Wellington is still Home

Only one week in Wellington and I’ve already settled in. My boss at First NZ Capital was kind enough to give me a 4 week contract during my stint in Wellington. Although I would have loved to write loose stories about my nights out, this week has been passive but still fun.
My week has been very busy with catch up, dinner and drinks every night.

Grant, Gemma and I decided to head down to good ole Working Men’s Club for a few jugs. This place was our watering hole every Friday and Saturday night when we were younger. Although it’s mainly for the older generation, we didn’t mind taking advantage of the $7 jugs ($5.50 last time).
4 jugs later, we decided to play the coin in the cup drinking game where you had to bounce the coin into the cup in the middle and of course the loser consumes. The bouncing of the coins was actually very noisy but onlookers didn’t mind too much due to our sheer talent.
I also managed to get a video so everyone can join in the fun.

I still have not applied for my visa as I want to make sure everything is in order so it will not be declined again.
I’m off to Taranaki and Auckland this weekend for an engagement party and to umm…. Party I guess.
Hope all is well in Brisbane.

Sam

Flipping coin into glass - 5.7 MB




Dad's early birthday celebration









Grant and Gemma

Grant wanted a pash

Farewell Brisbane

When I arrived in Wellington at 12:40am, it was 10 degrees! What have I done? I am moving away from 30 degree heat waves to 10 degree chill storms.
We had a little shin-dig on Saturday, food got eaten, beers got drank.
I am still saddened by the departure but it's time to move on and see the world.

The errands for UK has already started. I managed to apply for an international drivers permit, new credit card, 1 month gym membership (free), yes free! It's amazing how a little bit of politeness can save you $200.

I would like to take a few minutes now to sound gay:

To the boys at 99 Gregory Terrace (my second home), it's been fun chilling out and getting loose whenever we feel like it. I miss our Guitar jam sessions and constant chatter about nothing.

To the English, although we have only known each other for 4 months (some even 4 days), its been great doing all the touristie activities. I wouldn't have done it without you. Do look me up on your return to Pommy land.

To the flatmates, Thanks for putting up with my drunken state at early hours of the morning and me walking around the apartment semi-naked.

Rob the dirty Maori, I am not going to miss your 5am wake up calls. Eat a dick.

Last but not least, the lovely Jacqui, you always tend to put a small on my face even when I'm cranky. You are constantly enthusiastic and full of energy. I will indeed miss you.

Farewell Sunshine State

Sam

Diet Coke + Mentos - 5.6 MB





Mum and Dad







It's Gollum!









Drinking Games








Fun with String

Phantom of the Opera

Anna from Auckland is here for the week and I am unemployed again.
On Friday, I was already at the train station having drinks with work colleagues and as soon as I meet Anna at the train station, we went straight back to the bar; luggage and all. After a few hours at the bar, we went back to my apartment to freshen up and it’s back out to meet up with more people.
She didn’t know what to expect, she literally got off the plane 20 mins ago and was already in a pub.
We spent the weekend hanging out, shopping, wining and dining.

On Sunday, Anna managed to drag me to watch The Phantom of the Opera. I have never been to a musical nor was I interested but there has to be a first for everything. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed it. The story of love and betrayal. Anthony Warlow’s (Phantom) voice is amazing. The energy and sheer intensity is over whelming. We then went out for dinner, drank couple bottles of wine and meet up with more friends for a Sunday session.

I went to the English’s apartment last night for a few drinks. They live on the 17th floor with an awesome view of the river and the storey bridge. We got a bit bored at midnight and decided to make some paper darts to launch off the balcony. All the darts were rubbish and mine ended up on a 15th floor balcony.
The idea was good but too bad we were all retarded at making paper darts.

Mum and Dad are probably at Melbourne airport waiting to board so I will need to arrange for a taxi to pick them up. The next few days are going to be hectic. So much to do with so little time, I need to see an accountant to sort out my taxes before I depart Australia.
If anyone would like me to purchase anything, please do let me know.

I also had to create a new album for random drinking photos here

See you all (NZ'ders) real soon

Sam

Jacqui is loose – 2.7 MB

Paper Darts - 4.6 MB




Flipping Coasters








Anna, James and Linley from NZ








Asleep at the pub again!








The usual drunk crowd








More dinner parties








Crappy Darts

Missing Brisbane Already

I am still in Brisbane but I'm already starting to miss it. Walking away from the lifestyle and friends is going to be difficult. I have met a range of interesting, fascinating and loose individuals during my time in Australia.

My mate Rob invited me out to dinner on Sunday night, which I thought was a bit weird and gay since all we ever do is get hammered on Tequila.
So as I was getting a drink, Lynch and Jacqui approached me from behind. My initial thought was “Hey, its random to see you here” then a group of people emerged from around the corner. Ah yes, they got me. My Cluedo skills did not catch on.
The surprise was organised by Jackie which lead me to question how she knew my other group of friends. Her reply was simply “Facebook”

After dinner, we went to a pub to watch Middlesbrough vs. Manchester United. It was a great game and football is starting to grow on me. London is going to be awesome.
Work was a struggle this morning, having shots on a Sunday night is painful.

Its late and I need to practise some songs on my Git-Tar

Sam





Favourite past time








Sam and Kiwi Rob







I love Sundays

Brazilian Samba

We went out to dinner at a Brazilian restaurant last Friday, although the food wasn’t authentic Brazilian cuisine, the atmosphere was.
Waiters would come up to us individually and serve us meat from large skewers. After dinner, everyone got on the dance floor to practise a simple dance, it was fun and hilarious.
After more games and self embarrassment, the main show started.
Different types of dances were performed ranging from Samba, lombarda to carnival. I managed to get a video clip of Lynchy, Jax and Jimmy grinding strangers. Pay attention to the last 5 seconds of the clip; Jimmy (in green) gets down extremly low with a lady 3 times his age. We then hit the clubs in Valley.

I realised that I still had about 250 business cards left. The postal address and mobile number were my Australia contacts and it would be no use to me in London. Since work is slowly winding down, I decided to build a shrine for all to remember me by. After minutes of sketching, I decided to build a pyramid and a castle like building.

Only 3 more weeks before I return to NZ. I still have not booked my tickets to London. I will be back in Wellington on April 21st if anyone would like to catch up.

Sam

Lombarda Dance - 4.0 MB





Boo







Here comes the aeroplane








I think this was Samba








Excess business cards