Joining up with the Barmy Army

Trip Start Feb 03, 2008
1
16
30
Trip End Apr 14, 2008


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Flag of New Zealand  ,
Thursday, March 6, 2008

Hi everyone.  As many of you will have guessed, I'm now in New Zealand watching the cricket with the Barmy Army in Hamilton.  Having an absolutely wicked time here with the rest of the Barmies.  Our drinking party includes a 70 year old backpacker called Frank (who is an absolute legend who has been to almost every country in the world), a Hull fan who never takes his Hull shirt off, my roommate Tom who likes walking around in a silly cowboy hat that makes him look like an extra from Brokeback Mountain, and a few other guys who are proper funny.  We were out after the first days play in Hamilton straight after the close of play and got in at 3am after visiting several karaoke bars.  The Boars Head lads will be pleased that there was a rendition of Red Red Wine - and yes it was the rap version, although we didn't have a Mikey with us.  So the Barmy Army drinking is going well even if the cricket hasn't gone so well on day 2.  The town itself is really nice and the locals are proper friendly.  I even got a lift to my hotel off a friendly local lady who saw me walking around lost with my great big back pack.  The trip here was interesting though with me having to spend the night in Auckland airport on Sunday night after my flight in from Melbourne.  I flew in at 1am, but my train to Hamilton wasn't until 7:30.  But it was OK the airport had a MaccyDs, a coffee shop, comfy seats and free internet so it wasn't all bad.  The only trouble was that I was proper nackered and the airport shop didn't sell Pro Plus tablets. 
Anyway back to Hamilton and it's great here, theres loads of pubs and restaurants and a 24 hour kiwi version of Greggs, which we are obviously visiting every night!!!  Our current aim is to visit every pub in the town during the first test although this could prove to be quite an achievement if we manage it.  I'll keep you posted on our progress!  The other bonus here is that the players and TV commentators are just wondering around the town.  So far we have said hello to David Lloyd, Matthew Hoggard and Ryan Sidebottom - in fact Hoggy popped his head in the window of our pub on the first night to see what the Army were upto!!  Although he didn't partake in any drinking.  Currently David Gower and Sir Ian Botham are sat outside a restaurant on the other side of the road eating their dinner.  Anyway I must go its almost time to head back to the pub to start another monumental drinking session, whilst you're all slaving away at the 9 to 5.  I'll be thinking of you all.  Not!!! 

Anyway I also have a new mobile number in New Zealand so don't text or ring my English number while I am here as you won't get any response from it.  My New Zealand number is +642102389775.

Keep in touch and pray for runs galore on day 3!!!
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