NZ – Page 2 – A Few Quirkes

Return to the Basin

Yesterday turned out to be a fine day to watch cricket-in contrast to the weather forecasts earlier in the week.

Joe and I went to a women’s Twenty -20 international- NZ v England. The latter already 3-1 up in the series.

The crowd was reasonable-2-3, ooo? The atmosphere better than that for the men’s match against Australia earlier in the year. A lot less annoying music being played over the action.

England were clearly better and won in a controlled way. NZ batted first and lost 3 wickets quickly to poor shots . Their strategy was poor-trying to emulate the men’s game I think and trying to hit out from the onset. I do not think it works in the same way for women- the power is not there. Just play proper shots and keep it on the floor- like England did.

All thee same- entertaining.

WOMAD 2

A late update.

So here are some acts that made a greater imptession on us and were well worth the effort to see.

Local paper loves it

DAKHABRAKHA

A eclectic band from Ukraine whose music was varied and very interesting. They certainly were there to promote support their country’s current war with Russia.

GOOD HABITS

An English folk couple who play cello and accordion and who make innovative use of their instruments and ideas. They have spent a lot of time in New Zealand before, having become ‘trapped’ here during the pandemic lockdown.

LISA O’NEILL

The folk singer from Ireland who was the inspiration for us togo to the festival. She was on twice and the second time, at the more intimate stage, was bettr. A great voice aided simply by the guitar.

PONGO

An artist from Angola wasa good and surprise find. She was very engaging with he crowd and brought some liveliness to the proceedings.

Otherwise, Ziggy Marley was ok and Shaz loved Lady Shaker a Kiwi dance music purveyor/ DJ.

WOMAD

Welcome to New Plymouth- land of the optimistic.

Our first WOMAD a decision made as we wanted to see Lisa O’Neil an Irish folksinger .

She was on first in one of the four stages and so in that light, job done.

Back to the Canes

A return visit yesterday to the Cake Tin for the first time in many years.

Hurricanes v The Blues now part of the Super Rugby Pacific competition with the departure of the South African teams.

There were not too many names of faces that I recognised. And it seems there are a lot of All Black players currently having their sabbatical, post RWC, in Japan.

Not bad to watch and a fun thing to do after the shift at after hours. Enjoyed a beer and a traditional fish bits and chips.

Nice time

Black Caps v Aussies

Day 4 of the First Test match. This was the first visit to NZ by the Australians for I think 6 years.

Day 1 looked promising but the kiwis let is go in the first session of day 2 with letting the last wicket make 100+ runs. New Zealand had a big target to score in the second innings. Day 4 started with 3 wickets down.

It was a continuous flow of wickets as 7 fell with 5 minutes still before lunch. A disappointing performance certainly. But not a surprise. Nathan Lyons took 10 in the match.

Maybe another time.

Twenty-20

Off to the Cake Tin on Wednesday evening to watch the Blackcaps play Australia. If memory is correct the first time they have visited in 6 years. For all the talk of a sell-out crowd I think there was closer to 20,000 there. This strikes me as very disappointing when people are not interested for a game against quality opposition.

An the experience…..Not again. I am not really fan of the format but with the annoying music – in between every delivery, and the juvenile encouragement to the crowd to shout and interviews with fans, I will not be back. Watching on tv will do. I will happily just go to the Basin Reserve.

Next up Day 4of the test match at the Basin. More my thing.

Mazda 2

The ‘new’ motor.

Simple and I hope effective. Help from Muzz.

Greytown

Mum, Dad and JQ arrived yesterday to the house we have been fortunate to use before.

The weather is currently fine, hot with only a little wind. A long run was had this morning before it came too hot. All three of us went out run on the old railway path.

I am pleased with my efforts- though the last 1 Km was hard. I think progressing well enough for the ‘Round the Bays’.

As, as the photo above shows we have been temporarily re-united with our Canada inspired chairs. Lovely.

Running

The preparation for the Round the Bays 2024 remains in progress. Today was a shorter effort but with periods of speed between the posts. Loving the current environment and routes. Hataitai beach very busy today

So on schedule I think.