Six60 was the first band that caught my attention here in New Zealand. Their song "Don't Forget Your Roots" played around the clock on Kiwi radio stations. It's a cool, mellow song that has a slight blues feel to it - I loved it. Youtube gave me the chance to check out the rest of their album and I was hooked. I knew for sure their CD was coming back home with me.
But fate did me one better, because on Tuesday I got to see Six60 perform live at the Waihi Beach Hotel. It was my first Kiwi concert and it didn't disappoint. The band killed it and everyone was really into it. Some more than others. (Read: ALCOHOL)
Aside from the music, my favorite part of the night was watching random people climb up the metal beams that were holding up the tent. One dude made it all the way to the top (it's all in the core) and the ones who struggled were booed and had cans thrown at them. (Read: ALCOHOL). This must be a common occurrence because 1. No one stopped them and 2. Those poles didn't move.
There aren't any serious pictures, chief photographer Jen's camera malfunctioned and the bleary ones she took from her phone are not making it on this blog.
So instead, I've posted some youtube videos of Six60's songs: ENJOY!!
http://youtu.be/vqnwqsJYyiU
http://youtu.be/9SCvRbvMMOg
http://youtu.be/SdQ_kvEuV1s
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Weekend in Melbourne
When the prison cell door closed behind me and I was left sitting in the dark, there was only one thing to do.
Take pictures!
Posed up next to the communal toilet, Jen and I captured a few (and hopefully our only) moments in lock-up. We were in Melbourne for the weekend and decided to spend a few hours at the Old Melbourne Goal, Victoria's oldest prison.
The first part of the tour includes walking through the prison itself and reading about all the famous criminals that once called the imposing grey building home. Among the most famous is Ned Kelly. He's like an Australian version of Jesse James. A live performance in the back of the prison shed some light on Kelly's life in the 1870s. It seems everyone has a love for bad boys.
The second part was probably the best. Jen and I were arrested and taken through central booking. Sargent Williams was so believable, that one little girl burst into tears when he asked her a question.
I was arrested for drug possession, Jen for making her own drugs (I don't know the official name for that). We went through the whole booking process and even got a mug shot. (You'll see that later). Not sure how many people would consider prison a fun day, but it was.
The best part about Melbourne, not counting the very cosmopolitan feel, is the tram system. They have two free ways to get around the city: the Free City Circle Tram and the Tourist Shuttle (which we couldn't never track down). Whoever came up with the idea of free public transportation should be knighted or something.
We spent quite a bit of time at Federation Square, it's known as the meeting place. It's a smaller version of Times Square were all the trams meet and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and street performers (some better than others).
Jen has done a far bit of travelling and likened Melbourne to a European city. There were old cathedrals nestled beside modern buildings. Neither looked out of place, everything just fit.
On our second day, we headed to the Eureka Skydeck, which has the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. It was a good way to get the full scope of the city.
I didn't hear any "G'day mates" see Crocodile Dundee or kangaroos, but Melbourne is a fun and lively city. We didn't we even scratch the surface of everything it had to offer, but it was a fantastic trip.
And because I know this is your favorite part, here are some photos:
Take pictures!
Posed up next to the communal toilet, Jen and I captured a few (and hopefully our only) moments in lock-up. We were in Melbourne for the weekend and decided to spend a few hours at the Old Melbourne Goal, Victoria's oldest prison.
The first part of the tour includes walking through the prison itself and reading about all the famous criminals that once called the imposing grey building home. Among the most famous is Ned Kelly. He's like an Australian version of Jesse James. A live performance in the back of the prison shed some light on Kelly's life in the 1870s. It seems everyone has a love for bad boys.
The second part was probably the best. Jen and I were arrested and taken through central booking. Sargent Williams was so believable, that one little girl burst into tears when he asked her a question.
I was arrested for drug possession, Jen for making her own drugs (I don't know the official name for that). We went through the whole booking process and even got a mug shot. (You'll see that later). Not sure how many people would consider prison a fun day, but it was.
The best part about Melbourne, not counting the very cosmopolitan feel, is the tram system. They have two free ways to get around the city: the Free City Circle Tram and the Tourist Shuttle (which we couldn't never track down). Whoever came up with the idea of free public transportation should be knighted or something.
We spent quite a bit of time at Federation Square, it's known as the meeting place. It's a smaller version of Times Square were all the trams meet and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and street performers (some better than others).
Jen has done a far bit of travelling and likened Melbourne to a European city. There were old cathedrals nestled beside modern buildings. Neither looked out of place, everything just fit.
On our second day, we headed to the Eureka Skydeck, which has the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. It was a good way to get the full scope of the city.
