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.
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