Owen and Toni in New Zealand

Kapiti Island

2008-01-21T16:00:00.000+13:45

We visited Kapiti Island on Sunday. Only 50 people are allowed on the island per day, as it is a nature reserve which has the rare status of rat and possum free thanks to many years of conservation efforts. We were taken out there on a boat, and enjoyed the sight of a couple of penguins bobbing around us. Once we got to the island we were greeted by a guide, as well as some cheeky wild Kaka (native parrots) and Weka (flightless bird, a bit like a rail) who proceeded to check our bags for freebies!

We decided to walk up a steep track to the summit, which is 520 metres above sea level. Along the way we encountered lots of rare native birds such as stitchbirds, red-crowned parakeets and weka. We were also visited by a few Kaka, which happily landed on our shoulders ready to unzip our bags! It was a gorgeous day and therefore a hard climb to the top, but we made it and enjoyed lunch with a panoramic view. The walk down was much better, and at the bottom Toni couldn't wait to have a paddle in the crystal clear sea. A seal came by to say hello and that made our day complete. We then got home, had a shower and went to a bbq at a friend's house.. it's a tough life.

These boots are made for walking.

2008-01-21T15:45:00.000+13:45

Toni, Karlee and Yohei

After a great Christmas and New Year in Gisborne, we have been busy training for the 80km Heaphy Track, which will be 5 days amongst some of the most beautiful scenery of New Zealand. We have been joined on the last two hikes by Toni's third cousin Karlee and her partner Yohei who will be among the 16 people doing the track. On Saturday we walked around Eastborne, which was pretty tough at the start, but we were greeted by an ice cream van and a beach to dip our feet into at the end!

Lake Rotoiti,

2008-01-09T21:05:00.000+13:45

We visited the family batch in Rotorua last year, and this is one of the surrounding lakes, just before the mossies started biting! We had a great time with lots of Toni's family there.

Rivendell

2007-10-15T22:17:00.000+13:45

Hi there, well what a weekend! We went for a hike in a regional park on the Saturday, enjoying lunch at the Rivendell site for Lord of the Rings. It was a ridge walk so lots of uphills, but well worth it, hardly a soul around and some beautiful native rainforest and a big swing bridge. Luckily the dense bush held off the blustery wind, although there was a lot of creaking from the massive trees around us!

We went for a walk around Oriental Bay on Sunday - the wind made my eyes water! Then to Moa Point and collected some paua (abalone) shells for Toni's sister Donna to decorate mirrors with, and we met our friend Katherine's Geordie cousins for a good English cuppa.

Off to the family batch by Lake Rotorua next weekend. Rotorua is the home of a lot of geomthermal activity, lots of geysers and bubbling mud.. so we're hoping to fit in a visit to a natural hot pool as well as some kayaking and hiking.

We enjoyed the rugby, roll on next Sunday!

New Zealand Landscapes

2007-09-05T13:40:00.000+12:45

In between jobhunting and interviews I've been keeping up my painting, here is my latest one, an acrylic on canvas. It's from a photo I took last time I was here, and was a good challenge, I was up until the early hours painting so great fun! I might complete a set of similar landscapes and try to sell them.. so if anyone's interested or has any idea where to sell them please let me know.

Tui

2007-09-05T13:26:00.000+12:45

Wow, just heard a Tui, which is a native New Zealand bird with a really loud distinctive call. Had a look out of the window and hey presto there he was posing for a photo.. not for long though, a couple of minutes and he was long gone! It's great to be able to see them without having to leave your own doorstep.

Exploring in Wellington

2007-09-01T19:54:00.000+12:45

Toni's sister Donna is visiting us this weekend so we've been exploring more of Wellington. We went to Te Papa (our place) which is the museum of New Zealand, which is an amazing place. It takes up the space of three rugby pitches and is right on the waterfront. On the top of the building is a sculpture containing a real VDub Kombi and trailer surrounded by painted European tree trunks. As with most museums, you'd need a few visits to get round the whole place properly. We also went up to the Beehive, New Zealand's Government building, and enjoyed the Wellington wind in our hair!

Save the Penylan trees!

2007-08-31T11:43:00.000+12:45

Image courtesy of Penylan Trees

On behalf of my friend Graham Sanders, tree-dom fighter extraordinaire...

"Cardiff Council in their wisdom are planning to cut down trees which they perceive as ‘problematic’ for no other reason than health and safety issues, so in one fail sweep for example my road would lose 8 trees, each 50 years old which amounts to 400 years of tree growth. Essentially it’s easier for the bureaucratic idiots to destroy than create and preserve".

Please have a look at the website and if you would like to help sign the petition.. I'd be gutted if it was my street.

10 Downing Street petition
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/penylan-trees

Campaign website
http://www.penylan-trees.co.uk

Facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5136685997

Good on you Graham for speaking out.

Spring is on it's way!

2007-08-23T23:10:00.000+12:45

Had a great day out in Wellington today, just ambling around and getting my bearings. The weather was beautiful, t-shirt weather so had a nice walk around Oriental bay, and tried my first Fuel Burger - glad I didn't order chips as well!

It's been 6 years since Toni and I met this week so we bought a fern to celebrate - as you do! Can't wait to watch the Bourne Ultimatum at the weekend, we've got lots of DIY to do as well, so we can finally get our pictures on the wall. Toni just heard a kiwi outside which is really cool! Our local dairy (corner shop) about five minutes away got robbed at gunpoint today which is very unnerving. I'm going to have a drive round for the first time tomorrow and explore further afield and maybe take the fishing gear that Bill and Julz bought me for my birthday.

Kingfisher

2007-08-16T22:26:00.000+12:45

This Kingfisher was sat just outside the window yesterday, they're a lot more common than their European cousins! I've put him on some cards on my online shop. We just heard a Morepork outside, it's a small owl which really does sound like it's singing "more pork"!!

http://www.cafepress.com/kingfishershop

Martinborough

2007-08-13T18:15:00.001+12:45

Alison, Steve, Patty, Toni, Owen and Colin (Rachel took the photo!)

Hi Folks! We went to Martinborough for the weekend with some friends, and stayed at a lovely B&B. The weather was shocking, but the company was great. The Rimutaka gorge was closed just after we crossed it due to the wind but luckily it re-opened for the return trip, which meant Toni had to go back to work today!

