Maybe blogging isn't for me, I never remember to update it and when I do get around to it, I can't remember what has happened.
So China was, different. Same sort of fast-paced Asian way of doing things, lots of smog and very commercially driven. Didn't get to see or do the things I would have liked because School trips are like that. Still, was a good time, even if I did have to pay more then was stated and didn't even get the time off I was owed.
After working in emergency services with Fire, Ambulance and LandSAR I decided it was time for a career change. Well, that and being sick of teaching after 8 years. So starting next year (hopefully), I will become a cop, aiming to move into either Search & rescue or dog squad. Or failing that I will go with Ambulance full time.
So right now I am enjoying some downtime before whatever happens next year. After a family Xmas it is up to the bay for new years, then all the way up to Cape Reinga before I turn South and Drive all the way to Bluff. Because I can. Seeing mates and having fun with Loki along the way. Should be quite an adventure.
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Thursday, 2 April 2015
I have part of a plan
So, at some point on Saturday I leave for China. Which means, given tomorrow is a public holiday, I should really be sorted by now right? HA! I have found my suitcase, and put some socks in there. But that is as far as I have gotten. Good start.
Two weeks I will be spending in Guangzhou with the seven students who were brave enough (and could get the money) to experience a new culture. The programme looks very busy, but hopefully I will have time to get to the great wall and check off another thing on the list. Either way, it is going to be a busy trip. Hopefully nothing goes pear-shaped, I've had enough of that sort of carry on.
End of term one. Boy am I glad for that, even though it has been a short one it has sure been a mission. Almost the whole time I felt like I was on the back foot. Partly my own fault by taking too much on, partly not. Still, when term two rolls around it will be time to start again with some classes. Seems two weeks is too much for them to remember shit.
Fire brigade is going well. Been to a couple of call-outs and training has been progressing. Fitness has also been improving so hopefully I'll pass the saline challenge and get onto the recruit course soon enough.
SAR has been progressing slowly, needing to fit the courses into an already busy schedule and find the ones that are local. Still, what I have been to has been valuable experience.
Only have a couple of drives to get signed of as an ambulance driver, and spent a weekend as medic for the Homegrown festival. Was a lot of fun, some good OTJ experience and great music. Also, a medic Hi-vis is basically all access pass, got to go backstage and everything, no questions asked.
There is probably some more stuff that has happened that I've missed, which will happen when I'm slack and don't update often enough. Oh well.
Two weeks I will be spending in Guangzhou with the seven students who were brave enough (and could get the money) to experience a new culture. The programme looks very busy, but hopefully I will have time to get to the great wall and check off another thing on the list. Either way, it is going to be a busy trip. Hopefully nothing goes pear-shaped, I've had enough of that sort of carry on.
End of term one. Boy am I glad for that, even though it has been a short one it has sure been a mission. Almost the whole time I felt like I was on the back foot. Partly my own fault by taking too much on, partly not. Still, when term two rolls around it will be time to start again with some classes. Seems two weeks is too much for them to remember shit.
Fire brigade is going well. Been to a couple of call-outs and training has been progressing. Fitness has also been improving so hopefully I'll pass the saline challenge and get onto the recruit course soon enough.
SAR has been progressing slowly, needing to fit the courses into an already busy schedule and find the ones that are local. Still, what I have been to has been valuable experience.
Only have a couple of drives to get signed of as an ambulance driver, and spent a weekend as medic for the Homegrown festival. Was a lot of fun, some good OTJ experience and great music. Also, a medic Hi-vis is basically all access pass, got to go backstage and everything, no questions asked.
There is probably some more stuff that has happened that I've missed, which will happen when I'm slack and don't update often enough. Oh well.
Sunday, 1 February 2015
3 Weeks and no rain? You've changed Waiouru...
I hope you're good at dodging because here come the bullets... bulletpoints that is, too tired for a decent story.
Summer holidays in summary
Pros
Cons
Summer holidays in summary
- Christmas with family,
- Lots of driving,
- New years on a farm trying to light a Christmas tree with tracer and model rockets. Spoiler alert! we failed,
- 3 weeks in Waiouru training recruits on their basic, more like summer camp! Not even any rain to bring down morale,
- Back to school, yabooo! Still, routine will mean I eat better and do my damn exercise,
- Training Loki to track, when he focuses he is really good!
Pros
- Great weather, yay!
- Paid work, winning.
- New car, Ssangyong (don't judge :P) ute, taking delivery any day now. No more stinky dog farts in the car!
- Seeing friends and having fun, epic winning!
Cons
- Got charged $50 because other soldiers lack integrity and I took the fall, boo!
- Not having any time because I'm doing to many things, not necessarily a bad thing though.
- Lack of sleep, snore!
And now it's time to go back to work. Most of my students passed their exams, so that's a bonus. Still, seems like same shit, different faces to be honest.
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Leaving the farm
Got a new place, back in town. Nice and handy to school and the fire station so that means money saved on fuel. It is more expensive than currently but bigger and nicer etc. Actually it is really nice, insulation is amazing! Plus there is a nice covered in area for the dog. He still insists on sleeping on the doorstep though.
Finished my first responder course, lets hope the fire service accept it. Should do, given it is at a higher level. Went out on a shift and got to do some driving and assessing, good to put the skills into practice. Hopefully get to crack into that once I am back home.
School has finished for the year. Yay! Physics 3 to teach next year so brushing up on that so I don't screw up too badly :P But apart from that a rather lengthy holiday. Even if half of it is spent teaching recruits how to soldier. But that can be fun too.
Tongariro tramp was pretty good actually. We got lucky with the weather and missed the worst of it. Pretty amazing going from tussock to volcanic terrain then into the forest. The huts are pretty amazing too, much better than I've been in previously.Definitely recommend the Northern circuit if you want some pretty scenery and a bit of a challenge.
Finished my first responder course, lets hope the fire service accept it. Should do, given it is at a higher level. Went out on a shift and got to do some driving and assessing, good to put the skills into practice. Hopefully get to crack into that once I am back home.
School has finished for the year. Yay! Physics 3 to teach next year so brushing up on that so I don't screw up too badly :P But apart from that a rather lengthy holiday. Even if half of it is spent teaching recruits how to soldier. But that can be fun too.
Tongariro tramp was pretty good actually. We got lucky with the weather and missed the worst of it. Pretty amazing going from tussock to volcanic terrain then into the forest. The huts are pretty amazing too, much better than I've been in previously.Definitely recommend the Northern circuit if you want some pretty scenery and a bit of a challenge.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Nobody likes dogs
Is what have deduced from my search for a new place to live. Oh, this place looks perfect. Sorry, no dogs! Bugger! Well I still have a few weeks left on that one. And a couple of prospects have just opened up.
I have completed a couple of observer shifts with St John and seen some interesting stuff. A lot of slow and routine things but a bit of excitement now and then. For the rest of this month I have training courses so that by the time December rolls around I will be useful on the ambulance.
I joined the volunteer fire service here in Levin (because why not). Seems like a cool brigade, lot of humour. There are a couple of new recruits I will go through the programme with so that helps. Hopefully the med screening gets sorted quickly though, I don't fancy waiting three years to get on the appliance.
I completed the Combat Fitness Test for the army back in the holidays, Much prefer it to the RFL. Much more functional and realistic, even if it does take longer. Particularly proud that as the only Reserve I managed to beat the Regulars on a couple of tasks. Although very few of them seemed to understand the meaning of 'operationally valid pace'.
I had a holiday of sorts somewhere there. Got away up to the Bay of Plenty for a few days of R & R, then came back through the Naki to see the family. Really racking up the miles on the car. Might be time for a new one soon.
I'm now officially on the system for LandSAR, so as soon as I can get to some training I will increase my chances of being used. Unfortunately I have a lot of ambulance training over the next few months. Might be a struggle fitting everything in. Good thing I don't have much of a social life eh :P
I spent the weekend up in Taupo with some good mates. Went prawn fishing, had a bit of a paddle in the lake and a few brews. Was good to get some relaxing in. Brilliant weather too, just a shame we didn't get out on the lake. But there is always next time.
I have completed a couple of observer shifts with St John and seen some interesting stuff. A lot of slow and routine things but a bit of excitement now and then. For the rest of this month I have training courses so that by the time December rolls around I will be useful on the ambulance.
I joined the volunteer fire service here in Levin (because why not). Seems like a cool brigade, lot of humour. There are a couple of new recruits I will go through the programme with so that helps. Hopefully the med screening gets sorted quickly though, I don't fancy waiting three years to get on the appliance.
