Since Carly shared her weird dreams I thought I'd share mine. The other night I had a bizarre dream that I was trying to seduce Brandon Flowers, lead singer from The Killers, despite the fact that a) he's a Morman and b) he's happily married. He didn't have the wispy 'tache going on, thank goodness. He did turn me down eventually but my ego must be pretty healthy as he struggled with the dilemma. Hee.
I'm not quite sure what it means other than possibly I'm really really excited about next's years Big Day Out or even my subconscious thinks I'm a ho!
In an amusing sidenote I was checking out the website Carly linked to and in one of the catagories I read "Cheese dreams" instead of "Chase dreams". I'd love it if they really did have a catagory devoted to the dreams that come with cheese....ooh cheese...
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Wild weather
I think I had forgotten exactly how fierce Auckland (or NZ) weather can get. I feel like I'm in the middle of storm at sea. I suppose I almost am. Where did spring go?
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Big Day Out 2007
Today was the first annoucement of the intial line up for Big Day Out 2007 and making an appearance are none other than The Killers and..wait for it....
Muse!!!
Oh and there's some band called Tool or something headling
Woohoo!! As you can imagine I'm pretty stoked. It may not be Reading or V Festivals but I'll take that BDO line up, thank you kindly. Roll on January and summer!!
Muse!!!
Oh and there's some band called Tool or something headling
Woohoo!! As you can imagine I'm pretty stoked. It may not be Reading or V Festivals but I'll take that BDO line up, thank you kindly. Roll on January and summer!!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Franz Ferdinand: The New Monkees/Beatles
I've always been one for the old 1960s pop band tv/movies. Help and A Hard Day's Night are classics in my mind and who didn't enjoy the brief Monkees revival of 1994? While watching the free dvd that I got with my new copy of Franz's album "You Could Have It So Much Better" (which I unfortunately left behind in London), I was struck with how Franz would be the perfect band to revive this trend. Not only are they nattily dressed and make kick ass music, as a group they have that sense of whimsy and fun about them. Plus stylistically I suppose they are a bit of a throwback to the 1960s anyway. There are a couple of cool little scenes on the dvd where they are racing around on bicycles and throwing axes at Alex and suchlike.
So I’m holding out hope for an upcoming Franz movie sometime in the future. Although perhaps I shouldn’t hold my breath on that one.
They'll be the Beatles of course, since they are actually talented.
So I’m holding out hope for an upcoming Franz movie sometime in the future. Although perhaps I shouldn’t hold my breath on that one.
They'll be the Beatles of course, since they are actually talented.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
I like that headline
| melanie was crowned as royalty | |||
After taking over the world and declaring themselves Overlord | |||
| 'What will your Headline be?' at QuizGalaxy.com | |||
Not entirely sure that I would be up for the deed but it's something to aim for...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
This is sad. I don't really watch Top Gear as I can't stand Jeremy Clarkson (the man is an arse) and I'm not much of a driver (yet. But that will soon change!), but I always thought Richard Hammond was such a nice man. Plus he won Heat's ultimate secret crush poll last year! Here's hoping he pulls through okay.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
This post has no title
For a while it seemed the days of gratuitous shots of Ewan McGregor's, er, little McGregor were long gone since he is now a certified Hollywood star. In his early films (Trainspotting, Velvet Goldmine, The Pillow Book...etc) you were almost guaranteed a relatively non-essential-to-the-plot Ewan unrobing. But it seemed that Ewan had moved onto more family friendly fare in Star Wars, Moulin Rouge, Big Fish...etc.
So I was pleasantly surprised to discover a relatively recent film of his Young Adam on Rialto channel last night, a film where he once again takes his kit off and gives us the full show. His acting was alright too.
It's nice to see he's going back to his roots. So to speak.
I am so high-brow......Hee.
So I was pleasantly surprised to discover a relatively recent film of his Young Adam on Rialto channel last night, a film where he once again takes his kit off and gives us the full show. His acting was alright too.
It's nice to see he's going back to his roots. So to speak.
I am so high-brow......Hee.
Best thing I've read all week
"My husband hates Lukas with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. I quote: "Look at him! He looks like something Gary Numan shat out!" Lukas is therefore known in our household as the "The Turd of Gary Numan"."
From Public Address.net
That's Lukas from Rockstar Supernova in case you don't know.
Update: He really didn't deserve to win either.
From Public Address.net
That's Lukas from Rockstar Supernova in case you don't know.
Update: He really didn't deserve to win either.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Thoughts while watching random Brit Indie movie from 1998 on Rialto
1. John Simm is really rather lovely. *sigh*
2 . When are TVNZ gonna get around to playing Life on Mars? That series was ace.
3. I should watch Human Traffic again.
3. Kevin McKidd, aka Tommy from Trainspotting, isn't bad for a ginger.
(Ssh, you didn't hear me say that)
4. Thank god short shift dresses, chunky stack heels and chokers are no longer in fashion.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Words of Wisdom circa 1991
"Pit Bull Terriers - should they be banned. That's the question being asked around New Zealand and Australia. In an attack recently a man had very serious facial injuries. His nose was bitten off and his right ear was ripped away. His plastic surgeon said it was the worst case he had ever treated. I think using a Pitt Bull terrier as a guard dog would be going overboard. My opinion is that Pitt Bull terriers should be banned. The United Kingdom is going to ban Pitt Bull terriers and hopefully New Zealand will."
- Melanie Scott, age 10
"Avalanches happen on mountains. They are caused by lot of heavy snow building on top of each other. Sound - for example shouting, can cause this great snow block to tumble down and bury anyone in its path. If you are trapped there is usually enough air to breathe for several days but you'll freeze to death if you're not found quickly because your blood will gradually drop down until your heart stops beating....Last year in Canada some people (including a New Zealander) were trapped in an avalanche but luckily they were rescued."
- Carly Pannell, age 10
And here's something from another familar face -
"I think of a tornado as a huge leg reaching out of the sky which goes around sucking things up like a vacuum cleaner kicking everything it sees."
- Andrew Bing, age 11
Isn't it nice to see that we started early with the biting editorial opinion and informative journalism. Heh.
- Melanie Scott, age 10
"Avalanches happen on mountains. They are caused by lot of heavy snow building on top of each other. Sound - for example shouting, can cause this great snow block to tumble down and bury anyone in its path. If you are trapped there is usually enough air to breathe for several days but you'll freeze to death if you're not found quickly because your blood will gradually drop down until your heart stops beating....Last year in Canada some people (including a New Zealander) were trapped in an avalanche but luckily they were rescued."
- Carly Pannell, age 10
And here's something from another familar face -
"I think of a tornado as a huge leg reaching out of the sky which goes around sucking things up like a vacuum cleaner kicking everything it sees."
- Andrew Bing, age 11
Isn't it nice to see that we started early with the biting editorial opinion and informative journalism. Heh.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Geek Alert!
I've just watched the latest (NZ) episode of Doctor Who. It was an alright episode. David Tennant was lovely as always. [insert Tardis inuendo joke here] But I had to laugh - The No-Face Nana (once she got her face back) is none other than the nice/evil little old lady that plays Nanatoo in the Mighty Boosh! And the Doctor was going to get rid of the big bad face sucking TV monster by recording it onto Betamax and taping over it. If that wasn't a Mighty Boosh shout out, I don't know what is.
Monday, August 07, 2006
The Arctic Monkeys - A Slightly More Eloquent Review
I finally managed to finish this review about a month later! Excuse the lateness, I've been a bit slack.
So after literally months of waiting, Artic Monkeys Friday (tm) finally arrived. We went for drinks at the fake English style pub The Playhouse then rocked on up to the St James to catch the Arctic Monkeys. After a few minutes blind panic when I discovered I had no ID and possibly wouldn't even get in (thanks ASB bank!), I was let into the R18 gig by a sympathetic bouncer who could tell my teenage days were obviously long gone. Once inside I rushed immediately to the bar for another drink to calm my frazzled nerves. (I am a nana after all...)
We wandered in to get a spot downstairs with a good view of the stage. Not always possible for short arses like me. After waiting for a few minutes, the support act for the night, Brisbane band The Grates came on stage to decent applause. (Disclaimer - this is where my review gets a bit negative. Not like me I know!) Normally I'm appreciative of support bands, some of them put on a fab show, but I just wasn't impressed with the Grates. Not to say they didn't try. An unusual trio, made up of the female lead singer, female drummer and a solo male guitarist, who looked like they were just out of high school.....in the 1960s. This was partly due to the way they were dressed but also their blindly uncool enthusiasm which to us screamed Born Again Christian. The lead singer bounced around the stage with endless energy which made us feel tired just watching her. The music itself was alright but didn't manage to grab me anyway. By the end of their set, we were gagging for some real rock'n'roll from the Sheffield lads.
They started off slowly with the understated "Riot Van", and then launched into an absolutely blinding show. Seriously one of the best shows I think I've seen in a while. The raw intensity they demonstrate on the album is perfectly captured live. They played pretty much all the album tracks and a couple of new songs from their "Who The Fuck Are the Arctic Monkeys?" Ep. For such a young band, and with the newly aquired bass player, The Artic Monkeys are an extremely tight live act. Their set was only about 45 minutes long from start to finish, but it was packed with energy and every single song rocked. The crowd at the St James managed to match the energy the boys were putting into their performance. Alex even commented on what a great crowd it was. We were all left breathless and wanting more as they disappeared off the stage.
An amusing side note - in year or so since the the Artic Monkeys rose to fame, lead singer Alex Turner seems to have morphed from spotty Northern teenager to swaggering rock star. He had the feather hair and tight indie rock god top and everything. He even seems to have developed biceps! Heh. We all agreed he's heading into Richard Ashcroft territory. Let's hope that doesn't mean rabid egotism and mediocre music several years down the track. (Ooh burn...)
Anyways as I said it was a great show and my first review probably sums up it more accurately.
Oh and if you're wondering, I managed to get my revenge on that crowd surfer with several good kicks after he fell to the ground a little while later.
So after literally months of waiting, Artic Monkeys Friday (tm) finally arrived. We went for drinks at the fake English style pub The Playhouse then rocked on up to the St James to catch the Arctic Monkeys. After a few minutes blind panic when I discovered I had no ID and possibly wouldn't even get in (thanks ASB bank!), I was let into the R18 gig by a sympathetic bouncer who could tell my teenage days were obviously long gone. Once inside I rushed immediately to the bar for another drink to calm my frazzled nerves. (I am a nana after all...)
We wandered in to get a spot downstairs with a good view of the stage. Not always possible for short arses like me. After waiting for a few minutes, the support act for the night, Brisbane band The Grates came on stage to decent applause. (Disclaimer - this is where my review gets a bit negative. Not like me I know!) Normally I'm appreciative of support bands, some of them put on a fab show, but I just wasn't impressed with the Grates. Not to say they didn't try. An unusual trio, made up of the female lead singer, female drummer and a solo male guitarist, who looked like they were just out of high school.....in the 1960s. This was partly due to the way they were dressed but also their blindly uncool enthusiasm which to us screamed Born Again Christian. The lead singer bounced around the stage with endless energy which made us feel tired just watching her. The music itself was alright but didn't manage to grab me anyway. By the end of their set, we were gagging for some real rock'n'roll from the Sheffield lads.
They started off slowly with the understated "Riot Van", and then launched into an absolutely blinding show. Seriously one of the best shows I think I've seen in a while. The raw intensity they demonstrate on the album is perfectly captured live. They played pretty much all the album tracks and a couple of new songs from their "Who The Fuck Are the Arctic Monkeys?" Ep. For such a young band, and with the newly aquired bass player, The Artic Monkeys are an extremely tight live act. Their set was only about 45 minutes long from start to finish, but it was packed with energy and every single song rocked. The crowd at the St James managed to match the energy the boys were putting into their performance. Alex even commented on what a great crowd it was. We were all left breathless and wanting more as they disappeared off the stage.