I've started painting again, and Toni is reading the last Harry Potter book.

We're looking forward to our friends Brenda and Jason visiting Wellington next weekend.

As you can see, our bird feeder is always popular so lots of company in the day!

Coffee and TV

2007-07-27T17:02:00.000+12:45

I've been here in Wellington for two weeks already! Still no job on the horizon, but I'm trying hard - have to turn the TV off in the day as daytime telly is shocking here!

I've also been exploring the local area and going to the gym, which is a first! We have one on site, as well as a tennis court, swimming pool and BBQ area, roll on summer! We're going to start a Tae Kwon Do class next week so really looking forward to getting into that and meeting people. Weather-wise we've had a great two weeks - it was 15 degrees yesterday and I was walking outside in a t-shirt, not bad for winter.

We're both looking forward to the weekend as it's the Wellington Film Festival and the culmination of Maori Language Week so there's lots to do.

More importantly, it's my Grandad's 80th Birthday on Sunday, so Happy Birthday Grandad! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you.

Back in New Zealand/Aotearoa

2007-07-16T15:32:00.000+12:45

Finally in New Zealand with Toni after a long trip involving four plane journeys. I've just about got over the jetlag and having a great time getting back into the Kiwi lifestyle. At the moment I'm unpacking all our stuff (it's like Christmas!) in between applying for jobs. I'm tempted to go for a wander into town as it's a lovely sunny day, about 12 degrees but feels about 2! Toni is feeling better after having a bad virus for the last week so she has just gone back to work.

Thanks to all those who came out for leaving drinks in Cardiff and Crewe, it was hard to say goodbye but we'll be back in a couple of years to say hello again.

The picture is the wonderful view from the appartment we're renting (yes it is frost you can see!), there's all sorts of wildlife outside so I've got my binoculars next to the tv!

Until next time..

New Zealand Trip

2007-05-12T09:19:00.000+12:45

Hi Folks, for those who don't know I went to New Zealand for a fortnight to be with Toni to break it up a bit while waiting for the NZ Immigration Service to decide on my visa. We had a wonderful time and saw quite a lot of the North Island as we were keen to catch up with Toni's whanau/family and friends.

I arrived in Auckland and Toni booked us in at the Duxton, a lovely hotel for the first night. We met up with some old friends and made some new ones and did some sightseeing, shopping and drinking (well I hadn't had Mac's Gold for ages and it was beer garden weather!).

Then off to Tauranga to meet up with Kim, Alisa, Trent and Courtney (sorry Trent, you took the photo!) where we stayed for a couple of days and enjoyed some lovely tikki-touring (sightseeing), parrot spotting and good Kai (food). Went to a lovely craft market by the water with lots of original artwork.

Next we were off to Gisborne, to see Julz, Billy, Donna, Daniel, Stacey, Shane and Nick. We had a lovely BBQ with lots of family there, and our good friend Jude, so it was a great night. Our stay in Gissy consisted of walking on beautiful sandy beaches, shopping, visiting family and eating. It was so nice to see everyone after three and a half years.

We set off to Napier to see Brenda for a night in between and the journey was quite an adventure - we managed to drive over a big iron bar - the car behind us hit it and we ended up changing their wheel for them! We also got lost but found an amazing beach in the middle of nowhere which had a quiet caravan site next to it - great find! Further on we had a look in a wildlife park - it was closing but we did manage to see some wild Kaka (parrots) flying around.

When we eventually got to Brenda's warned that the Karaoke bar (Called, incidently, The Bar 4 Us!), would probably keep us awake until the early hours. I know what you're thinking... no I didn't go and join in!!! We did manage to get some sleep and after dropping Brenda off at school (a good distance from the entrance) we headed for Wellington.

We got to Patty's house and I met Greg for the first time, and spent a few days there so thanks guys! This last stretch also involved a stay in Martinborough at Simon and Brad's Holiday Home, set in the middle of a vineyard, absolutely stunning.

Flight home was fine but long, and when I got back Toni called to say that I'd had my Waiver approved, so we're hoping to hear that I can go back for good in a few weeks time!

Bridgend Massive!

2007-02-17T11:56:00.000+13:45

photos
Lo-Fi-Fnk (top) taken by Owen Smith
Love Gadgets Hate Gizmos (bottom) taken by Owen Howe

Well a busy week, Toni made my day on the 14th by sending flowers to my work for Valentines's day! Yes I know it should be the other way round but I guess the earth's gravitational pull has had an effect on Toni since moving back dahn andah! She's also dreaming upside down and mixing up her vowels (fush & chups). Also had lots of yummy NZ treats like pineapple lumps to share with work so very spoilt! Good luck to Toni who's doing the world famous in NZ 'round the bays' walk on Sunday in Wellington.

I went for a curry with Matt Flint last night and bumped into Owen and Matt from Bridgend - yes that's right two sets of Owen and Matts scary huh?! Ended up joining them in Barfly to watch a great set by their friend Andy who specialises in 'mash ups' under the name of love gadgets hate gizmos. You can hear his music at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=57230464

Also met lots of other cool people including iOlo http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=37894487, who is another creative genius . I'm now convinced that Bridgend is the centre of the creative universe. A cool Swedish band played next called Lo-Fi-Fnk.

Also made a friend online who is a Graphic Designer in India, so hi to Vishal! Don't forget to let me know when you're coming over and we'll catch up. This world just gets smaller!

Save The Albatross

2007-01-28T05:09:00.000+13:45

http://www.savethealbatross.net

A shocking nineteen of the 21 species of albatross are globally threatened with extinction.

'Quote'
In many ways, the albatross may be the ultimate test of whether or not, as a species ourselves, we are serious about conservation: capable of co-existing on this planet with other species. Or are we going to sacrifice what's left of wisdom on the altar of short-term gain?’ HRH The Prince of Wales.

I am painting abstract art which I intend to auction / raffle off for the Save the Albatross campaign. In the meantime I have been asking friends and family to send stamps to the RSPB stamp appeal. For more information please visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/international/albatross_appeal/stamps.asp

Wildlife art

2007-01-28T04:44:00.000+13:45

I am still busy painting acrylic on canvas when I get the chance, and I have online shops where people can buy assorted gifts with them on. Here are the sites:
http://www.cafepress.com/puffinshop
http://www.cafepress.com/kingfishershop

Happy New Year!

