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Well that never happened!

May have to do this in two parts.
Cousin came over and popped in. Very brief but good to see him.
Had hols at Xmas. Popped down to south Island and hooked up with mates in Timaru and Canvas town. Far too fleeting a glimpse.
Had a do in Timaru.
Then back up north for xmas at K's sisters and new year camping at vinigar hill (probably quite an apt name).
Got some work delivering milk. Nothing like confessions of a milkman. Hard work, not so good hours for little reward but all good and a positive move. Now getting sporadic work miles away but far more enjoyable and better paid.
Just started filling out my residency forms.
That was very quick and I am liable to change and extend it. Oh poppet has had more pups and there is a lab type thing that slobbers.

Yes I've been remiss...Again.
So got a 9 month work visa on our relationship. All going pretty good, apart from burst pipes etc. Hope to get my tool license then get them shipped over soon.
Went down for a goodbye do for AA. They're off to the south island. Attend the slosh every month. Regular karaoke and bands. That's all folks. Oh apart from hearing from one of my cousins. Coming over next month.

Got slaughtered with SB. Drank far too much and talked total bollocks. During this I recieved a txt from up north. Replied to one then had my phone confiscated on the grounds I was too pissed to think straight (also woke up covered in shampoo...Grow up you lot). A few days passed, then dialogue started and I'm back up at FPH.
Forms were sent off and now have work visa until next Feb. All going well. Certain things irk me as they no doubt do her but that's life. All going pretty good at the moment and feel much more settled this time. So life trundles on.
Not allowed ferrets over here. Strangly that upset me.
We popped down to meet up with AA, talk more bollocks and murder the odd tune. Good w/e.

I feel sure I've used that heading before..Maybe not. Oh well what if.
Good day yesterday, heard course acceptable via immigration so sorted. Then later on a consultant said not good enough. On minute bouncing of the walls then walking round with a face like crap. Waiting to hear the truth. Getting to the point that it doesn't feel worth it anymore. Lifes too short.
Went out for a slosh last night or to a goat shaggers meeting as they seem to now be called courtesy of A. Good night.
FPH still firmly in my thoughts.
Working out my options is like trying to see the wood for the trees. Starting to think of Blighty more and more but is that coz I miss it or coz of the situation here? Was it the concern for money, lack of job, bordom that pissed me off? I know it's nowhere near as good as here but is it that bad? If I just learn to speak Polish or Chav I might fit in.
We cant all have what we want and I have more than most. It just hacks me the type of people who tend to have the most.

So just to get this straight. NZ employers aren't employing without a work permit because of the world recession caused by the bankers. So my chances of staying here are shot by the bankers the likes of which the British tax payers bailed out to the tune of £64 billion to invest in economy. Of which they invested about £2B. Meanwhile the politicians, who do bugger all about it, clamp down on binge drinking and drugs which are a sign of dissatified people. Caused in the main by the system. I'm sure Gordon and the others have nice little consultancies etc set up.
Screw the system for what you can. Being good gets you nothing but shit on more.
So this guy goes to the bank "how much you lend me to start a business?". "what's your income?". "ok any debts?" "Yeah 2K interest free loan". "We can lend you 11K"...Do f..king what! Against collateral of far more! Like I say use the system. Be a sponge, a scrounger. After all the more money the goverment has to waste the more it will. Bankers, Afghanistan, Iran, quango's, bringing in foreign labour (maybe a bit of ironic hypocracy there).
Can you tell I'm getting into British mode? But my cup is half full!

Bad one today trying to work out what to do. If I invest the money and fail I'm in a worse place. Keep the dosh and come back asap? After all I didn't expect to be back so soon anyway and certainly not under these circumstances.
When you get these days you wonder if Blighty is really that bad. Pretty sure it is but I also don't make the best of it.
That's the trouble with choices. Life is simpler when you don't have them.

So told the chance of a job is virtually non existent in this ecconomic climate. I'm running out of time because of my age and that my best bet is to come in as a student to do a 1 year course then I get the all important work visa. But these courses are thousands and no guarantee of a job and residency at the end. Descision time. How much do I really want this? Am I living in a dream world? If I go for it it'll be around £10K and I've got to live as well but I would be here until I'm nearly 56 yo. If the house failed to be let out again this could go seriously tits up. BUT that money over that time span isn't much of an investment for a new life.
MY HEAD HURTS!!!
Then there's how much do I really want to go back to work full time?
Not to fret too much for now. Have to sort out what is possible before worrying about my options.