I completed the Combat Fitness Test for the army back in the holidays, Much prefer it to the RFL. Much more functional and realistic, even if it does take longer. Particularly proud that as the only Reserve I managed to beat the Regulars on a couple of tasks. Although very few of them seemed to understand the meaning of 'operationally valid pace'.
I had a holiday of sorts somewhere there. Got away up to the Bay of Plenty for a few days of R & R, then came back through the Naki to see the family. Really racking up the miles on the car. Might be time for a new one soon.
I'm now officially on the system for LandSAR, so as soon as I can get to some training I will increase my chances of being used. Unfortunately I have a lot of ambulance training over the next few months. Might be a struggle fitting everything in. Good thing I don't have much of a social life eh :P
I spent the weekend up in Taupo with some good mates. Went prawn fishing, had a bit of a paddle in the lake and a few brews. Was good to get some relaxing in. Brilliant weather too, just a shame we didn't get out on the lake. But there is always next time.
Thursday, 7 August 2014
I do solemnly swear... again.
26th April 2013.
5th August 2014.
467 days.
That is how long it took to go from me completing my enlistment requirements to finally being attested back into the Army. But now it is done and I am officially part of the RNZAMC as a reserve medic. Next step is the CMT course so I can work as a medic.
In other news, my holiday to Stewart Island was very relaxing. I ended up doing all of my tours on the first day so took a bus tour of the islands (took 1 hour, there weren't many roads) and a water taxi to the bird sanctuary island. Here I wandered around, hearing all sorts of noisy birds and lo and behold, a snuffly big Kiwi rocked up through the undergrowth and came within 1 metre of me. Much bigger than I was expecting, but an amazing experience. The next day I went out fishing. After a while I got the hang of this deep sea fishing lark and was pretty much bringing up fish on each cast. Between the four of us we kept 32 after two hours. Not too shabby (although apparently that was a poor days fishing!)
I attended the National TKD championships, having not done nearly as much training as I wanted. Still, I managed to come away with a silver medal in Male 1-4th gup Heavyweight sparring as one very close fight and a second which wasn't as close but wasn't a whitewash either. So pretty proud of that.
I applied for a St John Ambulance volunteer position this month. Sounds like an interesting role with some unique situations. Plus will be good for enhancing my medical knowledge. Still no word from SAR though...
5th August 2014.
467 days.
That is how long it took to go from me completing my enlistment requirements to finally being attested back into the Army. But now it is done and I am officially part of the RNZAMC as a reserve medic. Next step is the CMT course so I can work as a medic.
In other news, my holiday to Stewart Island was very relaxing. I ended up doing all of my tours on the first day so took a bus tour of the islands (took 1 hour, there weren't many roads) and a water taxi to the bird sanctuary island. Here I wandered around, hearing all sorts of noisy birds and lo and behold, a snuffly big Kiwi rocked up through the undergrowth and came within 1 metre of me. Much bigger than I was expecting, but an amazing experience. The next day I went out fishing. After a while I got the hang of this deep sea fishing lark and was pretty much bringing up fish on each cast. Between the four of us we kept 32 after two hours. Not too shabby (although apparently that was a poor days fishing!)
I attended the National TKD championships, having not done nearly as much training as I wanted. Still, I managed to come away with a silver medal in Male 1-4th gup Heavyweight sparring as one very close fight and a second which wasn't as close but wasn't a whitewash either. So pretty proud of that.
I applied for a St John Ambulance volunteer position this month. Sounds like an interesting role with some unique situations. Plus will be good for enhancing my medical knowledge. Still no word from SAR though...
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
One step closer
Quick post to keep the numbers up. Also if it leaves it too long it forgets, silly hobbitses.
Got my red belt in TKD. Good to finally have a new belt and new stuff to learn. New goal is Black belt by end of 2015. Which means I'll need to get black tag but January at the latest (more or less). Time to dig in for the duration.
Got some medals at the Regional TKD tournament. Silver patterns and Bronze sparring. Had 3 rounds up against a young guy who just pipped me on stamina. So my areas for improvement for future tournaments? Fitness.
Got a promotion at work. I am now the second in charge of the science faculty, with the areas of responsibility of... Well, I'm not really sure. I'm not a head of a subject, so I guess I just prod everyone else to keep them in line and fix IT-related issues. Fun.
2.5 weeks left of work. Yay! Finally a real holiday, since the last one I was sort of working anyway. Going down to the deep South. In Winter. Seems like a great idea!
*porky pig noise* That's all folks!
Got my red belt in TKD. Good to finally have a new belt and new stuff to learn. New goal is Black belt by end of 2015. Which means I'll need to get black tag but January at the latest (more or less). Time to dig in for the duration.
Got some medals at the Regional TKD tournament. Silver patterns and Bronze sparring. Had 3 rounds up against a young guy who just pipped me on stamina. So my areas for improvement for future tournaments? Fitness.
Got a promotion at work. I am now the second in charge of the science faculty, with the areas of responsibility of... Well, I'm not really sure. I'm not a head of a subject, so I guess I just prod everyone else to keep them in line and fix IT-related issues. Fun.
2.5 weeks left of work. Yay! Finally a real holiday, since the last one I was sort of working anyway. Going down to the deep South. In Winter. Seems like a great idea!
*porky pig noise* That's all folks!
Thursday, 22 May 2014
A wild post appears!
It uses procrastination, it's super effective!
So yeah, the blog. A lot has happened since (checks date of last post) October 2013! Time for a solid bullet pointed list I think.
So yeah, the blog. A lot has happened since (checks date of last post) October 2013! Time for a solid bullet pointed list I think.
- Finished teacher registration, now licensed to teach anywhere* (*Anywhere where an NZ teaching qualification is recognised)
- Got my dog. Loki, a heading dog who leaves me shaking my head sometimes but is always by my side, or when not waiting for me.
- Went to Vietnam supervising a school exchange. While the country was very interesting and different, never again will I lead a trip composed primarily of teenage girls. Also ate pigeon, turtle, jellyfish, cow hoof and ostrich. Would only recommend the ostrich.
- Attended the wedding of a couple of good mates as a groomsman. Tough job I know, standing there and looking pretty. But I think I nailed it. Was also a lot of fun being silly for the photographer and dancing with bridesmaids.
- Got a .270 rifle for hunting deer. Have taken it out a couple of times but haven't had any success with it yet.
- Moved house to a little cottage on a small farmlet by the lake. So much serenity. Plenty of room for the dog to run, and best bit. No noisy neighbours. Apart from the cows, and rooster, and geese...
- Did some more stuff, outdoors adventures, tramping, hunting, etc. None of it is especially springing to mind though.
Have my red belt grading on Monday so hoping that goes well. Also have a tournament the weekend after. And then some other stuff. Might be I'll even blog about it. No one knows :P.
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
My path to greatness.
Re-organised after being inspired by Steve Kamb at www.nerdfitness.com. Instead of a boring bucket list, I have turned it into quests to reach new levels. Each quest is worth 20% of a level. Master quests are a level each. All is subject to change due to life being unpredictable. Let's see what level I am now then...
Currently at Level 16! (80% progress to level 17)
Visit Stewart Island (Rakiura) - 11/07/2014 On my first day there I saw a Kiwi, in the wild, in the middle of the day. Amazing experience. It was so peaceful (being winter therefore no one was there). Also caught a load of Blue Cod, enjoyed THE pub quiz and took in the serenity. SO much serenity :P.
Get a promotion at work. - 17/06/2014 Assistant HOF Science. Once again I am a 2IC. Means more responsibilities but also an extra couple of grand. Sweet.
Get a dog - 01/01/2014 Loki, the mischievous heading dog joined me in my adventures. Being a puppy, he got right to work destroying anything left within his reach. Now 8 months old, he has begun to mature and calm down. Will have to work him though as he is very energetic.
Be in a wedding party - 17/05/2014 Stood as groomsman for good friends from uni. Had a blast, much fun being silly for the photographer.
Level 15 master quest - Become a fully registered teacher 22/10/13 The email arrived today confirming I am now a proper teacher for reals. 2 years of hard work spread over the last 6 (because they wouldn't count a lot of it as relevant). I can now go and teach pretty much where I want and get paid the right amount. Glad this one is over, it was a constant niggle throughout the years.