An amusing side note - in year or so since the the Artic Monkeys rose to fame, lead singer Alex Turner seems to have morphed from spotty Northern teenager to swaggering rock star. He had the feather hair and tight indie rock god top and everything. He even seems to have developed biceps! Heh. We all agreed he's heading into Richard Ashcroft territory. Let's hope that doesn't mean rabid egotism and mediocre music several years down the track. (Ooh burn...)
Anyways as I said it was a great show and my first review probably sums up it more accurately.
Oh and if you're wondering, I managed to get my revenge on that crowd surfer with several good kicks after he fell to the ground a little while later.
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Arctic Monkeys at the St James
All I can say right now is -
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Oh yeah except for the part where a crowd surfing dickhead fell on me....
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Oh yeah except for the part where a crowd surfing dickhead fell on me....
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Personality Test Spamage
I'm not entirely sure how accurate this is but how much of a typical Capricorn does this sound?
You are gentle, caring, quiet, dutiful, neat, dependable, modest, unassuming, and humble. You can be counted on to make sure everything is in its place, that people are doing what they’re supposed to be doing and all the supplies have been secured.
You prefer to work behind the scenes, driven by a sense of obligation, often overworked for the benefit of others. You prefer tasks that are highly outlined, organized and practical. You fill your life with meaningful activities and schedule any down time. You enjoy helping any friend in need. You have a strong work ethic and can be critical of sloth, laziness and people who have possessions only through extreme indebtedness. All you’d like in return for all of your hard work is recognition and gratitude, neither of which you receive nearly in proportion to the effort and time you exert.
One of your greatest strengths is supporting family or group activities. Your contribution of cooking, cleaning, fixing or constructing is an expression of your love and loyalty to everyone present, and such labor is truly a pleasure for you to fulfill.
You were a model child. Relatively neat, sweet and conscientious, you were the child that every parent thinks they’re going to have. You may have openly disagreed or rebelled but if so it was short-lived and harmless and you were quick to accept the judgment of your parents along with any punishment they deemed reasonable.
You prefer not to make waves or attract too much individual attention. You go by the book and are suspicious of anyone suggesting that tried and true established methods should be revised or ignored.
You have a strong appreciation for antiques, traditions and heirlooms. You have a natural appreciation for and connection with your past and the people in your family tree. You find special joy in guarding old family artifacts regardless of their monetary value.
You put a lot of energy into maintaining your home. You keep things tidy, visually appealing and in working condition. You make sure your home is always well stocked with food and supplies. You take better care of your possessions than most types, cleaning, oiling, maintaining things so that they will always be nice, maintain their value, and function when needed. You want things to be sturdy and may replace something which isn’t broken if, after acquiring it, you realize that it’s of the new, shabbier quality.
You may or may not be a pessimist, but your speech is laced with reminders to realistically expect problems to arise. You are aware of the general dangers of living and are conscious of the fact that other people don’t heed your warnings as often as they should. You are also the first to point out to someone who seems surprised that they should’ve known that setbacks would occur
Anyone interested can take the test here.
You are gentle, caring, quiet, dutiful, neat, dependable, modest, unassuming, and humble. You can be counted on to make sure everything is in its place, that people are doing what they’re supposed to be doing and all the supplies have been secured.
You prefer to work behind the scenes, driven by a sense of obligation, often overworked for the benefit of others. You prefer tasks that are highly outlined, organized and practical. You fill your life with meaningful activities and schedule any down time. You enjoy helping any friend in need. You have a strong work ethic and can be critical of sloth, laziness and people who have possessions only through extreme indebtedness. All you’d like in return for all of your hard work is recognition and gratitude, neither of which you receive nearly in proportion to the effort and time you exert.
One of your greatest strengths is supporting family or group activities. Your contribution of cooking, cleaning, fixing or constructing is an expression of your love and loyalty to everyone present, and such labor is truly a pleasure for you to fulfill.
You were a model child. Relatively neat, sweet and conscientious, you were the child that every parent thinks they’re going to have. You may have openly disagreed or rebelled but if so it was short-lived and harmless and you were quick to accept the judgment of your parents along with any punishment they deemed reasonable.
You prefer not to make waves or attract too much individual attention. You go by the book and are suspicious of anyone suggesting that tried and true established methods should be revised or ignored.
You have a strong appreciation for antiques, traditions and heirlooms. You have a natural appreciation for and connection with your past and the people in your family tree. You find special joy in guarding old family artifacts regardless of their monetary value.
You put a lot of energy into maintaining your home. You keep things tidy, visually appealing and in working condition. You make sure your home is always well stocked with food and supplies. You take better care of your possessions than most types, cleaning, oiling, maintaining things so that they will always be nice, maintain their value, and function when needed. You want things to be sturdy and may replace something which isn’t broken if, after acquiring it, you realize that it’s of the new, shabbier quality.
You may or may not be a pessimist, but your speech is laced with reminders to realistically expect problems to arise. You are aware of the general dangers of living and are conscious of the fact that other people don’t heed your warnings as often as they should. You are also the first to point out to someone who seems surprised that they should’ve known that setbacks would occur
Anyone interested can take the test here.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Down with da kids...sort of...
I've dipped my toe into the murky waters of My Space but haven't really gotten into it as such. (Yes, I know I only have 6 friends!) I know it's supposed to have launched the Artic Monkeys and other hip new acts but I haven't really got around to checking out the music side of it till now.
The snarky gossip newsletter Popbitch last week linked to this new UK based singer on My Space called Mika. (Not NZ's former cabaret style performer Mika, another one) This Mika is a fabulous mix of operatic rock pop stylings in the vein of Rufus Wainwright, Queen, old skool Elton John...etc. In other words, gay! Oh so gay and oh so brilliant. His song Grace Kelly is a musical ray of sunshine in this dark gloomy winter.
Speaking of Teh Gay, another musical act with a handy My Space page is IAMX. I recently obtained a copy of their album (don't ask how) which is great German electro pop. (And that is not an oxymoron!) From the guy behind the Sneaker Pimps, their music is dark sensual electro which is also Fabulous, but less Elton John and more Ghetto (the club).
So anyways Tom, when do I get my pimpage fee?
The snarky gossip newsletter Popbitch last week linked to this new UK based singer on My Space called Mika. (Not NZ's former cabaret style performer Mika, another one) This Mika is a fabulous mix of operatic rock pop stylings in the vein of Rufus Wainwright, Queen, old skool Elton John...etc. In other words, gay! Oh so gay and oh so brilliant. His song Grace Kelly is a musical ray of sunshine in this dark gloomy winter.
Speaking of Teh Gay, another musical act with a handy My Space page is IAMX. I recently obtained a copy of their album (don't ask how) which is great German electro pop. (And that is not an oxymoron!) From the guy behind the Sneaker Pimps, their music is dark sensual electro which is also Fabulous, but less Elton John and more Ghetto (the club).
So anyways Tom, when do I get my pimpage fee?
Monday, July 17, 2006
Time for a joke
A guy walks into a zoo. Inside there's only one animal...a dog....
It was a shitzu.
Tee hee!!
It was a shitzu.
Tee hee!!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Contemplation...
I think I am a bit naive sometimes. I have a tendancy to give some people more credit than they are due. But I've realised that no matter what I do or say , some folk just won't listen. Oh well, I just don't think I'll bother next time.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
And in other music news
I ♥ Carl Barat!
My Dirty Pretty Things CD arrived yesterday from Amazon. It's absolutely brilliant! I've been listening to it non stop. I loved "Bang Bang You're Dead" when it came out in the UK and all the other songs are just as good. Mr Barat is a musical genius, I tell you. Not to mention he's also pretty easy on the eye.....
Excuse my Mighty Boosh geek out, but on the subject of musical Mr Barratt's, I must share some shocking information I discoved in my internet wanderings. Apparently Noel (yes, that's right, Noel) now has a moustache. Not only that but it's also reported that Julian has shaved his off!!!
Don't believe me? Check this out:
What is the world coming to?
My Dirty Pretty Things CD arrived yesterday from Amazon. It's absolutely brilliant! I've been listening to it non stop. I loved "Bang Bang You're Dead" when it came out in the UK and all the other songs are just as good. Mr Barat is a musical genius, I tell you. Not to mention he's also pretty easy on the eye.....
Excuse my Mighty Boosh geek out, but on the subject of musical Mr Barratt's, I must share some shocking information I discoved in my internet wanderings. Apparently Noel (yes, that's right, Noel) now has a moustache. Not only that but it's also reported that Julian has shaved his off!!!
Don't believe me? Check this out:
What is the world coming to?
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
When The Lights Go Out Part 2: Stranger in the Night
On Friday night, as is becoming the norm here in Auckland, we had a powercut. This time it was limited to about ten houses in our street. Thanks Empower. Anyway after an hour or so with no power, we all decided to head to bed. I was in my room getting ready for bed when I heard my sister saying there was someone outside in our backyard. After establishing that it wasn't any of us, everyone raced outside to confront them. Turns out there was a strange guy outside, not far from my bedroom window, sitting in a bush. My dad asked him what he was doing there, and then told him to leave our property. The guy responded saying he was just eating a burger. As he calmly strode around the deck and left via the other side of the house, my mum started swearing at him (nice one Mum) and everyone came back inside before she aggravated him further. It was all drama for the next hour or so. We shut ourselves indoors and phoned the police in case he hadn't actually left. The police soon turned up and searched our property and the neighbours in case he was still around but by then he must have taken off.
Dad speculated that he may have been here before as he seemed to know his way around our massive deck when he went to leave. Scary stuff!
So the current theories are:
a) he is some kind of peeping tom (ack!)
b) he may have been just a very confused/cheeky stoner
c) he was looking to burgle our house since with the power out it looked like no one was home
The postscript to this story is that while I was at Dominos picking up tea the following night, I spotted a guy come into the shop wearing a distinctive woolen sherpa hat similar to the one our prowler wore. Dum, dum, dum......
Dad speculated that he may have been here before as he seemed to know his way around our massive deck when he went to leave. Scary stuff!
So the current theories are:
a) he is some kind of peeping tom (ack!)
b) he may have been just a very confused/cheeky stoner
c) he was looking to burgle our house since with the power out it looked like no one was home
The postscript to this story is that while I was at Dominos picking up tea the following night, I spotted a guy come into the shop wearing a distinctive woolen sherpa hat similar to the one our prowler wore. Dum, dum, dum......
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
When the lights go out...
So we had a power cut today. The power was out in central Auckland for over four hours. After a few hours hanging around work in the dark trying to read magazines we finally got the okay to go home, which was all well and good. But now I am going to be behind in my work after almost getting on top of everything.
Oh joy.
Four hours to bring the power back and they still didn't get it as far as my office. Ridiculous. Everyone is harking back to the dark days of 1998 when the power was out in the CBD for 52 days. Yes that's right, 52 days.
This friggin city....
Oh joy.
Four hours to bring the power back and they still didn't get it as far as my office. Ridiculous. Everyone is harking back to the dark days of 1998 when the power was out in the CBD for 52 days. Yes that's right, 52 days.
This friggin city....
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Employed!
I have a job! Woohoo! It's in TV too. After loads of interviews I finally got a job offer from my first choice this week. I will be working here entering programme promos into the system and suchlike.
I'm starting on Monday so my four week holiday/unemployment will finally be over.
Sweet.....
I'm starting on Monday so my four week holiday/unemployment will finally be over.