2007-01-28T03:44:00.000+13:45

Phew, where has this month gone?! Well, Toni and I had 2 great leaving parties, one at the Walkabout in Cardiff and another one in Crewe, so thanks to those who shared them with us. We then found out that I needed to apply for a medical waiver on my visa, which I am hopefully going to hear about in a week or so. Meanwhile I am still in Cardiff working for the Welsh Assembly, and Toni has gone to Wellington and has begun her new job as a ward co-ordinator at Wellington Hospital, where she is doing very well. If anyone has any messages for Toni I will be happy to pass them on as we're in contact everyday thanks to texts and the internet.

My sister Ellen is on her way to Cardiff today so I'm looking forward to playing the tour guide!

P.S. I told you we'd have evidence of Toni's stalking prowess!!

Rugby highs and lows

2006-11-30T11:26:00.000+13:45

Well, what a great 20 minutes of rugby! Toni and I went to the NZ Vs Wales Game at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. We were joined by Fiona (Wales), Fiona (Kiwi) and Brian (Saffa). Had a brilliant day out and partied into the wee hours. Rugby is just as big here as New Zealand, so when we realised the Haka wasn't going to happen the crowd were fuming.. but no handbags were used.

Every Welsh person I met was gutted as they have a deep respect for the All Blacks. With that and the media stirring up the village idiot nonsense it was a funny old week. Toni bumped into Ma-a Nonu over the weekend, had a friendly chat and managed to get 'Kill Crush Destroy' Jerry Collins to take a photo for them. Choice! Photo evidence appearing soon.

We're off to London this weekend to catch up with more Kiwis, so I'll let you know what we get up to...

Leaving party, Cardiff

2006-11-06T03:33:00.000+13:45

Hi, we're leaving Wales for a new life in New Zealand, where we will be surrounded by sheep, mountains and rugby fans with funny accents (essentially Wales with sunlight).

Please join us for a handle of beer to say 'ka kite ano' / farewell.

Where and when to attend
Friday December 8 at 6pm til…
Walkabout – downstairs, bar 2*
St Marys Street , Cardiff

Tucker will be available between 6 – 8pm.
Bring yer mates.

For more infomation please visit our website

Guess who's back!

2003-10-27T01:16:00.000+13:45

Toni and I have made is home safe after our 23 hour flight across the World. We were treated to a lovely welcome home party with friends and family, thanks to Ellen and Mike who were wonderful hosts. Now we get to share our photos with everybody (whether they like it or not!!) and tell them what an amazing time we had.

Kia Ora to all of Toni's family and friends whose kindness and hospitality made it such a special year for me, and to Graham Sanders who developed and updated the site throughout the year - sweet as Bro!

We're staying in Crewe for a week with my parents, catching up with friends and family and enjoying the English Winter weather, by 'eck it's cold outside! Off to Cardiff next week to start afresh.

Thanks to everyone for keeping in touch and following our travels through our updates - keep up the good work.

All the Best,
Owen and Toni

Holiday in Hokitika, South Island

2003-10-17T01:35:00.000+13:45

Toni and I are enjoying our well deserved holiday in Hokitika in the South Island with Toni's Grandad Bill. We had a good farewell with people from both workplaces hitting the Gisborne night circuit... very blurred memory of a great night... nurses and greenhouse workers make an entertaining mix! I was given a New Zealand Rugby World Cup cap signed by my mates (Not the All Blacks!) as a leaving pressie.

Our trip down South consisted of three flights and record amounts of tea drinking, safely arriving in Hokitika on Sunday. We have done quite a bit of 'Tiki touring' this week, revisiting places we discovered earlier in the year. We went to Pancake Rocks (Punakaikai) and Lake Kaniere at the start of the week, and just had to have a guided tour around Monteith's Brewery in Greymouth. This is home to one of Toni's fave beers, their Summer Ale - the best part of the tour was of course the tasting at the end, where we got to try each beer - and then had an open bar for FIFTEEN MINUTES!! Well, as you can imagine Toni got her money's worth and I might have sampled a couple... we spent a few hours wandering around the town centre before setting off home - we only went in at midday.

I have just tried a homemade whitebait fritter, which is a real delicacy in this part of the World. Whitebait (Inanga) are baby fish caught in nets at rivermouths. The fritter is made up of lots of whole tiny fish, head and all mixed with a crispy batter. I don't eat fish as a rule, but this was something I had to try - it's a primo piece of Kiwiana don't you know! Once I got past the fact that the fish were looking back at me, it was pretty good kai (food). Our pukus (bellies) are full!

Just a few days left to explore before we get back to Gisborne to pack and wind everything up before our trip home.

Owen and Toni's homecoming party

2003-10-14T01:35:00.000+13:45

Hi guys!

Hope you are all well and havin' it large! Toni and I will soon be on our 12000 mile journey home to the UK, and would like to see you all at our homecoming party in Crewe. Ellen has kindly offered to have a party at her house. This will be on Sat 25th October, not sure about the time yet but if you let me know you can come, I'll pass on more info nearer the day. People from outside Crewe are welcome to crash out at my parent's house (yes I have asked!) We can probably meet up somewhere central in the afternoon to avoid lost persons - any ideas for local pubs?? I hear there are a few new ones now!

Please could one of the Muckers let Stuart Tasker know.

Got to go and enjoy the rest of my sunny holidays in the South Island!

Byee for now,

Owen

Not long before Toni and I get home

Napier

2003-09-29T01:36:00.000+12:45

Hi everyone!

Just a little update to let you know we're still alive! Last weekend we went to Napier and caught up with Patty and Warwick from Wellington.. great time had by all, a beautiful town full of art deco buildings (we concentrated on pubs and cafes). It's also home to the National Aquarium, which was really interesting - I saw my first live Kiwi there, bizarre curious creatures! Lots of sharks, rays and other things that make we want to go fishing again soon - watch this space Deri!!

We had Rob from England here for a few days last week so we showed him as much of Gisborne as we could cram in, and we enjoyed a couple of nights out on the town (one night in each pub!!). Then on the weekend we spent time with Toni's family at a b-b-q, and caught up with our friend Brad. On the Sunday we were invited out for breakfast at the Big Tree Hideaway in Gisborne by John and Heather, a lovely Canadian couple, joined by some of Toni's colleagues from work, and then we had dinner with Toni's family at the fishing club in the Wharf, very nice!

