart attack) I only told my mom I was coming the day I left New Zealand, a requirement if I was going to be able to see her.

After a few days in Rockport I was off to Puerto Rico to have a “little holiday from my holiday”. A beautiful place, incredible water, and gorgeous people, what more could you want in a beach holiday? The museum hotel (a recommendation from Kit and Linda) was fantastic. My only complaint with Puerto Rico is that it is RIDICULOUSLY over-priced. Sure it was great, but no nicer than any Mexican beach on the Caribbean, or really any other beaches on the Caribbean, or Fiji, Tonga, Indonesia, Australia’s West coast, the South of Thailand, the Cook Islands – but it was an order of magnitude more expensive than any other beach destination to which I’ve been. For that matter the place we stayed, which again was “nice” but by no means incredible, was more expensive then the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan where I had stayed a week before. And at the Waldorf they didn’t try to charge you $40 to use the gym for half an hour.

That rant over, it was awesome hanging out with my bud Tamara – one of those folks that always blows me away with their level of certainness and self-confidence. Combine a wicked level of knowledge with a real passion for her opinions and some wonderfully “passionate” discussions dotted the week. We did end up end on the island of Vieques for the majority of the time and it was awesome!

Then an unwinding of travel plans with a return to Corpus, a drive to Austin, some late nights out with Julie and Jess before flying from Austin to Denver, then LAX, then Auckland, and finally Wellington to get back to my life in New Zealand.

I remember often referring to New Zealand as “home” during that trip to visit my family, and shouldn’t the location of family define home? Every time I called New Zealand home I cringing inside from guilt – it’s on odd thing that I feel my jaunts overseas are so selfish and I’m somehow failing to honour my family or meet my responsibility to them. I only feel this responsibility intuitively though, because logically I would say that my responsibility to my family is to make the most of my life, therefore honouring the sacrifice my family made to support and foster my development throughout my youth - enabling me to make the most of this life. After all if you send a painter to art school, would you not expect him or her to go on and then push the boundaries and try new things? If that painter only repeated what had been done before, wouldn’t art school have been a bit of a waste? Not that my life is some “masterpiece”, but I do want to push boundaries and do things that are harder, because I have this notion that when you struggle you are making the most of life. So here’s to living a life that ends with scars of the skin and heart, because that’s a life lead to it’s fullest!

A New Love Affair

2008-07-12T22:46:00.001+02:00

Still buzzing from an arts festival held in shipping containers scattered about a derelict wharf. Rusty cranes, sheds, old boats, the river Ij, and incredible architecture on the skyline worked well to open my mind to some very cool performances. Mix in friendly locals who greet me with smiles and even buy me wine.

Then I hop on my new bike (actually it’s probably older than me) and ride onto the pedestrian ferry back across the river. More incredible architecture, this time lit by sunset, sails by as we reach Centraal Station. Plug my iPod into my head as I gently roll west, when a stream of fantastic tunes come up by random – my idea of providence.

Kaiser Cartel’s acoustic goodness lulls me with “I can not find, distilled silence. It’s my own fault, that I can not listen to myself.” from Okay as I roll into The Jordaan and I’m entranced. Orange flecks of sunset bounce around on silky black water, old barges rest moored along the canals, and 400 year old buildings reach just above the trees around me as I lightly roll up and down the brick bridges’ arches.

I’m beginning to believe I’ll find a home here.

Updates coming...

2008-07-09T22:50:00.000+02:00

So I've landed in my new home town of Amsterdam last night and I'm inspired to resurrect this poor blog. I'm writing stuff up now and will have a "what's been going on for the past... oh... 18 months" post up shortly ;-).

Arriving in Amsterdam

2008-07-09T01:10:00.000+02:00

Arriving in Amsterdam is thrilling, yet I could replace “Amsterdam” with European city X. I’ve landed in a new place in Europe – and I’m going to live here.

Arriving in Amsterdam is terrifying. I’m sure my jet lag is not helping, but after my welcomer leaves me at my B&B – a tiny room in the red light district. I realise I don’t know one person in the entire country and to top it off am basically broke so I can’t give up and run back to my good friends in New Zealand or my brother in Texas. I am in new territory – I remember landing in Wellington and realise how much I appreciated being in a hostel and meeting Simon and particularly how nice it was having my sister Whitney there. On top of that I started work about 7 hours after arriving and I still don’t have a start date here, but it will be at least 6 days away.
So I consider my list of to-do’s: hit the lawyer in the morning, IND (Dutch Immigration) Friday, sort out how to get to/from my new B&B Monday - and in the meantime go get a mobile as soon as possible so that I can speak to someone I know. Then start work, explore the city, find an apartment. I’m reminded of how truly wonderful it was to have Dougal as my first flatmate in Wellington – he was an ambassador to the city and he welcomed me (really insisted) that I meet every friend and join him for every dinner out. I don’t want to be negative, but I somehow doubt I could be so lucky twice.

So now I’m sitting up in bed, a little hot, rather jet-lagged, listening to the rain and the teenage tourists outside. There’s a canal right outside and it is beautiful, but I feel so far away from the comfort of friends and loved ones – I believe this feeling is called loneliness. But I remind myself to chin up and relish this challenge – it’s hard, but hard challenges are that much sweeter once surmounted.

Damn, it’s 1 AM and I need to be up at 7 – if only I could disengage thoughts and feelings…

Still alive...

2008-01-15T11:13:00.001+01:00

The Taranaki
Originally uploaded by treyguinn

I'm having a blast, but a bit behind on updates (I'm practicing my understatements)

Happy new years to all! I was home again for Christmas and had a blast visiting everyone there. My first weekend back to summer in New Zealand led me to climb Mount Taranaki on one of the few days a year when it isn't attracting horrible weather like a magnet.

I am still working on getting photos uploaded from a few adventures over the past winter here...

Wishing you all the best!

Where have I been?

2007-07-31T13:06:00.001+02:00

AIC second weekend 009
Originally uploaded by louise.thornley

I was in the states for May, etc, etc, etc. I'm now doing an alpine climbing course and here is a photo from last weekend. Eventually I'll get some more stuff up soon... promise.

Another weekend tramping

2007-04-24T15:16:00.001+02:00

Down Ohau Gorge.jpg
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Some (all of 4) photos up from this past weekend tramping in the northwestern Tararuas.

Go Summer, Go!

2007-04-10T12:24:00.001+02:00

sommes2.jpg
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Summer is holding on with it's fingernails - I hope it doesn't loose grip too soon. (Picture from Sommes Island in Wellington Harbour)

More Photos

2007-03-12T05:19:00.000+01:00

Being too lazy to write narratives, I thought I'd post some photos of things I've been shooting lately.

I've finally uploaded pictures from my trip to Arthur's Pass in February

I've also just had some of these pictures published. A circus show called "Gravity & Other Myths" that was playing on the waterfront over the past couple weeks.

This past week there has been a wedding and a portrait shoot for a band called "The Constituents", a music festival this weekend to shoot, and another portrait shoot for "Twinset" next week. I'm stoked to have all this photography work; it's been a blast and thankfully it makes me also appreciate my day job.

Birthday Bonfire

2007-03-03T07:56:00.001+01:00

Birthday Bonfire
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I've also loaded some photos from Aneke's birthday bonfire out on Makara beach. (outside Wellington)

Deep Bay Sunset

2007-03-03T07:51:00.001+01:00

Deep Bay Sunset
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I've got my new laptop, yeah! And with it, here come some photos from the queue and those from my trip of the last two weeks with my Dad & Jane to both the South Island and Stewart Island here in New Zealand.

Dead Laptop :-(

2007-02-13T02:50:00.000+01:00

My laptop died a few weeks ago which has caused a rapid halt to my photo uploading, but fear not my oh-so-flash new MacBook Pro will be here in a week!

As it turns out, it arrives with my parents as well ;-) My Dad and Jane are coming for a visit and I'm quivering in my boots I'm so excited. See my folks, take a two week holiday to the South Island & Steward Island, AND get a new laptop - what more could a large child like myself want?

I have actually been reasonably busy since my last post. I hiked most of the Queen Charolette Track, had a work weekend, a weekend off, then spent a 4 day weekend in Author's Pass (where we hiked high enough to make snow angels in our shorts), and this last weekend shot a wedding and went to X-Air (a blatant rip off of the X-Games, but damn fun).

I've managed to get a couple break dancing photos loaded up from X-Air and I'll leave these here until I get around to sorting the rest of my photos of late.

I do love these outdoors!

2007-01-08T08:26:00.000+01:00

After working straight through Christmas and New Years only taking Christmas Day and the 2nd off I broke away for a tramp (that's Kiwi for a hike) in the Tararuas, a mountain range just north of Wellington.

Despite "the worst summer in recorded history" according to the front page last week - we had some pretty damn fine weather. Of course the 120 KPH / 70 MPH winds on top of Jumbo peak was my favorite for the excitement ;-)

Click here to see all the photos - (The other folks are Tom, Aneke, and Jules)

Christmas Day Fun

2007-01-08T07:34:00.000+01:00

Went to a party that lasted until 3 - nothing like playing with a bunch of expats all day from a house with a view!

A photo follow-up...

2006-12-24T10:01:00.000+01:00

For you folks that don't check out my flickr site, here are some photos from the past month:

A local ska band called the Offbeats (go Kate!):

The lagoon bridge on the Wellington waterfront, a play around with HDR images:

A nearby church's columns by night:

And of course, my flatmate Janet attempting to put an entire bag of marshmallows in her mouth at one time ;-)

Plenty of data centre pictures to come in the future - I'm sure they'll REALLY thrill.

Happy Christmas!

2006-12-24T09:27:00.000+01:00

Another month has blown by. I’ve managed to bury my head in the sand that’s called work as I prepare to execute the move of our data centre into the new facility over new years. I’ve found myself at numerous Christmas parties talking to exciting people with nothing in my head but stats on cooling, power consumption, and racing thoughts of cabling organization structures. To say the least, I haven’t exactly been slaughtering people with my gift for gab ;-)

I have enjoyed losing myself in work – despite the fact that I recognize it as unhealthy, at least in the long term. Otherwise I’ve photographed my flatmate Janet’s Christmas party, gotten out to neighborhood fairs, photographed some music, etc.

It’s half nine on Christmas Eve and I’m snuggled in on my couch looking through our flat window over the lights of the city. I’ve got a great glass of Pinot Noir and Eryka Badu on the stereo, just finished a fantastic day including a big run, great brunch, a birthday party, a movie, and dinner with a friend. I’ve managed to ignore the fact that it’s Christmas until about 30 minutes ago.

I’ve never spent Christmas Eve alone, nor awoken on Christmas in an empty house. It sounds a bit pathetic and I must admit that I intensely miss my family at the moment, but I can’t say that I dislike it. I’m relishing the sense of independent, mid-adulthood. As I am not only fully empowered to do whatever whenever, I am as free of attachment as I believe personally possible. Earlier in life I would always have been with my family, and later in life I expect to have a family of my own. Yet, these are the years of self appointed destiny and I find it critical to step back and truly appreciate it, as it is doubtless ephemeral and will in short time only be the substance of stories with which I attempt to regale grandchildren.

I will wake up to presents though! I’ve got a package from my “mum” as these kiwis say, and my flatmates after deceiving me with stories of “we’re not exchanging gifts this year” left many a treat on the kitchen counter. I’ll spend the morning with some English friends (Sal and Paul) to kick off our fabulous “Orphan’s Christmas” with a collection of expats from around the world throwing a BBQ and getting up to what is sure to go down in the history books as proper shenanigans ;-)

Merry Christmas everyone! (And happy birthday pops!)

Nearly uneventful

2006-11-22T10:31:00.000+01:00

In an effort to keep up my "forced journaling" (BTW that's the primary reason I keep this blog) I thought I would do an update.