I didn't hear any "G'day mates" see Crocodile Dundee or kangaroos, but Melbourne is a fun and lively city. We didn't we even scratch the surface of everything it had to offer, but it was a fantastic trip.
And because I know this is your favorite part, here are some photos:
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Not so secret obessison
So Jen and I have developed a slight obsession with a particular New Zealand treat. It's called real fruit ice cream and it's wonderful. What makes real fruit ice cream so incredible is how simple it is and for the life of me I can't understand why this isn't a big thing in the states.
Real fruit ice cream is just that: ice cream or frozen yogurt (we tend to go 50-50) that is mixed with pieces of frozen fruit. My favorite flavors are kiwi fruit and raspberry. How it's done: There is a big machine that you add both the ice cream and fruit together and it swirls around for a few moments. It's then swirled out onto a waffle cone all nice and smooth and filled with big chunks of fruit. (Heaven)
It's been a staple for our Wednesdays and whenever someone visits, it's a must-do on the list.
We've got about three more months left to enjoy, but the biggest question becomes how will I fit the machine in my suitcase when I come home. Maybe I have it as a carry-on.
Real fruit ice cream is just that: ice cream or frozen yogurt (we tend to go 50-50) that is mixed with pieces of frozen fruit. My favorite flavors are kiwi fruit and raspberry. How it's done: There is a big machine that you add both the ice cream and fruit together and it swirls around for a few moments. It's then swirled out onto a waffle cone all nice and smooth and filled with big chunks of fruit. (Heaven)
It's been a staple for our Wednesdays and whenever someone visits, it's a must-do on the list.
We've got about three more months left to enjoy, but the biggest question becomes how will I fit the machine in my suitcase when I come home. Maybe I have it as a carry-on.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Surfs up
Laying face down on top of a surfboard as my instructor, Andy, gave out the final set of instructions, I was unsure of how the next few hours would play out.
My plan was just to stand up, but as I struggled simply pulling my board out to sea, I wondered if I was being a little cocky.
Jen and I were in Raglan and in Raglan, you surf.
Turned out surfing wasn't that hard. Well if you count wobbled standing for a few moments before falling down into the water surfing. (P.S. wetsuits are really warm).
But standing is standing and Jen and I each accomplished the feat more than once that Saturday afternoon. Windy conditions made for a challenging day. The waves came in so fast, it left little time to recover or prepare for riding the next wave. The current was so strong at times that I fell just walking in ankle-deep water.
And I really hate to admit this, mainly because I have no proof, but Jen may have had a better day. She claims to have gotten a thumbs up from our instructor after riding a wave all the way to beach. But like I said, no proof.
I on the other hand was teased by our instructor for sticking my tongue out when I finally stood up.
We surfed at Ngarunui Beach. It's a good place for beginners. The big shots surf at Manu Bay, a beach that was featured in the movie"The Endless Summer."
The coolest thing about the beaches was the black sand. I've never seen it before and it was so glittery and pretty. I was told the black stuff gets pretty hot during the summer months.
We stayed at a place called Solscape. A very backpacker chic eco retreat where people stay in old train cars, tipis and earth domes, which are made of, well, the earth.. Jen and I stayed in a train. It was a little cramped, but it was clean.
The town of Raglan itself was filled with cafes and small shops where you could buy pottery, clothes and of course surfing gear. It's not a big town, but the people who live there absolutely love it.
As always, here are a few photos. Sorry there aren't any of us in the water but we were kind of busy.
My plan was just to stand up, but as I struggled simply pulling my board out to sea, I wondered if I was being a little cocky.
Jen and I were in Raglan and in Raglan, you surf.
Turned out surfing wasn't that hard. Well if you count wobbled standing for a few moments before falling down into the water surfing. (P.S. wetsuits are really warm).
But standing is standing and Jen and I each accomplished the feat more than once that Saturday afternoon. Windy conditions made for a challenging day. The waves came in so fast, it left little time to recover or prepare for riding the next wave. The current was so strong at times that I fell just walking in ankle-deep water.
And I really hate to admit this, mainly because I have no proof, but Jen may have had a better day. She claims to have gotten a thumbs up from our instructor after riding a wave all the way to beach. But like I said, no proof.
I on the other hand was teased by our instructor for sticking my tongue out when I finally stood up.
We surfed at Ngarunui Beach. It's a good place for beginners. The big shots surf at Manu Bay, a beach that was featured in the movie"The Endless Summer."
The coolest thing about the beaches was the black sand. I've never seen it before and it was so glittery and pretty. I was told the black stuff gets pretty hot during the summer months.
We stayed at a place called Solscape. A very backpacker chic eco retreat where people stay in old train cars, tipis and earth domes, which are made of, well, the earth.. Jen and I stayed in a train. It was a little cramped, but it was clean.
