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.

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).

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.*

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.

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.

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.