I finished shooting the Jazz Festival the weekend before last, overall it was a lot of hard work, but a great time. I've bolstered my portfolio, made some industry contacts, and seen some pretty amazing music (there was also a frightening large chunk of rubbish though).

During my day job I have been swallowed with the design of our new data centre and the planning of moving hundreds of servers into this facility over two months from our two Wellington offices. Despite myself, I am really enjoying the work. We're building one of the 10 largest facilities in Wellington and I'm getting some fantastic experience that seldom comes up. 34 Kilometers of data cabling, 7 thousand liters of air/second through our process coolers, and now we're having to swing things onto the floor from a helicopter because they won't fit in the lift are are about 600 Kilos too heavy to carry. ;-) All in all we are spending nearly a million dollars on room that is not that big, and only holds computers (just lots of them with highly redundant cooling, power, etc. etc.) I am truly "geeking-out".

Otherwise, indoor soccer, touch rugby, and rock climbing are keeping me busy as spring looks like it might FINALLY arrive. We've actually had 3 or 4 days of sunshine - the fact that this stands out is indicative of how atrocious the weather has been for the past few months.

BTW, Here's a picture I took this Sunday when the weather turned "amazing":

I think the larger version gives the day some justice.

And I think I've actually managed to max out my flickr account until the end of the calendar month - until which time their won't be anything new.

Walking to the supermarket this morning I had a bit of a realization. As I walk everywhere, all the time, it takes me sometime to get places, big surprise I know. (E.g. my French class is about a 30 minute walk from my house) This forces me to do two things: 1) Give myself time to get places, or more importantly just give myself time and 2) Not rush around too much - as it's pretty much impossible to "walk in a rush" without realizing what a nutter you're being. Back in the States I used to book my days assuming no travel time so that I was always behind, and I double booked, and I spent most of my waking hours on a smart phone simultaneously talking and emailing. Little did I know how little it gained me and how much it cost me - so for showing me that - cheers New Zealand.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I've invited some friends to a French restaurant for nice meal. No one is American, the French girl confirming the booking on the phone asked "What is this Thanks-Giving you speak of?" and I'm afraid my mates are expecting some type of song and dance. Soon they'll learn it's mostly about just getting together and enjoying each others company... of course glutenous consumption never hurts. ;-)

This Thanksgiving I do have something in particular to be thankful for - in addition to wonderful people, fabulous luck, and an amazing family in my life - I'm going to have a nephew come April (Colin just found out what the next Guinn is going to be today - on his birthday! Happy Birthday, Bro!)

Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving (whether it's a holiday where you are or not), your mate - Trey.

Damn, another month!

2006-11-06T06:32:00.000+01:00

It's been a month since I've written so here's a very quick update:

My last post created some fantastic discussion which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I must say I am personally most interested in what set of circumstances morally justifies one nation invading another.

To this I love some of the points in "The Fog of War", a documentary discussing eleven lessons from the life of Robert S. McNamara. If you haven't seen it, it's time for a visit to the video store. Beautifully made and great discussion. It came out before Iraq and we (the U.S) have broken some of these "rules".

In particular (this rule is expanded in the special features), I think this rule is quite applicable:

"We are the most powerful nation in the world — economically, politically, and militarily — and we are likely to remain so for decades ahead. But we are not omniscient. If we cannot persuade other nations with similar interests and similar values of the merits of the proposed use of that power, we should not proceed unilaterally except in the unlikely requirement to defend the continental US, Alaska and Hawaii."

So is the "War on Terror" a defense of our land, given that Sept. 11 happened in the US? Even if the answer is yes to that and I find that more than a small stretch. How could Iraq be justified through the same logic? In my view it definitely isn't - nonetheless it was a brilliant campaign strategy for the republicans to symbolically link the two. Albeit reprehensibly misleading.

I wanted to chat with the girl from Iraq about the discussion from my last post, yet she was definitely not interested. At the very least I can appreciate the fact that she is probably sick and tired of being objectified.

Other than that: I've gotten certified as an Fortinet Certified Network Security Professional - which I was stoked for my employer to pay for! Yeah Intergen.

And I've landed the job as the official photographer for the 10th Annual Wellington International Jazz Festival. It's been a hell of a lot of work - and continues to be. But it's a blast, there are some fantastic bands (as well as some real shockers), and a great opportunity to meet tons of people in the creative community.

Here are some sample shots from the last 4 days (6 more to go!):

Lisa Tomlins & Twinset of Wellington:

Twinset of Wellington:

Trio Boeren-deJoode-Vatcher of the Netherlands:

Alda Rezende of Brazil:

The Eggs, a bloody fantastic funk band from Wellington:

Even had some quite artsy light shows, like Robin Fox out of Australia:

American, even Texan sized guilt

2006-10-16T11:54:00.000+02:00

En route to my French class tonight I swung by the New World Metro to grab a panini. A lovely girl in her early twenties helped me with a big smile. Being the talkative guy that I am I asked her about her accent because I couldn't place it. (English was a second language, but it was excellent). She bantered back with "guess". I started thinking, looking to the ceiling... then she interjected with "Iraqi".

Now I've met a number of Iraqis here that came over during the war with Iran. They are always quick make some distinction I can't even remember now that lets me know they were part of a group that left ages ago. So I ask this girl, when did you leave Iraq?

She smiles, "About 2 years".
"How do you like it?"
"I love it here, great country."
"I really like it here as well."
"Oh yeah, where are you from?"

...hummm.

"I'm from the US... err Texas"

Then the gut shot - "I guess were not supposed to get along?" she tries to keep the smile friendly.

She tells me "I've lived through too many wars", "It's hell when you don't know if you will live through the day", "I got into Jordan during the start of the war, and then came here... I'm one of the lucky ones."

I pathetically retort "I didn't vote for *him*". The guilt has contorted my face. She tells me not to worry about it, "I'm over it" she tells me.

How can anyone be "over it"? How does someone young and beautiful stay young and beautiful when they deal with what she has?

So much of the pain she has dealt with is the result of my country, particularly my state's most famous... err infamous export. damn. I think to myself, "maybe I should invite her for a coffee?" Yeah, that'll do, I'll by you a coffee to assuage my guilt for my country destroying your country, home, and probably causing the death of your family members...

So I tell her she has all of my respect and I take my panini and walk back into my ridiculously comfortable lifestyle that has never been threatened or needed me to fight for it.

Independent of who I vote for, I am still responsible for what America does. It has a government "for the people, *by* the people". And I believe the last few years will leave a stain on all Americans' conscience when history begins to judge... as it has begun to do already.

Mas Kiwiana!

2006-10-16T00:06:00.001+02:00

_DSC6536.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Photos from this past weekend. Card games, Mt. Ruapeu, roadtrip, and south coast of Welli sunset - killer weekend.

Spring and love is in the air...

2006-10-15T10:36:00.000+02:00

No, not a woman, or any other option for that matter! Wellington and New Zealand. A weekend filled with good friends, hiking, reading, beautiful snow-capped mountains and a perfect ending.

Monique (a great new friend) and I headed out to the south coast of Welli, climbed all over the rocks, watched the sunset, and ate authentic fish and chips. Cruised through a beautiful part of the city I never see, which reminding me over and over of San Francisco. The harsh winter really is losing it's grip. The orange light of the sunsets warm my face and radiate into my heart.

This weekend was great as it re-engendered that "I love being here" feeling in my chest.

Only a couple snamps, but the photos are forthcoming.

Kiwiana

2006-10-08T07:08:00.001+02:00

Kiwiana
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Spring is poking her head up again... Will she decide to stick with us?

Soul, baby!

2006-10-05T11:38:00.001+02:00

_DSC6169.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Shot a great show with one hell of a singer, Lisa Tomlins. She gets a thumbs up.

Ass-end of the world...

2006-10-04T12:11:00.001+02:00

_DSC5863.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I love the public art around Wellington, especially a series of concrete poetry and prose - this one in particular is a favorite.

Spoiling myself.

2006-10-04T12:02:00.000+02:00

Nobody can spoil you like yourself! I've gone out and purchased a new lens, a Nikkor 28-70 f/2.8, which kicks serious photo butt.

Here are some photos I took with it this weekend (added to my views of wellington set on flickr):

Cool game

2006-10-04T10:54:00.000+02:00

I spend entirely too much time looking at stuff on the ol' inter-web we have, but this has to be my favorite game yet: Line Rider

Giver 'er a spin.

Runnin' the rat race...

2006-10-04T10:53:00.001+02:00

stationfacade.jpg
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Working, learning a bit of french, rock climbing again, and snapping a some photos. Pics available on my flickr site including Mattafix and some new shots from around wellington.

Nothing new but a novel definition of spring, 42 degrees (or 6 for other Celsius users) as the southerlies whale on this wee town.

Spring is threatening

2006-09-24T00:35:00.001+02:00

_DSC5266.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

According to the tulips in the botanical gardens near my house - spring is upon us here in NZ. According to my friend the thermometer... not even close. Pics Here

Sporty Photos

2006-09-24T00:25:00.000+02:00

Here's a grouping (I shrink from saying portfolio as I have so few in this category) of old photos I submitted for some "outdoorsy" work.

Speaking of being 28

2006-09-19T12:58:00.001+02:00

Trey scaling the outdoor rock climbing wall
Originally uploaded by jen&mike.

I'm the one on the wall... in my work clothes.

Green with envy...

2006-09-19T11:52:00.000+02:00

Damn, hearing stories of this year's ACL Fest makes me miss Austin!

I hope everyone had a blast, you lucky dogs.

Mas photos

2006-09-18T13:26:00.000+02:00

_DSC5076_2_2.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

BTW, I uploaded some photos about 2 weeks ago. (I'm so on top of this blog) Shots from both my first weekend back up in Auckland and from Taupo weekend over my birthday, available here: http://flickr.com/photos/treyguinn/sets

Checkin' in

2006-09-18T13:04:00.000+02:00

I'm 28, but haven't changed much. My plan to take a photo a day, despite the inherent genius I still see in the idea, fell apart within 4 days.

I wrote this on my birthday:

"Today is my birthday, the second overseas. Since my last birthday I've spent 6 days in the U.S., and the telling emotion is the lack there of. A lack of surprise, unease, or a sense of being out of the ordinary. The longer I spend away, the further I move into what I had seen as the great blue beyond, yet the less exotic it feels."

Other than a fab weekend in Taupo for my weekend and a bit of snowboarding I've been buried with work (the IT kind). But, I'm shooting a fashion show and a concert this weekend, French classes going well, and my new flat mates are swell. Not to mention, the weather has begun to threaten spring, and that is fabulous news for a boy from Texas that feels the cold like a thin man.

No big news as I'm just pushing through the rat race.

BTW, My new address (so that I can be showered with postcards):
155 Grant Rd.
Thorndon
Wellington 6001
New Zealand

Karachi, now boarding

2006-08-15T08:00:00.000+02:00

_DSC5033.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

A look at the departures in Dubai made me realize how much more travel I have to do!

Also available in Arabic :-)

And shots from Nantes

2006-08-15T07:36:00.000+02:00

_DSC4704.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Are uploaded here.

Dubai photos up...

2006-08-15T07:33:00.000+02:00

_DSC4907.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Just a bunch of snaps here.

John's photos are up too.

2006-08-15T07:25:00.000+02:00

P1010470.JPG
Originally uploaded by jdlewis.

John, my mate with whom I traveled, has posted his photos. Great shots here.