The town of Raglan itself was filled with cafes and small shops where you could buy pottery, clothes and of course surfing gear. It's not a big town, but the people who live there absolutely love it.
As always, here are a few photos. Sorry there aren't any of us in the water but we were kind of busy.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Windy Wellington
I was expecting a small town with a few shops and cafes dotted along a city block, what I got was a seriously hip city that boasts more cafes per capita than New York City. Wellington exceeded my expectations last weekend when Jen I visited the very windy capital. The flight from Auckland to Wellington was about 50 minutes. Wellington is along the southern tip of the north island. Someone described the city as vibrant and I have to admit that's a good description of the place. There are restaurants from every country, ample public transportation and plenty of people bopping about decked out in everything from complete Gothic wear to hipster trends. As a city girl, it was good to see.
The place to be is Cuba Street with its hip cafes and indie clothing stores. Jen and I must have walked around that area a dozen times and each time I noticed something different.
Saturday was Guy Fawkes night and Wikipedia tells me he was an Englishman who tried to assassinate King James I to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. He stockpiled gunpowder for the big plan, but the plot was sniffed out. He was arrested, but committed suicide before he was to be executed. To celebrate the foiled plot fireworks and the occasional burned effigy are used.
Queens Wharf was the backdrop Saturday night as Jen and I settled along the water eating warm doughnuts and taking in the show. (Of course there are pictures below).
Kayaking plans were dashed on Sunday due to high winds and rough waters. So Jen and I jumped on the Wellington cable car. It's one of the oldest and most popular things to do in the city. We took it all the way to the top for a fantastic view of the city. While we were waiting for the 5-minute trip back down, I found a way to keep myself entertained. (Picture below).
Afterwards, Jen and I visited one of the best museums I've ever seen. The Te Papa Museum combined an interactive experience with a thorough telling of the history of New Zealand. They even tackled controversial issues involving homosexuality, women's rights and racial strife among the Maori people. There was also an art section, this was my favorite photo. The painting was so realistic, it looked like a photograph. I could have stared at it for hours.
Lonely Planet said Wellington and Auckland are locked in "an age-old struggle for hip supremacy." After exploring and enjoying both cities, I'm still not sure who gets my vote.
Here are a few photos:
The place to be is Cuba Street with its hip cafes and indie clothing stores. Jen and I must have walked around that area a dozen times and each time I noticed something different.
Saturday was Guy Fawkes night and Wikipedia tells me he was an Englishman who tried to assassinate King James I to restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. He stockpiled gunpowder for the big plan, but the plot was sniffed out. He was arrested, but committed suicide before he was to be executed. To celebrate the foiled plot fireworks and the occasional burned effigy are used.
Queens Wharf was the backdrop Saturday night as Jen and I settled along the water eating warm doughnuts and taking in the show. (Of course there are pictures below).
Kayaking plans were dashed on Sunday due to high winds and rough waters. So Jen and I jumped on the Wellington cable car. It's one of the oldest and most popular things to do in the city. We took it all the way to the top for a fantastic view of the city. While we were waiting for the 5-minute trip back down, I found a way to keep myself entertained. (Picture below).
Afterwards, Jen and I visited one of the best museums I've ever seen. The Te Papa Museum combined an interactive experience with a thorough telling of the history of New Zealand. They even tackled controversial issues involving homosexuality, women's rights and racial strife among the Maori people. There was also an art section, this was my favorite photo. The painting was so realistic, it looked like a photograph. I could have stared at it for hours.
Lonely Planet said Wellington and Auckland are locked in "an age-old struggle for hip supremacy." After exploring and enjoying both cities, I'm still not sure who gets my vote.
Here are a few photos:
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Hello Beaches
If you spent the weekend digging out your car or shoveling your driveway this will not be one of your favorite posts. Jen and I spent Saturday and Wednesday on the beach. The water is still a little too cold to go in, but it's still a nice way to spend an afternoon.
On Sunday we headed to Mount Maunganui, known as "the mount" around here. It's about an hour from Waihi. It's a cool little surf town with lots of food and clothing shops. Jen picked up a few things at the farmers market. There was a big shipwreck in the Bay of Plenty that dumped hundreds of tons of oil into the ocean. Oil has washed up ashore, coated a few animals and angered beach goers. Luckily for Jen and I, we picked a stretch of beach that wasn't hit with oil. It also helped that the sun was out in full force after raining all day Saturday. We weren't the only ones taking advantage of the great weather. The beach was filled with people, some in the water, many just enjoying the sea breeze.
On Wednesday, we went to Whangamata (remember WH words sound like an "F"). The sea was rough, perfect weather for all the surfers. In a few weeks I'll be out there with my boogie board.