Back to work in the green-house with the tomatos, very humid hot and sweaty - looking forward to working in an air-conditioned office again soon! Only TWO MORE WEEKS and we both finish work and fly off to the South Island for a week, how exciting!

See you all soon,

Owen and Toni

Wahoooooooo!!

2003-09-14T01:37:00.000+12:45

Hi Graham,

Thanks for the mad e-mail, stunning effort! Glad to hear you have rediscovered beer, and that the All Blacks jacket is proving itself useful! Thanks also for updating the site. Wahooo! Just been to Motu where the locals were having a wild boar hunting competition... very strange indeed! Lots of fun games like 'carry the dead turkey and possum around a paddock', and there were prizes for the biggest eel, possum and turkey for the littlun's. It was fun, but believe me, you really did have to be there!

I enjoyed my first hangi meal, it tasted very earthy and smoky, much like the time I was in the scouts on a survival weekend and John Cooper and I had to cook our own food on the fire that we had made. Needless to say, John and I were lucky to get home alive, nothing like your survivor rubbish on t.v. now, I'll tell you. Our bivouac constisted of two bin liners tied with flimsy string to a branch. Those were the days. Bet they wouldn't let you do that nowadays, the parents would probably sue. Anyway, I may have gone off the beaten track there just a wee bit.

I have spoken to one of Matt's friends, Rob Williams (I've told everyone Robbie Williams is coming to town - they're well impressed!) who is bravely travelling around the world, and he's in N.Z now. Hoping to catch up with him next week.
Ciao for now,

Owen and Toni

September update

2003-09-08T01:37:00.000+12:45

Hi everyone, only a few weeks left in this beautiful country! Lately Toni and I watched yet another All Blacks whipping in Auckland against the Aussies. I've been out on the town with the locals in Gisborne - this town is definately not ready for my dance like a blender technique yet, apparently I still managed to 'shame' a bloke off the dancefloor - apparently this was hilarious! I have managed to refrain from any karaoke throughout my stay in Gisborne, Toni has taken care of that!

We went to Toni's niece Stacey's 1st birthday party up the East Coast in Ruatoria on the weekend and proceeded to consume too many BBQ steaks and steinlagers.

Next week we're going to Motu where they have an annual pig hunt followed by a hangi, which is the traditional Maori way of cooking, with hole dug into the ground filled with hot rocks and the food is steam cooked. I'm looking forward to this as everyone has asked me if I've tried one yet.

We only have one month's hard yakker left, and then we go to the South Island for a week, where we get to visit Toni's Grandad Bill before leaving for the 'Old Country'.

My adventure is close to reaching it's conclusion, and I'll be sad to leave this wonderful place. Owen and Toni

Gday mate

2003-08-02T01:38:00.000+12:45

Hi Graham!

How's things? Hope you are well and enjoying the sunshine in Caerdydd. I hear you had a mini UWIC reunion a few weeks back, I'll look forward to seeing everyone next time! Mad news about Dom, I thought he was still in Australia! He sounds good. Will you keep 2GD working yourself?! How is that side of things going? I'm sure all is fine and Dandy.

Toni and I have been up to all sorts of cool stuff lately, as you've probably seen from the updates! Time is creeping up on us fast, we'll be back in the U.K in no time!

Speak soon,

Owen and Toni

Owen's NZ travels

2003-07-29T01:39:00.000+12:45

Hi All!

Hope everyone is well. Toni and I have just returned from our wonderful trip to Wellington which we won a few months ago. We had an amazing time, with a return flight, a day of pampering in a health spa with massages, facials and hairdo's, followed by a beautiful meal in the Duxton hotel where we stayed in the romance suite! We felt like King and Queen the whole time, it was great. Not bad for a pack of biscuits eh?!

We spent last weekend at a cabin beside the magnificent Lake Waikaremoana (pictured). From here we hiked to Lake Waikareiti, where we enjoyed a well-earned picnic. Another perfect weekend! Our next big adventure will be in Auckland where we get to watch the New Zealand All Blacks play Australia for the Bledisloe Cup - yet another rugby experience! Jake - are you jealous?!!

I am now working in a very big greenhouse in the country, surrounded by 10,000 tomato plants which I get to trim and pick. This is a new experience for me as any plant I have ever touched has died on me before now - I haven't mentioned this to my new boss!

I will be feeling especially homesick next weekend as Paul and Becky get married in Crewe - good luck to the happy couple! I'm looking forward to hearing about it all when we get back.

I've sold a few more watercolour paintings and we're hoping to have a stall at a craft fair in a couple of weeks, I've also got some on sale in the local shops, very exciting!

Ka kite ano (AKA tara for now!)

Owen and Toni

Hamilton

2003-06-25T01:40:00.000+12:45

Toni and I travelled to Hamilton over the weekend to meet up with friends and watch the All Blacks play Wales. It was a great atmosphere and another crucial Kiwi experience for me! Shame about the result, Wales got a thrashing, but they put up a good fight. There was a good Welsh turnout, and it was good to hear the valleys accent again. I did wear my Wales T-Shirt, which proved handy for getting to the bar in the Welsh side of the pub!

We also got to do some sightseeing courtesy of Campbells' Hamilton Tours! Raglan was a slight detour of 48km. As any surfers worth their salt would know this is home to the best left-handed break in the world, perfect for board riding conditions. I didn't have a go myself - the nearest I have been to surfing is still the fake wave machine at Rhyl Suncentre.

The weather is amazing considering the shortest day has just passed. I should really be out on the beach...

Owen's birthday

2003-06-08T01:41:00.000+12:45

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!

Tongariro National Park

2003-05-23T01:43:00.000+12:45

Hello again! We've been really busy in the last month, and we're looking forward to a quiet weekend to ourselves! We moved into a different house which was easier than anticipated, and it is also quiter due to our flatmate leaving as soon as we got there.. nothing to do with us, honest! The car is running well, and the beach is now only a 5 minute drive, and we can hear the ocean at night if we're really quiet! Town is a two minute walk, which is great when we just need one or two things.. or drinks!

Rope Bridge

We met up with friends from Auckland and Wellington to take part in some hiking around the Tongariro National Park - the walk and the company were great, the views covered somewhat with mist and horizontal rain - much like Scotland! This was followed by a visit to some natural hot baths. Great times! The following week we caught up with them again plus a few extra recruits in Taurunga, where we managed to get a wee bit of sunburn on the beach and onto an English pub with a very dodgy cabaret... American Pop Idol beat it hands down! Really good nght!

