I (heart) Aotearoa

Am at the LAX airport waiting for the second leg of this long, long flight back to London. Having spent the last 10 days back home in Auckland, I leave with a heavy heart. Who knew that leaving the second time round would be harder than the first?

This trip is officially the best 10 days of my life. If ever there was a fairytale wedding, last Saturday was it. I miss you guys so much. God Bless New Zealand.

It sure is good to be home

Back in Auckland for my one and only sister's wedding, and boy, it sure is good to be home. And not just for bumming around either! I am officially a certified barista. Did a course at Allpress Coffee School and learnt a whole lot about coffee appreciation. I have a new found respect for the baristas in Auckland.

Living in London for the past 9 months, I've forgotten what a coffee fiend I am. So much that when I was in town the other day and visited a few cafes to pick up some coffees, the baristas ask me where I've been.

I think it is only my duty to report to those who are not currently in NZ, that the weather is absolutely superb. Auckland Summers = Paradise.

Photography Course, Percy Studios

On a photography course at the moment, which takes place in Percy Studios, which also functions as a casting studio for the most part of the week. Apparently Pierce Brosnan was in there for a casting a few days ago. Nifty.

We had 17 students, and there were 5 Kiwis in the house! I have to say, I love Kiwis. They are friendly, smiley, and there is just something about them that makes you feel like hugging them.

We headed out to Russell Square today for our "assignment"; taking photographs using the techniques we just learnt. Camera gear sure is heavy. At least you work out your shoulders and quads from squatting on the ground so much.

New Year's Eve in New York City

I love New York. Anyone who has come within a 3 feet radius of me in the past 12 months can testify to that. I love New Yorkers; they are the friendliest, smiliest, sweetest people on this side of the hemisphere. I'm gushing!

New York Dec 06 is awesome because:

1 - Losing my luggage taught me how to live simply, but also that we cannot live on fresh air and water. Smokos do help in times of stress. (Luckily I got it back, vintage items intact).
2 - The Radio City Rockettes were everything I dreamed off and more.
3 - Village Vanguard (Miles Davis used to play here), is definitely worth the fuss.
4 - The Rockerfeller Christmas tree is not (worth the fuss).
5 - Partying in NYC rocks.

I also learnt that:

- Texans don't all talk like G W Bus*.
- They don't necessarily support him either.