Asian Express: November 2011

10 weeks back home and what’s been happening? For one, a lot of golfing, drinking and chilling.
It was Richard Dalton’s stag do on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The 16 of us set out to play 9 holes of golf; we also had a drink cart to ensure everyone was well hydrated. I’ve never really drank beers while playing golf and there’s probably a good reason not to do it. After the 3rd hole, hitting the ball straight was almost impossible. The afternoon ended with sunburnt skin and the evening session was just beginning.

Pub Golf was the game of the evening. What’s that you say? Well its very simple. Each pub we entered, we all had to have the same drink. Each drink is given a par value (for example, a pint of beer would be par 4 which meant you were allowed to have 4 drinks to finish off the pint).

Shot of Tequila – Par 1
Glass of Red Wine – Par 2
Pint of Beer – Par 4
Pint of Guinness – Par 5

Obviously because we were Neanderthals, everyone was gunning to finish their drinks in 1 go. To the untrained eye, I appear skittish and scared of the pint of Guinness but little do they all know that I was water birthed with Guinness and I pee black tar; 1 for me. The night carried on and by about 11pm, we had to send the stag away in a taxi as he was unable to walk.

The following weekend was Dick’s wedding. It was a tossup between flying 1 hour or saving money and driving 5 hours. I opted to fly and boy was I glad I didn’t have to drive home the next day.
The ceremony and reception was at Te Awa Winery in Napier. The outdoor wedding with its peaceful presence surrounded by friends and family was marvellous. The wine was brilliant and with good wine comes good food. They also had an instant photo booth to take silly pictures. At 12am, everyone got kicked out and it was back onto the bus to the hotel.........then it was straight to the pubs to do the funky chicken. 3:30am , lights come on and we get asked to leave, party back at the rooms we go. 5am, people started to drift off. 6am, I was passed out on the couch moments from getting pranked until Richard and Mois relocated me to their room as some turkey stole my bed.

The next day, we were all kicked out of the rooms as all the neighbours complained; some even left in the early hours of the morning. More drinks at the BBQ and a flight back into Wellington to attend the 30th birthday celebration of Rachel Turner, need I say more? I also learnt a new rule; Never wear Purple to a wedding. I am a big fan of purple when wearing a black suit as it offsets the darkness with light and bold colour but it appears everyone else also likes purple even Grandpa's. Never again........

As part of a team building exercise for work, Bunce organised for everyone to go sailing following by the BBQ and drinks. I cannot explain how awesome it was nor do I know the correct terms to use. Let’s say we were sailing at a 45 degree angle, the sea breeze, the clear skies, the hillside and almost collusion made Wellington the best City in New Zealand.
Dalton Wedding photos available here

Sam

Talking Thrash - 8.5 MB
The Departure - 4.6 MB
Here Comes The Bride - 11.4 MB
Here Goes The Bride - 9.4 MB
Here Dance The Bride - 6.6 MB
Sailing Storm - 10.3 MB