Level 14 master quest - Pilot a plane 21/07/13 - Wakatipu Aero Club. Right after my skydive I did this, took a plane out for around 20 minutes, flying around the Queenstown basin. Pretty cool but rather tame given the activity of the morning. Definitely hungry for more though.
Level 13 master quest - Skydive 21/07/13 - NZone in Queenstown. Wasn't originally on the plan for my trip down South, but I thought 'F*%k it'. The ride up I was trying to distract myself, then the door opens and my feet are hanging out into open space. A brief moment of 'Oh shit!' before the instructor pushes off and we go tumbling out. 40 seconds or so of free-fall all the while you are hoping and praying the chute will pop, then whoosh! Floating gently down above Lake Wakatipu. Absolutely amazing, absolutely terrifying.
Level 12 master quest -See the Aurora. 23/11/12 - Dancing lights in the sky above, unfortunately hidden partially by cloud. Also weird to see the Pole star much more overhead than what you see in England.
Level 11
-Fly completely around the world. Done 08/11 - London - Tokyo - Auckland - Los Angeles - London.
-Visit Canada. Done 05/12/12 - They really are friendlier here, and much more so than Americans. Vancouver was very idyllic in the forest away from the city.
-Visit Scandinavia. 20/11/12 - Lovely place I definitely need to return to. Awesome scenery, amazing weather, expensive though.
-Visit Iceland. 03/12/12 - Really does look like another world. An amazing place with very distinctive landscapes.
-Snowshoe hike with huskies. 24/11/12 - Couldn't do sledding as the snow was wrong, but still had an awesome time hiking in the woods and hills with a pack of husky cross dogs.
Level 10 master quest
Attend a major festival. Done 08/06/12 - Download festival, was freaking awesome.
Level 9
-See Stonehenge. Done 08/04/10. During a spring break road trip. It is smaller than you would expect, although it is very quiet considering how close the highway is, and impressive when you realise these are the only stones for miles around, everything else is chalk.
-Visit Cawdor castle. June 10, road trip with the parents, very interesting place. Not as cool as Warwick though.
- Visit Loch Ness . June 10, kind of spooky when it is misty and still.
- See a movie in 3D. Done 19/12/09. Avatar, really well done with good depth to the picture. The plot and action were pretty good as well.
-Get a professional massage. It was at a LARP event but I did pay for it :p.
Level 8 master quest
-Participate in a national sporting competition. Done 02. National secondary school rowing. And again 11/10 - Tae Kwon Do open competition in London, 2 golds!
Level 7
-See Eddie Izzard live. Done 04/12/09. The Stripped show at Wembley arena. Fantastic show with lots of new material linked into the old stuff. Highly recommended.
-See West-end theatre. Done 24/01/09. Avenue Q,Brilliant show, highly recommended but not for kids!
-Meet someone in person off the Internet. Done 03/09.
-Visit Dublin. Done 18/09/09. Great city, not many tall buildings but lots of old ones. Expensive day paint balling and night out. There for Gaelic footy final so very busy. Guinness tastes better here.
-Wake up on bench in the park. Done 07/09 (train station but close enough) Hard night in London, had to wait too long for the train and fell asleep, then fell asleep on the train and missed my stop.
Level 6 Master quest
-Ride a horse/motorbike/snowmobile/jetski . Done 92-ish/done 08/done 02-09/done 2011 Horse-riding as a child, bought my own bike early 08, snowmobiling in Poland early 09. Jetskiing in Portugal 2011 - if you turn sharply, the jetski turns, you go straight!
Level 5
-Do something that makes someone say, “You know, I really admire what you did!”. Done 09. A couple of people have said this about me going out into the world on my own.
-Win an award. Done 12/08. Medals for Solomons deployment count I guess.
-Set off a fire extinguisher. Done 01-02. Drunken shenanigans at a soccer party, CO2 is cold!
-Volunteer for a good cause. Done 09-12. Various youth related causes.
-Visit Paris. Done 17/08/09. Beautiful city, plenty to see and do, very expensive though.
Level 4 master quest
-Deploy with the army. Done 15/07/08. 4 month stint in the Solomon Islands sweltering in the heat and keeping the peace.
Level 3
- Write my will. Done 07-08.
- See a tornado. Done late 05. Final field ex of basic training watched 3 track across the horizon in Waiouru.
- Get below 10% body fat. Done 22/07/09. 3 weeks of lots of walking and partying with little sleep and food will do that, now to keep it that way.
- Make a complete and utter fool of myself. Done far too often. The reason why I don't drink heavily anymore, still happens though.
- Become a semi-acceptable cook. I have cooked for other people and they haven't died so success!
Level 2 - Master quest
- Serve my country. Done 25/09/05. Three years with the Territorial army, to which I will return.
Level 1
- Organise a stag party. Done 15/12/08.Michael Kelly's in Wellington, NZ. 2 nights of male bonding and drunkenness.
- Ride a roller coaster (can't believe I haven't done this yet). Done 8/06/12. Not a roller coaster but an exhilarating ride anyway, possibly more thrilling than a roller coaster.
- Plant a tree. Done sometime in 96-97. Intermediate school task, planting trees by the Waitara river. And again at some point in the past at a relatives place.
- Stay out all night partying and go to work the next day without having gone home. I'm checking this one off, having done several all nighters and carried on with minimal sleep is as close as I can get, given my profession. Also followed up and all night drinking session with a TKD tournament.
- Journey cross-country without a map. Done 2010-11 - sort of, drive towards somewhere then figure out where I am in Western England. Also, wandering about in Wales.
Master quests remaining
Visit all six continents. 4 (Asia, Europe, Australia, North America) down.
Visit Antarctica (gets it's own one due to difficulty).
Climb a mountain (English mountains don't count, on account of them being hills)Dec 2014, Tongariro crossing, not counting it though.
Go on safari.
Become conversational in a second language (currently - a bit shit at many).
Black belt in TKD (Red belt as of 9/6/14, hopefully by end 2015. Nope.).
Currently at Level 16! (80% progress to level 17)
Visit Stewart Island (Rakiura) - 11/07/2014 On my first day there I saw a Kiwi, in the wild, in the middle of the day. Amazing experience. It was so peaceful (being winter therefore no one was there). Also caught a load of Blue Cod, enjoyed THE pub quiz and took in the serenity. SO much serenity :P.
Get a promotion at work. - 17/06/2014 Assistant HOF Science. Once again I am a 2IC. Means more responsibilities but also an extra couple of grand. Sweet.
Get a dog - 01/01/2014 Loki, the mischievous heading dog joined me in my adventures. Being a puppy, he got right to work destroying anything left within his reach. Now 8 months old, he has begun to mature and calm down. Will have to work him though as he is very energetic.
Be in a wedding party - 17/05/2014 Stood as groomsman for good friends from uni. Had a blast, much fun being silly for the photographer.
Level 15 master quest - Become a fully registered teacher 22/10/13 The email arrived today confirming I am now a proper teacher for reals. 2 years of hard work spread over the last 6 (because they wouldn't count a lot of it as relevant). I can now go and teach pretty much where I want and get paid the right amount. Glad this one is over, it was a constant niggle throughout the years.
Level 14 master quest - Pilot a plane 21/07/13 - Wakatipu Aero Club. Right after my skydive I did this, took a plane out for around 20 minutes, flying around the Queenstown basin. Pretty cool but rather tame given the activity of the morning. Definitely hungry for more though.
Level 13 master quest - Skydive 21/07/13 - NZone in Queenstown. Wasn't originally on the plan for my trip down South, but I thought 'F*%k it'. The ride up I was trying to distract myself, then the door opens and my feet are hanging out into open space. A brief moment of 'Oh shit!' before the instructor pushes off and we go tumbling out. 40 seconds or so of free-fall all the while you are hoping and praying the chute will pop, then whoosh! Floating gently down above Lake Wakatipu. Absolutely amazing, absolutely terrifying.
Level 12 master quest -See the Aurora. 23/11/12 - Dancing lights in the sky above, unfortunately hidden partially by cloud. Also weird to see the Pole star much more overhead than what you see in England.
Level 11
-Fly completely around the world. Done 08/11 - London - Tokyo - Auckland - Los Angeles - London.
-Visit Canada. Done 05/12/12 - They really are friendlier here, and much more so than Americans. Vancouver was very idyllic in the forest away from the city.
-Visit Scandinavia. 20/11/12 - Lovely place I definitely need to return to. Awesome scenery, amazing weather, expensive though.
-Visit Iceland. 03/12/12 - Really does look like another world. An amazing place with very distinctive landscapes.