Sweet.....
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Gutted
Not only did Radiohead play their long awaited Hammersmith Apollo gig over the weekend that I couldn't go to because I had to come back here, but apparently the Boosh boys were there as well. Damn you Thom Yorke, why must you frustrate me so! Radiohead had better get their arses down to NZ (or at the very least Oz) sometime soon. That's all I'm saying....
In other news, the girls and I, in our efforts to get out and do something different in order to avoid the inertia/boredom that can set in living in Auckland, decided to accompany my parents (yes I know how sad this sounds) to a lovely semi-local chain pub. It was an interesting experience. I'm sure the regular patrons had never seen the likes of us rock on up there. By which I mean (and I am not being vain saying this) we were the hottest women there. So of course we got hit on about 50 million times by the best dregs of men West Auckland can offer. Those of you from the West will know exactly what I mean. You London types, just think of the American road movies with all sorts of redneck/hillbilly types in and you will sort of understand what I mean. My favourite pickup artist of the night was the bloke and his mates who tried to win us with their extremely drunken dancing then tried to talk to us but his speech was so drunken and garbled we couldn't understand a word he was saying.
It was a strange night to say the least, but we now know for sure not to go to the Cock and Bull Lynfield. I will be sticking to Auckland Central from now on.
In other news, the girls and I, in our efforts to get out and do something different in order to avoid the inertia/boredom that can set in living in Auckland, decided to accompany my parents (yes I know how sad this sounds) to a lovely semi-local chain pub. It was an interesting experience. I'm sure the regular patrons had never seen the likes of us rock on up there. By which I mean (and I am not being vain saying this) we were the hottest women there. So of course we got hit on about 50 million times by the best dregs of men West Auckland can offer. Those of you from the West will know exactly what I mean. You London types, just think of the American road movies with all sorts of redneck/hillbilly types in and you will sort of understand what I mean. My favourite pickup artist of the night was the bloke and his mates who tried to win us with their extremely drunken dancing then tried to talk to us but his speech was so drunken and garbled we couldn't understand a word he was saying.
It was a strange night to say the least, but we now know for sure not to go to the Cock and Bull Lynfield. I will be sticking to Auckland Central from now on.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Teh Gay
While watching Oliver Stone's epic flop Alexander, my younger brother expressed surprise that he flaunted his interest in boys so openly. I then had to explain to my brother the concept of Greek love.... Heh.
Needless to say he was rather taken aback.
Needless to say he was rather taken aback.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Mmm...creamy....
Old Gregg has been at my parents liquor cabinet....
"Captain Cabinets/trapped in cabinets/can he get out/will he get out/course he can"
And if you don't get that, go watch the Mighty Boosh. Now!
"Captain Cabinets/trapped in cabinets/can he get out/will he get out/course he can"
And if you don't get that, go watch the Mighty Boosh. Now!
Monday, May 08, 2006
I've just realised it's exactly two weeks since I arrived back on the fair shores of Aotearoa. Here's a breakdown of just exactly what I've achieved since I got back.
1 job offer (Boring Engineering firm so turned down of course)
1 lot of Wendys
1 pair of Converse sneakers
1 top from the House of G (still no 1 NZ shop in my heart, heh)
2 low key nights out (I forgot how expensive it is to drink in town!)
2 CDs (Whoops)
3 days of window (and actual) shopping
3 meat pies
4 interviews (am getting sick of recruitment agencies)
5 lots of takeaways
6 job applications
7 bus rides
15+ hours of Mighty Boosh viewing (Thanks again Sadie!! Daytime television sucks. And the Boosh rule!!)
24+ hours of movie viewing on Sky (As above. Thank goodness for Sky.)
36 hours of internet surfing
100 million card games on SolSuite 2002
As you can see it's been very productive. Heh.
1 job offer (Boring Engineering firm so turned down of course)
1 lot of Wendys
1 pair of Converse sneakers
1 top from the House of G (still no 1 NZ shop in my heart, heh)
2 low key nights out (I forgot how expensive it is to drink in town!)
2 CDs (Whoops)
3 days of window (and actual) shopping
3 meat pies
4 interviews (am getting sick of recruitment agencies)
5 lots of takeaways
6 job applications
7 bus rides
15+ hours of Mighty Boosh viewing (Thanks again Sadie!! Daytime television sucks. And the Boosh rule!!)
24+ hours of movie viewing on Sky (As above. Thank goodness for Sky.)
36 hours of internet surfing
100 million card games on SolSuite 2002
As you can see it's been very productive. Heh.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Home Again
Yes, as the title shows I'm back on the fair shores of Aotearoa. I said a sad farewell to London and my awesome London peeps on Sunday and after a marathon 23 hour plus flight via Malaysia I arrived back in Auckland safe and sound four days ago.
It's been great to see my family and stuff. I'm still settling back into West Auckland life but it is eery how little seems to have changed in two years. With the exception of my baby brother who has grown almost a foot since I saw him last. I am now offically the midget of the family!
My next step is to find a proper job to keep me busy. Meanwhile I have changed my blog name to more accurately reflect the current content.
I had an absolutely amazing time in London and I will really miss all my friends back there but I suppose it is now time to get myself sorted and be a proper grown up. Well as much as I will ever be. :P
It's been great to see my family and stuff. I'm still settling back into West Auckland life but it is eery how little seems to have changed in two years. With the exception of my baby brother who has grown almost a foot since I saw him last. I am now offically the midget of the family!
My next step is to find a proper job to keep me busy. Meanwhile I have changed my blog name to more accurately reflect the current content.
I had an absolutely amazing time in London and I will really miss all my friends back there but I suppose it is now time to get myself sorted and be a proper grown up. Well as much as I will ever be. :P
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Booshtastic!!
Last night I finally got to go and see The Mighty Boosh Live and in the flesh at the Carling Academy Brixton! It was amazing, the guys are hilarious! I didn't stop laughing the whole time. All the main characters were in the show - Vince & Howard (of course), Naboo, Bollo, The Hitcher, The Moon, Rudy and Old Greeeeeg and they looked fantastic! Noel was gorgeous in his mirror ball suit and Howard gets down to his undies. Excellent. Also Bollo (the ape) really sounds just like Tem Morrison. I even managed to get some pics.
After the show my flatmate Sadie and I went to the offical aftershow party at Plan B just down the road. Robots in Disguise were playing (the Boosh's offical band, well sorta) and the guys were all there. Robots in Disguise played really good electro pop and Sadie and I indulged in some Boosh watching/gawking. After a bit we slowly infiltrate our way behind the VIP rope to get a better look. We ended up sitting in the exact right spot that the Boosh guys had to push past us to leave the VIP area so Sadie and I both managed to cop a feel of Noel's arse as he went past and I got Julian's thigh!! They were lovely.....*sigh* Also Naboo is really tiny, a good four or five inches shorter than me!
We also drunkenly chatted/rambled to Rich Fulcher (Bob Fossill) and Bollo's alter ego, Dave Brown. Sadie even persuaded Rich to sing the hilarious Rapper with a Baby song from his own show, Snuffbox. (Go here to watch it.)
We also took part in a group congo on the dancefloor with Noel somewhere up the front and us at the back with his girlfriend Sue (from Robots in Disguise) holding onto me! (I didnt tell her I touched his arse, probably wouldnt have gone down well)
All and all it was a fantastic night and a great way to spend one of my last nights in London. *sniff*
Here are the photos from the show. Enjoy!
And that's why I dont like cricket!
I am Electro Boy....
Howard in his undies
Aahhh....when you are de Moon...
I'm Old Greeeeeggggg!
After the show my flatmate Sadie and I went to the offical aftershow party at Plan B just down the road. Robots in Disguise were playing (the Boosh's offical band, well sorta) and the guys were all there. Robots in Disguise played really good electro pop and Sadie and I indulged in some Boosh watching/gawking. After a bit we slowly infiltrate our way behind the VIP rope to get a better look. We ended up sitting in the exact right spot that the Boosh guys had to push past us to leave the VIP area so Sadie and I both managed to cop a feel of Noel's arse as he went past and I got Julian's thigh!! They were lovely.....*sigh* Also Naboo is really tiny, a good four or five inches shorter than me!
We also drunkenly chatted/rambled to Rich Fulcher (Bob Fossill) and Bollo's alter ego, Dave Brown. Sadie even persuaded Rich to sing the hilarious Rapper with a Baby song from his own show, Snuffbox. (Go here to watch it.)
We also took part in a group congo on the dancefloor with Noel somewhere up the front and us at the back with his girlfriend Sue (from Robots in Disguise) holding onto me! (I didnt tell her I touched his arse, probably wouldnt have gone down well)
All and all it was a fantastic night and a great way to spend one of my last nights in London. *sniff*
Here are the photos from the show. Enjoy!
And that's why I dont like cricket!
I am Electro Boy....
Howard in his undies
Aahhh....when you are de Moon...
I'm Old Greeeeeggggg!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
James Blunt is the Anti Christ
Last night while watching The OC, I discovered yet another reason to loathe James Blunt. He murders the memory of the beautiful Crowded House original with his cover of "Fall At Your Feet". Evil, evil little man. I also partly blame Josh Schwartz for encouraging him and playing that song on his show about fifty times.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Ziggy Stardust and the Avian Death Flu
The one of the highlights of my weekend was watching the awesome Ziggy Stardust The Movie on BBC4 on Friday. Filmed in 1973, it's touted as being Bowie's final performance as Ziggy Stardust and for a Bowie fan like me, it was brilliant.
I was subsequently struck down with Avian Death Flu on Saturday so pretty much spent the rest of the weekend tucked up in bed/on the couch, apart from Sunday night where I managed to rally myself to cook dinner for a couple of friends with help from my flatmates.
I'm still battling on but hopefully will be feeling better soon. If you dont hear from me in a while, you'll know I've succumbed.
I was subsequently struck down with Avian Death Flu on Saturday so pretty much spent the rest of the weekend tucked up in bed/on the couch, apart from Sunday night where I managed to rally myself to cook dinner for a couple of friends with help from my flatmates.
I'm still battling on but hopefully will be feeling better soon. If you dont hear from me in a while, you'll know I've succumbed.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Party Time
We had our house party on Saturday which what's lots of fun. Everyone (well almost everyone) dressed up and their costumes were fab. Here are a selection of photos from the evening.
The NZ/Canadian contingent.
The Zoffanies
Movie madness
Pimpin'
The NZ/Canadian contingent.
The Zoffanies
Movie madness
Pimpin'
Friday, March 31, 2006
Ok Go, Ok Yes!
Last night I went along with my flatmate to see the excellent Ok Go. I hadn't really heard much of their stuff beforehand, except for the publicity surrounding their DIY home dancing video for "A Million Ways". Or so I thought.
We cruised along to Scala in Kings Cross, which is a pretty cool and relatively small venue. We were there early enough to catch both the support acts. The first was one guy with a ridiculously long performance name that I can't remember at all. Something Slap....Something Fish? He resembled a better looking Jamie Cullem and played much better acoustic-y pop rock. Also apparently from Essex.
The next band the Bright Space came on to dry ice and the theme from James Bond (You only Live Twice, I think). A slightly poncey start but they proved they had the goods. They were pretty impressive and rocked out the crowd. Although I swear I recognised almost all their guitar riffs from other bands but still they poached from the greats - The Cure, Radiohead etc. Also they seem to specialise in clones - their bassist was the splitting image of a young Alex James (complete with the classic casual side to side head nod) while the actor Alan Davies was on drums.
Then it was onto the main act. Ok Go came onto the Stones "Miss You" and a very groovy wallpaper slideshow. Very cool! I swear they had at least 5 different wallpaper designs from houses I have lived in as a child. Got to love that 70s design.