Met up with SB for a catch up on gossip. Lunch, civilised. Couple of bottles of l'autre deux legs (well maybe more), no so civilised. It then seemed a good idea to venture back to the supermarket for some more LADL. By this time very uncivilised. Lots of piss talk going on. Got txt's from FPH which I confess warmed the cockles even in my condition. Forgot our language barrier so maybe "how the f... do I know?" wasn't taken with tongue in cheek. My phone was confiscated at this point on the grounds that drunk driving of txts is not the best idea. Now waking up in the morning was not a good idea either. Both knees were shot and there was a lump on my head. The back of my shirt was covered in hair shampoo and my glasses missing. A good night then!

Well it looks like my visa's etc maybe going to screw me up. Now that I do feel a bit pissed off about.
CALM!
Should know more in a few hours.
I get increasingly annoyed by all these experts who are anything but and usually on good brass. That's what I need. A job like a banker or solicitor. High income, no comeback and little ability needed.

Oh why is it that you go into a pub and a record is playing that is poignant? Never heard the record before we met now it's haunting me.
Got support from mates and a call from the old land. All much appreciated.
Anyways my cup is half full and will remain that way.

Well the issues came up, or more correctly one issue. Time for me to get chucked out......again! So really not sure what I'm going to do now. Haven't a clue where I stand with visa's etc so will suss that and flights first.
Off down to the windy city again to doss with mates, drink, hook up with peeps and attempt a jam or two. Just enjoy the laid back company and sort my head out.
I'm not bitter just sad really.
Miss having a home badly and not sure what to do about that. Need my shit around me.
The only idea that fits is living on a boat but I'm nervious of the oceans, not that good at sailing and get sea sick, so we'll rule that one out then. What I must always remember is I did this, I'm here and not sitting in Blighty moaning about the place. Also that just because one door may shut that's not the end. There are many doors open to those with open eyes.
Speaking of doors.... "Started a new job in a music shop today. A black guy came in and asked "do you have anything by the Doors". I said yes an alarm and two security guards so fuck off"... That was sent to me by a mixed race chap as I think the PC term is now. I merely pass it on and in no way condone such stereo typical racist, colour predudice humour.

Actually got back some time ago. Miss the two hour massages but you can't have everything in life and it is cooler here.
So we're going for it! There are and will be more issues but feels like things are settling a bit now. Biggest problem is the language barrier and my sense of humour. Yes there is a language barrier believe it or not.
Now in....No I never finished that sentence and can't remember what it was going to say for the life of me.
Time for a long overdue update and must get around to some photo's!

Been a few days since an entry.
Didn't put the fact that I've met someone down due to concerns about hurting people but those who need to know now know. This really didn't help me feel better leaving NZ. Anyways getting back to the boss is being worked on. If it is to work between us I'm just going to have to learn to enjoy Karaoke!
So in Bali staying with mates. Was going to use being here to help with the finances but looks like my stay may not be that long. With luck! Not that I don't like it here, I do, but it's where I'll be if I leave here.
Run the gauntlet on scooters. They drive on the left over here....And the right.... Infact any side they feel like including liberal use of the pavement. Doesn't seem to be a highway code, there are no speed limits and no drink driving law. Oh yes I approve! Must fit in a few more massages before I leave. Purely medicinal, mind out the trough. The woman who did the last one had me in agony. I thought it was me being a wimp until D said he found it painful. She finds a sensitive spot then proceeds to knead the shit out of it. I recognise some of the spots from jujitsu. Can't understand a word she's saying but think it must be something along the lines of "suffer bastard" followed by a giggle.

opening a cat kennels. I've been offered pussy since ten in the morning. Strange thing is I haven't seen any walking around so I don't know where they get them.
Plane booked for Sat. Now all I need is my passport and visa. This could go pair shaped since I have a one way ticket. I'm assured I don't need a return with my type of visa. Just getting nervious.

knocking shops. I'm sure they're not the original lyrics but hey ho. Yep ended up in the red light area again. Just pondering if I can be bothered to run the gauntlet of "you want good time?", and that would be one of the more subtle offers, in search of a beer. The beer is winning...Maybe just the one.
Thinking about getting a T shirt printed with "I charge more than you so don't ask!" on it. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with working girls.
Thinking back to my youth I was always of the opinion that pubs had limited opening hours and my girlfriends didn't. I do wonder about my priorities at times. But in those days a beer or 10 didn't affect me. Now the thought of a beer is enough. There's that getting old cutting deep again! Didn't help being refered to as a monk the other day coz of the shiny patch.... Bitch!!
Visa being sorted so sort flight tomorrow.

