The passage of time in Wellington and elsewhere
Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me…………..
I bet the postman(woman actually) is dreading taking all those parcels and cards to our house today.
Goodies so far-Arctic Monkeys CD, U2 collection CD, a book “The Silk Riders” about a trip by an NZ economist and his mates who drove BMW bikes tracing the route of Marco Polo to China, and a pair of Bart and Homer slippers.
Can’t say fairer than that.
Or a trip to ‘cup of tea ” island in some peoples’ vernacular.
It was a trip orgnaised by the family group we belong to through St. Ben’s.
These are monthly events to make for social contact.
So off to the island via Paraparaumu beach and to an island that is a DOC reserve.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/001~Other-Places/008~Wellington/Kapiti-Island-Nature-Reserve/index.asp
All pests such as rats and possums have been eradicated to allow the native bird live to flourish. So the bird life is varied, plentiful and keen to interact with the visitors.
We walked up to the top of the island despite the knee(more later I am sure), taking an hour and half to the then look out from the top into mist. There was nothing much to see!
Down we went (not good for the knee), and the children played children stuff on the beach.
A fun Sunday with a little detour to Waikanae for beer and fish and chips.
Waikanae appears to be a great place for the stars being small, flat and much reduced light pollution.
25th April for those not in the know.
It is a national holiday here, though no roll over to Momday if happens to fall on the weekend.
So, it is like Remembrance Day or Sunday, but with more importance possibly.
http://www.anzac.govt.nz/index.html
http://www.rsa.org.nz/index.html
The commemoration services are at dawn to mark the start of the Gallipoli campaign 1915.
Today we were at the Wellington service at the Cenotaph, Lambton Quay. So early rise, 4-50 to be there for the 5-45 start. All Quirkes were up and raring. There were a few thousand people in attendence, with all ages covered. The ex-servicemen marched in with a military band and followed by members of various organisations, like the Guides and army cadets.
The speeches concentrated on the acknowledgement and celebration of sacrifice not the glorification of battle. The importance of remembering the sacrifice of men and women in unpopular conflicts like Vietnam was stressed, being reminded that they were sent like any others, and if you have a problem with the conflict, direct your thoughts at those who do the sending.
ANZAC is an important way of Kiwis expressing their national character, I think more so than Remembrance day does in the UK. I suppose it is something to do with being a smaller and younger nation.
It is impressive that so many get out of bed early to attend, and do not necessarily see it as just another holiday and so have a lie in.
The shops are closed until 1pm also!
Last year Sara and I went to the dawn service in Nelson when we were there on holiday. This time the children has the pleasure also. It was obviously a smaller affair but more intimate and as a result more moving.
Anyway, something to make the children think and adults to reflect upon also.
Later today we are off to the Civic Square to see “beating the retreat”, though according to my well informed source, no one does it as well as the Royal Marines.
A final note;God is definitely a Kiwi. The much forecast rain held off until after the ceremony and when the bands has finished their final marching.
A surprise weekend away was organised, all the way to central Wellington. So distance is not a prerequisite for being away, just not the same surroundings and without the usual responsibilities. The “Celt” moved in to be aunty to the delighful three.
So we had an action packed 24 hours. We saw”Capote“, well worth the effort, and I am currently in the slow process of reading “In cold blood”. The a return walk back to the Bolton Hotel, one of Wellington’s finest. Dinner was enjoyed with fine rare beef, wine and chat.
There was plenty time to explore Wellington sea front in the dark with the camera. We enjoyed the lights in the wind free air, and took in the arts, The “Whispering Water” and the art form for which I do not know the name. Coloured flourescent tubes in a swirling pattern.
There was time still to enjoy the Canes lose on tv while drinking bubbly.
On Sunday it was back home to work and the kids after a morning of gym work, swimming and sauna.
The children seemed to have had as good a time as the parents. So a winner all round.
Being in the midst of school holidays (like everyone else?), we are sharing back-at-the-ranch parent duties. Yesterday was my turn. An early rise to drop Sara off for her 12 hour shift and back home again, dark enough to still see the stars. I did not have my Skymap so was a little disorientated, and the sky had moved around form my typical viewing times.
After breakfast it was on with life in the fast lane. Up to Porirua to the pool, with its wave machine, hot pools, “tubes” as well as the more mundane pool for swimming laps. Children and dad enjoyed the “tubes”, and laps were done to improve fitness. Dad retired a little earlier to enjoy coffee and cake while kids expended a little more energy. I was good enough to give them a few crumbs of my cake.
After luuch it was into town to do some secretive shopping, play at Oriental Bay while dad had his camera out trying to acheive a particular shot, but was unsuccessful again. More at some future successful date.
Back home via Nairville for kicking practice and a sumptuous pasta meal.
This dad has all the skills!
A beautiful weekend ahead. A high pressure system lies over NZ, so bright, dry and windless days in store.
The morning started with a view across the way to the ‘witch’s house”.
NZ is closed on Good friday. The shops do not open and no newspapers. Just like the “old days”. It seems peculiar that this relatively heathen country pays regard to important religious festivals. it will be the same on Easter Sunday, and it also applies to the early part of ANZAC day, 25th April.
We went for a walk by Wainuiomata, Moores valley, near the sreservoir. Beautiful and quiet, and a picnic by the river. The water was freezing but did not stop Joe form jumping in. He was however surprised as to how cold it was!
Of course after that we were good left footers and went to St. Bens, though the Quirke family we notable for their non participation in the cross veneration segment.
Later in the afternoon we behaved like Kiwis; we had a BBQ because the sun was out and because we could!
Today were at Ian Galloway Park for day one of Joe’s rugby season proper. He met his new team. Wests Under 11 “Red” team.
http://www.wests-junior-rugby.org.nz/_home/wests-junior-rugby-home.htm
The coach loooked the team over to decide positions. Joe was prop. He did well few good tackles, took the ball on a couple of times and tried to look the part in those mauls. Scrummaging was on though no push at this level. Lack of fitness told for Joe, and was of fthe action near the end and not getting the tackles in. something to work on.
The oppo was well organised having mostly played before and together. One lad really took the eye. He was a back who could run fast, was a well balanced runner with swerve, side step and eye for a gap at the age of 10. One of those who we will see again?
He reminded me of me!
A trip with older rugby mad son to the Cake Tin to see a top of the table class;Hurricanes v Crusaders, first v second. The place was officailly full though there were some empty seats. Presumably some pass holders can afford to shell out lots of dollars and not turn up to the games or be bothered to pass on their ticket for a game.
Despite the numbers still a low key atmosphere. Is it something to do with the stadium shape and size?
A good game in the first half, competitive, running rugby, fast stuff. The Crusaders always had the edge. Second half lesser quality and “Canes” looked ineffective until near the end. Crusaders just too good. Dan Carter very much in control though did make some uncharacteristic simple errors. Rico Gear looked pulsating with ball in hand and ever dangerous. McCaw cheated as well as usual.
Joseph thought hhe game was not too good becuase the Hurricanes lost! A typical kid -unable to appreciate the finer points?