Here are a few pics from both trips: Pictures 1-4 and 8 (somehow things got mixed up) are from The Mount and pictures 5-7 and 9 are from Whangamata.
On Sunday we headed to Mount Maunganui, known as "the mount" around here. It's about an hour from Waihi. It's a cool little surf town with lots of food and clothing shops. Jen picked up a few things at the farmers market. There was a big shipwreck in the Bay of Plenty that dumped hundreds of tons of oil into the ocean. Oil has washed up ashore, coated a few animals and angered beach goers. Luckily for Jen and I, we picked a stretch of beach that wasn't hit with oil. It also helped that the sun was out in full force after raining all day Saturday. We weren't the only ones taking advantage of the great weather. The beach was filled with people, some in the water, many just enjoying the sea breeze.
On Wednesday, we went to Whangamata (remember WH words sound like an "F"). The sea was rough, perfect weather for all the surfers. In a few weeks I'll be out there with my boogie board.
Here are a few pics from both trips: Pictures 1-4 and 8 (somehow things got mixed up) are from The Mount and pictures 5-7 and 9 are from Whangamata.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
This is more like it
* A little late with this post, but it here goes:
If you've seen my last post, I spent Tuesday evening playing netball for the very first time. Well, my constant whining about not knowing what to do ultimately led me to a man named Pete. Pete was putting together a basketball team for a weekly tournament on Thursdays and invited me and Jen to join his team.
I don't think I need to type where I spent my Thursday evening. There was just one issue -- men couldn't play defense on me. They could swipe at the ball, but they couldn't touch and try to block my shot when I drove to the basket. It's something they call "social rules" for women.
If you've ever seen me play or played against me, you know how absurd this "social rule" is. Honestly, I was a little thrown off by the lack of contact. I especially didn't know what to do when my opponent started encouraging me on a putback. I thought they were going to stop the game when I actually fell trying to get the ball.
Despite the unorthodox rule, I enjoyed myself. Our team lost (I can't remember the score), but I'll definitely be back the following Thursday.
Maybe I can get them to change the social rule for me.
If you've seen my last post, I spent Tuesday evening playing netball for the very first time. Well, my constant whining about not knowing what to do ultimately led me to a man named Pete. Pete was putting together a basketball team for a weekly tournament on Thursdays and invited me and Jen to join his team.
I don't think I need to type where I spent my Thursday evening. There was just one issue -- men couldn't play defense on me. They could swipe at the ball, but they couldn't touch and try to block my shot when I drove to the basket. It's something they call "social rules" for women.
If you've ever seen me play or played against me, you know how absurd this "social rule" is. Honestly, I was a little thrown off by the lack of contact. I especially didn't know what to do when my opponent started encouraging me on a putback. I thought they were going to stop the game when I actually fell trying to get the ball.
Despite the unorthodox rule, I enjoyed myself. Our team lost (I can't remember the score), but I'll definitely be back the following Thursday.
Maybe I can get them to change the social rule for me.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Netball anyone?
I have heard of netball. In college, a few friends from Trinidad and Tobago explained the concept of the game. They even pulled out paper and pen to fully drive home the point. Jen, on the other hand, knew nothing about netball, but that didn't stop her from signing us up for a netball team.
For those who don't know, netball is a game kind of like basketball but there is no backboard and you can't dribble. And you can't touch anyone ... ever. It's mainly a women's sport, but dudes play it too. Here's a wikipedia breakdown.
We played Tuesday evening and despite all the things my friends told me, I was just as clueless as Jen on the court. It was a pretty cool event held on the area netball court in Waihi. It was the most people I've seen out since the Waihi Goldfest Festival in early October.
All my years of playing basketball helped at times, but for the most part, it worked against me. Netball requires defenders to give three-feet of space. I don't like that and I was penalized a lot.
Despite my lack of skill, it was a fun time and I'm definitely keen (that's something people say in New Zealand) to do it again.
Here's a little evidence for your enjoyment:
For those who don't know, netball is a game kind of like basketball but there is no backboard and you can't dribble. And you can't touch anyone ... ever. It's mainly a women's sport, but dudes play it too. Here's a wikipedia breakdown.
We played Tuesday evening and despite all the things my friends told me, I was just as clueless as Jen on the court. It was a pretty cool event held on the area netball court in Waihi. It was the most people I've seen out since the Waihi Goldfest Festival in early October.
All my years of playing basketball helped at times, but for the most part, it worked against me. Netball requires defenders to give three-feet of space. I don't like that and I was penalized a lot.
Despite my lack of skill, it was a fun time and I'm definitely keen (that's something people say in New Zealand) to do it again.
Here's a little evidence for your enjoyment:
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