Anyway the band was amazing! They are very much that American Californian style peppy indie rock. They reminded me of a much happier Weezer. Really up-beat and fun. As they progressed through their excellent set, I realised I actually knew some of their songs. One song “Get Over It” I’m sure I heard on an ad somewhere. At one point, just between songs, my flatmate Liz yelled out “You’re so damn hot” quite loudly. I agreed with her that the lead singer was attractive but possibly not quite that sexy, but then as they launched into the track “You’re So Damn Hot” I realised that I had a) that song on a mix cd and b) really liked that track. So Liz and I had a good boogie to that one.
They ended the night with a rendition of their now famous “Million Ways” dance routine which is absolutely hilarious, as you can see below. Seeing them do it live was even funnier.
It was a wicked night and I am now converted. Ok Go kick ass.
We cruised along to Scala in Kings Cross, which is a pretty cool and relatively small venue. We were there early enough to catch both the support acts. The first was one guy with a ridiculously long performance name that I can't remember at all. Something Slap....Something Fish? He resembled a better looking Jamie Cullem and played much better acoustic-y pop rock. Also apparently from Essex.
The next band the Bright Space came on to dry ice and the theme from James Bond (You only Live Twice, I think). A slightly poncey start but they proved they had the goods. They were pretty impressive and rocked out the crowd. Although I swear I recognised almost all their guitar riffs from other bands but still they poached from the greats - The Cure, Radiohead etc. Also they seem to specialise in clones - their bassist was the splitting image of a young Alex James (complete with the classic casual side to side head nod) while the actor Alan Davies was on drums.
Then it was onto the main act. Ok Go came onto the Stones "Miss You" and a very groovy wallpaper slideshow. Very cool! I swear they had at least 5 different wallpaper designs from houses I have lived in as a child. Got to love that 70s design.
Anyway the band was amazing! They are very much that American Californian style peppy indie rock. They reminded me of a much happier Weezer. Really up-beat and fun. As they progressed through their excellent set, I realised I actually knew some of their songs. One song “Get Over It” I’m sure I heard on an ad somewhere. At one point, just between songs, my flatmate Liz yelled out “You’re so damn hot” quite loudly. I agreed with her that the lead singer was attractive but possibly not quite that sexy, but then as they launched into the track “You’re So Damn Hot” I realised that I had a) that song on a mix cd and b) really liked that track. So Liz and I had a good boogie to that one.
They ended the night with a rendition of their now famous “Million Ways” dance routine which is absolutely hilarious, as you can see below. Seeing them do it live was even funnier.
It was a wicked night and I am now converted. Ok Go kick ass.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
$%£^$£^£@!!
Damn it to hell!!! I've waited two years in the hope I could go and see them while I was here in the UK. And they play the month after I leave. Argh!!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Looking to kill some time?
This site Stuff on my cat is genius. Look at the cats. They all look so disgruntled. Hee.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
The Zoffanies
present
April Fools
A Final Performance
Saturday 1 April from 7.30pm
The Zoffanies are –
Liz “The Lungs” Larvin
Sadie “The Beats” Butler
Mel “The Kiwi” Scott
Featuring special guests
The Highgate Honeys
(Jessica, Lesley & Catherine)
April Fools
A Final Performance
Saturday 1 April from 7.30pm
The Zoffanies are –
Liz “The Lungs” Larvin
Sadie “The Beats” Butler
Mel “The Kiwi” Scott
Featuring special guests
The Highgate Honeys
(Jessica, Lesley & Catherine)
Dress to Impress
Don’t forget it’s Fancy Dress – so come along dressed as your favourite Film, TV or Music star.
Go on, you know you want to……
Don’t forget it’s Fancy Dress – so come along dressed as your favourite Film, TV or Music star.
Go on, you know you want to……
Monday, March 06, 2006
A Letter from my Liver
Dear Madam,
For many years now you and I have had an unspoken agreement about the terms of our relationship. You indulge fairly occasionally (once or twice a month) giving me plenty of time to recover between drinking sessions while I faithfully process all toxins you feed to me.
But now I find you have broken the terms of our agreement and I must protest.
Three nights in a row of steady drinking is completely unacceptable!! I find no time to recover before you bombard me with yet more alcohol and fatty foods.
This must stop, or else I will be forced to abandon you and find work elsewhere.
You have been warned.
Yours resentfully,
Your Liver
For many years now you and I have had an unspoken agreement about the terms of our relationship. You indulge fairly occasionally (once or twice a month) giving me plenty of time to recover between drinking sessions while I faithfully process all toxins you feed to me.
But now I find you have broken the terms of our agreement and I must protest.
Three nights in a row of steady drinking is completely unacceptable!! I find no time to recover before you bombard me with yet more alcohol and fatty foods.
This must stop, or else I will be forced to abandon you and find work elsewhere.
You have been warned.
Yours resentfully,
Your Liver
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Come with us on a journey through time and space..
Guess where I'm going in the third week of April?
No, not back to good ol' NZ. Well okay technically I am but almost just as exciting. I am going to see The Mighty Boosh. Live! And in the flesh!
I sooo can't wait. Although it does mean I fly out of the country in five days. But still Vince, Howard, Naboo and co! And we can't forget - Old Greeeeggggg!!!
Funky.
No, not back to good ol' NZ. Well okay technically I am but almost just as exciting. I am going to see The Mighty Boosh. Live! And in the flesh!
I sooo can't wait. Although it does mean I fly out of the country in five days. But still Vince, Howard, Naboo and co! And we can't forget - Old Greeeeggggg!!!
Funky.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
You can't always get what you want......
Last night me and the flatties went to see the Rolling Stones!!! Well not quite but we got to see these guys, the Counterfeit Stones which is practically the same thing. Liz's mate was in the band so we cruised out to Hammersmith to see them perform. I know it sounds slightly naff going to see a covers band but they were bloody awesome!!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Cruisin' With Lee
I don't mean to bring a downer on one of our nation's more successful Hollywood based directors but the whole Lee Tamahori thing just won't go away.
Now you can have a go at being a transvestite prostitute yourself in this game.
Hours of fun for the family. Or maybe not.
Now you can have a go at being a transvestite prostitute yourself in this game.
Hours of fun for the family. Or maybe not.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Helen Clark is my mum, apparently
I uploaded my photo to this website, which used face recognition technologies to work out which celebrity you most resemble. According to them I most resemble both Helen Clark AND Kirsten Dunst!! How is that even possible? I'm rather disturbed that they think I look like Helen and also weirded out that they matched me with my Prime Minister. Do you think the NZ beanie gave it away?
Here is a demonstration. See for yourself if I do actually look like Aunty Helen or a young attractive Hollywood actress. Or neither.
Here's me -
Now here's Helen -
And finally, Ms Dunst -
Here is a demonstration. See for yourself if I do actually look like Aunty Helen or a young attractive Hollywood actress. Or neither.
Here's me -
Now here's Helen -
And finally, Ms Dunst -
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Geek Out Time
We bring you an interruption to the regularly scheduled fodder of silliness and tin-ternet gossip to bring you some intellectual stimulation.
I found these facinating articles on NZ society and culture from Public Address a blogging website featuring Russell Brown of Hard News fame from good ol' 95bfm. Some of them date back 40 or 50 years but still have an amazing relevance to modern NZ society. I particularly liked Keith Sinclair's predictions of the future "Brain Drain" of highly skilled and educated New Zealanders seeking employment overseas way back in 1963!Freaky!
Those of you ex Arts students - go read!
I found these facinating articles on NZ society and culture from Public Address a blogging website featuring Russell Brown of Hard News fame from good ol' 95bfm. Some of them date back 40 or 50 years but still have an amazing relevance to modern NZ society. I particularly liked Keith Sinclair's predictions of the future "Brain Drain" of highly skilled and educated New Zealanders seeking employment overseas way back in 1963!Freaky!
Those of you ex Arts students - go read!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Waitangi Pub Crawl Madness
We survived the chaos that was the Waitangi Day Pub Crawl on Saturday and managed to complete our own personal record of 12 hours on the piss.
I dont think I have ever seen that many Kiwis in one place. Ever! They even had to shut down several tube stations due to the sheer volume of drunken Kiwis. Choice!
The most touching moment for me came as we waited to be let into Notting Hill Gate station, there were whispers from the Underground staff that the station would be closed. The NZ crowd broke into a rousing rendition of God Defend NZ (English and Maori versions) and we were finally ushered through the gates. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
The crawl came to a semi-offical close at 4pm as thousands of Kiwis coverged on Westminster to watch our boys perform a co-ordinated group haka. Unfortunately because of the huge crowds we couldnt actually see the haka but we could hear the roar as they launched into the haka not once, but twice.
I will post my photos eventually but for now this website has pics of the carnage.
Doesn't it make you proud to be a New Zealander?
I dont think I have ever seen that many Kiwis in one place. Ever! They even had to shut down several tube stations due to the sheer volume of drunken Kiwis. Choice!
The most touching moment for me came as we waited to be let into Notting Hill Gate station, there were whispers from the Underground staff that the station would be closed. The NZ crowd broke into a rousing rendition of God Defend NZ (English and Maori versions) and we were finally ushered through the gates. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
The crawl came to a semi-offical close at 4pm as thousands of Kiwis coverged on Westminster to watch our boys perform a co-ordinated group haka. Unfortunately because of the huge crowds we couldnt actually see the haka but we could hear the roar as they launched into the haka not once, but twice.
I will post my photos eventually but for now this website has pics of the carnage.
Doesn't it make you proud to be a New Zealander?
Friday, February 03, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Random Chuck Norris Facts
Taken from Chuck Norris Fact Generator
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.
The Dinosaurs looked at Chuck Norris the wrong way once. ONCE.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
If at first you don't succeed, you're obviously not Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.
When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.
Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life there.
When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes ever.
Chuck Norris built a time machine and went back in time to stop the JFK assassination. As Oswald shot, Chuck met all three bullets with his beard, deflecting them. JFK's head exploded out of sheer amazement.
Chuck Norris sleeps with a night light. Not because Chuck Norris is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris' penis is so large that it actually warps the fabric of space-time.
Indeed some physicists now theorise that the passage of time is mearly a byproduct of Norris' colossal erections. This is known as the "Chuck Norris' big cock theory of space-time".
Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris is like a dog, not only because he can smell fear, but because he can piss on whatever the fuck he wants.
Most reported Bigfoot sightings are just Chuck Norris with his shirt off. Loch Ness sightings, on the other hand, are Chuck with his pants off.
As a teen Chuck Norris impregnated every nun in a convent tucked away in the hills of Tuscany. Nine months later the nuns gave birth to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated and untied team in professional football history.
If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the fuck down.
A blind man once stepped on Chuck Norris' shoe. Chuck replied, "Don't you know who I am? I'm Chuck Norris!" The mere mention of his name cured this man blindness. Sadly the first, last, and only thing this man ever saw, was a fatal roundhouse delivered by Chuck Norris.
Before he forgot a gift for Chuck Norris, Santa Claus was real.
Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
To prove it isn't that big of a deal to beat cancer. Chuck Norris smoked 15 cartons of cigarettes a day for 2 years and aquired 7 different kinds of cancer only to rid them from his body by flexing for 30 minutes. Beat that, Lance Armstrong.
Chuck Norris can touch MC Hammer.
Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.
A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people.
It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park there.
Oxygen requires Chuck Norris to live.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Unclean, unclean...
Alright. I must confess. I am now one of the afflicted.
I too have caught the Celebrity Big Brother bug. It's so sad, I know. I tried so hard to resist but I have been pulled into to it's freakish, dysfunctional web. Queen Bitch Pete, nutjob Michael Barrymore and co are far too absorbing viewing.