Return to Routine

2006-08-14T09:47:00.000+02:00

After a week that felt exceedingly long, I’ve fallen back into a comfortable routine. After-work drinks and dinner with friends Friday. A run up a mountain and rock climbing separated by visits to friends Saturday before heading to an incredible dinner that was followed by a few bars and a few parties until half 3. Lazy Sunday in art galleries, sitting by the water, a spectacular performance of Mozart’s Requiem (with an earthquake mid solo – not that the musicians let on to it), more café’s with friends, and finally my fav Jazz spot like a cherry atop my weekend.

Wellington hasn’t changed, it’s still lovely but now feels almost too easy. I’m getting up earlier and dressing nicer for work despite my moral objections to this having nothing to do with my qualifications, nonetheless when in Rome… I should be starting my French classes within a week, and hunkering down to get some certifications over the next couple months. After having spent time in summer, I realize how much free time I have now that it’s always so bloody dark. Yet of course, where are the rest of the pictures? I’m just a bit lazy on that front… Waiting for inspiration…

PS I have decided to do a photo a day for a year starting on my upcoming birthday. No idea how it will come out, I'll let it be organic - but hope it will provide a cool window into this part of my life.

Pictures still coming...

2006-08-10T09:54:00.000+02:00

I've got photos from Nantes, France and Dubai, UAE still on the way. I'll get onto editing/sorting through them shortly.

Big PS: Found a new flat and got a raise today, whoo hoo! Flat is in the burbs compared to where I've been, but still only a 15 minute walk to downtown. It's in a suburb (that's Kiwi for neighborhood) called Thorndon, I'll post my address so the care packages can come flooding in. And a raise... I've got to go on holiday more often ;-)

Back in Welli

2006-08-08T12:51:00.000+02:00

Originally disappointed to be leaving holiday, summer, and Europe for winter and work (NZ really is quite nice), John and I landed at half 4 on Saturday. I made a beeline for the shower, shared a story or two with Dougal, and was fast asleep by half 6.

Awoke at 3 am, then watched the sunrise listening to Tchaikovsky and walking around the Wellington waterfront. As I the reflections of the buildings curve around the bay I was struck by how much I do like Wellington. As a city, it seems to represent so many of the same values I hold dear with my ideal balance of urban living in a natural environment. The mountains across the harbor repeating in archetypal blue patterns so often seen in landscape art, parks along the water, and a clean and remarkably accessible city framed within it all.

Then Monday. I know it’s winter and I know it’s work, but endless drizzle, 8 degrees Celsius, and dark by half five – not made any better by staring at a computer all day and going through my 2500+ emails? The contrast is a bit harsh. And for a bit of icing, I have to move as the fabulous flat I live in has sold while I was away.

All in all I can’t complain - I really am lucky. Not only was I able to take a trip to Europe - but I was also able to take 5 weeks off work, enjoy a change of season, and come back to a wonderful home that still feels exotic.

Tuesday continued to pour, work continued to ramp up, but I still have that fabulous feeling of summer locked tight away in my chest.

UAE Site Block Message

2006-08-05T19:20:00.000+02:00

UAEBlock.jpg
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

So here's a screen shot of the site block message in the UAE. They block flickr.com, youtube.com, myspace.com, and suprise surprise sex.com (I had to check).

Awake at 3am

2006-08-05T19:07:00.000+02:00

What to do when you wake up at 3 am from jet lag? How about an update to my "countries visited" map? 24 countries brings me to 10%, how long before I can get to 48 countries?

The passport I got in Aug of 2004 only has about a page and a half left in it. I felt quite chuffed with myself about this until I realized how few pages US passports have in them. US passports have about 14 usable pages and a Kiwi passports have about 50 - how culturally embedded is the idea of traveling or *not* between these two countries?

create your own visited country map

Noooooooo...........

2006-08-03T22:21:00.000+02:00

Wake up tomorrow, go to airport, fly for twenty odd hours... and the back to... (sniffle) work and.... (gulp) winter.

Something tells me I won't be getting much sympathy from those of you who didn't just spend your last 5 weeks on holiday.

Nonetheless, it's been good and I don't want it to end!

I almost forgot!

2006-08-03T00:17:00.000+02:00

Flickr.com, YouTube.com, and MySpace.com are all blocked by the UAE government here. Yeah censorship! When I get back to democracy, I mean New Zealand, I'll post a screen shot of the friendly block message.

(I've never had my internet censored before, that I know of, it's kinda cool in a scary way)

No big surprises today...

2006-08-03T00:12:00.000+02:00

Neither did John and I venture into a mosque nor did Dubai change my opinion of yesterday. In order to experience possibly the most gratuitous overuse of energy, we spent the day in a waterpark and the night snowboarding... in the desert. This place is crazy and even more false feeling than Vegas.

I shudder at the thought that this may be the direction of modern cities.

Damn I Miss Europe

2006-08-01T23:07:00.000+02:00

England was brilliant – polite, charming and witty, the people exuded the virtues I’ve been raised to admire. Spain was inspiring – saturated colors, saturated passions, and the perfect lifestyle.

In France, I fell in love. Food, wine, and cheese that could keep me grinning for years; coupled with beautiful cities, sophistication, and a profound appreciation for the arts that is hundreds of years old and stronger than ever. Throughout Europe the history seduced me. It struck me that with these countries deep histories came a humanistic prioritization, holding highest lifelong education and the arts.

John and I arrived in Dubai this morning, 3 hours of sleep on a plane followed by a drive through a “city” that consumerism built. I quote city as I generally feel that cities are living and breathing entities that one builds a relationship with – yet I have not felt that here in the least bit. Stunningly disorganized grandiose development studded throughout patches of empty sand. No sign of concern for aesthetics: giant roundabouts without the least sign of beautification, skylines continuously broken by massive high voltage power lines, and a landscape punctuated only by brand names, IKEA, Ace, and the directions to our villa included “turn right at the Coca-Cola roundabout”. Everything is new, very comfortable, and for sale. It should be noted the previous sentence only applies to the wealthy. I have not seen it directly, but have only read about and seen hints at how the poor are treated. Dubai seems to embody the essence of what I detest in American suburbs: chain stores, chain food, and shopping to distract your life away.

The contrast with Europe is gut wrenching. This is a first reaction, and hopefully very unfair as we have only had an afternoon in the city. This afternoon, which on the advice of our host, we spent in a “the largest mall outside of North America”. What could I possibly expect? An afternoon in a mall anywhere would probably give me this impression. I’m also quite saddened to leave friends in Europe and especially bummed to be approaching work and winter! Looking forward to seeing some more of Europe tomorrow and enjoying some 40 degree heat.

London

2006-07-28T12:30:00.000+02:00

_DSC1754.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I have my London photos up now as well, yet beware these have not been edited or even trimmed down. Just a bunch of snapshots as I can't be bothered to do much with them.

Paris photos...

2006-07-28T12:25:00.000+02:00

arch
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Are uploaded here.

Spanish photos by a yank...

2006-07-27T15:47:00.000+02:00

ventana 2
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Photos from Granada and Almunecar (sorry but don't have the squiggly 'n' to spell this correctly) are uploaded here.

Paris is being uploaded now...

Idiosyncrasy

2006-07-27T11:34:00.000+02:00

While doing the mundane task of laundry, I find two pieces of paper in my jeans. Receipts? No. Both Metro tickets, one Paris and the other Barcelona. Not something that happens hanging around in ol' Welli, and I dig it.

Ahhh.... France

2006-07-26T14:18:00.000+02:00

Via three trains, two and a half days (one on the beach in Barcelona), and the distance of two countries I've moved from the South of Spain to the Northwest of France. I'm staying in Nantes with Anne-Lise, a fabulous girl I met in Fremantle, Australia a little over a year ago.

Incredible French cuisine, food, and cheese, warm weather, fresh baguettes from the bakery downstairs, splendid company, the "french way" of the people, fresh squeezed juice for breakfast, and a flat in the middle of the city - I think I may have just described my personal nirvana.

Anne-lise got the day off yesterday and we headed for the coast, rained out a bit but caught up with some of her friends in a old walled city (Only 4 entrances through a 400,500, or older wall). A pianist, celebrated architect and artist, french girl visiting from the Ivory Coast, and others. Great folks, very little english, and many a glass of wine from the cafe crawl. I spent *a lot* of time staring off into space as I don't speak a word of French, but nonetheless had an splendid afternoon.

Booked *another* way back to London (my third now, tossed a train ticket from Paris and flight from Granada so far), I'll take the 10 minute flight from here to London on Monday where I'll catch back up with John for our flight to Dubai Monday night.

Photos coming... Emails to respond to... (from bloody January) All in due time.

By the way, Tito, a friend of Annie (John's sister-in-law in Granada) introduced me to a bad ass Cuban Hip Hop band that reminds me of what I like about Ozomatli. They're named Orishas. I especially like Emigrante and A lo Cubano. (iTMS links)

Loving the med...

2006-07-21T13:59:00.000+02:00

Flag over wall
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Wellington:
High of 8, Low of 5, Raining

Almuneca:
High of 31, Low of 21, Clear

Not to mention long days, beautiful beaches, warm water and only John has overheard someone speak english the the past week. Bloody hell, how could anyone leave!?

Work and play

2006-07-19T13:12:00.000+02:00

Also called “weeks and weekends”. I’ve been working down in Christchurch on the South Island during the week on a consulting engagement. Good for work, yet my enjoyment of living out of a suitcase has waned, fun for the first few weeks but now 4 weeks later with two more still I’m getting a bit less excited. At first seduced by an expensed lifestyle eating out at fabulous meals every night, a life of taxis, and running in a beautiful park everyday after work as my work days are barely 8 hours, yet I began to realize how much I miss my mates in Wellington. This was an excellent thing to realize, but last weekend as I landed in Wellington (I’m flown back for my weekends) I got off the plane, texted my pals to see where they were, and then found myself nearly skipping to meet them. A realization that I have made some great friends here.

Now for the fun part, what I’ve don with my weekends! Four weekends since I last wrote, I spent in Christchurch after my first week of work there. I could stay in an excellent hotel for free and had never been there so I enjoyed strolling about the city. Went out dancing Friday night with a girl I met at the place I was working, took photos of the city while strolling around (the Christchurch photos on my blog), dinner with some American girls I met in my hotel, then Sunday shot the concert of this musician I had met earlier in the week on Sunday in a beautiful suburb of Christchurch – can’t even remember the name now. It was through the mountains (about a mile long tunnel to get there) and was the port for Christchurch, a small artsy town perched on a mountain side looking over the sea.

The next weekend I took Friday off work and went to “Big Day Out” in Auckland, a one day music festival with about 60 acts including The White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, Iggy Pop, 2ManyDJs, The Magic Numbers, The Subways, and The Go! Team to name some of my favorites. (I’m actually wearing the T-shirt as I write this) I used to scoff at buying these bits of paraphernalia, yet now I wish I had ACL Fest, Flipnotics, and Stubb’s BBQ T-Shirts to wear here. It guess it is because I know I won’t be here forever and I dig a shirt that states “Blah blah blah awesome music venue, Austin, Texas or Auckland, New Zealand” instead of buying an “I’ve been to Los Vegas” shirt – the more subtle souvenirs the being the best. That or just knowing the satchel I use now I got in Singapore and my jeans I’m wearing I got in Bangkok.

Anyhow, the concert was BAD ASS! In the mosh pit before Franz Ferdinand I was smashed up against this Dutch chap and chatting with him I mentioned I was from Texas. He asks where, and I say Austin. He turns to me and shows me his shirt which was a band shirt from an Austin local! Holy hell, a Dutch guy in New Zealand! This world is small. Our last show was 2ManyDJs, my first time to truly enjoy a DJ show as proper music. These guys were awesome, and the venue was incredible! An enormous tent, 100 yards wide and about 250 yards long, 4-5 stories tall, filled to the brim with smoke, hundreds and hundreds of lasers and strobes, incredible sound, and lots of people on great drugs.