Spent last weekend in NZ at a do outside of CHC. Good fun was had. Now not in NZ anymore. It doesn't seem real that I've left yet. I can't stay away from there and need to get back asap and already working to that end having landed an hour ago.
Bit humid here!
Get stuff sorted for Bali then when there really get down to the issue of getting into NZ. Or the Gold Coast.

Back up in Tauranga. Up and down like a whores draws. More BBQ's and chilling.
Ain't life a bitch!

Now in Turangi. I did say my plans were not fixed. Staying in a lodge on the river bank. Thank you FPH. Chilled w/e and good company. Maybe she'll stop kicking me out every five minutes now lol.

Staying in north island and heading up to fire pit house.

at Taupo for a couple of days, nice place. Best staff atmosphere of all the hostels so far. Now back in Welly.
Spent evening with SB. Probably last time we'll meet this time in NZ. Not sure where now. Picton then CHC maybe.

Or in my case ascend, ascend, ascend......Too fast!
So pleased PADI dive to no decompression limits or I'd be suffering now. Er was it the sea sickness, the bump on the bonce or fatigue? Gawd knows but a lesson in how not to do it. Mind you I did wonder why I couldn't read my guages properly.
First dive the Rainbow Warrior, bit of scram and surface time then HMNZS Canterbury. How do you follow this? Poor Knights then two class wreck dives. Had to see the unarmed peace ship the French took on, well they wouldn't want to start on something that might fight back would they. Totally different to the second dive where you go inside or in my case head butt your way in. Glad there were no sharks given the blood on my nappa lol.
On the way out we were followed by dolphins. Cool. Not one but several doing their thing.

Dive cancelled for today due to winds and tomorrow fully booked. But found another company which sounds like it might be better so all cool.
I've got to that point where I'm treading water here. No job, none of my belongings and the cost. Do not wish to leave but can't live like this. Got a few job app's in so who knows. Give it till the planned flight out and if nothing happens go and do some cheap living, maybe get my gear sent out and reform before having another go.

Good New Year's party back at fire pit house. Now back in Paihia to, hopefully, see the RW. Then I think it's work back down for the last time, over to the south island for a bit of fishing. Then big white bird. Well that's a vague plan. So vague as to not be much of a plan.

In hostel for a few days. Gives time for reflection about being here or is that not in UK? Not sure what's happening next in terms of NZ, Bali or whatever but realised, again, this was the right move even if I go back. You have the down days and wonder why you're doing it then remember what it was like there.

Cool pad and most excellent xmas........On xmas eve. Fire pit bbq & other goodies. Was a bit worried when told there was to be a Brazilian BBQ. Had visions of wierd pubic depilation. But turned out quite innocent. Great company. Good family atmosphere. Different to what I'm used to and much how I feel Xmas should be. Not like it was in my past life.

Just got invite up to north island. That hurt! The air fare but ho hum these things must be done. So looks like some time in Tauranga. Have been told it's a beautiful place. Probably get there and realise I've been there before lol.

Back to where it all started. But it's not over yet. Back in same hostel and pub.

Was trying to get out of Tekapo on the Thurs to have time to settle in for the party but only coaches out on a Friday. Oh well no matter and a good hint to make sure I suss out the transport into and out of smaller towns.
Tekapo great if you're fishing during the day and want a few drinks in the evening but bugger all else there. Beautiful spot though.
The peeps hosting the party were late arriving leaving no where to go so had to stroll around waiting, eating and drinking tea until I needed a pee every 5 mins but at least going to the loo gave me something else to do. Really good party. Didn't mention that I only went for the cheap food and room. DOOH! Forgot to eat Sat night, didn't get my monies worth there then. May also explain why the wine kicked in hard.
Off back to CHC for Xmas since I know a few people in a pub so will save me being totally alone. Even though I dislike Xmas it's hard to be alone. Got invite to another do up north island so maybe the time to visit R Warrier.