-Snowshoe hike with huskies. 24/11/12 - Couldn't do sledding as the snow was wrong, but still had an awesome time hiking in the woods and hills with a pack of husky cross dogs.
Level 10 master quest
Attend a major festival. Done 08/06/12 - Download festival, was freaking awesome.
Level 9
-See Stonehenge. Done 08/04/10. During a spring break road trip. It is smaller than you would expect, although it is very quiet considering how close the highway is, and impressive when you realise these are the only stones for miles around, everything else is chalk.
-Visit Cawdor castle. June 10, road trip with the parents, very interesting place. Not as cool as Warwick though.
- Visit Loch Ness . June 10, kind of spooky when it is misty and still.
- See a movie in 3D. Done 19/12/09. Avatar, really well done with good depth to the picture. The plot and action were pretty good as well.
-Get a professional massage. It was at a LARP event but I did pay for it :p.
Level 8 master quest
-Participate in a national sporting competition. Done 02. National secondary school rowing. And again 11/10 - Tae Kwon Do open competition in London, 2 golds!
Level 7
-See Eddie Izzard live. Done 04/12/09. The Stripped show at Wembley arena. Fantastic show with lots of new material linked into the old stuff. Highly recommended.
-See West-end theatre. Done 24/01/09. Avenue Q,Brilliant show, highly recommended but not for kids!
-Meet someone in person off the Internet. Done 03/09.
-Visit Dublin. Done 18/09/09. Great city, not many tall buildings but lots of old ones. Expensive day paint balling and night out. There for Gaelic footy final so very busy. Guinness tastes better here.
-Wake up on bench in the park. Done 07/09 (train station but close enough) Hard night in London, had to wait too long for the train and fell asleep, then fell asleep on the train and missed my stop.
Level 6 Master quest
-Ride a horse/motorbike/snowmobile/jetski . Done 92-ish/done 08/done 02-09/done 2011 Horse-riding as a child, bought my own bike early 08, snowmobiling in Poland early 09. Jetskiing in Portugal 2011 - if you turn sharply, the jetski turns, you go straight!
Level 5
-Do something that makes someone say, “You know, I really admire what you did!”. Done 09. A couple of people have said this about me going out into the world on my own.
-Win an award. Done 12/08. Medals for Solomons deployment count I guess.
-Set off a fire extinguisher. Done 01-02. Drunken shenanigans at a soccer party, CO2 is cold!
-Volunteer for a good cause. Done 09-12. Various youth related causes.
-Visit Paris. Done 17/08/09. Beautiful city, plenty to see and do, very expensive though.
Level 4 master quest
-Deploy with the army. Done 15/07/08. 4 month stint in the Solomon Islands sweltering in the heat and keeping the peace.
Level 3
- Write my will. Done 07-08.
- See a tornado. Done late 05. Final field ex of basic training watched 3 track across the horizon in Waiouru.
- Get below 10% body fat. Done 22/07/09. 3 weeks of lots of walking and partying with little sleep and food will do that, now to keep it that way.
- Make a complete and utter fool of myself. Done far too often. The reason why I don't drink heavily anymore, still happens though.
- Become a semi-acceptable cook. I have cooked for other people and they haven't died so success!
Level 2 - Master quest
- Serve my country. Done 25/09/05. Three years with the Territorial army, to which I will return.
Level 1
- Organise a stag party. Done 15/12/08.Michael Kelly's in Wellington, NZ. 2 nights of male bonding and drunkenness.
- Ride a roller coaster (can't believe I haven't done this yet). Done 8/06/12. Not a roller coaster but an exhilarating ride anyway, possibly more thrilling than a roller coaster.
- Plant a tree. Done sometime in 96-97. Intermediate school task, planting trees by the Waitara river. And again at some point in the past at a relatives place.
- Stay out all night partying and go to work the next day without having gone home. I'm checking this one off, having done several all nighters and carried on with minimal sleep is as close as I can get, given my profession. Also followed up and all night drinking session with a TKD tournament.
- Journey cross-country without a map. Done 2010-11 - sort of, drive towards somewhere then figure out where I am in Western England. Also, wandering about in Wales.
Master quests remaining
Visit all six continents. 4 (Asia, Europe, Australia, North America) down.
Visit Antarctica (gets it's own one due to difficulty).
Climb a mountain (English mountains don't count, on account of them being hills)Dec 2014, Tongariro crossing, not counting it though.
Go on safari.
Become conversational in a second language (currently - a bit shit at many).
Black belt in TKD (Red belt as of 9/6/14, hopefully by end 2015. Nope.).
Run a 10k (04/2014)/Half (26km Mountain run with combat loading)/Full marathon .
Visit one of the great falls.
Gain dive master qualification (currently at - open water).
Complete arctic/desert/jungle survival training.
Become an outdoor instructor (Oct 2015 - Outdoor leader certificate).
Complete arctic/desert/jungle survival training.
Become an outdoor instructor (Oct 2015 - Outdoor leader certificate).
Get married.
Have a kid.
Have a kid.
Walk the Inca trail.
Walk from The Shire to Mordor (Matamata to Mt Ngauruhoe).
Walk the Te Araroa Trail (Length of NZ)
Walk the Te Araroa Trail (Length of NZ)
Own an apartment or a house.
Go to space (hey, why not).
Quests remaining
- Visit the Pyramids.
- Drive across New Zealand from North to South (So far Pukekohe down to Dunedin).
- See the Great Wall of China.
- Learn to play a new instrument (I can make the violin screech).
- Swim a kilometre in the sea.
- Fix a car/bike.
- Be able to play 10 songs fully on the piano.
- Visit the top of the Eiffel Tower.
- Learn to surf.
- Sit on a jury.
- Drink beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.
- Go up in a hot-air balloon.
- Fire an AK-47.
- Visit an active volcano.
- Drive a ridiculously expensive car.
- Change a stranger’s flat tire.
- Learn how to sail.
- Go whale watching.
- Fly first (or business) class.
- See a full solar eclipse.
- Visit Rome.
- Ride/fly a warplane.
- Create and maintain a bug out bag and survival kit.
- Become an ambulance officer/paramedic (at first responder level).
- Live on the ocean for a month.
- Get a tailored suit made.
- Go on a horse and hound hunt.
- Dive at Truk lagoon, Guam.
Friday, 11 October 2013
Boom, headshot.
So much for a low key holiday. In the last 2 weeks I spent a weekend Larping, drove over 2000km, shot .22's at cans and shotguns at clay birds, hunted deer and goats with a .308, did some rock climbing, mountain biking and camped in a storm. Now I am shortly off to the capital for another larp, a steam-punk convention and maybe an Oktoberfest event. Work will be a rest after this. Breaking it down.
33AR - First weekend of my break was the steam-punk apocalypse larp. Over the weekend I mainly played demons, but also a telegraph operator who no one questioned or even asked his name. Could have been a saboteur for all they knew. I also played my recurring Forest Folk character Fergus, who now brews nasty liquor using tree sap and his socks. Good fellow. The weekend was filled with 'the players did what? Ahahaha!', causing paranoia and having fun.
Following 33AR, I visited the barber to get my face changed, saw an optometrist and gave blood. Then Simon and myself drove up north to visit some friends. Here we shot rifles, drove quad bikes, picked up calves, flew RC planes, retrieved said plane from a tree, drank, played with puppies and generally had a good time.
After a days rest I then went hunting with the lads in Wairarapa, having been lent a very expensive but very nice .308 rifle. Shot some goats and I got my first deer, in fact two in a row. We then went through the effort of bringing the meat the 2km back to the car. After all was said and done, I ended up with around 57kg of venison in my freezer, so I won't be needing to buy meat for a while.
Another days rest and then I was off up to Taupo with another teacher where we mountain biked (with full packs) into a secluded bay to do some rock climbing. The weather had other ideas however so we only got one climb in before returning to the shelter someone had conveniently built at the bay. We spent the night in the relative comfort of the shelter while a storm rolled through.
As I sit here typing this, my bags are packed for a weekend in Wellington where there shall be larping, drinking, and general mischief most like. Then on Monday, back to work for the downhill leg of the year. The time seems to have gone so quickly since I returned in December last year.
33AR - First weekend of my break was the steam-punk apocalypse larp. Over the weekend I mainly played demons, but also a telegraph operator who no one questioned or even asked his name. Could have been a saboteur for all they knew. I also played my recurring Forest Folk character Fergus, who now brews nasty liquor using tree sap and his socks. Good fellow. The weekend was filled with 'the players did what? Ahahaha!', causing paranoia and having fun.