….I had written the above on a Saturday morning in the bar I live above before continuing to watch the Seven’s Tournament. My mate Scottie arrived for to join me for brunch and I’ve not updated my blog since. Terrible I know, it’s now July 17 – brunch was on February 4th.

To catch up I’ll have to summarize to say the least. Not for worry of rambling as that worry has long since been overlooked, but for my atrocious memory. I’ve kept a few notes in a Moleskine and I’ll just bring across here all those that are fit to print.

The same weekend after Friday at Big Day Out I went camping at a place called Castle Point (photos previously posted). Despite my puppy dog impersonations I had a blast at yet another stunning beautiful Kiwi locale on the coast.

After Big Day Out and camping, we had Sevens weekend. Sevens is a Ruby tournament in Wellington played with, you guessed it 7 people per side. Even better, the games are only 7 minutes per half. I’m rather sure I couldn’t over emphasis how ridiculously fanatical Kiwi’s are about their rugby, add to the mix a weekend long international tournament in the divine summer weather and you have what I would call the Kiwi Mardi Gras. Everyone goes in costume (my mates and I were pirates), lots of imbibing takes place, a fair bit of sunburn, and even parties afterwards for those with incredible stamina or a pension for party pills. To say the least it was an incredible two days. It should also be noted that it is held on Friday and Saturday, yet the Monday is a national holiday so people have two days to attempt to recover from Sevens – and even that was not enough for some. From my Moleskine: “7’s is about letting loose every kitsch impulse you’ve ever suppressed to sing along with AC/DC. Grabbing your mates shoulders and screeching along with songs while falling over the isles in a sea of beaming smiles. Saw the USA play. Waking up with eye liner on, and unable to speak from all the “pirate talk” the day before. Beautiful women – summer does have a positive effect”

Other notes from summer:

Excellent concerts in the botanical gardens with pinot noir.

Going to “The Races”, the Wellington Cup at the horse track with fashion shows and all in classy dress for a fab afternoon. Followed by a Fat Freddy’s Concert (A kiwi band you should check out on iTunes), the best part of the concert was how it exemplified some the kiwi’s core traits: the concert was truly “all ages” with everyone having a great time, huge Maori guys carrying baby girls, 70 year old matrons with nose studs pushing to the front. It became apparent to me here that in New Zealand the counter culture ceases to be counter, it’s just the culture. I guess you can’t have sub cultures with so few people? It’s just great to see that with a small population they have creatively diversified instead of conforming as I’ve seen in small Texas towns.

Long sunny days, chai lattes and economists, brunches, walks on the seafront, art gallery crawling, Sunday night jazz al fresco, rock climbing, a ride to Wellington’s south coast to walk around in a pitch black fog that hid even the ground on which you were walking… (from a single weekend)

While working in Christchurch (where I ended up for nearly two months) I had a scary realization about losing some of what I gained while traveling. Particularly, the overvaluation of time – being in a rush for no reason. I went to a pool and my locker ate a 50 cent piece, I asked the desk for more change and they said they would just send someone to open the locker. I would have rather just paid again then wait the 3 minutes, I would have even paid a couple dollars for that matter. A year ago while traveling I would have had no problem waiting an hour – now I couldn’t wait 3 minutes, is this progress or regression? (The thought makes me consciously walk slower)

Don’t know who said it, but I quoted a friend “She’s a bliddy shocker, that girl” – I’m still in love with all the accents and colloquialisms.

Had a bowling club night. Loved it. I could so be a 60 year old doing some lawn bowling in all whites. The place is covered with trophies from the 50s, they’ve only just introduced “colours” nights where you can even wear jeans (the thought!). Photo of Queen Elizabeth hanging, white V-neck sweaters and ties – some damn classy exercise. Fabulously kiwi as wealth seems to play no part, classiness amongst all classes.

The summer actually wears me out. I’ve never looked forward to winter in order to rest because I’d actually experienced a seasonal exhaustion. This doesn’t last though…

During the last week of June I traveled back to the states for 8 days. If you read this a wonder why you didn’t hear from me, it’s only because no one did as I was with family the whole time. First surprised by my mom who managed to get in the seat behind me for the Houston to Corpus leg, surprised my sister Whitney, and then spent a long weekend in Corpus (Rockport really), where the summer was most welcome as winter was setting into New Zealand. Then 4 days in Lexington, KY to surprise my sister Audrey for her high school graduation. The surprise was excellent, and the time with my family fantastic, yet overdue and short. I was surprised as after having no problem saying goodbye to Mom, Whit, Dad, Jane, Audrey, Kathryn, Christie I absolutely broke down when giving my goodbye to my brother Colin. A sorrow that really didn’t go away for at least two weeks. After not being home sick for 18 months, I was torn up by how much I missed everyone I had just been with.

Nothing like work to numb that thought, and the work piled on. July was a bit nuts, with work the month blew by as I became less and less content with the short days and cold weather (apparently one of the coldest winters in about a decade). New Zealand tends to have very poorly insulated buildings, so in winter you can wake up cold and not feel comfortable for what feels like days. Probably because I’m a Texan, but I could be found wearing an overcoat and scarf at my desk in the office this past June. Needless to say, this only made me look forward to my July holiday even more.

June 31st was the date to fly from Wellington to Auckland, stay with John’s (a mate from work in New Zealand that is traveling with me) cousin and then off on Saturday July 1. I was originally worried the travel gods had it in for me as the week before I came down with something nasty that had me thinking about calling an ambulance – high fever, aches, and even some hallucinations, etc for 3 days before I was supposed to leave. Finally on Thursday and took a turn for the better, back to work on Friday and then an attempt to finish my week of work the day I was supposed to leave. In the rush I managed even to leave my passport in the scanner at the office. An unbelievably amateur thing to do, but I knew I didn’t need it until the next day from Auckland so I arranged it to be couriered via the airline and some last minute help from my mate Scott. Spent Friday night with John’s cousin and then called the airport to confirm my passport was on its way when they tell me that Wellington airport is fogged in! So I spent a few hours in agony, calling the American consulate to see if I could get an emergency passport and calling the airport for a constant update of “no flights are out yet”. Despite delays, my passport arrived just in the nick of time. Oh yeah, I also managed to forget my toiletry bag, geez!

So off we flew from Auckland (John and I on different flights), about 4 hours to Melbourne, hour layover, then something like 16 hours to Dubai, met up with John during a 3 hour layover, and then the final 8 hours to London – arriving around 10 in the morning. A marathon effort, nonetheless I would highly recommend Emirates as they have some fantastic planes and service.

London! First time in England, first time in Europe! John crashes out upon arrival at our naff hostel around 3pm, but I couldn’t so I hopped back on the tube and only need to look at tube stops to be inspired on wear to go – London Bridge. A wee bit of wondering around and I wasn’t going to make it past 8 pm myself. Oddly, I couldn’t understand why everything seemed to be closed and I finally had to ask some girl at a tube station “Is it Saturday or Sunday”? She responds “Sunday” and quickly sidles away as she must of thought I was a complete nutter ☺

The next day John and I are up at 4:30 from jet lag, so we decide to hit the town early to say the least. Out of the hostel by 6 am we didn’t return until nearly 11 pm, walking all over the place. Turning corners I kept thinking, “Damn, this is here too!”. St. Paul’s, Tate Modern, bridges galore, the Thames, parks, castles galore, bloody famous place, bloody famous place – it was an awesome if not exhausting day, after which poor John had a fever. I felt like he was a toy with which I had played too hard.

We changed hostels to something a bit better and a lot closer to the city, then John found a flight to Dublin so the next day he was off. I caught up with, Harriett, an English lawyer I had met in Fiji 18 months before and enjoyed dinner with her and her flat mate. The next day was spent wandering around London at the end of which I caught up again with Harriet for dinner.

Then I hopped on a train (my first authentic European train travel, whoo hoo!) and flew up to Durham in the north of England at 120 MPH. I was met at the station by Miranda the bride, whose wedding brought me to Europe in the first place. I then spent two days before the wedding experiencing the most gracious hospitality and people I have ever been around. The wedding day also was a blast if not a great deal of work. I had met Tim and Miranda in Tonga about 18 months before, after which we kept up by email and upon hearing of their wedding and their trouble finding a photographer I put myself forward. Fantastically, they choose me and purchased my flights to Europe for payment. So here I was, in the North of England shooting a beautiful couple and family during an absolutely picturesque summer wedding in England’s finest weather – what more could a photographer want? How about a quaint Norman chapel wedding followed by a reception in a positively stunning 900 year old castle with immaculate grounds and rooms? Add to the mix natural light until nearly 10:30 and the fact that I was shooting friends – I was in photographer heaven. The end result of which was a daunting 3100 images, the preview of which managed to nearly have both mothers crying. Sweet as!

I then spent two more days in Durham with post wedding BBQs and a tour through my postcard imagination view of an English town, including their 1100 year old cathedral. (In tossing out these ages, remember that *Columbus* only found *The Americas* less than 600 years ago)

Back to London for two more nights (one of which with the absolutely hilarious brother of the groom) before meeting back up with John for the Eurostar to Paris. A train ride of only two and a half hours via the Channel Tunnel and we arrived in Paris! Being keen to get to the Mediterranean we only stayed for a few days catching some big sights and enjoying the fine, fine, fine French food. Then a train to Barcelona with a couple that lived in the US but were from Ecuador and Venezuela who we pumped for Spanish lessons nearly the entire time (11 hours this time). I had to be impressed as both of these kids were 18, the girl had just finished living in France for a year (not to mention becoming fluent in a third language) and the guy was about to spend a year between Spain and England, 18! Damn, I took a while to get out in the world. We enjoyed beautiful views of the south of France, the Pyrenees and finally the Med! Whoo hoo!

Barcelona was amazing, yet due to finding a last minute flight to Granada, our intended destination, we were only in town for two nights. Nonetheless, the creativity of that town seemed to drip from the walls. It was beautiful and heaving with life and definitely a place I could spend a fair bit more time in. I would just have to learn to speak some Catalonian as to my surprise Spanish is a second language – I guess I should read *something* before visiting a city.

After some delays and crazy lines we flew to Granada and a fan-bloody-tastic 105 (41) degree dry heat. After whinging for months about the cold in New Zealand I was in heaven. Lost bags and having nothing but what seemed to be a wrong number for John’s sister-in-law we headed into “el Centro”. It was siesta so everything was closed, but we found lunch and then free wifi so we were able to get Annie’s (John’s sister in law who lives in Granada) details. We later caught up with her and her husband José, and then went out around eight to see some of the town. Granada is gorgeous! Mosaic sidewalks that serve as roads between narrowly built quintessential Mediterranean architecture from the 1800’s. Arabic shops and and tapas bars abound. John and I sat in the ten o’clock sun in a plaza when John sees someone he thinks he recognizes. And of course, these bloody traveling kiwis, we meet some girls (who now live in London) with which John went to university. Joined them for dinner and then drinks were José works, shortly after they left José got off work and we decided to head home only to be dumbstruck to find it was half one in the morning.

Slept till noon in Annie and José’s flat before having to go collect our bags from the airport. Laundry and then to the bus station to head were we are now, Almuñeca. A lovely beach town where José’s mom has a beach house in a 300 year old neighborhood with the same mosaic lanes! We’re on our third day here and I’m well on my way to my stated goal of staying in one place long enough to get tan, fat, and board. Already a bit sunburn, thoroughly enjoying swims in the sea and many a leisurely drink and tapas in the numerous plaza cafes.

It’s been a while since I’ve updated this bad boy to say the least, but I’ll do my best to stay on top of it better. If anything, it is only a consequence of letting the excellent readjustment of priorities I received while traveling become unraveled while I joined the rat race. (Also why I have emails from December to still respond to, I nearly stopped reading, basically not making time for doing the fun stuff!) Photos coming soon as well, just have to find some cheap or free broadband. Until then, hasta luego.