Now I seem to be losing sight of certain thing's about this blog. It's thoughts. So back to them.
I'm not getting into "who pushed who in the playground" mode but an issue exists in your local. Ending in a not too pleasant scene especially since the band were good and there was a good chance of pulling that night. Normal night for an Essex boy then (god I thought I was in! That's it I will hold it against him. Your arse is mine BITCH!). Anyway all better now. But as I go round here I can't help but feel how much this place is so him. I can't explain, you have to be here.
So why should these thoughts happen? F...ed if I know but wonder if I spent too long in Daoist place grasshopper.
Anyway the point is....GET YOUR ARSE OVER HERE! I wont be here..No job but have got my 2360's ;-)
The pate is getting seriously large now :-( . Getting close to cut it all off time. Shit that hurts. The skin is not as smooth as it was. The reality of age is upon me. But looking on the bright side.....
I CAN STILL PULL!!
Can't do much when I have but I CAN STILL PULL.

Ok so it was only 43m but as a friend so helpfully reminded me "it's the last few feet that does the damage". Ta muchly for that.
View here or here You Tube footage
There is another one at about 140m but had to do this one coz it was the first and for the memory of a mate. Problem is I fancy doing the other one now. But will stifle my enthusiasm...Hopefully for ever. My biggest regret is that I didn't "kiss the water" but things are not that precise.
Whilst waiting my turn was talking to a young lady who was really cheerful. This only served to make the fact that I was s...ing myself worse. Which made her even more cheerful. Bitch!. Got talking about womens toilet habits. How wierd is that! Your about to die and some woman talks about the last drop problem.
Laptops on it's way out and looks like cameras buggered. But on the plus side was talking to a guy in the pub, interesting the things you find out about getting a job.

Just left Geraldine having finished my whip. Took three days and a lot of help but there was also a lot of jawing going on which is all good. Really interesting guy. Apparently I'm a Daoist but that is no doubt this present place I'm in. Hope I stay this way. Now the only thing is to learn to crack it. The whip that is, not my present place
When I spoke to the agency it was hinted not to worry too much about money if I have another go at getting in since they hadn't managed to source much this time. That's good.
This maybe my last log entry...We who are about to............

Spent a couple of nights in Welly then took the ferry to Picton. A night in the Paddy pub getting sloshed listening to a jam session (I did pick up the guitar at one point but put it down bloody quick). Now back in CHC at a not too cheap hostel.
Off to Geraldine for a few nights to do a course then on travels again. Booked in at campsite in a cabin. The cheapest accomodation I've found yet, not only that but the guy running the course is in CHC on the Monday and giving me a lift back so save on the coach fare! That's a few more beers then.
Not looking good on the job front and am dreading leaving. One option is to sign up for 5 years as a traffic warden. Things have not got that bad yet!

Things are looking up. No females (??) offering me services, loads of bars and resturants. Quite chic, infact very chic compared to the red light area I ended up in last time. Apparently the art deco capital of the world. Rebuilt after being flattened in 1931 by an earthquake.
Stopped off at Taupo on the way down, will return there to stay for a few days. Not a logical route maybe but what the hell. Maybe stop off after R Warrier.
Wonder if they've got a vegitarian resturant here? Nooooooo! I'm reminded of those films where the dark side takes over like The Fly only in my case it's the rabbit.

Wish I could spell better coz then I'd do one of those shudder sounds that Homer does. Hey it's not that bad, only in comparison to the rest of NZ, and it's my best chance of a job. I've just been spoilt. You come down from the Bay of Islands to this.
Ho hum, catch up with a mate tomorrow then off Thurs to Napier for a few days. Gradually working down again.
Still very concerned about my headspace. Consuming green stuff without complaining. Jeez I hope I'm not turning into a bunny hugger! Shit where's my gun I need to shoot something. Re afferm my carnivor credentials.

Brought a few memories back. 90 Mile beach tour, the cafe that had a power cut and I think parasailing with the kids and... Even remember the Motel.
Ears not cleared so no diving for a while. Rainbow Warrier will have to wait. Saw doc, I got barotrauma. Time, nasel sprays and maybe antibiotics the answer. Just have to return later..... Ain't that a bitch!
Ended up 5 mins from town in the woods in a house on stilts. Got it to myself at the mo' but others may arrive. Will enjoy the space whilst it lasts. No net connection up here.
Bit worried I may be in a strange head space. Walked into a pizza bar and ordered chicken salad! What's happening to me?

Yep still can't hear properly. Ear cleaner £7..Ouch!
Decided to get on the move in two days to Paihia, Bay of Islands, for a few days. If my ears clear may well do a dive up there.
Talking to a Scottish woman. ( Yeh I know my standards are dropping. And she was a lowlander! But could have been worse she could have been Welsh) She'd sold up everything and just gone traveling. It's a sort of reminder to me to get on with it because I'm in a pretty strong position and you only live once.
Got in touch with LB (Loud Bird. Think Christchurch). She's putting feelers out for work. Just keep at it.