There is one nice one among the bunch. The adorable Preston. Yes I do have a wee crush. He is reasonably attractive and on top of that is such a sweetie. If you're curious, here's what he looks like.
I too have caught the Celebrity Big Brother bug. It's so sad, I know. I tried so hard to resist but I have been pulled into to it's freakish, dysfunctional web. Queen Bitch Pete, nutjob Michael Barrymore and co are far too absorbing viewing.
There is one nice one among the bunch. The adorable Preston. Yes I do have a wee crush. He is reasonably attractive and on top of that is such a sweetie. If you're curious, here's what he looks like.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Waster
Unemployment is weird. Hopefully I won't be in this state too much longer. I do feel like I should be doing some work or something instead of pottering around and killing time at an internet cafe somewhere in central London.
Hope y'all are up to something much more productive than me.
Hope y'all are up to something much more productive than me.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Photos galore!
I've uploaded a series of photos from my trip to this handy Flicker website.
Look at that lovely summery weather. *sigh* I don't get summer for a whole year!
Look at that lovely summery weather. *sigh* I don't get summer for a whole year!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
The legend of the Hot Dog Man
This reminds me of the time we where in Portugal searching desperately for the Hog Dog Man. We were staying in Lagos, Portugal; a lovely little beach town in the Algarve. Arriving into Lagos, we had been told by our Busabout guide about the amazing Hot Dog Man who would show up at night with the yummiest hot dogs ever in the streets of Lagos whereever you had been out drinking.
After a suitably messy night out on the town, we started searching for the Hot Dog Man. Now Lagos is a very small town so we figured we had a decent chance of tracking him down. It turned out to be a wild goose chase that ended up involving us being "chased" by 5 identical Portuguese quintuplets (or so we thought), almost wandering out of the town completely, being photographed next to a motorcycle by some random strangers and other bizarre encounters. In the end there was no sign of the Hot Dog Man, so we had to make do with a fast food outlet instead. Fortunately for us, they sold the best hamburgers in Europe. (well at least the parts of Europe I've been to)
After the madness of our pursuit we were so relieved that, at Lesley's initiation, we all slow clapped as the burgers were delivered to our table.
Aah the memories.
After a suitably messy night out on the town, we started searching for the Hot Dog Man. Now Lagos is a very small town so we figured we had a decent chance of tracking him down. It turned out to be a wild goose chase that ended up involving us being "chased" by 5 identical Portuguese quintuplets (or so we thought), almost wandering out of the town completely, being photographed next to a motorcycle by some random strangers and other bizarre encounters. In the end there was no sign of the Hot Dog Man, so we had to make do with a fast food outlet instead. Fortunately for us, they sold the best hamburgers in Europe. (well at least the parts of Europe I've been to)
After the madness of our pursuit we were so relieved that, at Lesley's initiation, we all slow clapped as the burgers were delivered to our table.
Aah the memories.
Darren Brown will kill you!
Is it just me or does the guy with the gun in the corner of the "Derailed" movie posters in the tube stations look like Derren Brown?
Look out for it those of you in Londontown.
That Derren Brown, he's a dangerous man, what with his mind tricks and such. And now he's menacing Jennifer Anniston with a gun.
Watch out, he'll kill ya!
Look out for it those of you in Londontown.
That Derren Brown, he's a dangerous man, what with his mind tricks and such. And now he's menacing Jennifer Anniston with a gun.
Watch out, he'll kill ya!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Worst day of the year
Today is officially the worst day of the year, according to my one-time temp agency Office Angels. While it does suck being back at work, with only two weeks to go as well, it hasn't been too bad considering. (I say this now and my day will go to hell shortly)
January in London is much less enjoyable than in NZ, despite the fact I do like living here. The profusion of summer BBQs and parties, as well as all those trips to the beach, always make the start of the year so much more fun.
Here in London people stop going out after the excesses of the festive season; plus all we have to look forward to is the weather getting colder. Woo!
January in London is much less enjoyable than in NZ, despite the fact I do like living here. The profusion of summer BBQs and parties, as well as all those trips to the beach, always make the start of the year so much more fun.
Here in London people stop going out after the excesses of the festive season; plus all we have to look forward to is the weather getting colder. Woo!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Happy New Year!!
It's almost time for me to take off, so I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!!
See you in 2006. Word!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
So this is Christmas....
...at least for us. No pics of me I'm afraid, you'll just have to enjoy these ones of the other girlies.
These two were having a competition as to how many party hats they could fit on their heads. I'm not sure who won though.
These two were having a competition as to how many party hats they could fit on their heads. I'm not sure who won though.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
That's all folks
So that's Christmas over and done with for another year. Hope you all had a brilliant Christmas day and Santa got you something nice!
I had a lovely Christmas day with the girls where we exchanged presents, ate too much and drank several bottles of wine between us. I'll have to post some pics capturing the Christmas hilarity.
I spoke to my family on Christmas Eve to wish them Merry Christmas NZ time. It was really nice to chat to them, they sounded like they were having a great time. I must admit they are the one thing I miss the most about NZ. (My friends back home coming second of course! And closely followed by Wendys. Mmmm....Wendys....)
Now I am back at work (Booo! Hisss!) and struggling a bit. At least there's New Years Eve still to look forward to. And then my birthday of course. One good thing about a January birthday, you don't quite get the post-holiday blues in the same way.
And now back to pretending to work. Roll on 5pm....
ETA: Ooh have just noticed I've finally made it to a half century with my posts. Woo!
I had a lovely Christmas day with the girls where we exchanged presents, ate too much and drank several bottles of wine between us. I'll have to post some pics capturing the Christmas hilarity.
I spoke to my family on Christmas Eve to wish them Merry Christmas NZ time. It was really nice to chat to them, they sounded like they were having a great time. I must admit they are the one thing I miss the most about NZ. (My friends back home coming second of course! And closely followed by Wendys. Mmmm....Wendys....)
Now I am back at work (Booo! Hisss!) and struggling a bit. At least there's New Years Eve still to look forward to. And then my birthday of course. One good thing about a January birthday, you don't quite get the post-holiday blues in the same way.
And now back to pretending to work. Roll on 5pm....
ETA: Ooh have just noticed I've finally made it to a half century with my posts. Woo!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Bah Humbug
Okay, well not really. It's just with less than two weeks to go, I don't feel Christmasy at all. Not a jot. And this is despite the fact that the giant Christmas tree we've put up in our living room tries desperately to persuade me otherwise. I'm not quite sure why exactly. And I dont think I'm the only one not feeling the Christmas spirit. Other people I've spoken to seem to be lacking the joy of Christmas.
I guess I'm going to have to convince myself to be get in the spirit. And nothing says Christmas quite like the Hoff.
As I said, you can't escape him.
Happy Hoffmas!
I guess I'm going to have to convince myself to be get in the spirit. And nothing says Christmas quite like the Hoff.
As I said, you can't escape him.
Happy Hoffmas!
Monday, December 12, 2005
You cannot escape The Hoff
Out clubbing on Saturday night, we were presented with evidence to prove that David Hasselhoff is very rapidly permeating all aspects of our lives. We were at a cheesy retro-styled club where the DJ played the Baywatch theme, sung by the Hoff himself. Not once, but twice.
Of course we reacted by singing along at the top of our lungs. How can you not?
Therefore in tribute to the man, I present this Hoff related link.
You know you love it!
Of course we reacted by singing along at the top of our lungs. How can you not?
Therefore in tribute to the man, I present this Hoff related link.
You know you love it!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Do You Want To?
Went to see Franz Ferdinand on Friday and they were absolutely fantastic!!
I'll leave the full review to Carly as she does it so much better. Except to say that Alex Kapranos is one sexy indie rock beyotch!
I'll leave the full review to Carly as she does it so much better. Except to say that Alex Kapranos is one sexy indie rock beyotch!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
A Very Royal Morning
Today I had the best celebrity sighting to beat (almost) all celebrity sightings. Who else but Prince William came to visit my workplace this morning. There are some advantages of working in finance after all.
We waited with much anticipation to his arrival and were rewarded with the briefest glimpse as he was quickly ushered through our department. I think they were trying to shield him from the awed hush and rampant staring. Our department are obviously not the epitomy of coolness. We were warned not to take photos or request autographs, but no one managed to even get close enough to slip him their phone number. Much to the disappointment of Jessica who entrusted me to the task of slipping hers. She was highly miffed that she missed chance for her title of "Princess" to be made official.
A second attempt by me to head out to lunch, just at the time Will and his entourage were to head upstairs, was thwarted by one of my co-workers so that was it for my royal sighting.
Still I got to see the future King of England. Cant complain about that.
We waited with much anticipation to his arrival and were rewarded with the briefest glimpse as he was quickly ushered through our department. I think they were trying to shield him from the awed hush and rampant staring. Our department are obviously not the epitomy of coolness. We were warned not to take photos or request autographs, but no one managed to even get close enough to slip him their phone number. Much to the disappointment of Jessica who entrusted me to the task of slipping hers. She was highly miffed that she missed chance for her title of "Princess" to be made official.
A second attempt by me to head out to lunch, just at the time Will and his entourage were to head upstairs, was thwarted by one of my co-workers so that was it for my royal sighting.
Still I got to see the future King of England. Cant complain about that.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
This movie looks very cool. Transvestites, 1970s music, not to mention Wombles! How can they go wrong! And Cillian Murphy, I must say, makes a very attractive woman.
So who's going to come see it with me in January?
So who's going to come see it with me in January?
"It puts the lotion in the basket or it gets the hose again!"
I just realised my new design looks exactly like this guy.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Guys and Dolls
After another satisfyingly busy weekend (I finally got a haircut, woo!), I'm back to yet another slow working week. I literally haven't done any work in about two hours. I'm sure I'm going to be for a rude shock when I have to start doing proper work when I get home.
To alleviate my boredom I thought I'd write up a review of my night of Ewanspotting at Guys and Dolls a couple of weeks ago.
We arrived at Piccadilly Theatre with much anticipation, mostly on my part, to see Mr McGregor. Even though we were in the cheap seats, the theatre wasn't too big so we had a fairly decent view of the stage. We took our seats only to be confronted by The Worse FeMullet Ever, worn by some woman who obviously was not worried about her own appearance, or the eyesight of any poor soul in her vicinity. Once we got over our initial shock we settled down to watch the show.
The show itself was really good. Guys and Dolls isn’t one of the showier musicals but more of a character piece, so it was the charisma of the actors and their performances which were more central to our enjoyment than any elaborate dance numbers. Having subsequently seen the 1955 film version, I can’t help comparing with the West End version. Some of the performers are dead ringers for the 1955 cast, the man who played Nicely, Nicely Johnson being one of them. Jane Krakowski was brilliant and she pulled off Adelaide note perfect to Vivian Blake's original performance.
Not to spoil it for you, but Sky Masterson is practically the last character to be introduced so it seemed like I was waiting ages to finally get a glimpse of Ewan. Which was obscured by his large fedora hat. Damn those early 20th century dress codes! But I did finally get to see Ewan in (almost) all his glory. (Unfortunately, they haven’t yet found a way to work in a nude scene into Guys and Dolls. But if there were you know he’d do it.)
Now Ewan is a good actor but not so much of a singer, sorry to say. Luckily Sky’s musical numbers are fairly limited and it was mostly down to Ewan to be as charming as possible as Sky. Which he pulled off wonderfully. That Jenna Russell was one lucky woman, getting to snog Mr McGregor several times.
I do wish I’d been slightly closer or at least had rented the binoculars for a better view of Ewan. Otherwise though I had an extremely enjoyable night and now I can say I was in the same (very big) room with Ewan McGregor. Heh.