Whoo Hoo! Earthquakes!

2006-05-17T04:41:00.000+02:00

Had our second reasonably sized earth quake inside a week last night. (First one didn't wake me but I was aware of the one last night - it was a 7.6)

Check out our earthquakes here.

Way back in march...

2006-05-16T10:03:00.000+02:00

DSC_2458.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I shot Bic Runga, great music but very little light. (I guess photography is not their main concern) ;-)

Local Music

2006-05-16T10:01:00.000+02:00

DSC_3530.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Last Friday I shot a killer concert with local bands, Hollie Smith and Olmecha Supreme.

Music...

2006-05-16T10:00:00.000+02:00

DSC_2584.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

In April I also shot Russell Crowe, which was not my favorite - but it was great catching up with an old mate that works for him.

More concerts

2006-05-16T09:58:00.000+02:00

DSC_3230.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

In April I shot Keb' Mo' which was excellent.

When to be embarrassed...

2006-05-16T01:51:00.000+02:00

I saw this site and thought it was hilarious parody, but then it dawned on me that some folks think this.

No privacy, no free speech, no free press. Yeah America!

Swaying Elephant

2006-05-14T02:52:00.000+02:00

This is what my mate Scottie says when you gets itchy feet, "Swaying Elephant" - apparently elephants in captivity began to sway. I'm laying in bed late on a Sunday morning and found this website that makes a travel map of which countries you've been to.

I'm at 20 countries which is only 8%! And when I see it visually I'm flabbergasted by these massive chunks of the world of which I've not seen a bit.

So now I'm just chomping at the bit to go to Europe in July, and also to do some serious travel again soon in South America, Africa, and Asia.

create your own visited country map

Wellington Sunrise

2006-05-02T12:08:00.000+02:00

By some weird planetary alignment, or possibly a flock of butterflies in Paris, I was asleep by half ten last night. This caused the most unexpected result of waking naturally at half six in the morning. Remember, winter’s coming on here so it’s bloody dark.

Well, as I was feeling inexplicably rested I took a stroll on the wharf that’s about 200 yards from my building this morning and grabbed a couple snapshots of sunrise.

Hope all’s well wherever y’all are!

PS I found it odd that when I put these photos up, I noticed for the first time I didn't tag them as "Travel" - crazy how at home I feel here.

Easter Weekend Photos

2006-04-23T08:02:00.000+02:00

I've got my Easter Weekend photos up. It was a fabulous time with a Kiwi, some English, Burmese, and Flemish. A beautiful vineyard on the East Cape of the North Island.

All photos are here, otherwise here are some of my favorites:

Weeks flying by...

2006-04-10T01:58:00.000+02:00

Somes to City
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Went out to Somes Island in the Wellington harbour on Saturday. It was beautiful, but have found my weeks are blazing by lately which is disconcerting. I feel it's never a good thing if life isn't highly punctuated - if not I'm not being present enough.

Also took some photos from of public art around my flat this weekend:

Edge Fest

2006-03-24T04:53:00.000+01:00

The Living End 2
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I shot a music festival last night for a local magazine last night. This Australian band "The Living End" were killer.

Elemeno P

2006-03-24T04:51:00.000+01:00

Elemeno P 1
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

And this Kiwi band rocked.

Presidents of the USA

2006-03-24T04:49:00.000+01:00

Presidents of the USA 2
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

And these guys blew me away, great show, great sound, and they're still alive!

P.O.D.

2006-03-24T04:48:00.000+01:00

P.O.D. 6
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

P.O.D. from the states. These guys were a bit on the scary side ;-)

Mettafix

2006-03-24T04:47:00.000+01:00

Mettafix 2
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

And finally, these guys from the UK.

Photos...

2006-03-05T23:15:00.000+01:00

Well I've had my first couple images published in a NZ music magazine last week, and a one of my Volvo Ocean Race images is being used on a website for some international medical regulation convention being held in Wellington.

That being said I've gotten a bit of well deserved flack for not posting any stories for a while. I actually was pages into a an update a month ago, interrupted to go see the sevens tournament and haven't quite finished yet. I do promise a small novel is on it's way...

In the mean time here are some images from the Women's World Cup of Cycling held this weekend in Wellington. A beautiful day and very cool racing that went right below the window of my flat!

Cheers, y'all!

Also shot this...

2006-02-23T01:29:00.000+01:00

DSC_1205.JPG
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

...As a spectator at least. The Volvo Ocean Race (formerly the Whitbread) came through Wellington this year and the boats were incredible!

I promise there are real updates coming...

2006-02-23T01:24:00.000+01:00

Hexstatic 7
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

But until then, I shot a DJ show (terrible light and almost no performance value) but very cool video show and great music. Hexstatic (I believe from the UK & and part of the Ninja Tunes group)

Castle Point Photos

2006-02-01T06:55:00.000+01:00

Castle Point
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Here are my castle point photos (stories to come)

Photos from music shoot

2006-02-01T06:29:00.000+01:00

Natalie Elms1
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

A couple of them are up here if you are interested.

Christchurch Photos

2006-02-01T06:27:00.000+01:00

Wall1
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I've got some cityscape photos from Christchurch up here now.

Yippee!

2006-01-15T21:55:00.000+01:00

Finally did my first live music photo gig in NZ yesterday. Small venue, singer songwriter, and plenty of fun. (Also close to getting on staff at a music magazine in Wellington) Whoo Hoo!

More catch up...

2006-01-14T09:53:00.000+01:00

Christmas and New Years over the summer break were excellent. The pictures have been up for a while, but thought I should give them a bit of narrative as well.

Our offices closed on the Thursday before a Sunday Christmas with Thursday not really being work. Board games, xbox, darts, beer, wine unabashedly came out by noon. Along with those was the excitement of an upcoming holiday break, with friends going to Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt… these Kiwi’s know how to travel.

I opted to work through the break to same as much holiday as possible for my trip to Europe in July, as it turned out it still felt very much like a holiday.

After about a half a day of work with maybe 4 out of 90 people I hopped on a ferry to the South Island to meet my friends Sal and Paul for Christmas. The ferry is between Wellington and Picton – landing about half nine in the evening. Picton is a very small town, yet I had to get from there to Nelson (about 2 hours away) to meet my pals. Once I determined that there were no busses available that time of night, I left Sal and Paul know via test message. Being the planner that I am, this was about 20 minutes before the ferry was to leave. I promptly received a phone call from Sal insisting that they come pick me up, to which I insisted they do no such thing as I was determined to try and hitch a ride for the first time in my life. After a few minutes on the phone and letting her know the ferry was late and I wouldn’t land in Picton until 11 pm now – she and Paul acquiesced to my demands. I hit end on the mobile and the guy sitting next to me asked me where I was off to. To which I replied Nelson, and he offered me a ride. I must admit I was almost disappointed with how easy that was – not 30 seconds went by and now someone asked me if I wanted a ride!

I boarded with Sam, a good looking guy about my age, living in Wellington but from Nelson informed me that these were the roughest seas he had ever seen – and he’d been riding the ferry for about 10 years. Sure enough from the forward lounge, you could barely stay in your seat, and the spray when we broke through swells whited out the windows. This lounge by the way is seven stories above the water in a 500-foot ship that even carries bloody trains. Needless to say, I loved it!

By 3 am Sam dropped me off where Paul and Sal picked me up in Nelson and we made the last 20 minute treck from Nelson to Mapua, the very, very small town of which we were staying outside. We stayed in Mapua Leisure park (say leisure with a british accent and it’s much more fitting). The two brits and I in a chalet 200 meters from the Tasman Sea, for 4 days we basically didn’t move. Sal and Paul are vegetarian and Sal is quite maternal so I was spoiled with fresh fruits and vegetables as I sat in the sun, read Harry Potter, and took breaks to play petonque (French lawn bolling – rather sure I misspelled it). It is the most stationary and most relaxed I’ve been in months. The sound of gentle waves lulled me to sleep each night, the milky way was out in force, and even during the day the quite that only nature provides enveloped us. Cell phones only worked standing atop of a tree stump 200 meters from our chalet, but the beach was closer, so it did more calling. Absolutely glorious.

We sat in front of the chalet on Christmas morning and opened presents around the picnic table, enjoyed the sun, and then stuffed ourselves with a feast we barbequed. Summer Christmases are quite nice, yet not all that different from South Texas in temperature, only in the length of days with the sun setting here after ten.

Took the ferry back Tuesday to get back to work, all three days of the work week as Monday and Tuesday were bank holidays. At this point, I officially decided to start my Christmas beard, as I wouldn’t be seeing any clients. Thursday afternoon I realized New Years was during the upcoming weekend so Friday at lunch I decided to plan a trip – yet again my talent for planning shining through.

Bought tickets at 6:15 for a 7:00 flight back to Nelson, transport from the airport to a hostel in Motueka. Saturday morning to be picked up by a Kayaking company for a two-day trip through the Abel Tasman National Park (Northwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island). Then a night in Marahow to be followed by a two day sailing trip through more of Abel Tasman before flying back to Wellington on Wednesday morning where I would head straight to work. Not to bad for no planning, eh?
Went on a gourmet, fully catered Kayaking trip where I only had to provide myself with 3 other people (a British couple and a Dutch chap). It was amazing, immaculate weather – except for the start when we got 55 knot gusts, but that only lasted for the very first hour. The water looked liked the Caribbean, but there were seals in it. Afterwards we continued downwind and enjoyed world-class beauty - stopping on beaches for tea, lunch and finally for camping on New Years Eve. With the long days I was taken aback by counting down to 2006 only about an hour after it got dark. Truly beautiful.

The wind was kicking up again so my sailing trip was cancelled, instead I popped back to Wellington Monday night after spending the day with Hanna, a lovely Finnish architect.

Tuesday was great back in Wellington where I met and spent the day with a German named Connie. (As it turns out I went out last night with Theresa, a Kiwi) I only bring up these girls because of how blown away I am by how worldly the rest of the world is. Of these three girls I went out with; Hanna went to school in London, speaks Finnish, English, French, and Russian, Connie grew up in Africa, speaks German, English, and Swahili (at 19 was jumping over to London for the weekend), and now Theresa who lived in Thailand for a year so she speaks English, Thai, and French. All of them had lived overseas before they were 20 and this didn’t stop; they’re all smart, confident, and capable. I can’t imagine seeing the world has hurt, so I wonder what happens to my countrymen that are famous for not travelling?

Well, the Wednesday after new years it was back to another gruelling three-day week with two of us in the office and lots of breaks to play the X-box. The weekend was filled with people returning from holidays, telling stories, and winding me up about my beard.

A day in the office and then down to Christchurch for a three week consulting engagement, from where I’m now writing you. Sitting in a little garden attached to my room sipping tea and feeling thoroughly commonwealth.

More importantly I’m aware that in two days I will have been overseas for one year… a whole year. A year that has flown by in the sense it has never dragged. Yet, at the same time when I reminisce it feels like a lifetime. I must say that I do feel I am living, sucking the marrow, taking the path less travelled, and it is definitely making all the difference. As Dougal my flatmate says, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time.”

Family and friends are in my thoughts and heart as I think about how long it has been; yet of the things I’m surprised to miss, I most miss the soulful passion of America. I experienced most threw great singers, and I wonder why I don’t feel it here. Is it because it is too easy here, virtually everyone is healthy, happy, and satiated? Do you need struggle to bring out what inspired Jazz and Hip-hop? It is wonderfully easy and comfortable here, but will I grow board of it?

This is by no means a desire to return, but merely one to keep travelling and to travel further afield. But where to next?

