The Wellington farewell begins...
Trip Start
Aug 01, 2007
1
41
91
Trip End
Jan 11, 2009
Wellington,
New Zealand
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Long story short, for reasons probably best not published in a public blog, I have decided to move out of the flat and back to long term in Wellywood. Some mentionable reasons include the fact that I just like to be around people, and I feel pretty isolated in the flat. Sunday night I had to head to Starbucks with my book to get some peace, too.
Good news with work, we sat down our supervisor for a chat and she reassured us that she is our personal advocate and will keep fighting for the process to get moved along for us to receive all that pay we have thus far been screwed out of. Basically issues lie in the fact that individual contracts usually just mirror union contracts, and the union is also taking forever. I've been assured if it takes long enough that I am out of the country, the money can be deposited in my Ozzie account. So that is a huge weight off my shoulders!! I've also handed in my notice that my last day working will be Feb 9th. This will allow me a few days to unwind before the 'rents get here on the 14th. I know, how romantic!
I've also got an idea in my head that I'd like to take the train to Masterton on the 12th and spend the night. They are having a summer festival concert for only $5, and one of my new fave NZ bands, Opshop, will be playing. They are pretty big in NZ from what I understand, so it is an awesome bargain! When I come back on the 13th I'll check into the YHA which I have booked a family room for 4 nights, so mom and dad can have a much-needed rest once they get here @ 8am.
Plans are all set for the big visit. Basically the only thing I need to worry about is decided if we are going to do a whale watching excursion in Kaikoura... so if anyone reading this has done one, let me know if it was worth it! But all the accommodation is booked, as well as a Milford Sound day trip, a half-day Glacier hike for me a dad, and the Christchurch Tamaki Village experience. I'm hoping I can show them a good time in New Zealand!
One big thing that has occurred here is the death of Sir Edmund Hillary. Me being ignorant about things like this, I had no clue who he was when I got here. He was the first person to ever summit Mt Everest, and has done loads of stuff. The state funeral is today so it's a sad time for New Zealand. I'm not sure if this kind of news makes it as far as home!
On Thursday night I made an impulse decision to buy a concert ticket for that night... for The Police, with Fergie opening! I'll be honest, it was mostly for Fergie, who put on an awesome show (I especially loved the cover of Sublime's Santeria!). It was cool to to hear such a classic band play all their hits... and it made me laugh to watch all these middle-aged people around me dancing horrifically. Friendly though, got to chatting with them. Weather co-operated, which was good because my cheapie seats at the stadium were uncovered.
here's a review: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/0a25083.html
I've really just been trying to spend my free time appreciating Wellington, this place I've called home for so much of y time in NZ. As much as I am excited to head to the south island, I really am going to miss it. It is such an amazing city... so much beauty everywhere. Not just the amazing ocean views found everywhere, but they really embrace the art culture and there are little surprises everywhere. It's really great.
Well, I have another free day to enjoy, and the countdown is on for work shifts left to go... 10! I've also just experienced the season three premiere (thats right... you just had the S4!) of prisonbreak. So I'm in a good mood!
XX
Comments
The Police and who?
Ahem,
Sting HAPPENS to be my favourite singer - and yes, I'd be one of those 'middle' aged people dancing around (LOL!!!).
Glad (and jealous) you got to see the show though.
Enjoy your last days in Welly!!!
Melissa