Still working at the packhouse for a few more weeks, work keeps appearing from nowhere, which is handy from the cash side of things. I went to the staff night out on Wednesday (yes, midweek - bad idea!) and had a great time. I even made it through work the next day!

We're going to watch the Matrix tomorrow, and then do absolutely nothing!

Bye for now,

Owen and Toni

P.S.. we have photographic evidence of Owen doing the Haka with some locals in Rotorua, pics to follow!

Happy Easter

2003-04-18T01:43:00.000+12:45

Wishing everyone a happy easter, hope you all have lots of eggs to munch. I get four whole days off from work, so I'm in a really good mood! There are all sorts of things going on outside of work at the moment.

Toni and I are moving into the city in a few weeks where we will hopefully expand our social circles a bit! We went out on the town for the first time in yonks last weekend, after having dinner with two of Toni's friends. We had a great night, finally got to visit the second 'Club' in Gisborne! Anyone who knows me will know that I tend to attract attention from all kinds of nutty drunkards (no idea why), this time it was someone who told me (several times) he'd been to Aberystwyth! Watch out Sean, they're everywhere!

Skipper's Canyon

We're buying a car of our own to chug around in, I'm looking at one today.

Tonight we're going up the East Coast to Rotoria, where Toni's Sister Donna is now living with Daniel and Baby Stacey Ayla (she said her first word last week - Baba! Cute.)

I sold my first watercolour in the gallery last week, the one of the beach in the photo gallery. The dealer managed to get more than my asking price, which was nice! Toni is taking Pottery classes, I can't wait to see what she's been creating!

I really am tryning to e-mail people individually, but for now I hope this will do!

All the best,

Owen and Toni

Red Bull Man

2003-03-28T02:03:00.000+12:45

Well, what can I say, Toni and I have been really busy working this month - making hay while the sun shines so to speak. I managed a record 74 hours last week - the last time I came close was in the Old Arcade pub in Cardiff under the pseudenom 'Red Bull Man'! The apple season ends in a few weeks, and everything calms down as we enter the citrus season. It's Autumn here now - Summer came and went so quickly! I only have 7 months left now!

I do have Sundays off, and last week I tried out a bit of multi-tasking, and went fishing and painting at the local beach, which is both beautiful and quiet - just like Blackpool! Believe it or not, I actually caught a fish this time - Deri, you'd be proud!! Now that I know there are fish out there I might go more often, so watch out for a photo of the big one in the not so distant future!

Work rest and play

2003-03-02T02:10:00.000+13:45

Wow, it's a whole month since I wrote my last update - I'm slacking! I've started working in a fruit packhouse to get some cash together, as I haven't heard from any graphics jobs yet. I have some of my watercolour paintings on sale in a gallery and a souvenir shop, and I'm still painting when I get the time, so hopefully I can get a stall together before too long. Toni is going to start a pottery course next week, so we'll need our own studio soon!

Last Friday was a special day as both my Dad and Toni celebrated their birthdays! We had all of Toni's family around on the weekend, so Auntie Toni got to spend some more fun time with baby Stacey Ayla! My sister Ellen should be living the life in Boston with Mike this week, so maybe she'll catch the travel bug too!

We went to watch a film called Whale Rider recently, which is set in Gisborne, where we live! It has just won lots of art house film awards, and we really enjoyed it, so it must be good!

The Kiwis are in low spirits sports-wise this week as the America's Cup was taken away from them and given to the Swiss. The highlight for me was the mast snapping in half on Friday. The Kiwi fraternity, by whom I am somehow greatly outnumbered, didn't laugh quite so loudly.

How's it going?

2003-02-18T02:11:00.000+13:45

Well, not much to report after all of that travelling! I've started a job making boxes in a fruit packhouse to get some money together, while hoping some graphic design jobs will come my way soon! I've had hundreds of photos developed from the S. Island, so beware anyone who meets up with me back in the uk in October! I took part in a photo rally on Saturday, which was really good fun. I was given a film and the challenge was to take photos of eight different topics, which were given out at a rate of two an hour. I didn't win any prizes, except for a raffle at the prizegiving, but I'm glad I took part. That's about it really, as Toni and I are working pretty hard. Hope you enjoy the new photos!

Owen and Toni

Whales

2003-02-05T02:12:00.000+13:45

G'day!

It's been another action-packed week, and we've loved every minute of it! We've walked over gushing rapids on swingbridges Indiana Jones style, gone up mountains on cable cars, raced down on a luge, watched dolphins and penguins in their natural habitat (in the sea!), and after all that excitement we stayed in a beautiful log cabin where we enjoyed a hot bath under the stars. We saw Mount Cook, amid the clouds, and some amazing aqua-marine coloured lakes. I've met lots of lovely people this week, including Toni's Uncle Terry and some of Toni's ex-patients who keep in touch with her.

Thank you all for your hospitality and company! Yesterday we went whale watching in Kaikoura, and saw three sperm whales, loads of dolphins and a few albatross, which they think will be extinct within six years due to fishing nets and the like - it's great to see them for real, after watching all of those nature programs about them - a wonderful experience, but it's sad to hear about the fate of some of these animals - they say that there are only about 500 blue whales left in the world, so two counties have said 'well if there are so few, we might as well kill them now'. Not very promising. Now we're on the final leg of our journey, making our way back to the top of the South Island. Quote of the day..'the only time you should look down on someone is when you're picking them up'. This is one taken from the writing on the walls of the 'alternative' farm we stayed at in Akaroa.

Bye for now,
Owen and Toni

Gollum

2003-01-26T02:14:00.000+13:45

Hello! This has really been a week to remember! Last week we travelled down to Wellington, the Capital City of New Zealand. We stayed with Brad and Simon (thank you both) in their luxury appartment overlooking the harbour - very nice indeed, we thought we were the bees knees! During our short stay in the capital, we managed to do - well, a hell of a lot really! A visit to Te Papa (Our Place), which is the National Musuem of New Zealand included an exhibition for the Lord of the Rings - really interesting, as they had all the costumes and weapons there along with multimedia displays explaining how the film was made. Around the corner was the Embassy Cinema, where the film was premiered, and towering above the entrance is a giant model of Gollum, reaching for the ring! We also enjoyed a cable car ride to see the views of Wellington. That night we had a BIG meal with Fiona and Derlys (from Wales!), Rachel and Colin, Patty and Warwick (old friends of Toni's). The next day we met Jim and Jo for lunch before departing for the South Island.