“No worries” as the Kiwis say... and live, I’ve got at least another year to figure that out.

Gratuitous extra shot

2006-01-04T06:14:00.000+01:00

Lunch Stop 4
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Here's where we stopped for lunch on New Year's Eve. Right before I shot this there was a seal swimming around in the rocks (bottom left hand side of this photo)!

New Year's Eve Photos

2006-01-04T05:56:00.000+01:00

Before Sunset at Campsite
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I went on a Kayaking trip last minute in Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island. Here are the photos from the weekend.

Photos from Queenstown

2005-12-29T01:47:00.000+01:00

Lake 1
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Here are the photos from Jessie, Julie, and my trip to Queenstown earlier this month.

Merry Christmas from NZ!

2005-12-29T01:46:00.000+01:00

Pohutukawa
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

This is a Pohutukawa blossom, from a tree known as the "Kiwi Christmas Tree". Great thing about a spring time Christmas is that things are in bloom!

Also have photos from my Christmas weekend here.

Fortnight of Firsts

2005-12-23T03:09:00.000+01:00

So it has been more than a fortnight, but Kiwi’s use the term all the time and I just had to pull it out for fun.

Not a whole bunch has happened if I look back on the last few weeks, which means I’m probably working too much. Nonetheless, I had my first earthquake! A 4.6 while I was playing X-box at the office, so it didn’t even register with me for about 15 seconds at which point when I asked the guy I was playing with if we just had an earthquake. He response was yes, and then he swiftly killed me for my lack of concentration.

Actually with a bit a thought, lots have happened. Jessie and Julie from Austin visited for many nights of fun, a four-day trip to Queenstown, climbing mountains, BBQ, and 11 PM sunsets! (Pictures coming after Xmas)

That reminds me, my camera is fixed! (Like finding out a pet is going to pull through surgery) Sweetness, thanks to kiwi get it done attitude. Nikon here actually re-soldered a connection. I have to assume I would have been told to replace well before soldering ever happened back stateside.

I got my tickets for my trip to Europe in July and the leave without a blink. (July 1 to August 5) As it turns out my Dad and step-mom will be in Italy during that time so I’ll meet them there, as I probably won’t be back in the states for another year. On the way back I’ll got four days in Dubai to see my first of the Middle East, yet this is a very westernised city – it should still be a ball.

I’ve been terrible about updating the blog as well as returning email… apologies to all waiting for email (emails stretching back 2 months!) but it’s happening over the break – better late than never.

So I’m bolting from work in a couple hours to cruise down to the Malboro Sounds and join some Enlgish friends for a couple of days sitting in a cabin amongst Fjords for a great view and some relaxation!

Merry Christmas to all! I’ll be toasting you all with sunsets at 11, flip-flops, and 80-degree warmth wishing you all the best!

You know you away from the US when....

2005-12-02T05:35:00.000+01:00

I received my official invitation to apply for residency in New Zealand! Now I get to go get chest X-Rays, FBI files, and other fun documentation.

Also, I saw some new VW car today I not see before, the Touran. I saw it and thought to myself it's odd I didn't know about this car. I've always been mildly a car buff and a big fan of V-dubs, so why didn't I know about this? Then it hit me, I'm no longer emerged the ultimate consumer society of the US. A dramatic realization I came about subtly is how much less advertising I am exposed to, moreover that I don't have that itch to buy stuff anymore. Don't know if it just me and not my environment, but I dig the change.

Happy Friday, y'all.

Hello Again!

2005-11-28T11:20:00.000+01:00

Wow it’s amazing how I fast time flies. I guess it’s been a month since my last post, yet thankfully it feels like quite a bit longer.

If anything I want to insure I don’t fall into autopilot and realize that a year has past that feels like a month. I always prefer months that feel like years.

So what has happened in Trey’s life? (By the way I hope this day-to-day journal isn’t nearly as dull as it feels writing; I am also hoping I’ll appreciate having it one day)

My office rugby team has had their first, second, third, and now eight game. Despite having only triumphed in one, we have had a ball and I must say I might have a new favourite (spelling I have to get used to for work) team sport – well at least to watch. Granted I have never really enjoyed watching any sports, rugby doesn’t have to do much to come out as my “favourite”.

I revert back to my notes to see the ups and downs of the month….

• I spent an entire weekend at work, yet thanks to the Kiwi work/life balance I’ve been given an extra two days of holiday to take for the effort.

• I’m still on my first tank of gas in my scooter – since July!

• I listen to NPR and Austin’s KUT on podcasts still and was impressed again with one of our countries strengths when the KKK led a protest in support of Proposition 2 in Texas. I couldn’t possibly disagree more with their views, but am so impressed with a country that tolerates those views and allows them to be broadcast. Yet, I was then utterly ashamed when Texas passed prop 2 – how can this place I call home, that I love so much, be so hatefully bigoted? How can the great state of Texas represent blatant prejudice, not in the back room of a farmhouse with the former generation that is often tolerated with the “they were brain washed” argument? But in our polls with landslide figures! What is happening to my home while I am away?

• Went to the Toast Martinborough Wine & Food Festival last weekend, which had the perfect combination of great wine, food, music, and friends.

• Like having a pet die, I had to take my camera into the shop. We’ll see if I have to purchase “the next one”, until then (possibly 6 weeks) I won’t be shooting. Damn this kills me!

• A wonderful English couple I befriended in Tonga have hired me to shoot their wedding in July - in the UK! So Europe for my annual month long holiday (thank you Kiwi holidays) in Europe! I plan to be in the UK for about a week then head south by train… not to much planned after that other than to insist on not moving around that much – afteral I’ll be back plenty I’m sure. Looks like I may not get back to the States for possibly another year, but anyone that misses me should just come to New Zealand or meet me in Europe – tell me that doesn’t sound like more fun?!

• I have been accepted to apply for residency in New Zealand after submitting my “Expression of Interest”. I realized I may not have laid out my plan so well before so here is the very rough version (I don’t intend it to ever be very concrete): Stay here for at least 2 summers saving money, then fly to Malaysia for a year long over land trip taking me into Africa (obviously I’ll get on a boat here and there). I hope to go through Malaysia, Borneo, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, India, Iran (maybe), Israel, Libya, Egypt, Kenya, (other African nations) – at the end of which I want to go to Europe and work in a non-English speaking country. This is about as rough as plans get. I have also considered taking off in two summers to work in South America as a volunteer and get my Spanish is good shape. The one thing that is certain is that nothing is certain. In that vein I am applying for residency in order to start the clock on my New Zealand citizenship. If I happen to be here for three years I’ll have it to go along with my US citizenship which would allow me to live here or Australia if/when I wanted to – not to mention travel on a Common Wealth passport and possibly less inflammatory one.

• I’ve actually caught myself getting nostalgic for the US watching West Wing DVDs from the Library (I have a Library card as of yesterday). I know I’m away when upon seeing the Chilean embassy walking today I realized I have not idea where the US embassy is – but there is one within a mile of my flat.

• I’m so ashamed to admit this…. Yet, having the unbelievably orderly British way here is rubbing off on me. I ironed my pillow cases today (I know pelt me with rocks – it’s ridiculous)

New Zealand celebrated Guy Fawks Day a few weeks back, a day celebrating some guy who attempted to blow up the king in 1605 (in England as there were no Europeans here then). The whole premise of this day cracks me up, as the guy was basically a terrorist. So one must wonder what all the fireworks represent? Apparently, the night started out with bonfires to celebrate the safety of the King, but now the Brits and Kiwis celebrate Guy Fawks in a way to “stick it to the man”.

Independent of the history the night was awesome. Great BBQ/costume party (the Kiwi’s love their “fancy dress” parties), some American girls I had become aquatinted with through a British Girl I met in Fiji were in for the night and we had ball. The fireworks over the bay were awesome. Yet running late to see them we walked into some folk’s backyard, introduced ourselves, and enjoyed the fireworks from Mt. Victoria. A panoramic view of the city lights horseshoeing around the bay, fireworks going off at eye level that appeared to eclipse the bay in size, in a still cool night extenuated by the bay mirroring the colourful explosions above.

On the subject of holidays, Thanksgiving passed last week. I was curious what it would feel like without family – yet it didn’t really feel like Thanksgiving so I wasn’t so bothered. Of course I had to take the mickey out of my friends by wishing them all a Happy Thanksgiving. My friends John and Sarah planned a huge BBQ for the occasion, with the invitation inviting all to take advantage of the holiday with their “token American”. The weather didn’t cooperate so we resorted to plan B, an awesome night at a fabulous restaurant – which I must say would put up a hard fight to be topped by any BBQ.

This past week my friend Vic from San Francisco visited. Austin dot com, to Standford, to BioTech in Silicon Valley… and now travelling for 6+ months. (see anyone can do this – that’s my prod for the month) We had a ball, I showed him through Wellington in the evenings and despite only travelling for a month he greatly appreciated having access to a “home” for a week.

This last weekend I’ve been a bit sick or “crook” as the Kiwis say. Nonetheless, I had a great weekend, specifically brunch on Saturday. Vic and I hopped up the Cable Car that is below my flat, climbed about 300 feet vertically into the Botanical Gardens where we met my friend Elisabet, a fabulous German girl I’ve met here. Walked through a misty day to the rose gardens where we had coffee and brunch sitting on leather couches in a greenhouse. Natural and bright light shown as we chatted, reclined, read the paper – all the while with views of the fields of roses blurred by the rain on the panes of glass that encased us.

Sunday I wandered to a movie, then Te Papa (the Kiwi version of the Smithsonian). Only visited the café, yet I was again taken aback by the enormity of the architecture. I love to concretely remind myself of the enormity of things external. Similar to my day today, strolling through the gardens again, I renew my amazement with the beauty that surrounds. I notice myself looking up again. This sense of quite literally widening my perspective by looking up reminds me of travelling again. Noticing the rooflines, trees, sky, and mountains – unlike the “rat race” which has me see only my computer, sidewalk, next source of sustenance – a shrinking of my view.

This makes me think about my lifestyle. I wrote about it to my friend George and was curious if I’ve put it down in words here… so out of laziness I’ll just copy it from my email.

Life here is good. I live in a flat in downtown Wellington, a city that feels quite like a miniature San Francisco to me. I really enjoy the lifestyle I'm living now. I have a 4 minute walk to work though 360 degrees of concrete along crowded sidewalks stuffed with clothing boutiques and coffee shops. Work is great as it is truly challenging me and I honestly believe it is moving my career forward as I am working with large organizations and large networks. Nonetheless, the work environment is fantastic. Our Wellington office has the vast majority of the company with about 90 people; it is very young, full of energy, and the company prides its self on its meritocracy and flat, young culture. All the desks are covered with legos, pictures, sports balls, and nerf guns, while the aisles between desks are jammed with mountain bikes and kayak paddles. With no offices or separators, the place is loud and high energy - constantly reminding me of a newsroom.

I have met some lovely people. Lots through my work and unlike my previous work experience I relate exceptionally well with my colleges. With folks from the office: I go running Mondays and Wednesdays, play rugby Tuesday and Thursdays, play soccer on Fridays, race sail boats on the weekends, go hiking in the mountains, road trips around New Zealand wine country, kayaking in sounds, and really enjoy myself.

Well that’s plenty blathering for tonight, yet to give a bit of reading value for my blog I thought I would recommend a couple things I’ve been consuming lately:

New Music:
Melissa Greener (Austin)
Porterdavis (Austin)
Hurts to Purr (Austin) - not on iTunes yet
Andy Guthrie (USA)

Podcasts (if you aren’t listening to these you should check ‘em out):
NPR’s “On The Media”

Fresh Bread from a French bakery! Whoo hoo!