Well I was right to worry about equalising. But got through the two days. And god (deliberate lower case) was it worth it? It's teaming with life. Didn't realise what a divers paradise I'd come to. Loadsa mention of Jacques Cousteau.
"The Underwater World Of", does that take me back!
One of his top ten list. The Poor Knights Islands. Didn't take any pics but will find some to upload. I haven't the equipment or skill to do it justice. Without the dives the view is awesome. With the dives, wow.
But don't step ashore there's a 250,000 dollar fine.... About £115K.

It's raining!!
Booked diving for two days, so it can carry on raining coz I is goin 2B underwater anyway. Bit worried about equalising due to a cold. Supposed to be really good diving here so hopefully some pics. Due to room I left my underwater camera case in Blighty, well I wasn't going to need it was I?
Not a bad set up with pool and hot tub at the accomodation.
Took river walk to town. Reminded me of the Teign. Beautiful spot and sure I saw a dark shape lurking. That's a trout BTW. Starting to warm up and the rod arm is beginning to twitch!

Eeee by gum.
Time to get back to floating round and hostels. So to Whangarei (sp when I can be arsed.....got arsed). Spend a few days up there and see what's occuring, then drift back down. And it's warmer up there as well!
Culture shock! No on tap tea, beer, wine and worse still no guitar! Also started to get into regular veg eating!

Well got the laptop back at last.
According to the letter the I/V went well but not successful. Or "close but no cigar" as they say. Got another job to apply for so the proccess continues. Not going to let it get me down.
Popped out for a slosh which turned out to be more of one than I'd expected. lol. SB to thank for that.
House and dog sitting over so can have lay in. Eeeer actually the mutt hasn't worked this out so still get regular wake up call.

Minus bike! Attacked by a caravan. No broken limbs and still had a good time (or is that "an awesome time"?). So got away light, with enthusiasm in tact, which is more than the bike did...Right off! May get some photos of before and after Guzzi when they can be bovvered to email them.

Well not sure how that went. They were so laid back I fell into their cunning trap of becoming too laid back myself! And there are nine other candidates. We shall see. Dog's now waking me up at 05.00! (for food and a pat, just to make that clear) This has got to stop. Demanding hound.

Just me and pooch for a while. Bumped into spooky woman (she's not really spooky, just that our paths keep crossing) on Thursday and had a pleasant lunch. Got back and found my laptop display was buggered. Then finally got through to the first i/v to find out that was a no go. Not sure why, seemed ok at the time. Got some flannel so none the wiser. So downward trend but then got a call about an i/v in Auckland on Tuesday. So last minute sorting of flights and dog arrangements. Didn't even know I'd been put up for a job! Weather has been foul. Pity the dynamic duo on their bike but maybe it'll be good down south.
Will that dog ever stop snoring!

Sloshes on again so to town. Good but spooky night. I'd been to the doctors in the suburb where I'm staying some days before. There was a woman there, nothing strange in that. Tuesday went to town and there was the woman in a resturant, went to a venue and guess who turned up? She went downstairs with her partner, this being where I was headed. Spooky. Also met SB
There was a small do at the house last night. Yes I drank too much, I know this coz the jamming started to sound good! Apparently there was an earthquake, I thought it was just the doors rattling. Well I did say I'd had a few! Soon be house and dog sitting so here for sometime.

Took train then ferry up. Train delayed by civil defence while they waited to see where the sunami that hit Samoa was headed. Ferry waited for us, wonder would that happen in the UK? Had I/V on the 1st, happy BD to me, seemed to go ok. May have some more coming up.
Staying with friends. All good. In limbo at the mo, need to be available for I/V's and waiting to hear back from the last one.
Finding out why this is known for being a windy place!

Yep pub next to hotel (Yes a hotel. Felt like a treat) had a karaoke evening. Fun night and met some good peeps, among them an NZ woman, LB (Loud Bird) who'd spent 14 years in Aus. Only mention this coz the volume was still noticable in her voice. Late /early finish...Ouch! Maybe it's not a hangover just the result of being in the vicinity of LB.

Plenty of wine, beer, spirits and fantastic food. Company was really great except for the constant fear that I might end up doing Karaoke! Very chilled evening. Back in Christchurch now positioned to move up or down. Fishing was a non starter.