The hidden valley

The Journey across the Cook straight was fast, and the views approaching the South Island were amazing. Fiona and Derlys joined us on this trip and for a few days afterwards as we explored the beautiful, rugged coast. The best part of my journey so far had to be the Sea Kayaking in the Abel Tasman, one of the most beautiful places in the World. Fiona and Derlys got closer to nature than they intended when they got hit side on by a big wave, but their good old 'ah well, sod it let's get on with it' attitude saw them through - good on them! Toni managed to demonstrate her excellent nursing skills as one of our 'team' almost got scalped playing 'pass the paddle' - you couldn't make these stories up - Nana and Grandad, you'd be proud!

Zorbing

The next journey took us along the wonderful rugged coast, and to the Punakaiki (pancake) rocks and blow holes. These are massive layered rock formations standing proud of the beach. Along this stretch of coast they also have penguins, although we didn't see any, but the road signs were a bizarre sight! Onwards then, to Hokitika, home to the world's most beautiful sunsets, and more importantly, Toni's Grandad, Bill. We've been staying with him for a few days - thanks Bill, and enjoyed his wonderful company, home made ale and his new toy, the hp pavilion mx70 computer, which he will no doubt be swearing at right this minute!

I also got to meet Matt, who has been working for Bill for the past eight years for the payment of three Minties (Kiwi sweets) a week.

Anna, Rob & Owen zorbing

Luckily we also got to meet Barry and Chris, Toni's great uncle and aunt. Barry showed me his oil paintings, which are out of this world - Ellen, you would have loved to meet him, and shared artistic experiences! His paintings are mainly made up of the views of the surrounding area, which is truly breathtaking. Within an hour from here, we have seen gorges with rushing blue water, mountain ranges with snow on the peaks, beaches, gold mines, glow worm dells - the list goes on. When we stopped off in one of the alpine ranges, Arthur's Pass, we were greeted by wild Kea, big green parrots that are naturally inquisitive, especially when it comes to tyres and windscreen wipers! They are seen as loveable rogues, and great fun to watch.

Tomorrow we continue South to the Glaciers and Mount Cook, and then on to see the wild Whales and dolphins at Kaikoura. Watch this space!

The Photos are from Rotorua, where we went to the geothermal resort, and also had a go at zorbing with Anna and Rob.

Bye for now, Owen and Toni.

Sean in Aukland

2003-01-19T02:16:00.000+13:45

Hello there!

Well, We've been really busy in the last week, and had some amazing experiences. On Thursday, we caught up with Sean in Aukland, and he took us out sailing to see boats racing racing for the America's cup from about a 100 metres away, which was brilliant - thanks Sean! We also caught up with Fiona from Cardiff, and Nicola and Andrew, who kindly let us stay at their house in Aukland.

The Next day we went to the Big Day Out, which was a massive music festival with lots of big bands playing. We almost didn't make it after a hilarious bus journey with a driver who didn't know where he was going, one of those moments when you had to be there I suppose! We saw The Music, Foo fighters, P.J Harvey, Underworld and Chicks on Speed to name but a few, and had a fantastic deay, even managed to dance to some of my beloved drum and bass!

We went to Angela and Rob's wedding yestersy.. the first and last time I had seen Rob was in London, sliding down the escalators on the London Underground.. as you can imagine the wedding was a lot of fun!

Have to go now, I'll try and give you all an update soon.

Owen and Toni

Zorbing

2003-01-06T02:19:00.000+13:45

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a great time over Christmas, and have recovered from the excess eating and drinking that goes with it! I had a wonderful time in Gisborne with Toni and her family. The sun was shining on Christmas day, and we had a bar-b-q rather than ye olde Christmas Turkey! We were swimming in the sea come boxing day, and New Year was spent on the beach and in an Irish theme pub! Loads of Tonis' friends came to stay with us over New Year, and it was great to catch up with them, I met most of them in the U.K. last year.

We are living in a city called Gisborne, which is the first place in the world to see the sun, and with that comes the bonus of being among the first people in the world to see in the New Year - awesome!

After the New year celebrations, we joined Anna (Kiwi) and Rob (Pom), in a trip along the East Coast up to a very smelly Rotorua (sulphur from the themals smells just like rotten eggs!) While there we visited Whakarewarewa (that's the short version!) thermal village. This was a really interesting place, a living village surrounded by geyzers and mud pools! We watched a cultural performance, and I managed to get on stage and try the Haka, the traditional Maori War challenge!! Anyone who knows me will know that I couldn't keep a straight face,and I can't imagine what I looked like sticking my tongue out to look 'angry'!! Rob managed to secretly record it in video, so watch this space - Jake, are you suitably impressed?!!

We then went along to the Buried village of Te Wairoa where, in June 1886, the eighth wonder of the world - the Pink and White Terraces - were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera. It is now the site of an open air museum, and the home of Te Wairoa falls.

Zorbing

The next day we decided to go Zorbing - yes, Zorbing! I'd not heard of this before, and I'm sure I wasn't alone. For the ignorant, imagine being soaked by a bucket of cold water and pushed down a hill in something that closely resembles a plastic hamster ball. Great fun!!

We left Rob and Anna in Rotorua and went on to find refuge around lake Taupo. According to our new bible, the Rough Guide to New Zealand, this lake was created when a massive volcano erupted. 'Ash was ejected so high into the atmosphere that it was carried around the world, enabling historians to pinpoint the date of the eruption as 186 AD - when the Chinese noted a blackening of the sky and Romans recorded that the heavens turned blood-red'.

We saw the new James Bond film, which we both really enjoyed, after having a picnic by the lake and exploring the countryside, then crept back 007-like into the campsite after realising there was a curfew - living life on the edge!

Back resting in Gissy - we're off to 'Booze, Blues and Bar-b-q's' in Tauranga later on in the week, which sounds like a great day out!

All the best,

Owen and Toni

Off to Auckland

2003-01-01T02:18:00.000+13:45

Well it's all go at the moment, the next month is going to action-packed!