Flowery Photos

2005-11-01T06:11:00.000+01:00

planttop
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

More pictures from this weekend in Auckland. (Set available here)

New things.

2005-10-30T02:21:00.000+01:00

I am on my first official business trip, whoa ho! Working with Automobile Association of New Zealand’s 80+ websites and trying to figure out how to integrate them all and leverage them better towards their business goals. (That’s the spiel at least)

A bit daunting though, when I flew in Friday morning and upon arriving at their office I realize I’m pulling up to a 20 story building that is one (granted the headquarters) of 140 odd locations. A building topped with the two letters I’ve been writing about in my proposals of late “AA”. I won a bit more business at last minute, so I’ll stay in Auckland through Tuesday to build an infrastructure strategy for the Human Rights Commission of NZ… hold onto your seats; I know how you must all be dying to do something so riveting! Really though, I must admit this is the best job I’ve ever had and I’m having a ball.

So over the weekend I decided to check back into the City Garden Lodge, one of my favorite hostels I’ve stayed in. I can’t tell you how much some time on my own has been awesome. Spent Saturday dragging a camera around Auckland and enjoying not having any conversations. I forget how good a solid few days without conversations is for me. Not to say I haven’t yet again met wonderful people in the hostel. This reinforces the whole “don’t forget to travel theme” for me. The travelers are the most relaxed, happy, and glowing people I’ve ever been around – and it’s contagious. I love that when my room was waking up at 8:30 on Saturday and I was wondering why so early, I remembered that days don’t have any meaning while traveling. Things to not forget.

I jumped into taking more pictures of plants and flowers; I’m a bit enchanted by their form as of late. Spring is in the air and I love shooting the perfection that only nature can create. I’m reminded of my desire to shoot body as landscape nudes. Not sure how I could make that happen, don’t want to use women I’m dating (dodgy to say the least). So I could always try to hire models, but what would the classified look like? WANTED: Nude female models, flawless skin, immaculate muscle tone, horse-faces no problem. I would have to kick my own ass if I could honestly seek someone in that way. Of coarse, I relish the form nature creates – including that in the body, which is the epitome of objectifying someone. Hum… do I deserver a self-delivered can of whoop ass?

So I more pictures on the way, ignore them if you are already bored of my “flower” phase.

Picture Time!

2005-10-24T23:13:00.000+02:00

This is when you should cringe. Like when an uncle wants to do a slideshow of his trip to the Grand Canyon - it'll only take a couple hours. What else do you have to do?

Had a great time this weekend and here are some photos. First, at long last I took some photos of where I live. So here is my flat (We are the top floor of the building):

And My Street:

Saturday we hoped in the car by 9AM and drove north letting a coin flip be our guide. As it turned out heads took us to the west coast.

And holy hell, yes that is four of us in a Mini Cooper!

We ended up in small town and back roads via our coin destiny, and took advantage of empty roads for a group photo.

Driving through NZ countryside I was amazed at how pretty it is so I have to throw in at least one blurry from the car shot:

We even ended up going through some town that was is the "Gum Boot Capital of New Zealand". I still have issues with the accent, so I asked the 'what' boot. To which they responded, you know Wellingtons. I then proceeded to become more confused. Finally I realized we were talking about rain boots. The 'ol gumboot capital will never be the same.

(By the way we're jumping off a giant corrugated iron gum boot, gotta love small towns)

We finally ended up in Taupo for the night where we checked in to the last beds in town. Ran down to the hot tub and enjoyed a night of hot tubing, playing pool, pizza, and finally out to the bars.

Next day we were up slowly and had just enough energy to get breakfast and then lie down in the grass along lake Taupo and soak up the sun. Eventually we decided to get picnic foods and start back south along the east coast.

The weather was incredible and view was even more stunning. We stopped at a hill, jumped a fence, and ran up the hill for a picnic - only to be blown away by the view. (or at least as a foreigner I was)

The Car:

The Walk:

The View (You should click on this one to see it big):

And the gratuitous group shot:

Finally a picnic later in a sunny field (the sheep hill had too many remnants of it's inhabitants)

And then we arrived in Napier for a winery tour. Beautiful place, gorgeous day, and as we strolled around some vintage Rolls Royce’s showed up with a wedding party. It was idyllic.

Finally we hopped back in the Mini, tuned into "Mini FM" (My iPod) and enjoyed the rest of our 20 odd hours of music we heard throughout the weekend.

Slept like a rock only to wake up to a Monday off! I love Labour Day in any country!

It was rainy but pleasant, saw the movie "The World's Fastest Indian". Did this get shown much back in the states? If so you should see it, the accent is dead on and the character is very "Kiwi".

Hope you all enjoyed your weekends! Cheers from down under.

Norah nights

2005-10-19T13:39:00.000+02:00

It's midnight, just finished reading a chunk of Microserfs by Douglas Coupland - which is shaping up to be very entertaining. I feel like a real geek for getting virtually every reference to technology, but I love how this story told of startup software engineers is about relationships. Timely as well, as I begin to become aware of my own relationships while working in a software company. (creepy coincidence)

Disconcertingly, I've fallen back into needing to do things with people. This may sound weird, but there was a huge liberation in the 6 months of travel to learn how happy one can be just doing their own thing. Now I'm having a blast and making great friends, yet other people feel almost like a crutch as I spend so little time on my own. I wonder how much of my unease is due to the knowledge of near certain ends of all the relationships I'm building when I leave. (Yet another life lesson for me - all relationships certainly end) I guess this is one of those, "It's the journey, not the destination" things. Funny that being with people has made me lonely.

A goal of mine when I got to Wellington, and I think I need to do this soon, is to do a multiple day hike on my own. This scares me. Not the being by myself in the wilderness, but not having someone to talk to. I have to wonder about people (me) who need continuous external stimulation, what are we afraid of hearing from ourselves?

On the social butterfly front, things are fantastic. Our flat warming party (held in the bar downstairs) was a smashing success. About 200 people, 5 bartenders, DJ, and even folks walking around with appetizers - how flash! More to the point, it was a freaking awesome time. I was surprised that I had 50 friends to invite after only living here for ~4 months. (nearly missed trouble by inviting 5 women) I love how friendly people are here! Saw the sky lighten up when I finally hit the sack at half 5, only to wake up a couple hours later for yacht racing on Sunday. (Bring our the violin)

Next Monday is Labour Day and we have a three-day weekend. So in Craig Nehrkorn style, I'm hoping in a car with Kelly, Julie, and Simon and we are driving wherever a coin flip leads us. (First flip for North or South) Just have to be back Monday night. I'm looking forward to getting out of the city for a couple days and seeing the stars again.

I'm knackered from sprint training today (getting into an exercise regime with coworkers) and I've got rugby tomorrow so I'll say good night.

Happy Thursday, from the bottom of the world!

Eastbourne Photos

2005-10-18T04:02:00.000+02:00

flowers1
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

I've got photos from Eastbourne up finally... Only took me a 3 weeks, a month? But who's counting?

Malleable Plans

2005-10-12T10:36:00.000+02:00

Wednesday evening around 6 PM at the office I realized the Black Eyed Peas were playing that night, so I had to go. Being the social bunny I am, I talked a work colleague into joining. Americans are pushy; add to that my "Guinn-ness" and you have an unstoppable force - naturally, Kristie couldn't say no.

A freaking amazing concert! A great part of living on the edge of the world is that you can see a huge act like the Peas with only about 3000 other people and buy your ticket at the door. A door, which I have to add, is maybe 400 yards from my front door. Follow that with a great night on the town and I think I enjoyed no less than 5 hours of solid dancing before collapsing at half 2. (Work was a blast the next day)

Weekend rolled around and the race was moved to Sunday due to a massive front on Saturday that would have cancelled the race (For some reason they can't start races in gale force winds, go figure?). Yet this was the killer for my race plans as Sunday I was set to volunteer with Foster kids. I was gutted to miss the race, but I had an awesome time with the kids. Something about the fact that I act like a 12 year old helps me get along quite well with 12 year olds.

An exhausting weekend of fun and now back at work, yet more importantly getting ready for the flat party this weekend. Quite concerned that we can't have more than 150 in the bar and we have about 150 RSVPs from people planning to bring a friend. It should pretty damn good time. I'll have to be on the pictures - speaking of, I've got to get some up from the other weekend. Will do soon.

And oh yeah, Happy Columbus Day!

Um… Anyone still checking this stale ol’ thing?

2005-10-04T13:00:00.000+02:00

Sorry for the long silence, I’ve been busy – but this is the worst excuse. A lesson I learned while traveling and having nothing really to do for weeks and months at a time, ‘I always have time – having too much to do is because I am trying to do too much.’

So for a catch up as I apparently haven’t made a terribly large amount of time for this neglected blog:

To pick up where I left off, I went snowboarding for the first time… 4 weekends ago. It was freaking awesome! I’m buying a season pass next season – that’s all there is to it. By the end of the first day I was on top of the mountain taking on blacks. Second day on a high performance board I was discovering the power of edges and crushed my cell phone’s LCD during a face plant. (Fixed in an hour on Monday – I love having a nice, cheap, and basic phone) By the end of the second day I experienced an exhaustion I’m not sure I have ever felt before. It was literally a challenge to stand for about 36 hours – now that’s what I call a good time!

Then I went to work for a week… yeah work.

Then a weekend out on the town and sailing. Saturday Sailing this time with the spring season opener. These guys are amazing sailors and very serious. The boats and sails are covered with sponsors and we even had a helicopter watching the race! We sailed in 25-30 knot winds and hit 12 knots surfing the kite downwind! (We are only on a 33 foot boat) I hope to get out and shoot a race when I’m not sailing because it is beautiful. Saturday night we had a big awards banquet for our office. A lot of fun, I DJ’ed the dancing later in the night as I watched my ~100 coworkers have no problem getting completely trolleyed (kiwi-ism for drunk). Was supposed to join folks out but fell asleep fully dressed and sitting up on couch when I went to drop off my laptop at 2 AM. Awoke the next morning and had text messages from Kristie, Kelly, and Julie between 3 and 4 am asking where I was – there is definitely some fun to be had here. Sunday for recovery with a visit to the museum and some Jazz at a local café with my friend Elisabet (German girl who speaks German (go figure), English, French, and Thai – freaking Thai!) that turned into a late night with following drinks at Matterhorn (a favorite local haunt). Being the geek that I am, a high point of the weekend was when I had to go fill up my scooter. Why you ask? Because I realized I have used 1 gallon of petrol in 10 weeks – now that’s a lifestyle I dig. (Granted 1 gallon of petrol is $7)

Another week of work… (and a great reggae concert with a guy that was actually Bob Marley’s producer, Lee “Scratch” Perry)

Then I went snowboarding again!! Whoo hoo! This time I took Friday off and hit three days straight. (I love that after 3 months of work I already have 5 days of vacation time) Went up with a great guy I met at work named Scotty. A huge traveler, along with apparently every other Kiwi I’ve met. This guy even managed to get kidnapped in Morocco – now that’s a story that will be hard to top. Started landing jumps Friday, Saturday landed a jump from a frozen waterfall (second try). And Sunday I climbed to the summit (9,200 feet) of the active volcano we were snowboarding on to feel the 60 MPH winds trying to blow us in the massive crater lake hundreds of feet below. The snow, ice, and wind were blinding and deafening – so what better thing to do but snowboard down through it?