In Blenheim...As the title suggests! Just hanging around ready to go back to Havelock for a surprise (he knows though) birthday party. Then who knows?
Gotta phone a fishing outfit Monday, chance of some guiding work. Also a mate sent me details of job in the media so here's hoping. Chances are popping up here and there.
IT'S SCARY!!

Got the sloshes on again. Sitting outside a bar in the sun overlooking the marina with a small but well formed crowd (Does that expression apply to crowds?). Then later drinking in a bar watching the All Blacks stuff the Aussies (thank gawd for that result. Not sure I'd want to be here if they'd lost!) followed by watching a band. Took me back a bit when they played REM. One of the first tunes my guitar teacher taught me must be 4 years ago now. Great day.

Good night was had. Darts (god I was rubbish. Never, ever, played that badly in my life) and pool in local. Then on to a jam session. All good and gives me more of a feel for the place. Off today to Nelson for a few days. My hosts took good care of me even bringing bacon butties. Back to life in a hostel. Boo Hoo.

Spent yesterday travelling up to Picton. Found good Paddy pub with live music. Pop back there on my way to the north island ferry me thinks. A group was talking about jobs in the media. Should have stepped in but not got the hang of the NZ way.
Now in Havelock. Green shelled mussel capital of the world (apparently). I'm sure it said green lipped somewhere, maybe that's some PC thing going on. Anyways met up with some folks from the old land. All sweet except I discovered I don't like mussels! It's not the taste it's the chewy bit on one side. But I persevered and was very impressed by the patience shown as I fought to keep them down. Not giving up on the little buggers though. I'll practice by scavenging the odd one now and again. Feel a bit molested by a mollusc.

My my. Yet another good night. A street party where I'm staying. Complete with spitroast. No, look at the pics ;-)
During the first few days I was thinking more "when I return home" now it's definately feeling more "if". This will, no doubt, swing back and forth on a regular basis. And of course there is the practical side of needing a job which to a large extent may be down to my motivation. Many people over here have the attitude that the offspring will be on their way soon so I should sort out what I want and by coming over here I open up more possibilities for them.
I am missing people back home but then I miss people from Essex, London and many other places I've been so that is a painful enevitability.
Where's my tax rebate! Add to that the peeps who were going to rent my house have dropped out and i have cash flow prob's!

Got the sloshes on last night so popped out and met up with some peeps. What a fab night. Good chat and even a Blue Peter demonstration moment. DIY as it should be ;-) .
Found book by a local so got a copy for a friend in Bath.

Popped down to sort out my tickets for Mondays off up north of south. Then went to an agency. The woman was most helpful AND had worked at a local TV station. Showed her my CV. She liked...Much! Gave me a contact and lots more ideas. Feel very positive now. This has given me a boost. In a catch 22 though. Need job offer for work visa but need work visa for job offer. But on the whole an inspirational day. Feel good about myself.

Why do it?
Why go backpacking for 6 months at my age?
Why put everything in storage ready for shipping incase?
To the first. I had no choice. Got out of the place I was in (physically and mentally), started again. All good then hit a rut ably assisted by external pressures. Maybe late mid life crisis plays a role. Anyway I had no real choice.
To the second..Incase an offer I couldn't refuse comes up. Why stay in Britian?
Leading up to going on this backpacking, whatever, jaunt I was full of ups and downs, doubts, many ending in wet hanky time. This is not the sort of thing I do or feel comfortable with. We all have our own fortes, this is not mine. Many doubts such as was I doing right by the offspring, was I going round the twist, why the hell was I doing it entered my mind. But many around me gave me support and told me I had to go for it for my own sake or I would go round the twist.
"What if" is not a good thought to carry with you.
BTW this is not self indulgent twaddle (Well maybe it is) but a vague record for my own sake and if someone of advancing (50+) years see's it and thinks "bollocks I'm going for it" then so much the better.
"Bollocks". God I love that word, always been one of my favourites, so versatile, so resonant. This is something I have to concur with Sexy Loops about. I'll put a link there but Google it for the time being.
Leaving wasn't easy but knowing so many people back in Pomme land wanted me to go forth helped. Thinking about it maybe they were trying to tell me something. Bastards! And I thought they were my mates.
So here I am. Arrived 29th August. First few days were wierd and still trying to work out how to fill days without shed loads of dosh or a job. Met some really great people in a pub in Christchurch (not the sort of place on the tourist trail let us say!). Good to get out though coz all that piss was taking it's toll on my liver, but I will/must return.
Now in Dunedin and starting all over again at settling in. So lets start the blog proper from here.