Following 33AR, I visited the barber to get my face changed, saw an optometrist and gave blood. Then Simon and myself drove up north to visit some friends. Here we shot rifles, drove quad bikes, picked up calves, flew RC planes, retrieved said plane from a tree, drank, played with puppies and generally had a good time.
After a days rest I then went hunting with the lads in Wairarapa, having been lent a very expensive but very nice .308 rifle. Shot some goats and I got my first deer, in fact two in a row. We then went through the effort of bringing the meat the 2km back to the car. After all was said and done, I ended up with around 57kg of venison in my freezer, so I won't be needing to buy meat for a while.
Another days rest and then I was off up to Taupo with another teacher where we mountain biked (with full packs) into a secluded bay to do some rock climbing. The weather had other ideas however so we only got one climb in before returning to the shelter someone had conveniently built at the bay. We spent the night in the relative comfort of the shelter while a storm rolled through.
As I sit here typing this, my bags are packed for a weekend in Wellington where there shall be larping, drinking, and general mischief most like. Then on Monday, back to work for the downhill leg of the year. The time seems to have gone so quickly since I returned in December last year.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
It's the life in your years.
Another season ends, another post appears. This winter has been pretty mild in my opinion, but then again, it is my first winter back in NZ since '08. Busy one though, with many an activity done. First off, the teeth recovered reasonably well, barely any trouble now. I took up the new hobby of mountain climbing, completing two skills course and an avalanche awareness course. Good fun to be had on a mountain side, but you have to be sure of your equipment, your skills and your partner. Looking forward to continuing with it during early spring and next winter.
My archery club somewhat fell through, mainly due to my weekends being often taken up with other things and the students being unable or unwilling to get themselves to the range. I might try and start it up again shortly, or else put it off to next year. Speaking of next year, there is really not much longer left in the school year now. Seniors are off on study leave before long and then there are summer activities to take up more time.
In mid July I had a pretty epic holiday in Queenstown. some skiing, some drinking, horse trekking through Middle Earth, flying a plane and a sky dive. A couple of goals ticked of the quest list. It was not cheap though, so I suspect my next break in 3 weeks will be a pretty low key local thing.
In three weeks My registration period ends, meaning I need to have my paperwork in order for if the ministry request it. Then, if all goes to plan, I will be a fully registered teacher, another goal checked off.
My archery club somewhat fell through, mainly due to my weekends being often taken up with other things and the students being unable or unwilling to get themselves to the range. I might try and start it up again shortly, or else put it off to next year. Speaking of next year, there is really not much longer left in the school year now. Seniors are off on study leave before long and then there are summer activities to take up more time.
In mid July I had a pretty epic holiday in Queenstown. some skiing, some drinking, horse trekking through Middle Earth, flying a plane and a sky dive. A couple of goals ticked of the quest list. It was not cheap though, so I suspect my next break in 3 weeks will be a pretty low key local thing.
In three weeks My registration period ends, meaning I need to have my paperwork in order for if the ministry request it. Then, if all goes to plan, I will be a fully registered teacher, another goal checked off.
Monday, 3 June 2013
How'd I get here?
On Friday I had my first adult experience with anaesthesia. It didn't go quite how I was expecting. The needle went into the hand, the mask over the face. I started counting down from 20, got to about 10... Then woke up around an hour and a half later with four teeth missing lying in a different room. No drifting off, no dreams, no sensation. Just a missing block of time and a sore mouth. It took longer than they were expecting for me to drop off because I was so calm. Now, three days later I no longer look quite like I took a couple of punches to the jaw and feel more or less normal (apart from the loose bit of stitch, damn annoying). Looks like I will be able to be back to work on Wednesday, bugger.
During the holidays (back in April, I've been slack) I passed my fitness test for the army (not by as much as I would have liked, but plenty beyond the minimum). So I am now just waiting for the paperwork monster to spit out a contract for me before I can move forward with that. I am also waiting for the bureaucrats to sort out my firearms licence as I have passed all checks with that as well. Does not fill one with confidence in the police when it takes them this long to do something so simple, but hey. I also got several fillings which I have needed for a while (but I did not need the large bill, ouch). Also saw Iron man 3 which I totally enjoyed, great dynamics between Tony and the kid plus awesome plot hooks. From Simon's urging I started watching Parks & recreation which has been a lot of fun. Unfortunately finished that show but have just started on Arrested development which is pretty fun too.
Since then, I have been back down to Wellington a few times. However, it seems the novelty is starting to wear off. Too many cookie cutter people and not enough personality. Still, it gets me out of the village and gives me time with my friends. I saw the latest Star Trek movie which I quite enjoyed, even if it was a bit slow at times. Then promptly followed this with watching the original series introduction to Khan and the second movie. Hangover 3 was a great ending to the trilogy in my opinion, thoroughly enjoyable. Spent an evening catching up with the 15B boys who could make it out, some changes in these guys but they are still the same people I would trust my life with.
Since returning to school I have made some headway in setting up a archery group for students. Limited at present by my own ability and funding, but have some options to proceed with this which is exciting. I have also taken up rock climbing on the school's wall (gotta love free facilities). You don't realise just how much you hands can sweat until you are clinging to a hold by three fingers.
During the holidays (back in April, I've been slack) I passed my fitness test for the army (not by as much as I would have liked, but plenty beyond the minimum). So I am now just waiting for the paperwork monster to spit out a contract for me before I can move forward with that. I am also waiting for the bureaucrats to sort out my firearms licence as I have passed all checks with that as well. Does not fill one with confidence in the police when it takes them this long to do something so simple, but hey. I also got several fillings which I have needed for a while (but I did not need the large bill, ouch). Also saw Iron man 3 which I totally enjoyed, great dynamics between Tony and the kid plus awesome plot hooks. From Simon's urging I started watching Parks & recreation which has been a lot of fun. Unfortunately finished that show but have just started on Arrested development which is pretty fun too.
Since then, I have been back down to Wellington a few times. However, it seems the novelty is starting to wear off. Too many cookie cutter people and not enough personality. Still, it gets me out of the village and gives me time with my friends. I saw the latest Star Trek movie which I quite enjoyed, even if it was a bit slow at times. Then promptly followed this with watching the original series introduction to Khan and the second movie. Hangover 3 was a great ending to the trilogy in my opinion, thoroughly enjoyable. Spent an evening catching up with the 15B boys who could make it out, some changes in these guys but they are still the same people I would trust my life with.
Since returning to school I have made some headway in setting up a archery group for students. Limited at present by my own ability and funding, but have some options to proceed with this which is exciting. I have also taken up rock climbing on the school's wall (gotta love free facilities). You don't realise just how much you hands can sweat until you are clinging to a hold by three fingers.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Another day in paradise.
Haha! Look at that, only one month this time, I'm getting better. So, where did I leave off? Ah yes, Ragnarok.
33AR is a steampunk LARP set in the 1800s after a massive demon invasion of Earth. The main action takes place on a refugee camp on the Isle of Skye. I was along to help the organisers crew it, so my role changed throughout the weekend. First off, I assembled a demon cage. Then, I protected the cage from the noisy denizens of Wainuiomata (Including a very noisy stag). After this, some players arrived so I lay down inside the cage to be a demon, who escaped when they started messing with it (silly players). The look of terror in their eyes as we emerged from the dark was priceless. I then did some spying which is very easy when no-one seems to question you beyond asking your name if you are unarmed. The following day I played a possessed Buddhist monk with designs of blackmail (who got tortured and executed for this) and the spy again. This was also interspersed with periods of zombie-ing which built up to a full scale assault. Finally my spy returned for an abduction attempt which proved far too successful so I had to allow them to be rescued, but the spy got away to sneak another day. Overall, a lot of fun, even if it was quite different to the LARP's I was used to from the UK.
The weekend after this I was supposed to be going on a tramp in the ranges with a school group but this got called off on account of rain. So instead I had some people over for a few drinks to finally do something of a housewarming. This was followed but some ever-so-thrilling catching up on work. Woo, work.
This weekend I went down to Wellington again, however this time the capital let me down in terms of weather. However still had a good time, had some drinks, caught up with mates, went to a Blutfleck & Drab 5 gig at Bodega, and saw Oblivion. Best description I can really give, a lot like Prometheus. In that is was very pretty and I really wanted to enjoy it, but plot holes and scientific inaccuracy ahoy.