Then back to work for a week…

Friday night out with the work crew, but must admit it’s hard to keep up with these kiwis – they do like to party. Then Saturday with a ferry ride to Eastbourne (suburb across bay) for hiking with Simon (English pal) and Marie (Swedish gal) and finally pulled my camera out again. It had sat dormant too long – will upload some photos at work tomorrow. Beautiful hike on a great day. On the ferry ride back we sat on the top deck, had red wine, and watched the sunset, magnificent. Met another German, Ilka, sitting next to us and the four of us managed to leave the ferry at 7:30 pm and not get home until 3 am. Sunday was more racing on “Flying Boat” and an invite to race on the “Brothers Race”. I’m thrilled as this is an offshore race across the Cook Strait and back. The Cook Strait, I’m told, is one of the more vicious in the world. We are in the Roaring Forties to start, and then it is sandwiched between two seas of different temperature, and lastly between two mountainous islands with world famous currents. I’m heard stories of previous years with 11 knot currents, 20 foot breaking swells crashing over the boat, and flying spinnakers in 40 knots of wind! The race can last anywhere from 9 to 36 hours depending on wind and currents, but this year the forecast is for large fronts to blowing through during the race. To register with the crew manager for the race I had to give my next of kin – now this is some real fun. Because everyone knows you can’t have real fun unless your life is danger…right?

I have managed to sleep well following these weekends. I really missed ACL Fest, but at the time I was climbing a volcano and snowboarding down – so I guess I’ll live.

I’ve started another week of work, which despite my previous descriptions on this entry is really fun. The people are great, the work is challenging and fun and I’m getting to start doing some really big projects. I’m currently implementing the hosting platform (that I designed it a few weeks ago) for the NZ government’s most busy website. I’m being flown to Auckland for a week to give my opinion to AA (NZ’s version of AAA) on how to do their ecommerce and integrate their website and intranet securely. And the best for last – today I was accepted by the NZ postal service to design their first centralized network directory. (~10,000 users and multiple business units, only one of which is NZ’s 3rd largest bank) So, work is great – challenging as hell, but a blast.

All the wonderful things in the world won’t change the fact that I miss family and friends back home. Yet, I also miss people I’ve met around the world. This is the worst characteristic of traveling on to new and exciting things, good-byes. Yet, without them, I wouldn’t have all the new hellos.

A Birthday Weekend to Remember

2005-09-08T13:08:00.000+02:00

Well half the office left at noon for the ferry terminal and proceeded to drink coffee in the sun and wait for the ferry to board. I was astounded to find that the ferry was large enough that it carried trains, and once boarded upon the top deck, 8 stories above the water, I was thrilled by the view.

The party pretty much started at the bar aboard amongst strolls onto a sun-drenched deck as we watched the north island slip away and the snow capped peaks of the south island approach. It was a gorgeous trip and I realize how seduced I am by ship travel, falling in the company of train travel as some of my favorites.

Arrived in Picton, New Zealand, a seaside town tucked into the Marlboro Sounds, just in time to turn it upside down. Checked into fabulous apartments with plasma TVs and gorgeous views (did I mention my office is paying for the trip?) only to move rapidly to dinner and then our private party in the apartment next door.

Gluttony ensued.

It was an absolute blast as the drinks flowed and the dancing commenced (thank you iPod for DJ’ing the event). By 2 AM I retired to the “Girl’s Apartment” that I just had my arm twisted to stay in.

Half 7 came very, very early as I arose for kayaking: a gorgeous day of kayaking along the narrow sounds surrounded by towering mountains. 20 Kilometers of kayaking in calm water to see seals and starfish and by the end I was reasonably knackered.

Retired to the porch of my apartment for jazz over tea and I was in heaven as I watched the sun drop between the cloud capped mountains of the sounds. Fell asleep after dinner and watching ruby – I’m still not a really a sports fan (Oh well).

Then half 6 really came atrociously early as I crawled to breakfast and then to the dive shop. And hour of half airborne boat riding and 14 millimeters of wetsuit later I was diving 90 feet deep on a 300 foot Russian cruise ship. Spooky and excellent in the 40 degree water.

On the way back the scale of the sounds astounds me. My eyes fixed on a bird, as I focused out I notice that it is a microscopic spec amongst the massive green mountain that was the shore. Then I see that this green giant of a mountain is moving relative to and being dwarfed by the more distant mountain as we speed along in the dive boat. Calm, deep ocean is woven among all of this and I’m in heaven.

By Sunday night the ferry ride home is all the excitement my body has left to handle. I sleep like the dead… and it goes in the books as one hell of a weekend.

My week continues with more work that I’m thoroughly enjoying (but wouldn’t bore you with), finally starting to call magazines and producers to drum up photography business and joining the office rugby team. It’s touch rugby, but a blast nonetheless. Not to mention, who wouldn’t enjoy leaving work for hour and a half to play sports!?

Have I mentioned I like working here yet?

I’m off to snowboarding tomorrow afternoon for my first time. (It’s winter here) And by the end of the weekend I’m sure I’ll be thoroughly bruised and very happy. Some friends and I are renting a chalet for the weekend and I can’t wait to wake up amoungst snow-capped mountains!

Next weekend is a big office party that they play up like the Oscars: awards, speeches, and then plenty of dinner, drinks and dancing.

And, I’ve got to get on the invitations for our flat warming party! 150 people between our flat and the bar downstairs - In a few weeks I’ll be sure to have my sleep interrupted by more fun again. Of coarse this will probably happen most days between now and then anyways.

To living life to it’s fullest! I’m sending my love to all you guys at home and around the world. -Trey

PS A huge thanks to the wonderful birthday cards via mail and email - you guys made my freakin' month!

Katrina

2005-09-07T12:03:00.000+02:00

My thoughts are consumed by all involved with Hurricane Katrina. It dominates the news here and I've even seen the Salvation Army collecting here.

It's crazy to be somewhere that people talk about Katrina as some far off thing affecting people somewhere else in the world. Just an excellent reminder that anytime we see something awful on the news - it's always someone's home.

This time it's mine.

Sending my hope and concern from the Southern Hemisphere.

Ironing with a spring in my step.

2005-08-28T14:04:00.000+02:00

Its a new dawn, its a new day its a new life for me. And Im feeling good. Oh sing it Nina! Im ironing some shirts for the coming week of work. Fallen into a Sunday routine of taking turns making dinner with Dougal, doing our ironing, and watching a movie.

Today the flat reverberates with Ms. Simons fabulous lyrics and they resonate all through me.

Thank you Jane & Dad for the clothes, all 100 lbs! I wore my boots out last night and I must say they work here, seventy-four hundred and forty miles from Texas. Like a magnetic force, we travelers managed to congregate in the midst of a packed bars as I met more brits last night - planning a ski trip with them weekend after this coming one down on the south island.

Amazingly the scent of Rockport came through the shirts as I ironed and I felt a pang of reminiscence. Hanging photos of my adventure thus far and hearing Etta James chime through, I am reminded of how good it feels surrunded by amazing memories, hear music I love, and live the life I thirst for.

Life is adventure!

Sunday night in a windowsill

2005-08-21T13:27:00.000+02:00

Great weekend of parties, yoga, and hiking in the surrounding mountains: now finishing up with a night of takeout and movies with my fabulous flatmate Dougal.

Dougal’s hit the sack while I relax in the living room. Peering out of the windows on the street, I see a city asleep. A bus confirms I’m not just looking at a photo. Norah Jones’ sultry voice sings, “I don’t miss you at all”. The contradiction reminds me a bit of my own.

I’m still amazed with how lucky I am to land here and fall into the company of great people in a lovely city. Yet, I do miss you folks back home. Alas, without the challenge of doing this on my own, this adventure would lose a lot of its rewards.

I can’t believe it, but on Thursday I’ve been working a month already. I can tell I’m back in the rat race as time disappears and a month has passed in the blink of an eye. At least I have the memories of great times at work and plenty of laughter with folks I’ve met here.

Took maybe 10 photos in 3 weeks, but that’s part of settling. Building a home, with its forthcoming foundation comes the comfort to stretch back out into the things one does for fun instead of those we do for survival.

Long Friday and Saturday nights with friends, buying sheets and a towel hook for the bathroom, and a nice hike with Simon up a local mountain in the fog – I do love this city. A week of work and then possibly some sailing in the Marlborough sounds in the South Island. The next weekend will bring a weekend party with people from work in a hired Yacht Club, kayaking the sounds, and diving a wreck – that will all be fantastic. Next weekend also brings my birthday, my first family event without family around. This is though… the adventure.

My life as a tax paying Wellingtonian...

2005-08-07T14:31:00.000+02:00

It’s official, I pay taxes, have a job, business cards, telephone number, and now even an address. To make it better, my address is without a street number. For all you parents out there:

Apartment B
Stonehams Building, Cable Car Lane
Wellington, New Zealand

Home: 64 4 472 5636 / Mobile: 64 21 313 446 / Work: 64 4 472 2021

Whitney’s visit finished up with the grand finale of my mom visiting. (I do believe I’ve received more visits in New Zealand that I ever did in Austin) I wasn’t able to provide Whitney with any excitement on par with climbing waterfalls in southern Thailand, but I really enjoyed her company and help looking for a flat. I had grown quite accustomed to having family around so there was less shock on my Mom’s visit. (She was here as a stop off on the way to some work in Sydney from Monday to Thursday) The three of us had a grand ol’ time while I had the special privilege of showing my mom my new “life”.

More appropriately, the current one. I am though, just as scared if not more, transitioning into another lifestyle here as I was when I started my trip. Yet, just like my travels, scary tends to be rewarding. I’ve managed to land in job I like with people that I like, in a city that is beautiful and welcoming. (Although bloody cold now that it’s winter) After a fair bit of hunting, I now flatting with Dougal (pronounced doo-gul, I know – but that’s apparently not uncommon here) in a hundred year old building in the middle of downtown Wellington (pictures coming soon). Our flat is the top floor of an old three-story building surrounded by skyscrapers. The second floor is a bar that I have already come to love. My work is about a four and half minute walk away, and my moped is parked on the sidewalk when I’m feeling lazy as I can get nearly anywhere by walking in this city.

This weekend made me realize how damn lucky I am for landing on my proverbial feet. After work Friday, and went out with some guys for happy hour at the bar below my bedroom and listened to jazz (love it!) – then upstairs for a bit of an impromptu party (living above a bar may be dangerous). Saturday it was off to a fantastic yoga class followed by furniture shopping. This is funny because I’m having to balance my picky, spoiled taste with the fact that no, I won’t use this piece of furniture for the next ten years. I thought that in May of last year when I was furnishing my apartment in Austin, now all that stuff is at other people’s homes and I’m creating a home in a place I would never have imaged myself in - in May of last year. A crisp blue Saturday afternoon with a friend from work and her little girl at the park which presented an opportunity to teach Abby to always ask to swing higher and try to jump off things. Abby and I had a blast as her mother grew grey hairs. Out to dinner with friends, a little bar hoping and I found my favorite bar already. Somehow ended up at the wrap party for King Kong with freakin’ movie stars and then finally to bed. This morning I walked to a local bakery for fresh scones and chai before sailing on one of Wellington’s most competitive yachts all afternoon. Holy, freaking cow - this place is a blast!

I can’t believe how lucky I am. I’ve got to be sure to pump good karma back into the ether because I’m sucking it up at the moment. I guess it just goes to show you how easy it is to just have an adventure. Or more importantly, how good it feels to do what you want with life. Every breath I take reminds me that I’m living a finite lifetime, so I better be taking that breath while grabbing life by the horns and living it instead of watching it slip away.

I do miss you guys back home. I miss Austin and I miss Texas. I will return someday, just have to wait for when the time is right. After all, I’ve got my whole life to play – I just want play off in the corners of the playground for a while.

Go Lance!

2005-07-26T01:46:00.000+02:00

Whoo hoo! Go Lance, numero uno for the seventh time.

One last shot

2005-07-24T23:22:00.000+02:00

Seal at Red Rocks
Originally uploaded by treyguinn.

Here's a seal pup we saw Saturday walking on Wellinton's south coast. Also, here are my pics from this weekend as a set.