I went on a Kayaking trip last minute in Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island. Here are the photos from the weekend.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Photos from Queenstown
Here are the photos from Jessie, Julie, and my trip to Queenstown earlier this month.
Merry Christmas from NZ!
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.
Also have photos from my Christmas weekend here.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Fortnight of Firsts
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!
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!
Friday, December 02, 2005
You know you away from the US when....
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.
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.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Hello Again!
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
New things.
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.
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.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Picture Time!
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Norah nights
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Eastbourne Photos
I've got photos from Eastbourne up finally... Only took me a 3 weeks, a month? But who's counting?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Malleable Plans
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Um… Anyone still checking this stale ol’ thing?
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.
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.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
A Birthday Weekend to Remember
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Katrina
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.
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.
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