To alleviate my boredom I thought I'd write up a review of my night of Ewanspotting at Guys and Dolls a couple of weeks ago.
We arrived at Piccadilly Theatre with much anticipation, mostly on my part, to see Mr McGregor. Even though we were in the cheap seats, the theatre wasn't too big so we had a fairly decent view of the stage. We took our seats only to be confronted by The Worse FeMullet Ever, worn by some woman who obviously was not worried about her own appearance, or the eyesight of any poor soul in her vicinity. Once we got over our initial shock we settled down to watch the show.
The show itself was really good. Guys and Dolls isn’t one of the showier musicals but more of a character piece, so it was the charisma of the actors and their performances which were more central to our enjoyment than any elaborate dance numbers. Having subsequently seen the 1955 film version, I can’t help comparing with the West End version. Some of the performers are dead ringers for the 1955 cast, the man who played Nicely, Nicely Johnson being one of them. Jane Krakowski was brilliant and she pulled off Adelaide note perfect to Vivian Blake's original performance.
Not to spoil it for you, but Sky Masterson is practically the last character to be introduced so it seemed like I was waiting ages to finally get a glimpse of Ewan. Which was obscured by his large fedora hat. Damn those early 20th century dress codes! But I did finally get to see Ewan in (almost) all his glory. (Unfortunately, they haven’t yet found a way to work in a nude scene into Guys and Dolls. But if there were you know he’d do it.)
Now Ewan is a good actor but not so much of a singer, sorry to say. Luckily Sky’s musical numbers are fairly limited and it was mostly down to Ewan to be as charming as possible as Sky. Which he pulled off wonderfully. That Jenna Russell was one lucky woman, getting to snog Mr McGregor several times.
I do wish I’d been slightly closer or at least had rented the binoculars for a better view of Ewan. Otherwise though I had an extremely enjoyable night and now I can say I was in the same (very big) room with Ewan McGregor. Heh.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
I want that one!
As it is coming up to Christmas and because I'm extremely bored, I thought I'd share my Amazon wish list with you here. Feel free to buy me anything (or everything) on the list if you so desire.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Let's do the time warp again
Possibly because it's Official Ewan Spotting Day (tm Me) time is going very slowly this afternoon. I'm managing to get all my work done in the shortest time possible leaving me with plenty of time to be bored. In fact I seem to have slipped into that 9-5 time warp where time goes at least 200% slower than when you're not at work. It is an actual phenomena shared with many of my fellow office workers which is only alleviated after 5pm.
It seems to be effecting my colleagues as well and they have resorted to amusing themselves with renditions of 70s tv theme tunes , naked Robbie Williams (click at your own peril) and coffee runs. Who said high finance was dull?
Phew! 45 minutes and counting......
It seems to be effecting my colleagues as well and they have resorted to amusing themselves with renditions of 70s tv theme tunes , naked Robbie Williams (click at your own peril) and coffee runs. Who said high finance was dull?
Phew! 45 minutes and counting......
Monday, October 31, 2005
I dont know if I've noticed this just because it's Monday morning, but I seem to have been lacking in patience recently. I can't tolerate people and things that normally dont bother me.
But the good news is I get to go and see my old movie boyfriend Ewan tomorrow night! Yayayayyay!!
Ahh isnt he lovely......
But the good news is I get to go and see my old movie boyfriend Ewan tomorrow night! Yayayayyay!!
Ahh isnt he lovely......
Friday, October 21, 2005
Bloggin' for the weekend
Hate to sound like a sterotypical 9-5er but am sooo glad it's the weekend! I had some excellent career related news this morning and went for a massive shopping spree last night so am feeling in a pretty good mood for once.
I've finally uploaded my photos of our trip so for those of you who might want to check them out, they can be found here:
Venice
Greece
Rome
Italian Explorer
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
I've finally uploaded my photos of our trip so for those of you who might want to check them out, they can be found here:
Venice
Greece
Rome
Italian Explorer
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Being there is everything
Yesterday I saw little sis off at the airport. She was flying home via our little ol' national carrier, Air NZ. And wonderful home-spun airline that they are, her flight was delayed by 5 hours. So we got to hang around firstly in the check-in queue for a good hour, then I was herded along with my sister and the other Air NZ passengers to the Marriott Heathrow where I managed to score a free glass of fine and a free meal as they thought I was also a passenger. There's nothing like the camaraderie of disgruntled, delayed airline passengers.
Luckily I managed to slip away before I was ushered into the line for the Departure lounge where I probably would have got a bollocking for not having a) my passport on me or b) a valid airline ticket.
It was a very bizarre experience though. I don't think I've been around that many kiwi accents for a very long time. It was weird....
How am I going to handle it when I get home?
Luckily I managed to slip away before I was ushered into the line for the Departure lounge where I probably would have got a bollocking for not having a) my passport on me or b) a valid airline ticket.
It was a very bizarre experience though. I don't think I've been around that many kiwi accents for a very long time. It was weird....
How am I going to handle it when I get home?
Monday, October 17, 2005
Checkin' In
Things have been "interesting" of late. Still busy with my little sis here but I'm sure that will change soon. I'm not exactly feeling entirely wonderful but I'm sure things will get better after a while. To be honest I'm pretty disappointed how things are panning out, but I guess you cant always help these things.
Ain't life grand.....
Ain't life grand.....
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Party central
We had the house party on Saturday which seems to have been a success, judging by the carnage the next morning. The flat was packed with people and it was a really nice international mix and everyone got on really well. There were even a few hook-ups which me and the flatties were quite chuffed with. Although I did feel in the middle of some weird alternative world at one point; surrounded by couples making out. They know who they are!!
We even have a new flat name, The Zoffanies, which we are going to use when we eventually form our all girl band. (I might have to learn to sing first)
The only downer was that I wasn't quite in the right frame of mind to enjoy the party myself. A few issues cropped up that I had to deal with so I wasn't able to loosen up and enjoy myself properly. (I.e. I wasn't drunk enough) Which is a bit of a shame but at least everyone else had a good time.
We even have a new flat name, The Zoffanies, which we are going to use when we eventually form our all girl band. (I might have to learn to sing first)
The only downer was that I wasn't quite in the right frame of mind to enjoy the party myself. A few issues cropped up that I had to deal with so I wasn't able to loosen up and enjoy myself properly. (I.e. I wasn't drunk enough) Which is a bit of a shame but at least everyone else had a good time.
Friday, October 07, 2005
The memories....
Remember a couple of years back when I was so bored at my job I came up with this excellent website?
Who can forget the many hours of laughter inspired by that bastion on New Zealand acting talent, Craig Parker.
I wish I had much more time and photoshop so I could have continued with Craig's journeys around the world. Maybe one day....
Who can forget the many hours of laughter inspired by that bastion on New Zealand acting talent, Craig Parker.
I wish I had much more time and photoshop so I could have continued with Craig's journeys around the world. Maybe one day....
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
I've just been amusing myself with reading this recap of the classic Melrose Place episode where Kimberly rips off her wig. I forgot how brilliantly trashy this show was.
The best thing about Desperate Housewives, I think, is that it's practically a Melrose Place reunion what with Kimberly aka Bree and Gay Matt (seriously cannot see him as a hetrosexual husband with kids). I'm always waiting for Bree to finally loose it and rip off her wig.
He turns on the lights and illuminates...KIMBERLY. "Nice to see you again, Michael," she sort of smilingly hisses. He is stunned. As you would be, if the woman you loved whom you thought you accidentally killed in a drunk-driving accident turned up in your living room and acted like she'd been at a spa for the weekend. "Kim? Um? Is...? Um...it's really you?" he stammers. "Maybe. OR MAYBE YOU'RE GOING CRAZY," Kimberly laughs. That is so awesome. I'm going to start saying that to people when they ask me things at the office.
The best thing about Desperate Housewives, I think, is that it's practically a Melrose Place reunion what with Kimberly aka Bree and Gay Matt (seriously cannot see him as a hetrosexual husband with kids). I'm always waiting for Bree to finally loose it and rip off her wig.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
I change my colour like I change my....
Felt like going a bit girlier today. This one is going to stay.
I swear.
I swear.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Redesign!!
Like the new look? Felt like a change and found this on a free blogger template site. Look at all the purdy colours.....
Back on track
Please excuse my moment of miserable self indulgence last week. Am feeling much better so none of you need worry. I think I was overindulging a little on the pub visits last week, so I will seriously be doing some detox this week.
Well until our little knees-up on Saturday. Other than that I'm completely off the piss. Honest.....
Well until our little knees-up on Saturday. Other than that I'm completely off the piss. Honest.....
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Life sucks, then you die
I think John Lennon was right. Don't make plans, cause fate will always prove you wrong. When things seem to be coming together for you, it's got to be too good to be true. It's only so long until something falls apart....
Sorry folks, move along nothing to see here.....
Sorry folks, move along nothing to see here.....
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Ever seen a trailer for a really crap movie and wondered where the hell did they get that idea?
Apparently those are the good ideas.
Query Letters I Love... has the rejected ones.
My favourite is the crazed vampire terrorizing helpless airplane passengers. If they're not careful Anne Rice might steal that and give us the hapless vampire's perpective for her next novel.
For those of you not up with the screenplay lingo, query letters are effectively one to 2 paragraph summaries of the script designed to capture the essence of the movie. Or in this case the twisted psyche of wannabe scriptwriters.
Apparently those are the good ideas.
Query Letters I Love... has the rejected ones.
My favourite is the crazed vampire terrorizing helpless airplane passengers. If they're not careful Anne Rice might steal that and give us the hapless vampire's perpective for her next novel.
For those of you not up with the screenplay lingo, query letters are effectively one to 2 paragraph summaries of the script designed to capture the essence of the movie. Or in this case the twisted psyche of wannabe scriptwriters.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
I never realised how much time I waste emailing people at work, until there were no emails in my inbox this morning. What's a girl supposed to do?
These past couple of weeks since I moved in have been crazy busy. There's been so much on. Friday night I watched some of my old workmates (see below) doing dragonboating on the Thames. Saturday it was Tammy's birthday so I went for dinner with the girls then we watched Ella Enchanted on DVD. Sunday I met up with Soth again and tried Yum Cha. A new experience for me. Was really enjoyable, yummy chinese food. The chicken feet werent too bad either. Then after that I raced off to the pub to catch up with the Phlat crew to observe Irish culture in the form of hurling and of course have a few drinks. As you can see, action packed.
The most exciting news of late, is that my little sis is coming to stay with me! Yay! I'll get to show her around London, n'all. And introduce her to the fun of sitting in pubs all day. Excellent......
These past couple of weeks since I moved in have been crazy busy. There's been so much on. Friday night I watched some of my old workmates (see below) doing dragonboating on the Thames. Saturday it was Tammy's birthday so I went for dinner with the girls then we watched Ella Enchanted on DVD. Sunday I met up with Soth again and tried Yum Cha. A new experience for me. Was really enjoyable, yummy chinese food. The chicken feet werent too bad either. Then after that I raced off to the pub to catch up with the Phlat crew to observe Irish culture in the form of hurling and of course have a few drinks. As you can see, action packed.
The most exciting news of late, is that my little sis is coming to stay with me! Yay! I'll get to show her around London, n'all. And introduce her to the fun of sitting in pubs all day. Excellent......
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
New and improved with pictures
This is me and my old workmates from Reuters - Soth on the left and Kate on the right. As you may guess we were part way through a drunken night out when this was taken.
