Owen's birthday

Yet another action packed week, lots of fun as Ellen (my twin sister) and I celebrated our birthdays on the 3rd. Weird being on the other side of the World this time around, but I'm sure we'll make up for it next year. Good luck at the Cheshire show Ellen!

I was joined by Toni, Julie, Bill and Pete for a really good meal at a local restaurant, lovely night. Thanks to everyone for the pressies and cards - Nana, the T towel was great thanks, very funny and the Galaxy Chocolate from Mum and Dad was much appreciated, we shared it with a grateful couple from Manchester!

The sun is STILL shining here in Gissy, amazing for winter time, could get used to this! Toni and I have just been for a walk on the local beach, and people were swimming in the sea - mad Kiwis! I've just found out that I can have work in the packhouse until I leave if I want to, which is good for a steady income - it will gradually slow down to a few days a week, so I can hopefully produce and sell more paintings in between.


Wharaiki beach

Last night we went out for dinner with Toni's mad nurse friends, and then out to a really oddball pub called Smash Palace. To start with, the front of the building has half a plane stuck onto it, and as you go inside it's full of mad junk from motorbikes hanging from the ceiling to giant papier mache' dinosaurs and stolen street signs. The clientel were even weirder, and that's coming from someone who worked in the Old Arcade!! It was like something out out of Mad Max, we even saw one bloke walking around in his shorts and wellies - ie. no dress code here!

We're going to watch the All Blacks play Wales on the 21 July, and I'm really looking forward to it - my leaving pressie from Linda Smith will be worn proudly, so make sure you watch the crowd carefully on the T.V!! Speaking of which, I have just supplied Graham with my attempt of the Haka with some locals in Rotorua, so look out for it in the photo section!