Now on two weeks holiday. This has several things happening, some fun (mates over to the homestead, Iron man 3) some not so fun (teeth extraction, fitness test). Still, good to finally have a rest after one of the longest terms in about a decade (or so Mum says).
33AR is a steampunk LARP set in the 1800s after a massive demon invasion of Earth. The main action takes place on a refugee camp on the Isle of Skye. I was along to help the organisers crew it, so my role changed throughout the weekend. First off, I assembled a demon cage. Then, I protected the cage from the noisy denizens of Wainuiomata (Including a very noisy stag). After this, some players arrived so I lay down inside the cage to be a demon, who escaped when they started messing with it (silly players). The look of terror in their eyes as we emerged from the dark was priceless. I then did some spying which is very easy when no-one seems to question you beyond asking your name if you are unarmed. The following day I played a possessed Buddhist monk with designs of blackmail (who got tortured and executed for this) and the spy again. This was also interspersed with periods of zombie-ing which built up to a full scale assault. Finally my spy returned for an abduction attempt which proved far too successful so I had to allow them to be rescued, but the spy got away to sneak another day. Overall, a lot of fun, even if it was quite different to the LARP's I was used to from the UK.
The weekend after this I was supposed to be going on a tramp in the ranges with a school group but this got called off on account of rain. So instead I had some people over for a few drinks to finally do something of a housewarming. This was followed but some ever-so-thrilling catching up on work. Woo, work.
This weekend I went down to Wellington again, however this time the capital let me down in terms of weather. However still had a good time, had some drinks, caught up with mates, went to a Blutfleck & Drab 5 gig at Bodega, and saw Oblivion. Best description I can really give, a lot like Prometheus. In that is was very pretty and I really wanted to enjoy it, but plot holes and scientific inaccuracy ahoy.
Now on two weeks holiday. This has several things happening, some fun (mates over to the homestead, Iron man 3) some not so fun (teeth extraction, fitness test). Still, good to finally have a rest after one of the longest terms in about a decade (or so Mum says).
Saturday, 23 March 2013
La vida loca
Whew, been a busy few months alright, and once again I have been failing to keep this up to date. Hmm, bullet-points I think;
- December 2012 - Left England. Awesome farewell, followed by a meandering path back to NZ. First stop was Iceland, which was out of this world. Did a quick quad bike tour that just left me hungry for more. Next stop Seattle. Very interesting city, the people I met were all very friendly, even the security at the airport. Made me think America wasn't all bad, or it may have just reinforced my opinion that those on the West coast are alright. Then I caught the train to Vancouver which was neat, although there were a lot of homeless people about. Mostly walked about here, bit disappointing I could hit the bar scene as it looked a bit metal. Finally caught the long flight home.
Arrived back in NZ and caught up with some mates very quickly. Underwent minor culture shock reintegrating into a 'small society. Spent Christmas with the family and had a quiet New Years (for a change). - January 2013 - Tripped around the country for a bit, helped a mate build a house, applied for several jobs and finally got one at the end of the month, 2 days before school started back. Talk about hectic! Discovered a decent metal-ish bar in Wellington that has become my regular place to hit when I get down to the capital.
- February 2013 - Working time. Once again chaos as I simultaneously prepare for work while working, while also finding a place to live and moving in, while also sorting out all those other pesky things you need when starting a house. An expensive month this was. Also got away hunting with some friends which filled my freezer with venison. Attended an alternative fashion show which was a bit fun and got stupidly drunk at my big brothers stag do.
- March 2013 - Had a blast at big bros wedding, caught some neat music in the capital, hosted a girl from Argentina and some students from Vietnam, and got myself more involved in the schools extracurricular programme. Still have several things to sort out (like a flat-warming party, now 8 weeks overdue!), but they are on the to-do list and I have a long weekend coming up.
Coming up I have a school trip away, my first LARP back in the homeland, and school holidays which I haven't even considered what to do for yet. Despite finally being somewhat 'settled' I still feel somewhat restless. While the work and place I live are alright, I still feel like there is more to do and see, something missing, etc. Regardless, I will see out the year here at the very least and then re-assess things.
August 2014 Alt-fest is starting in the UK. I would very much like to go to this as it sounds awesome and it would also be an opportunity to see friends from the old country. I guess only time and finances will tell if I will be able to make it at this stage.
Thursday, 29 November 2012
I traded Polar night for this?
I return to England to find the weather you would expect, grey and drizzling. I enjoyed the cold of the Arctic better than this, because though it is colder, it isn't as depressing. But anyway, rewind a bit...
Last Tuesday I wake up very early to catch a train into London, only to catch a different train back north to Stansted airport. Why? Because the buses don't run that early. Worse, the train cost as much as my return flight to Oslo! Madness. I arrive in Oslo around Noon, checked into the hostel then went for a wander. Unfortunately, it was overcast in Oslo so I couldn't see much scenery, but I did see many cool things. Notably, two Outland (like forbidden planet) stores within a few blocks of each other, chock full of geek stuff. Also, cool architecture and interesting sculpture. I begin my finance-induced diet and reduce to one meal a day.
Wednesday I caught the bus (as ferry doesn't run in winter) to museum island (actually a peninsula and visit the Viking ship museum, Fram museum, Kon-Tiki museum, Maritime museum, and the Norwegian Folk museum. The Viking ship museum had three large burial ships that had been excavated, along with some relics. Very intriguing to see that the Viking carvings are quite similar to Maori designs.
The Fram museum was very interesting, with exhibits on expeditions to both poles. Cool fact, everyone thought Amundsen was going to the North pole when he surprised them by turning south. Also, he arrived with more huskies than when he left. The Fram itself is a ship with a reinforced and rounded hull. Why? As what Nansen did was sail it towards the North until it got embedded in the ice. He then drifted with the Ice across the Northern ocean for a few years! Later (after a refit), it was the Fram that took Amundsen south to conquer Antarctica.
The Kon-Tiki museum told the impressive tale of Thor Heyderhals life and his expeditions aboard balsa and reed rafts. I was definitely inspired by his method of adventure science. The boats (or replicas) are all there in the museum and look cool.
The Maritime museum had all sorts of exhibits on various aspects of boats and maritime issues. Some interesting examples of hull design for instance.
The folk museum had exhibits on various aspects of Norwegian culture, but the more impressive aspect is the hundreds of houses from different times and regions scattered about the grounds.
Thursday I took the opportunity to go to the Akershus castle (which was closed) but I did get to see the Norwegian resistance museum and the armed forces museum. The resistance museum was an interesting insight into a part of world war 2 that many people do not know much about. The armed forces museum had a large variety of different weapons, which I enjoyed immensely.
I then visited the Museum of Natural history, first the zoological institute then the geological one (because dinosaurs). The zoological one started off as expected, stuffed animals from various parts of the world. But then I came across a Dire rat. Then a giant snake. I finally went 'WTF' when I saw what appeared to be a baboon dog from the moon wearing torn sport socks! I have no idea what this section of the museum was about either as all the signs were only in Norwegian! You can see pictures of these weird creatures on my Facebook page. The geological museum had the excellent dinosaur skeletons, including a T-Rex (which I don't think they had in London).
I then took the train up into the hills to try and get a decent view. I was defeated in this because the hills happened to be immersed in clouds. So I returned to the city. I then visited the Museum of cultural history and saw some very cool things from around the world before the sun came out so I raced down to the ferry pier for a boat ride. Once again, the weather disagreed with my plans and it clouded over.
About this time, I decided I should have a break from walking so returned to the hostel for a rest. Later that night I went to a metal bar for a few drinks and good music.
Friday I met up with a friend for breakfast (first real meal in Norway) before I caught my flight (just) North to Tromso. The flight up had some very scenic views when the clouds occasionally cleared. I landed in Tromso at what appeared to be sunset with the moon rising on the opposite horizon, however a quick check of the watch revealed it to be noon. So I promptly checked in to the hotel then went for a wander. Later that night I jumped on a bus tour to try and find the northern lights. Unfortunately, the clouds were out again so I didn't get a brilliant show but I did see a dancing washed-out rainbow in the sky. I was also impressed to see the pole star appearing very nearly overhead.
On Saturday had a very large breakfast (including caviar and tropical fruit!) then I went for a visit at a Husky farm. First we played with the puppies for a bit (one ate my bootlace!) before we learnt about the dogs (not pure huskies, but crosses) and how the sled worked. once again, weather conditions denied me and we couldn't go sledding, but we did take the dogs out for a hike with snowshoes and had hot dogs cooked on a camp-fire Much fun was had indeed. Later that night I sat on the rooftop balcony of a rock bar and enjoyed the northernmost brewed beer while watching faint aurora above the city.