She speeds....through another blog update
So where were we? Ah that's right, Seville. In Seville we managed to absorb some of those traditional aspects of Spanish culture - flamenco, bullfighting and stinking hot temperatures. We visited a bull ring (but didn't actually watch a bullfight), went to a Flamenco show which was very cool and had a look around some of Seville's historic sights, like the Alcazar, an amazing Moorish palace. Also, apparently, where they filmed Mission Impossible 2.
After Seville, we headed to Lagos in Portugal which is a nice little beach town where we spent our time, where else, but at the beach. I think I may have even got what looked to be a bit of a tan, although it's long gone now. In Lagos we familiarised ourselves with traditional Portuguese food from a place called Burger Ranch. The closest thing to Wendys I've had since NZ. Yummm.....
After Lagos it was onto the capitol Lisbon, where we did a one day whirlwind tour of the sights which included Castelo de Sano Jorge (the old castle that overlooks the city), the impressive monastery dos Jeranimos and the Belem Tower. The next day we took a day trip to Sintra, a gorgeous town just outside of Lisbon with gorgeous palaces, stately homes, ruins etc.
After Portugal it was back to Spain to Sebastiantien, via a short stopover in Madrid. San Seb (as the Aussies like to call it) is a very nice beachside town, which reminded us a little of Nice, although we didnt get to see too much as we were only there for one day.
Then it was back to France! First stop was in Bordeaux, where we studied up on wine tasting by going on a wine tour around the area. I actually appreciated drinking a good red wine so I did learn something. Pity it's only €30 a bottle stuff I can drink.
And of course after Bordeaux it was our final stop Paris! Paris was hectic, but very cool. We only had 2 days to cram in all the sights, so we were pretty much on the go the whole day. We saw the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Ceau, Arch D'Triomphe, the Effiel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre (and the Mona Lisa, of course), the palace of Versailles and the cemetary where Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde are buried. I think that was probably one of my most enjoyable parts of Paris. Fcemeteryetary there was really a community sort of atmosphere with people coming to pay tribute. Tammy and I even kissed Oscar Wilde's memorial with lip gloss as per tradition. Jess & Catherine came across a man with wild hair and a Jim Morrison t-shirt who had devoted all his time to directing visitors where to go.
So it was a very weary group of girls who arrived back in London, almost two months ago now. We really did have a fantastic trip, despite the heat, the sightseeing fatigue and bumpier bits. Hmm...writing this is making me a little nostalgic. Except possibly for communal showers and wearing the same manky clothes over and over again.
After Seville, we headed to Lagos in Portugal which is a nice little beach town where we spent our time, where else, but at the beach. I think I may have even got what looked to be a bit of a tan, although it's long gone now. In Lagos we familiarised ourselves with traditional Portuguese food from a place called Burger Ranch. The closest thing to Wendys I've had since NZ. Yummm.....
After Lagos it was onto the capitol Lisbon, where we did a one day whirlwind tour of the sights which included Castelo de Sano Jorge (the old castle that overlooks the city), the impressive monastery dos Jeranimos and the Belem Tower. The next day we took a day trip to Sintra, a gorgeous town just outside of Lisbon with gorgeous palaces, stately homes, ruins etc.
After Portugal it was back to Spain to Sebastiantien, via a short stopover in Madrid. San Seb (as the Aussies like to call it) is a very nice beachside town, which reminded us a little of Nice, although we didnt get to see too much as we were only there for one day.
Then it was back to France! First stop was in Bordeaux, where we studied up on wine tasting by going on a wine tour around the area. I actually appreciated drinking a good red wine so I did learn something. Pity it's only €30 a bottle stuff I can drink.
And of course after Bordeaux it was our final stop Paris! Paris was hectic, but very cool. We only had 2 days to cram in all the sights, so we were pretty much on the go the whole day. We saw the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Ceau, Arch D'Triomphe, the Effiel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre (and the Mona Lisa, of course), the palace of Versailles and the cemetary where Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde are buried. I think that was probably one of my most enjoyable parts of Paris. Fcemeteryetary there was really a community sort of atmosphere with people coming to pay tribute. Tammy and I even kissed Oscar Wilde's memorial with lip gloss as per tradition. Jess & Catherine came across a man with wild hair and a Jim Morrison t-shirt who had devoted all his time to directing visitors where to go.
So it was a very weary group of girls who arrived back in London, almost two months ago now. We really did have a fantastic trip, despite the heat, the sightseeing fatigue and bumpier bits. Hmm...writing this is making me a little nostalgic. Except possibly for communal showers and wearing the same manky clothes over and over again.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Who you callin' lazy?
So remember there was that time I went backpacking? Feels like ages ago...oh wait it was.
Hmm....where were we? Well we had a pretty chilled week and a bit in Greece. The islands there are gorgeous. The first island, Paros, was pretty much a beach island so that's what we spent most of our time doing. Apart from the odd drinking sesh as well, of course. The hotel we stayed at was this weird old fashioned style hotel, run by a man and his elderly mother. The place was a bit creepy and reminded me of Pyscho meets Agatha Christie in Greece....
I think my highlight of Paros would have to be waking up the entire village at 2am with my excellent rendition of Gwen Steffani cheerleader style at the top of my lungs, followed by a joint group singalong to the Sound of Music.
After that we caught the ferry to Santorini. Santorini is amazing. The huge cliffs and white houses are exactly how you imagine them. Maybe even better. I even managed a cruise and volcano tour with Tammy, Lesley and Jo. Was def a great way to see the island. Our hotel was lovely, complete with swimming pool which we managed to hog.
So after several days in the sun in Santorini it was time to head back to Athens to begin the marathon journey back to Italy. We literally spent about 3 days at sea (with one day's rest in Athens) before we arrived back in Ancona in Italy. Ancona is the port town nearest Rome and my first stop on Busabout and really not much else. Our hotel room did have MTV so we holed up in the rooms watching music tv and dying each others hair. Who said backpacking meant you had let grooming go...?
From Ancona it was onto Roma! Va bene! Rome was amazing. There is literally so much to see and do in Rome, there was no way we could see it all even with 3 full days there. We got to see all the main sites - the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palpatine Hill, the Vatican, St Peters, the Sistine Chapel.... I think our highlight of Rome was the ancient roman ruins Russell Crowe's Aussie Rules field which we discovered at Palpatine Hill and best mushroom pasta ever from the campsite we stayed at. Unfortunately we didnt get to see the new pope but we did go and visit John Paul II's tomb. Oh and I managed to blaspheme inside St Pauls while I was climbing to the top. Go me!
After Rome we went on Busabout's 3 Day Southern Italian Explorer. We stayed in the gorgeous town of Sorrento and got to visit Pompeii and the Isle of Capri and well as drive through the Amalfi coast, one of the most beautiful views in the world we were told. And it was pretty amazing.
After those 3 days it was back to Rome for a quick stop, then we headed off to Florence. Florence of course is Art City. We spent most of our time there visiting (or queuing for) the two main galleries - the Academia, which had Michelangelo's David and the Uffuzi, with Botticelli, Raphael, Rembrandt...etc, etc. We managed to see work by all four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by the end of it.
Our next stop after Florence was Cinque Terre, on the North Eastern coast of Italy, it is made up of 5 small villages, all clinging to the coastal rock. We stayed in the first village Riomaggiore in a lovely little apartment, which was like heaven after a few weeks of hosteling and camping. It is a gorgeous area, another of the most beautiful areas in the world. We spent most of our time hanging at the beach or wandering around the tiny village.
After Cinque Terre, it was finally time for us to say goodbye to Italy. I really enjoyed our time there but I think we must have had enough pasta and pizza to last us for a good ten years. We headed to Nice, France next.
Nice is really cool. The beach resembles Brighton or somewhere in England, but much cleaner and really nice weather. We got to tour around Nice on our favourite method of transport Le Petite Train (which we discovered in New Caledonia so many years ago). Also made sure to hang out at the beach and we had the best ice creams ever from a shop in Nice. They have really bizarre flavours like rose, lavender etc... It was sooo good, better than all the gelati we ate in Italy. .
From Nice it was on to Barcelona in Spain. We spent 2 days in Barcelona and got to see heaps and heaps of Gaudi buildings (Barcelona's most famous architect/designer), stroll down Las Ramblas and even managed to fit in a visit to the Picasso gallery.
After Barcelona it was onto Madrid and the weather just keeps getting hotter the further in Spain we go. We spent 2 sweltering days in Madrid where we visited the two most famous art galleries in Spain and the Real Palace, then it was onto Seville.
Phew, so there you go. More later. Hopefully....
Hmm....where were we? Well we had a pretty chilled week and a bit in Greece. The islands there are gorgeous. The first island, Paros, was pretty much a beach island so that's what we spent most of our time doing. Apart from the odd drinking sesh as well, of course. The hotel we stayed at was this weird old fashioned style hotel, run by a man and his elderly mother. The place was a bit creepy and reminded me of Pyscho meets Agatha Christie in Greece....
I think my highlight of Paros would have to be waking up the entire village at 2am with my excellent rendition of Gwen Steffani cheerleader style at the top of my lungs, followed by a joint group singalong to the Sound of Music.
After that we caught the ferry to Santorini. Santorini is amazing. The huge cliffs and white houses are exactly how you imagine them. Maybe even better. I even managed a cruise and volcano tour with Tammy, Lesley and Jo. Was def a great way to see the island. Our hotel was lovely, complete with swimming pool which we managed to hog.
So after several days in the sun in Santorini it was time to head back to Athens to begin the marathon journey back to Italy. We literally spent about 3 days at sea (with one day's rest in Athens) before we arrived back in Ancona in Italy. Ancona is the port town nearest Rome and my first stop on Busabout and really not much else. Our hotel room did have MTV so we holed up in the rooms watching music tv and dying each others hair. Who said backpacking meant you had let grooming go...?
From Ancona it was onto Roma! Va bene! Rome was amazing. There is literally so much to see and do in Rome, there was no way we could see it all even with 3 full days there. We got to see all the main sites - the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palpatine Hill, the Vatican, St Peters, the Sistine Chapel.... I think our highlight of Rome was the ancient roman ruins Russell Crowe's Aussie Rules field which we discovered at Palpatine Hill and best mushroom pasta ever from the campsite we stayed at. Unfortunately we didnt get to see the new pope but we did go and visit John Paul II's tomb. Oh and I managed to blaspheme inside St Pauls while I was climbing to the top. Go me!
After Rome we went on Busabout's 3 Day Southern Italian Explorer. We stayed in the gorgeous town of Sorrento and got to visit Pompeii and the Isle of Capri and well as drive through the Amalfi coast, one of the most beautiful views in the world we were told. And it was pretty amazing.
After those 3 days it was back to Rome for a quick stop, then we headed off to Florence. Florence of course is Art City. We spent most of our time there visiting (or queuing for) the two main galleries - the Academia, which had Michelangelo's David and the Uffuzi, with Botticelli, Raphael, Rembrandt...etc, etc. We managed to see work by all four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by the end of it.
Our next stop after Florence was Cinque Terre, on the North Eastern coast of Italy, it is made up of 5 small villages, all clinging to the coastal rock. We stayed in the first village Riomaggiore in a lovely little apartment, which was like heaven after a few weeks of hosteling and camping. It is a gorgeous area, another of the most beautiful areas in the world. We spent most of our time hanging at the beach or wandering around the tiny village.
After Cinque Terre, it was finally time for us to say goodbye to Italy. I really enjoyed our time there but I think we must have had enough pasta and pizza to last us for a good ten years. We headed to Nice, France next.
Nice is really cool. The beach resembles Brighton or somewhere in England, but much cleaner and really nice weather. We got to tour around Nice on our favourite method of transport Le Petite Train (which we discovered in New Caledonia so many years ago). Also made sure to hang out at the beach and we had the best ice creams ever from a shop in Nice. They have really bizarre flavours like rose, lavender etc... It was sooo good, better than all the gelati we ate in Italy. .
