The Wedding of the Century!

Talofa All

About time we updated you on our last trip to NZ which was actually in February!! It was a great trip of course. Always fab to come home for a bit and eat lovely food. We had a flying visit for one night in Auckland and a lovely meal at Adam and Jo's care of Jo and Latika. Loved Jo's slice so much I had to go back for seconds!!

After this we flew to Nelson and were picked up at the airport by Zuzanna who we had never met but we looked out for a blonde with a baby and figured out who she was pretty quick! Although from the Czech Republic, and having never spoken english much before arriving in Nelson, we found Zuzanna a great host and able to hold a conversation with us. We met Denyel, Ales and Zuzanna's little son and he is gorgeous. Had again another lovely meal and great conversation with these guys. Unfortunately our trip was not long enough though as we were off to Wellington the very next day.

The plane landed in Wellington and we could see Dad in his Hurricanes shirt through the window waiting for us. Wasn't long before we were up at Nana's house in Newlands for lunch. Nana asked me if I was feeling alright which I assured her I was only I was frozen cold (yes welcome to Wellington!) so had to put on one of her big fleeces and drink copious cups of tea to thaw out!!

Friday we met up with Sharon and Simon and their daughter Sylvie. A first time meeting for Sylvie and us but no worries there. Sylvie is a real entertainer and on the go all the time. We had lunch with Mum and Dad before heading to Nga Manu Bird Sanctury in Waikanae to wear off a little energy! Quite an eventful trip what with duck bites and imaginery "trolls" living under all the bridges in the park! We saw native NZ birds and diving ducks. At the end of the visit Sylvie got to pick a knitted finger puppet from the box and chose the Pukeko as it had been her favourite bird. Many a happy hour was spent after this playing the "What shall we do today Pukeko" game and answering the question "Do you poo, Pukeko"!!!

On the Saturday we spent a great time at Waitarere beach. Sharon and Simon were staying at our beach house and other friends were arriving for the wedding and also renting houses at Waitarere. One couple were staying in the converted Catholic church complete with church organ and stained glass windows. We managed to take a walk on the beach and the kids of course got filthy and wet playing in the sand and waves. A few drinks and a nice meal across the road afterwards soon sorted everyone out.

Sunday Adam and I ran in the Wellington Round the Bays which was 7km starting at Frank Kitts park and going though Oriental Bay and other Bays round to the finish line. Adam can't find any event photos of his but here are mine if you want to check it out http://www.supersportimages.com/products/showbib.php?xs=673&s1=8541 We had a great time. There were crowds and crowds of people and lots of loud music but it was good to take part in the event. We were both pleased with our results and where we came in the "pack"

Monday was THE day. The day of the Wedding that is. All turned out fine. We met at the Winemakers Daughter around lunch time and before long a text came through that the bride was on the way. Of course she looked fab and so did Sylvie all done up in their EBay outfits! Yes a very modern bride this one who did all her shopping online. It was a lovely ceremony with 6 little blonde haired girls running around in pink outfits! I must have some friends who have boys surely??? What was also great about the day was being back together with school friends again. Nothing has changed (apart from a few more laughter lines and a few wee people running around!) At the end of the day we followed the Bride and Groom back to Waitarere where we took a few artistic photos on the beach and joined the others for a a happy hour.

Before the end of the whirlwind tour of NZ we managed to fit in visiting UCOL and Palmerston North for a day. I was amazed and impressed with the progress at the UCOL Library and only wished I could do the same in Samoa. Oh well a few more years and we may be moving in the right direction. UCOL will soon be putting a Nintendo Wii in purely for the students entertainment - and so they can say they have one!! We don't have such luxuries here. A few working and not ancient computers and a decent internet connection and I would be happy! We caught up with friends at the new Speights Ale House and that rounded off our trip quite nicely.

Back to Samoa to catch up and back to sorting the boxes of books that did not seem to sort themselves while we were away lol.