Sunday I my epic journey back to London, first of with some wandering around Tromso getting lots of photos before waiting at the airport for several hours, then the Oslo bus station for another few hours, finally arriving back in England early Monday morning, I then spent the day doing various things while still wired on caffeine before finally crashing out 38 hours after waking. A new personal best I believe.
So recommendations. Defintely Tromso, that place is just so cool. Oslo is a very neat place. I definitely recommend the Oslo pass, I made up for the cost of the 48 hour one in day one. Anker hostel was a decent place to stay and most of all cheap. The Rica Grand hotel was very nice but for a cheaper option I heard the ABC hotel is good. Arctic adventure tours and Arctic guide service were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about what they do. The Tromso and Oslo visitor centres were very helpful too.
*photos here and here.*
Last Tuesday I wake up very early to catch a train into London, only to catch a different train back north to Stansted airport. Why? Because the buses don't run that early. Worse, the train cost as much as my return flight to Oslo! Madness. I arrive in Oslo around Noon, checked into the hostel then went for a wander. Unfortunately, it was overcast in Oslo so I couldn't see much scenery, but I did see many cool things. Notably, two Outland (like forbidden planet) stores within a few blocks of each other, chock full of geek stuff. Also, cool architecture and interesting sculpture. I begin my finance-induced diet and reduce to one meal a day.
Wednesday I caught the bus (as ferry doesn't run in winter) to museum island (actually a peninsula and visit the Viking ship museum, Fram museum, Kon-Tiki museum, Maritime museum, and the Norwegian Folk museum. The Viking ship museum had three large burial ships that had been excavated, along with some relics. Very intriguing to see that the Viking carvings are quite similar to Maori designs.
The Fram museum was very interesting, with exhibits on expeditions to both poles. Cool fact, everyone thought Amundsen was going to the North pole when he surprised them by turning south. Also, he arrived with more huskies than when he left. The Fram itself is a ship with a reinforced and rounded hull. Why? As what Nansen did was sail it towards the North until it got embedded in the ice. He then drifted with the Ice across the Northern ocean for a few years! Later (after a refit), it was the Fram that took Amundsen south to conquer Antarctica.
The Kon-Tiki museum told the impressive tale of Thor Heyderhals life and his expeditions aboard balsa and reed rafts. I was definitely inspired by his method of adventure science. The boats (or replicas) are all there in the museum and look cool.
The Maritime museum had all sorts of exhibits on various aspects of boats and maritime issues. Some interesting examples of hull design for instance.
The folk museum had exhibits on various aspects of Norwegian culture, but the more impressive aspect is the hundreds of houses from different times and regions scattered about the grounds.
Thursday I took the opportunity to go to the Akershus castle (which was closed) but I did get to see the Norwegian resistance museum and the armed forces museum. The resistance museum was an interesting insight into a part of world war 2 that many people do not know much about. The armed forces museum had a large variety of different weapons, which I enjoyed immensely.
I then visited the Museum of Natural history, first the zoological institute then the geological one (because dinosaurs). The zoological one started off as expected, stuffed animals from various parts of the world. But then I came across a Dire rat. Then a giant snake. I finally went 'WTF' when I saw what appeared to be a baboon dog from the moon wearing torn sport socks! I have no idea what this section of the museum was about either as all the signs were only in Norwegian! You can see pictures of these weird creatures on my Facebook page. The geological museum had the excellent dinosaur skeletons, including a T-Rex (which I don't think they had in London).
I then took the train up into the hills to try and get a decent view. I was defeated in this because the hills happened to be immersed in clouds. So I returned to the city. I then visited the Museum of cultural history and saw some very cool things from around the world before the sun came out so I raced down to the ferry pier for a boat ride. Once again, the weather disagreed with my plans and it clouded over.
About this time, I decided I should have a break from walking so returned to the hostel for a rest. Later that night I went to a metal bar for a few drinks and good music.
Friday I met up with a friend for breakfast (first real meal in Norway) before I caught my flight (just) North to Tromso. The flight up had some very scenic views when the clouds occasionally cleared. I landed in Tromso at what appeared to be sunset with the moon rising on the opposite horizon, however a quick check of the watch revealed it to be noon. So I promptly checked in to the hotel then went for a wander. Later that night I jumped on a bus tour to try and find the northern lights. Unfortunately, the clouds were out again so I didn't get a brilliant show but I did see a dancing washed-out rainbow in the sky. I was also impressed to see the pole star appearing very nearly overhead.
On Saturday had a very large breakfast (including caviar and tropical fruit!) then I went for a visit at a Husky farm. First we played with the puppies for a bit (one ate my bootlace!) before we learnt about the dogs (not pure huskies, but crosses) and how the sled worked. once again, weather conditions denied me and we couldn't go sledding, but we did take the dogs out for a hike with snowshoes and had hot dogs cooked on a camp-fire Much fun was had indeed. Later that night I sat on the rooftop balcony of a rock bar and enjoyed the northernmost brewed beer while watching faint aurora above the city.
Sunday I my epic journey back to London, first of with some wandering around Tromso getting lots of photos before waiting at the airport for several hours, then the Oslo bus station for another few hours, finally arriving back in England early Monday morning, I then spent the day doing various things while still wired on caffeine before finally crashing out 38 hours after waking. A new personal best I believe.
So recommendations. Defintely Tromso, that place is just so cool. Oslo is a very neat place. I definitely recommend the Oslo pass, I made up for the cost of the 48 hour one in day one. Anker hostel was a decent place to stay and most of all cheap. The Rica Grand hotel was very nice but for a cheaper option I heard the ABC hotel is good. Arctic adventure tours and Arctic guide service were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about what they do. The Tromso and Oslo visitor centres were very helpful too.
*photos here and here.*
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Counting down.
Two things made my time at Hemel Hempstead school rather pleasant. The first was that most of the students were relatively nice, and particularly better than I had been led to believe about Hemel. Second, was that right from day one I had a finish point in sight, and knowing you are only going to be there for a short time before a long holiday is a good way to find a smile. Overall, it was a good experience, expanding my knowledge by teaching physics. If I had been staying in the country longer I probably would have stayed.
Since finishing at HHS in late October, I have been attempting to sort out my life in preparation of emigrating home. I have four boxes ready to be shipped off to NZ, a lot of my possessions have been sold or given away, I have reclaimed tax for various years (and waiting for money), closed various accounts and payments, and generally just streamlined things.Now it is just a case of enjoying my last few weeks here before I fly out.
How am I going to do that? Well so far I have been into London a few times, variously for touristy things or partying. Went to see Nightwish after a day at the Natural History Museum. Things I learnt there: Dinosaurs are cooler in person, their domestic sheep does not look like a sheep (neither is their Red deer red), prehistoric armadillos are weird, they put a lot of detail into decorating that place. Nightwish were as expected, awesome. On the sporting front, in TKD I have progressed to red tag and won a silver pattern trophy and bronze sparring trophy at the BUTF Open tournament. My final LARP event was damn cold and not much got done but it was enjoyable overall. Legion are better as a larger group though.
Next week I am going to Norway for a week. First to Oslo for a few days then up to Tromso to try and catch the Northern Lights while out dogsledding one evening. Should be fun, albeit expensive. That will be followed a few days later by my leaving shindig then the multistop flight home. Fingers crossed my bank account holds out for the final few weeks.
Since finishing at HHS in late October, I have been attempting to sort out my life in preparation of emigrating home. I have four boxes ready to be shipped off to NZ, a lot of my possessions have been sold or given away, I have reclaimed tax for various years (and waiting for money), closed various accounts and payments, and generally just streamlined things.Now it is just a case of enjoying my last few weeks here before I fly out.
How am I going to do that? Well so far I have been into London a few times, variously for touristy things or partying. Went to see Nightwish after a day at the Natural History Museum. Things I learnt there: Dinosaurs are cooler in person, their domestic sheep does not look like a sheep (neither is their Red deer red), prehistoric armadillos are weird, they put a lot of detail into decorating that place. Nightwish were as expected, awesome. On the sporting front, in TKD I have progressed to red tag and won a silver pattern trophy and bronze sparring trophy at the BUTF Open tournament. My final LARP event was damn cold and not much got done but it was enjoyable overall. Legion are better as a larger group though.