We're off to Auckland at the end of the week to go to the Big Day out, a music festival with loads of big bands like Foo Fighters, Underworld, Queens of the Stone Age etc. playing. Then off to Tauranga for yet another Wedding! After that We're off to the South Island, home of Middle Earth for a few weeks, which I am really looking forward to. I also get to meet Toni's Grandad, Bill - can't wait to meet him! I'll have to find some internet cafe's to keep you informed of my whereabouts! It's all good!

This week I have been mainly eating venison

2002-12-17T02:20:00.000+13:45

I can't believe how quickly the week has vanished before me, time definately flies when you're having fun. I've just fed the pigs, as we're in charge of them and the 'chook' this week. Toni's Mum confused the chook (and the rest of us) last week by placing a duck egg under her, as it has been clucky since Bill took an off her weeks ago. Julie insisted that the chuck would know what was going on, as she had written 'duck egg' on it. Rum has a lot to answer for. The cats are just as crazy as the chicken - Tigger loves playing with the paintbrush while I'm trying to do my watercolours, so I've developed a new technique of using his tail as a hake for the first wash of the sky. His tail is now a blend of yellow ochre and ultramarine.

I went fishing last week (uhuh?) just before sundown as I'd heard this was the best time to get a good snapper. I didn't, but the sunset was amazing, and to top it off, in the distance I saw a tall ship drifting through the haze opposite the spot where Captain Cook first spotted New Zealand on the Endeavour. If I had not heard the next day that it had been forced to dock in the port that day due to severe gales, I would have sworn it was a ghost ship. We went to see it in port on Saturday, and it was magnificent.

Nelson sunset

On Sunday I had the opportunity to try my hand at horse riding at the local Riding for the Disabled Club with people from Bill's work, as it was part of their Christmas party. I really enjoyed it, the horse wouldn't do any of the tricks I wanted it to, like go forward, stop or follow the other horses and not stop to graze, but it was fun all the same.

Later on that day Toni and I met up with some of her relatives at Carols in the park, which was new for me, as the sun was shining, and the kids started the show in true Kiwi style by doing the Haka (for those who don't follow the All Blacks, the Haka is a dance, an invitation to war and fascinating to watch). At the end of the night we followed the rest of the community in a procession of cars to have a look at a cul-de-sac whose residents definately had problems keeping up with the Jones's - imagine your next door neighbour's house either side looking like a Christmas version of Blackpool illuminations - very funny!

We're off to Tauranga again on the weekend to catch up with Lisa and Angus, who have both arrived in the country recently. Jake is also home from Cardiff this week, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him at some point as well. It's going to be a very merry Christmas over here!

I had lots of mail this week, which was really exciting, so thanks to my family, Matt, Lauren and the girls at work for the cards and pressies (won't open them until the 25th I promise!)

Tara for now,

Owen

A week less ordinary

2002-12-10T02:22:00.000+13:45

Hi all, hope life is good wherever you are! The weather has picked up again, it's gonna be a scorcher tomorrow, so I'm going to try and get myself a tan. I have a six pack now - it's in the fridge, tried Gisborne Gold last week, not too impressed - sorry Gissy!!.

Moving swiftly on, Toni, her sister Donna and Stacey, Toni's baby niece and I(?) went to Tauranga over the weekend. That's about three and a half hours drive from here, with some breathtaking scenery! We saw all sorts of wildlife along the way - wild turkeys, hawks, falcons, N.Z. kingfishers and cyclists to name but a few.

Pohutakawa

Also saw Pohutukawa trees in bloom. This tree is the symbol of summer, the 'New Zealand Christmas Tree'!. The tree in full bloom is crimson red. A story from Maori folklore explains how pohutukawa flowers received their colour. A warrior named Tawhaki wanted to borrow the dog bands of Tama-i-waho, to help him avenge his father's death. He visited the heavens and found the dog bands, but Tama, unhappy about his dog bands being borrowed, caused Tawhaki to fall and perish. When the people of the world awoke the next morning, they saw that the blossoms of Pohutukawa (and also of rata) had been stained by the blood of Tawhaki to a bright scarlet red.

They grow along the coast of the Northern half of the North Island, and are very hardy, often growing on the most inhospitable of places:

'From crest and crevice, tortuously flung,
Those monstrous iron-hearted myrtles hung,
Stiff, snaky, writhing trunks, and roots that clave
And crawled to any ramparts gave'
(From 'Ranoulf and Amohia', by Alfred Domett, 1872.)

Kiwi humour

Anyway, back to my story.. Toni and I went out on the town on Friday, and managed a mini pub crawl - well, they all had different beers to taste! We eventually found a nice bar with a live band, who sang all sorts, from The Beatles to The Proclaimers and other local bands. The main reason for the long trip was for us to attend a the wedding of Mandy and Gareth, friends of Toni's. They came all the way over from Wales with an enterage of 40 people, for it to rain solid all day! We still had a great time - the kiwi bride came down the river in a boat instead of an aisle while the Welsh groom and his mates sang the Welsh National Anthem. Different! Free food and beer kept the festivities going nicely! I love this place! Met up with Lisa, who introduced me to Toni in the Welsh Club all that time ago - good to see a familiar face and catch up!

As I have already mentioned, I live in a farmhouse surrounded by orchards and vineyards, and yesterday a helicopter came by and sprayed them. It was literally only metres away from the house, swooping low over the fields, I felt like a big kid getting excited about it, as Toni's family just said 'they're spraying again then'!

Off to dream of a white Christmas, just like the one I used to know!!

Owen

Shortland Street

2002-12-03T02:59:00.000+13:45

I've cut back on the updates, so I'll be writing one a week from now on!

Wow, I was in a bookshop yesterday, talking to the lady who owns it (for some reason I bought a National Geographic from the month and year of my birth, I'm sure there's an answer somewhere). She asked me where I was from, and when I said Crewe in Cheshire, she told me that her husband played for Crewe Alex in the fifties, and that he was from Sandbach down the road - small World!

An art dealer in town told me he will sell some of my paintings for me once I have a few more in my portfolio, which will be handy for Christmas!

I have to confess that I am now a loyal servant to the one and only Shortland Street - I know, it's terrible, but the plot is really thickening (to those in Britain you'll have to watch it for a whole week in about six months time!!)

Corrie is on in the background, and that whining sound of the theme tune still makes my stomach churn!!