From Nice it was on to Barcelona in Spain. We spent 2 days in Barcelona and got to see heaps and heaps of Gaudi buildings (Barcelona's most famous architect/designer), stroll down Las Ramblas and even managed to fit in a visit to the Picasso gallery.
After Barcelona it was onto Madrid and the weather just keeps getting hotter the further in Spain we go. We spent 2 sweltering days in Madrid where we visited the two most famous art galleries in Spain and the Real Palace, then it was onto Seville.
Phew, so there you go. More later. Hopefully....
Friday, September 02, 2005
I have a home!
After weeks of staying out at teh phlat(tm Carly) in Acton, I finally moved into my new flat last Saturday. It's a lovely Victorian terrace house in Archway (that's North London)and I have a nice big room with my own huge double bed and wardrobes and drawers and everything. I dont have to live out of a backpack any longer. Excitement!
My flatmates are two very nice, very friendly English girls and we get on pretty well so far. We even managed a night out on Wed for Liz's birthday.
So I'm a Norf London girl now and I'm allowed to moan continously about how useless the Northern Line is.
Sorry still no updates on my trip.....if you're lucky I might challenge myself to backpacking around Europe in 50 words or less.
My flatmates are two very nice, very friendly English girls and we get on pretty well so far. We even managed a night out on Wed for Liz's birthday.
So I'm a Norf London girl now and I'm allowed to moan continously about how useless the Northern Line is.
Sorry still no updates on my trip.....if you're lucky I might challenge myself to backpacking around Europe in 50 words or less.
Monday, August 08, 2005
I ain't no dirty hippie!
Despite what this quiz says.
I am 29% Hippie.
I need to step away from the tie-dye. I smell too good to be a hippie and my dad is probably a cop. Being a hippie is not a fashion craze, man. It was a way of life, in the 60’s, man.Most pointless blog ever...
Well I intended this blog to chronicle my trip around Europ, but of course I was too damn busy to update it. So let's pretend that I wrote this about two months ago and it will go along nicely.
First stop on our very own Eurotrip - Venice
The city itself was an absolute blast! We spent 4 days in Venice, exploring the tiny streets and canals. We stayed at a camping backpackers just outside the city, complete with pool and bar facilities, both of which we made sure we used frequently. The weather was soo beautiful, sunny and pretty damn hot. I managed to get sunburnt and heat rash within the first week or so. Jo and I arrived on Monday and stayed in our tiny wee 2 person tent. We spent the next day wandering around Venice on our own then met the girls Tuesday night and were were extremely happy to be upgrading to a cabin..with walls even.
Wednesday was our first day sightseeing as a group. We went to San Marco Piazzo and stood amoungst the crowds visiting the Basicilia and the Doges Palace and just spent the rest of the day wandering. Venice is such a beautiful city, full of tiny nooks and crannies, where you can just about stumble onto anything. It's easy just to loose yourself amoungst the canals.
The next day we got a ferry out to one of the outer islands, Murano, famous for it's glassmaking and we got to watch an Italian family doing a glassblowing demonstration. We spent the rest of the afternoon searching desperately for gellato but no luck.
Friday night we got to have real Italian pasta and managed to finally find gellato store. Yummy.
Then Saturday it was all go as we missioned out to get the ferry to Greece! We were wholed up on the ferry for 2 days! Cabin fever, ahoy. But it is a wonderful way to see the whole of Venice.
Arrived in Athens late the next night. Managed to fit in some sightseeing the following day and saw the Acropolis and the Agora. We squeezed in a bit more sightseeing the next day and got our fill of ancient Greek ruins and relics. Then it was off to the Greek Islands. Beaches here we come.
For my first lot of photos go here - http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/melscott_nz/album?.dir=/28f7>
First stop on our very own Eurotrip - Venice
The city itself was an absolute blast! We spent 4 days in Venice, exploring the tiny streets and canals. We stayed at a camping backpackers just outside the city, complete with pool and bar facilities, both of which we made sure we used frequently. The weather was soo beautiful, sunny and pretty damn hot. I managed to get sunburnt and heat rash within the first week or so. Jo and I arrived on Monday and stayed in our tiny wee 2 person tent. We spent the next day wandering around Venice on our own then met the girls Tuesday night and were were extremely happy to be upgrading to a cabin..with walls even.
Wednesday was our first day sightseeing as a group. We went to San Marco Piazzo and stood amoungst the crowds visiting the Basicilia and the Doges Palace and just spent the rest of the day wandering. Venice is such a beautiful city, full of tiny nooks and crannies, where you can just about stumble onto anything. It's easy just to loose yourself amoungst the canals.
The next day we got a ferry out to one of the outer islands, Murano, famous for it's glassmaking and we got to watch an Italian family doing a glassblowing demonstration. We spent the rest of the afternoon searching desperately for gellato but no luck.
Friday night we got to have real Italian pasta and managed to finally find gellato store. Yummy.
Then Saturday it was all go as we missioned out to get the ferry to Greece! We were wholed up on the ferry for 2 days! Cabin fever, ahoy. But it is a wonderful way to see the whole of Venice.
Arrived in Athens late the next night. Managed to fit in some sightseeing the following day and saw the Acropolis and the Agora. We squeezed in a bit more sightseeing the next day and got our fill of ancient Greek ruins and relics. Then it was off to the Greek Islands. Beaches here we come.
For my first lot of photos go here - http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/melscott_nz/album?.dir=/28f7>
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Time's up
With a day left at the Stratford flat Jo and I are about to embark on The Big Trip. Tomorrow we head off to Gatwick airport to stay at the lovely Premiere Travel Inn, Gatwick. We'll let you know how that one goes. It's a very early start on Monday morning as we check in at 4.55am. Ouch! Then it's off to Venice! Yay!
I have just bought a digital camera so I will be able to keep you all up to date with photos and the like.
Phase 1 of The Big Trip is about to start. Excitement......
I have just bought a digital camera so I will be able to keep you all up to date with photos and the like.
Phase 1 of The Big Trip is about to start. Excitement......
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Dear Mum & Dad.....
Why did you not take into consideration the many ways my given name can be bastardized?
That is all.
Love,
Mel-icious
Teasing Nicknames for Melanie:
That is all.
Love,
Mel-icious
Teasing Nicknames for Melanie:
- Mel Mel
- Melsy
- Felony
- Melolelonie
- Smellanee
- Melonhead
- Melanoma
- Smell
- Pail Mel
- Melancholy
- Maloney
- Hail Mel
- Smelly
- Mello Jello
- Mel-Smell
- Smelly Melly
- Melvin
- Melons
- Melster
- Melba Toast
- Melon Head
- Water Melanie
- Mel Dog
- Mel Belle
- Melicious
- Melbany
- Melfernee
- Mellow Yellow
- Meller
- Melkany
(taken from Babynamer)
PS. I can assure you that I have actually been given many of those nicknames over the years. My favourite probably isnt suitable for family members. Sorry folks.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Heard on my voicemail
"Yeaaah, giiiddaaay maaate. Just phoning 'bout the roooom in the TNT, maaate. Reeally interested. If you could giiive me a call back maaate......Cheers, maaate."
Who knew people actually talk like that?
Who knew people actually talk like that?
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
The Countdown begins.....
Our first party of travellers left for the Continent on Sunday! So Jo and I are now on our lonesome in Stratford. (That's East London, luvies). We have said goodbye to scummy Willesden flat and temporary hello to scummier Stratford flat, complete with new and strange kiwi flatmates. They seem to have health food and weird objects lying around the house. Jo says they're something to do with "exercising" and "keeping fit" but I have no idea what she's on about......
I dont have much longer to go at Reuters now (6 days and counting). I cannot wait....
The girlies sound like they are having a wonderful time so far. Below is the latest dispatch -
We left London on Sunday morning for Brugges, afteralmost missing the bus!!!!We arrived in Brugges about 2pm and spent the daywondering around, it is very pretty, all cobbled,horses and carriages and canals.Today we went on aboat ride thru the canals and wentto the basilica of the holy blood, but the blood wasntthere. It rained alot today and we got wet!!!!Tomorrow we are going on a tour to Flanders and Ypres,then Wednesday we are off to Amsterdam.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm loving the scummy hostel showers,they are so foul.Backpack very heavey, but want some clogs fromamsterdam, oh well must squeeze them in!!!!!Will email or send postcards soon, Love Jessxx
Will be me soon too. Yay!
I dont have much longer to go at Reuters now (6 days and counting). I cannot wait....
The girlies sound like they are having a wonderful time so far. Below is the latest dispatch -
We left London on Sunday morning for Brugges, afteralmost missing the bus!!!!We arrived in Brugges about 2pm and spent the daywondering around, it is very pretty, all cobbled,horses and carriages and canals.Today we went on aboat ride thru the canals and wentto the basilica of the holy blood, but the blood wasntthere. It rained alot today and we got wet!!!!Tomorrow we are going on a tour to Flanders and Ypres,then Wednesday we are off to Amsterdam.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm loving the scummy hostel showers,they are so foul.Backpack very heavey, but want some clogs fromamsterdam, oh well must squeeze them in!!!!!Will email or send postcards soon, Love Jessxx
Will be me soon too. Yay!
Monday, April 04, 2005
Flat Tack
After being on cruise control for the last 9 months or so, everything is starting to happen all at once. Work has gone crazy (that's the day job) as our jobs are going to another department and we have to train them and oversee the whole thing and it's turning out to be a bit of a mess. I will still be working here until our trip though, so that's one less thing to worry about. We're also trying to off load our flat to someone else before we go, on top of organising the move and the Big Trip.
On a good note, all our friends are beginning to arrive over here. Carly has arrived already and Jo, next week and finally Tammy arrives week and a bit later. Yay!!
On a good note, all our friends are beginning to arrive over here. Carly has arrived already and Jo, next week and finally Tammy arrives week and a bit later. Yay!!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Imagine if you were at the Oxford/Cambridge boat race....
....and out of nowhere none other than Craig Parker pops out at you!! That's right people, our favourite stalker/ex elf is popping up into our lives again. How we laughed and laughed as we chased the cheeky chappy through the crowds so Cathy could catch a glimpse of him. But he was too quick for us this time. One day Craigy, one day.
Psst! Wondering what's so special about Craig? Go here to find out more.
Psst! Wondering what's so special about Craig? Go here to find out more.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Happy 21st Birthday Sis!!
It's my little sis's 21st birthday this weekend. I can't be there, since I'm stuck over here in Blighty, so unfortunately I will miss the festivities.
I hope it is a wonderful night and everyone who does go will let me know how it went.
So a Very Happy 21st Birthday to you Katherine!! I hope you have an extra special night! Miss you loads and loads....
I hope it is a wonderful night and everyone who does go will let me know how it went.
So a Very Happy 21st Birthday to you Katherine!! I hope you have an extra special night! Miss you loads and loads....
From Snow to Summer in two weeks flat
Well the snow has disappeared and in its place, summer has arrived! The bizarro weather means that it's now lovely and sunny and even getting up to 21 degrees. It feels almost tropical in contrast to the freezing weather not so long ago.
Apparently this is a freakish weather system and March isn't normally so warm. Here's hoping it lasts for a bit.
Apparently this is a freakish weather system and March isn't normally so warm. Here's hoping it lasts for a bit.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Let it snow, let it snow
So much for my getting my wish. It's been snowing on and off for the two weeks and and this morning, while waiting in the unrelenting snow shower for the bus, I realised the novelty had well and truely worn off.
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