Next week I am going to Norway for a week. First to Oslo for a few days then up to Tromso to try and catch the Northern Lights while out dogsledding one evening. Should be fun, albeit expensive. That will be followed a few days later by my leaving shindig then the multistop flight home. Fingers crossed my bank account holds out for the final few weeks.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.
After one week of 'Why haven't the agency called yet? I really need the money' and getting down to under £50 in my bank account, I had a job interview on Monday. I went in to the interview around noon, and was working at the school 10 mins later. Also managed to swing a nice pay increase out of that. Nothing outrageous mind, just the rate I should be getting paid as an experienced teacher, rather than the NQT rate other schools had been screwing me with. I have already had students telling me they have learnt more in the last week than they did in the last term, and have had other staff members asking me for advice on using the network. Is that winning or what? Granted, I am still damn poor, but that will change as soon as I get paid. The school itself is pretty good, with relatively well-behaved students. Just a shame I am not getting any A-level teaching. But never mind, It will provide me with enough funds to see out my time in the UK. Maybe even enough for a quick Eurotrip before I go.
Living primally is continuing in a reasonable shape. My diet is staying mostly Paleo, and the intermittent fasting (fasting between 8pm and noon) has become natural and I don't miss breakfast. Now I have a routine I am managing to exercise properly and regularly. Mostly bodyweight stuff and callisthenics. This combined with TKD is keeping me healthy and in good shape. However, always room for improvement. I will soon be increasing the cardio side of things to get me up to standard for when I rejoin the army.
On the horizon there is the Goth boat cruise tonight followed by Slimelight. Should be a lot of fun with good music and people. Then there are several weekends of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions so hiking and BBQ in South Wales. Late October is the Viper faction event, which has a large number of Legion attending so that should be a laugh. This will be followed up by a month of getting myself ready for emigrating home so sorting out baggage, property, taxes, etc. With maybe some small trips thrown in. It will be a busy few months but should be good. Then come December, my epic flight home, followed by getting to know the homeland again. I'm excited.
Living primally is continuing in a reasonable shape. My diet is staying mostly Paleo, and the intermittent fasting (fasting between 8pm and noon) has become natural and I don't miss breakfast. Now I have a routine I am managing to exercise properly and regularly. Mostly bodyweight stuff and callisthenics. This combined with TKD is keeping me healthy and in good shape. However, always room for improvement. I will soon be increasing the cardio side of things to get me up to standard for when I rejoin the army.
On the horizon there is the Goth boat cruise tonight followed by Slimelight. Should be a lot of fun with good music and people. Then there are several weekends of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions so hiking and BBQ in South Wales. Late October is the Viper faction event, which has a large number of Legion attending so that should be a laugh. This will be followed up by a month of getting myself ready for emigrating home so sorting out baggage, property, taxes, etc. With maybe some small trips thrown in. It will be a busy few months but should be good. Then come December, my epic flight home, followed by getting to know the homeland again. I'm excited.
Friday, 31 August 2012
Planes, trains and automobiles.
Quick math quiz for you. If a flight from London to Auckland via Vancouver costs £800, Why does a flight from London to Vancouver cost £900? Also, Why is a London to Auckland return even cheaper at £750? The mind boggles.
Such is the trials I went through in attempting to book passage home. Long story short, For around half the cost I get home via a meandering route which gives me a day in each on Reykjavik, Seattle and Vancouver. Interestingly, I arrive in Seattle 15 minutes before I leave Reykjavik. Yet somehow the flight from Vancouver to Auckland takes 3 days. Gah! Timeyness! Regardless, as of the 2nd of December I will be leaving the UK and returning to the glorious homeland of NZ, just in time for an old mates wedding. Oh, and this year I get two summers. Winning.
Final Lorien Trust event for me was a bit of a mixed bag. I had some absolutely epic moments of camaraderie and shenanigans with the Legion crew. However there was some shitty weather and some douches who don't know how to play nicely with others that put a damper on things. I am definitely going to miss the Legion crew.
Starting my exit procedures early which means sorting out my life and liquidating my assets. I have so much crap it is not funny. Considering I arrived in the country with a single backpack I have picked up a lot of junk over 4 years.Some of it will be shipped home but I imagine I will be selling off the rest.
School term starts next week, so hopefully there will soon be some work for me, as my funds are once again reaching a depressingly low point. Good thing I should be getting a small pile of money out of selling my car, the flat bond, and a tax refund.
Such is the trials I went through in attempting to book passage home. Long story short, For around half the cost I get home via a meandering route which gives me a day in each on Reykjavik, Seattle and Vancouver. Interestingly, I arrive in Seattle 15 minutes before I leave Reykjavik. Yet somehow the flight from Vancouver to Auckland takes 3 days. Gah! Timeyness! Regardless, as of the 2nd of December I will be leaving the UK and returning to the glorious homeland of NZ, just in time for an old mates wedding. Oh, and this year I get two summers. Winning.
Final Lorien Trust event for me was a bit of a mixed bag. I had some absolutely epic moments of camaraderie and shenanigans with the Legion crew. However there was some shitty weather and some douches who don't know how to play nicely with others that put a damper on things. I am definitely going to miss the Legion crew.
Starting my exit procedures early which means sorting out my life and liquidating my assets. I have so much crap it is not funny. Considering I arrived in the country with a single backpack I have picked up a lot of junk over 4 years.Some of it will be shipped home but I imagine I will be selling off the rest.
School term starts next week, so hopefully there will soon be some work for me, as my funds are once again reaching a depressingly low point. Good thing I should be getting a small pile of money out of selling my car, the flat bond, and a tax refund.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Rock and Roll!
Another month passes, time seems to flash by here and drag on there. The G.E.F LT event was fun, despite 24 hours of continual rain. Had some drinks, some laughs, a slight bruising to the head, but otherwise fine.
Download festival was awesomesauce. Many (too many to see all of them) excellent bands, friendly people and interesting times. Standouts for me were Nightwish, Slash, Corey Taylor, The Mission, Tenacious D, Steel panther and of course Black Sabbath. Metallica came on 40 mins late, which was just disappointing and encouraged me to see someone else. Just a shame the weather was so awful to start with. The mud was so thick in places people were just abandoning their footwear. Oh, I also went on my first real amusement ride; some twisty thing that spins you through the air upside down and backwards. So that is two things from the list checked off this weekend.
Back to work now for 'start' of the academic year. A policy I do not agree with, but there it is. Only six weeks to go before summer. Hopefully I get some work lined up for after otherwise I am going to be a poor panda.
Download festival was awesomesauce. Many (too many to see all of them) excellent bands, friendly people and interesting times. Standouts for me were Nightwish, Slash, Corey Taylor, The Mission, Tenacious D, Steel panther and of course Black Sabbath. Metallica came on 40 mins late, which was just disappointing and encouraged me to see someone else. Just a shame the weather was so awful to start with. The mud was so thick in places people were just abandoning their footwear. Oh, I also went on my first real amusement ride; some twisty thing that spins you through the air upside down and backwards. So that is two things from the list checked off this weekend.
Back to work now for 'start' of the academic year. A policy I do not agree with, but there it is. Only six weeks to go before summer. Hopefully I get some work lined up for after otherwise I am going to be a poor panda.
Friday, 18 May 2012
May it be...
May (or maybe late April, time is confusing) have been rather busy. Let's see, had two job interviews which I didn't get one, not so fussed about. The other, a bit bummed out about. But On the bright side I actually got some useful feedback from that one and they even referred me on to another school, so that is something. After resignation date (may 31st) there should be a few more posts. But unfortunately, if I can't get one locked in before mid June, I will no longer be able to teach after January. Leaving my options as; A) Get a none teaching job, B) Get a job at an independent school, or C) Go home. Time will tell.
Attended my first Lorien Trust event at the beginning of May. It was a lot of fun and quite different to Maelstrom. Much more combat, opportunities to do monstering, and for me, no more mask. Next one is in 3 weeks, which will be closely followed by the Download festival, then there are some bands I want to see later in June so it will be a busy month. Let's just hope I have the money for all this fun stuff.
Attended my first Lorien Trust event at the beginning of May. It was a lot of fun and quite different to Maelstrom. Much more combat, opportunities to do monstering, and for me, no more mask. Next one is in 3 weeks, which will be closely followed by the Download festival, then there are some bands I want to see later in June so it will be a busy month. Let's just hope I have the money for all this fun stuff.
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