We're going to a wedding on the Weekend in Tauranga, which will be great as I haven't really been out at night since the karaoke fest last month.. is there a link there I wonder... Toni??!!

Toni's just about to finish her stint of night shifts, which means I don't have to tip-toe around the house anymore hehe!!

Ka kite ano

Owen

Collecting wool

2002-11-30T03:01:00.000+13:45

Got up bright and early, as Toni was on her last early morning shift. Went back to bed. When I woke again I decided that today was a doing day. I did my household chores, then painted a watercolour. This is my new venture, as I'm hoping to sell them locally - I've got two comissions already! I've attached it, so hopefully Graham can put it in the photos section for you to see it - If anyone's interested, they're going for 30 dollars each, which is about a tenner - that's with friends & family discount mind!.

Larry the lamb

In the afternoon I joined the family for a spot of sheep shearing down the road. Got my hands dirty and collected the wool from the sheep while Daniel Sheered it. True Kiwi style, there were two people doing the work, and two people drinking Tui making sure everything was 'sweet as mate'!

Going to the cinema to see Harry Potter tonight (Toni's idea, honest!). Shouldn't be anyone else there as it starts after everyone else's bedtime at 8pm!

Fishing with Owen

2002-11-29T03:03:00.000+13:45

Went fishing today AGAIN... better leave it for a bit or It'll just end up being a site called "Fishing with Owen" , free Werther's Originals to the lucky reader!

This time it was different, in the way that I actually caught two fish, a dogfish and a school shark.. yes, a shark! It might have been smaller than the dogfish and about 50cm long, but it was still a shark, and in about five years time I wouldn't want to mess with it!

Midway Beach

2002-11-26T03:04:00.000+13:45

Went fishing on Midway Beach, the closest one to us - nothing again! Gorgeous day - good tan, slight sunburn, the sun is much stronger here (hole in ozone layer). Walked on the beach at sunset, fantastic sight! More photos on their way! At night the sky was crystal clear, so I got my first sight of the stars in the southern hemisphere, amazing.

Sheep shearing

2002-11-24T03:05:00.000+13:45

Went to see Toni's brother Shane's workplace. He's in charge of blocks of vine roots, where the roots are grown and cut for the next process in wine making. Buds are attached the sticks of vine roots which go on to produce grapes. The area in which I live is wine country, and the house I live in is surrounded by vineyards and orchards!

I still prefer beer, I'm drinking Tui at the moment - not bad, and moving on to Red Lion next week! For the sake of Jake, I'll write a full account on the virtues of N.Z. beer when I have tried them all - I'm on my way!

Lord of the Rings

2002-11-23T03:07:00.000+13:45

We watched Lord of the Rings at the cinema as they are showing it again before the second one comes out. Last time I watched it Toni and her Kiwi friend Lisa were blarting their eyes out as it reminded them of home - I now realise that they meant the scenery, and not the orks, balrogs and dragons! Had a 'chicken, camembert and cranberry burger' for dinner - delicious!

Tolaga Bay

2002-11-22T03:07:00.000+13:45

Today we went fishing on the wharf in Tolaga Bay, about 30km from Gisborne. The wharf is the longest in the southern hemisphere, and pretty old too! Didn't fall off, but didn't catch any fish either! The bloke next to us caught a red snapper as we arrived, and muttered something about my squid bait scaring the fish off after that - Oops! Wonderful view of the bay.

Rained solid all afternoon, so we stayed in and wathed.. you've guessed it.. Coronation Street! It's either that or Shortland Street, and I have the advantage of seeing six months into corrie's future hehe!!

Where am I??

2002-11-19T03:09:00.000+13:45

Oh Graham, now I'm really confused! Where am I?!!! My uncle Ivor was just extracting the urine - I'm not off to Oz for a while yet, not till next year anyway. Any news from Dom? When is the Wales v New Zealand match? I need to know so I can wear my welsh T-shirt hehe!! Can I have your address so that you can receive your very own postcard, don't worry no nude girls, just good ol' sun and sandy beaches!

Booyakasha rude bwoy

Owen the cheeseking

Owen's Photos

2002-11-18T03:10:00.000+13:45

Hi all, hope all is good in your hemisphere! I've been clicking away like a lunatic, so here are some of my first pics in the land of the long white cloud, just to make you jealous hehe!!

Owen

Darius? So jealous!

2002-11-16T03:12:00.000+13:45

Hi Graham!

Cheers for the e-mail, you're a star! Life in Cardiff sounds blissful, rain AND Darius!!! Thanks for doing the c.v and all of the other stuff, I really do appreciate it. Just done some hard yakker at Tonis' mums partners'? farm! Clearing trees and stuff, like Charlies garden army without Titmarsh! Matt phoned earlier to say hi, he sounds fine. Going to a real barbie tonight mate - all nurses, and I'm the only bloke... life's tough over here!! Hey it's weird how the moon is upside down here - and the water goes the wrong way down the plughole! Still, at least they drive on the proper side of the road like us, and I get to drive a Mazda 626!

All the best, say hi to Roseanna for me,

Owen Powers.

Matt's little tragedies

2002-11-13T03:13:00.000+13:45

Hi Graham, hope all is well and business is booming! Having a brilliant time over here, all sorts to see and do! I'll send you some pics of my adventure when I get a chance - and set up the scanner!!

I've dropped my business card and c.v. off at a couple of places, but when I opened up the c.v. on a pc I realised that the logo was lost, so my name doesn't appear on it!! If I send an updated version of the c.v with my name, and my new contact address on it, would you be able to drop it in for me please?

Sweet as mate!

Keep me posted on Cardiff life and Matt's little tragedies!!

Owen

Taurunga

2002-11-09T03:14:00.000+13:45

Hi! I'm having a great time in New Zealand - taking a while to adjust, people are really welcoming here - well they were until we won the rugby this morning!! I'm in Taurunga at the mo, went out with Tonis' dad and his partner last night, and sang the banana boat song on the karaoke in a local pub for local people - no surprises there!! So bad they asked me up for more! Got out alive. Going to meet some of Toni's friends for lunch, then to an Aunt's tonight. Going up to Gisborne tomorrow to meet her mum, sister, brother and niece! Beaches are fantastic here, and pretty secluded. The food and the service is really good, and the beer's not too bad either!

Bye for now, Owen