Just a very quick note to say that Maaike and I are OK! Will write more later. You can read about the earthquakes details here.

After shocks are still going on. There’s rubble from our chimneys (which smashed in the vans windscreen)… but all alive and well.

Had an absolutely amazing long weekend with my cousin Thomas. He cashed in a bazillion air miles and flew 1st class from London to NZ. Ridiculous stories of caviar, champagne, masseuses (in the 1st class lounge) etc. etc. More importantly, he arrived with a bottle of Ard Beg (Whiskey) and a scrabble trophy itching to be back with its rightful owner.

Thomas arrived on the Thursday – and the next morning we were off South to Queenstown. Stopped off at the frighteningly delicious Macs Fish & Chip shop in Ashburton. It really is the best F&C I’ve had in NZ – and that’s saying something. I, unfortunately, didn’t take as many pictures as I should have, but that night we met up with John (a Kiwi friend of Thomas’ working in Geneva), and his friend Simon (a nice Australian, and that too is saying something ;) hehe, ehem. John was having a very low-key wedding, and he kindly invited me to join in the festivities. So, the Friday night was really John’s stag. Beers were drunk, meat was eaten, and laughs (a plenty) were had. It was probably the most civilised stag night ever (certainly there was no trip to Accident & Emergency for me this time)

Friday we drove from Queenstown to Wanaka (just an hours drive) and I introduced Thomas to Cinema Paradiso which is Wanaka’s boutique cinema. We watched Toy Story 3.. and I must say – I *loved* it. Really really excellent film.

Then we had John’s wedding. It was a brilliant evening. Just immediate family and friends wrapped up in the joyous occasion and with ample quantities of excellent wine and food.

Saturday it was off to Treble Cone at first light. It was quite a misty day and I was irritated to find that Thomas was a far far better skier than I was border. All those years in Geneva finally paying off.

Still, I had my revenge. And it was sweet sweet revenge. I reclaimed the Scrabble trophy from Thomas’ hands.

Much like Sauron’s ring, the cup longed to be with its rightful owner. Long may it last.

Sunday it was back to Treble Cone again, this time with John&Shelley and Simon. It was a much better day conditions wise. I did find that TC is not remotely beginner friendly. Skiers and boarders whizz by on all sides – basically expecting that you’re going to be OK. I really don’t like drivers tailgating – and it’s just as bad (or worse) on a ski field. I even shouted at one person behind me. They were told.

Thomas and I, and John and Thomas.

And a picture of Thomas zipping down the slope.

All too soon it was time to head back to ChCh. This time, as we’d had a huge dump of snow in the meantime, the landscape was white as far as you could see. Really beautiful.

A fantastic trip all round really. Just a shame that it had to end. Still, can look forward to defending my title at Christmas ;)

I’m a pretty light sleeper. This is my current 5am alarm.

So the lovely Bronwyn and Will were wed. Absolutely fun couple. I first met Bronwyn back 3 years ago when I answered an CUTC email looking to see if anyone wanted to try potter about on a glacier. We’ve been friends ever since.

The following weekend I went to go snowboarding with Shelly and Paul and Co. We got around about 2/3 of the way to Broken River when the alternator belt broke. Unfortunately we didn’t know it was only the alternator so ended up calling out the AA and not getting to the snow. All we would have had to have done was park on a hill ;)

Veronica (Sweedish) and Charlie (English) are to be married (or may actually be married now – as this is written *in the future*..oooooooh) this year.. and they had a pre-marriage test ceremony up in Arthur’s Pass – at the Cragieburn centre.

It was a great weekend, featuring a days skiing at Broken River.

Since I had been there last (too long ago) Broken River had retrofitted their cable car so that it could carry people. This saves you a good half-hour of steep uphill walking to get you to the field. Perfect.

It was Maaike’s first time on the infamous rope-tows.

Unfortunately it also happened to be Maaike’s first time getting whiplash. Coincidence – I think not.

The party however was excellent – here’s a picture of the bride and groom to be.

Kiwi’s also go in for fancy dress at the drop of a funnily shaped hat. The theme for this one was Sweedish-English-or-Swinglish. Great fun.

This weekend it was off to Ohau for Eimear (Extreimear!)’s 30th Birthday party. Ohau is, I think, my favourite ski field. It’s a small field down towards Mt. Cook. With completely stunning views out over Lake Ohau and excellent off-piste runs (with a little walking) it really is a great place to go. I am, of course, slightly biased, as I had my first ever powder-day there (and it was amazing!).

Eimear had rented out a Bach (kiwi holiday home) for dinner on the Saturday night. It was the most amazing Bach I’ve ever ever seen. Really beautifully furnished inside (the owner had turned most of the wood himself). I’m definitely planning on having a party there sometime. Called “The Red Barn” you can see details by clicking that link.

The next day Extreamer got her first birthday present – which was a (double) paraglide flight out over the lake. Must have been simply incredible. She is lucky enough to have a friend who is rated to take these types of flights!

And a short video of them taking off.

Then it was on to boarding for the rest of the day. Great conditions – and we did a little hiking up the back of the field and found some reasonable snow for the descent! Fun.

And finally – a short video of me trying not to fall over on the way down.

So, while Maaike was off on a girls only weekend I headed on a short walk to the Packhorse Hut with Steve, Mike and Heather.

It’s great having a hut that you can stay in a short walk from the city. Obviously it’s a hugely popular one for families etc. (and busy) – so we brought tents to camp in.

The wine was tasty, cards were played – and it was a lovely evening.

On the way back we saw the Remarkable Dykes

A pair of rock walls that form the boundaries of a crack in the side of the Lyttelton Volcano. The surrounding rock has since weathered away, leaving the parallel walls.

Unfortunately – this has now been removed. Leaving this up just in case EMI grow a sense of humour.

So instead I’ve added the contact juggling routine. You Tube have added the music back in !!! (woohoo) so I guess sometimes it works out for the best.

Another day of museums – another look at the Science Museum… here a picture of some hour (and other measurement!) glasses.

And, this is possibly from the Natural History museum – but here’s a picture of a bolt of lightning caught in sand. Nae Bad.

Next it was on to the British Museum. Now, this is a place that I really can’t remember being – but must have. It’s incredible – the amount of stuff there is ridiculous.

Here’s a picture of the Rosetta stone which is housed in the museum. The Rosetta stone was used to decipher the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt.

This was a stunning piece of glass – I’m not entirely sure what it’s called (silly me) but it’s one piece of glass and the different colours have been incredibly carefully and beautifully moulded together.

And the head of Augustus. This was buried under a temple (so that everyone would walk on his head!) which is why it’s in such good shape really.

Cocktails were also drunk – this was because Maaike lost a bet that she wouldn’t get a new position (she did!)

Had an absolutely wonderful sendoff from cousins and friends. It was a real highlight to see Declan again – and to meet his fiancée and now wife Grainne. I think she was slightly worried by the fact that, pretty much, everyone told her to “run”. But yes – happily married – and I think they’re both very lucky people.

Possibly the worst part of the entire trip was when Thomas beat me at scrabble. Bleedin’ seven letter word right at the end. Sigh. Here he is trying to look modest – and a picture with his far too lovely wife Paula! Thanks so much for having us to stay – was a great time.