Wellington & Palmy

The week in Wellington went well work wise (not bad for alliteration?!) All the integration between the work I have done and the external systems showed that what we wanted to achieve was possible.

It was good to work with other techy ppl again. That has been missing a bit – one of the disadvantages of my freedom I guess.

The Arts Festival was in full swing while I was there. I took myself off to see Orchestra Baobab. I put a short movie up too.

They were excellent. Luckily all the normal tickets were sold out leaving only standing remaining. Which was great, as it meant the crowd got to dance. I wished I’d had a partner present to dance salsa away to! (I should have just grabbed someone!!) hehe.

The pictures were from an artist called Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Actually that link I just came across is great! you can download any of his pics as wallpaper for your desktop!. Anyway, he flies around the place taking pictures from helicopters documenting eco-stuff. Good pics anyway.

So yes, the arts festival and work went well. I also (stupidly didn’t take any pictures!) met up with on a couple of the nights with my friend Jackie from Engineering in TCD. Great to see a friend from home who might even stay a while.

Then also out with two caving friends – Dave (recently relocated from ChCh) and Joe (X-Scotland, now wanting to move back to ChCh)

So yes, good times in Wellington. I made no use of the hotel facilities as I forgot my swim gear and runners… last time I don’t make a list. I also forgot my nice portable speakers… quite annoying.

More annoying again! was when I was taking a (well deserved?!) lie in.. and the fire alarm went off (7am). Politely informing me between deafening screeches, that ‘A fire alarm has been activated in another area of the building, you can leave if you want to, more information will be given shortly‘ in a nice, calm, reassuring American voice. I waited 10 mins and then exited!. Also dragon boat practicing was going on.

Finally it was time to leave Wellington. I traveled up to Palmerston North to see my Aunt + family for the weekend. It was lovely seeing all them again. They seem to grow up so fast (which again makes thinking of my nieces and nephews in Dublin + Minneapolis all the harder!). This pic of my first cousin once removed (Bridgit)