Winter Wonderland

I awoke this morning to a promise fulfilled. The weather report proved correct, and this morning as I gave a shivering glance out the window I was delighted to discover that it had been snowing overnight. The courtyard was white, the trees carrying snow on their branches which only highlighted the Christmas decorations someone placed in the trees. Awesome.

As the morning ritual was conducted, the snow began to fall heavier and heavier. The walk to the station, then to the office was fun as I watched how much snow was settling on my jacket. It was awesome.

My first class consisted of mainly just my favorite student and I staring out the window as we watched the snow swirl around, then appear to hang suspended in the air, and then drop. Snow is a really cool concept. Lots of little white flakey objects that slowly fall from the sky. If you stop and just watch, it's really cool.

If I get a White Christmas I am willing to forgo the Champagne Barbeque Breakfast.

Other news of late...

My girls came to visit. Yay Claudia. Yay Harriet. Yay Becky. Yay that weekend. Three fabulous reasons as to why I moved to Europe and it is a shame as to how little I have actually seen them. But it was a wonderful weekend and I continue to count myself UBER lucky that I have such awesome friends. And who clearly know me so well. Sometimes better than I realise.

Friday night, consisted of us literally just drinking wine and talking at my apartment. Becky fell asleep and so I threw things at her. It was like old times.

Saturday started... ahem, late. Awesome. As the team awoke each converged to the bed, with tea, for more talking before Claudia got cabin fever and started moving. With the wheel in motion we managed to get ourselves up and out of the house. Plan: walk. Where? dunno. Culture. Best to make feel good about something in the weekend as opposed to just drinking. And Christmas Lights.

And so, through Saint Germain, past The Louvre and through the Jardin des Tuileries to Musee de l'Orangerie where Monet's famous Water Lillies are displayed. And displayed impressively well might I add. Post culture it was onto Galleries Lafayette (with a minor drink stop) for the Christmas Lights (killed by the crowd) and then walked onto Montmarte. With drink stops of course. While settling into yet another (strong) cocktail, I received the news of a surprise visitor. Denis then joined us, before heading to dinner. Dinner was awesome.

Sunday unfortunately meant the departure of the girls. None of them seemed tempted by my offer of staying. Boo. It's unfortunate that my time with the three of them is always so short and always so fleeting. It is beyond fortunate however, that their visits are always SO MUCH FUN.

No one makes me laugh so much, no one knows me as well, and no one makes me feel so at ease as each of them do.

They are making it into my Resolutions for 2010.

They. Are. Awesome.

Road Trip Euro-Style

As mentioned in my previous email, anyone who's someone in Paris leaves this frisky city in summer for search of what French already do well - a good life. All hail the search for a better life.

Being an inhabitant of this city for one year, it was my duty to partake in this annual event. And like others, disappear for a substantially long amount of time.

Salut Euro Summer Holiday. 4 weeks. Brussels, France and Spain. Road Trip Styles.

My need for a holiday wasn't massive. This conclusion could be determined easily from my last "Summertime and the living is easy" post. But somehow, this month long holiday managed to relax me so much that I felt like I needed it. Like I deserved it. Like I deserved "such an escape from reality" (As written in my *cough* journal. Yes, I still manage to maintain a handwritten journal) Reality had been treating me well up until this holiday. It was treating me real well. Life will hand me my just reward one day however. In the meantime, let me revel in my reality.

So, being 'Someone' in Paris, I frolicked my way up to Brussels one more time in First Class Train Travel courtesy of the Thalys. Free meal, free alcohol. My search for a better life was off to a good start. The activities in Brussels were limited to the usual, but of course enjoyable. A highlight this visit would of course be fueled by my continuing love of zoos. The Antwerp Zoo was frequented, loved and documented. See attached photo of the Zoo Entrance and one of it's animals attempting escape.

I was a virgin to the city of Antwerp, and it was an interesting place. The physicality of the city was lovely. The train station was impressive and noteworthy to mention.There were trees, the buildings were old, detailed and historical looking. Postures of a past age making its impression on those who visit. However, it was the vibe and the feeling that didn't strike a chord with me. I do admit weather will always contribute to the feeling and mood of a city and it's people, and it wasn't a lovely summer day when there. But the general vibe of the place, was almost sans character or charm. What was surprising however, was the large number of Orthodox Jew's living there. Curly sideburns, knee high socks, white shirt-black vest and kippah galore. Aotearoa may be a melting pot but we ain't melting no culture like so. I didn't leave with a desire to return to Antwerp but it was an interesting, eye opening trip none the less. And is that not what exploring Le Monde is about?

So post week one in Brussels, it was time for 5 people to cram into a roomy sedan vehicle. Destination A: A for Avignon. Or just near it anyhow. Avignon is in the South East of France and famous for it's incomplete bridge and surrounding countryside of wineries and vineyards, castles and churches. Courtesy of friend/family connections, we had the joy of staying at a family owned Olive Farm and Guesthouse. It. Was. Beautiful. Really. The countryside reminded me a lot of Napier and Hawkes Bay. Large blue skies, a landscape of rolling hills, tree lined roads and fields upon fields of wineries. Winding clear rivers, following the feet of the hills and cliffs. Opportunities to jump from cliffs, walking along the river and fine drinks in glorious weather. I travel to the most distant place possible from home, to only dwell in all characteristics of home. What is exploring Le Monde about again?

After a couple of days basking in all things Hawkes Bay, we hit the road again for Destination B: Port de la Selva, Spain. Settled in North East of Spain, it is a tiny fishing village hugged along a rocky coast land by bare hills which only accentuate the white houses, blue seas and 'petite-ness'. Again, through friend/family connections we were living in a huge house, opposite the marina facing west for the sunsets each night. Daily activities consisted of all things relaxing and holiday like. Petanque, drinking, walking, drinking, swimming, eating, drinking, sleeping, snorkeling, bike riding, drinking and windsurfing. Let's insert "trying" in front of the 'windsurfing'. It was marvelous. I was clouded by an ignorant bliss throughout my entire holiday and I loved it. Quote journal once more "I have no desire to go back".



I was happy to be 'No one' in Port de la Selva, rather than 'Someone' in Paris.

Which in turn reminds me of a great quote from an awesome New Zealand movie, In My Fathers Den. "I would rather be a no-one somewhere, than some-one no where"

One place I would love to be Some-one, no-one or just one of many, would be Barcelona. A day visit to the Spanish city was extraordinary. I loved it. And I came away from that day convinced I would live there next year at the completion of the Paris Chapter. Ahem. The city has Attitude. It has an impression of a carefree existence where one can meander and cruise. It has people with spark. It has buildings with funk. It has an environment of fun. It has been placed in my Top 3 of Where I must Live list. The country Spain has always been my number 1 place to live before death befalls me. Now, now I know where I want to live in this country.

Paradise pleasures continued in Spain for 3 weeks before the long drive back to Paris, and the remaining people back to Brussels. And Day 1 in Paris was cloudy, grey, windy and cold. The first indication that Summer had passed. The reality of work, living week-to-week and making ends (not) meet returned. And continues.

It was a great road trip, time well spent in three great countries of Europe. It contributed to a rose-hazed memory of summer that I often find myself looking back on. Next year, who knows where I will be living and what kind of summer holiday will be possible.

La joie du déplacement le monde.

"Don't be a stranger to Possibility. She is a wonderful Mistress."
- In My Fathers Den

P.S I am under no illusion that I could possibly be 'Someone' anywhere.

Summer time and the living is easy - too easy in Paris

As promised, here is my latest installment of what is now long gone. Summertime in Paris.

It seems a little odd to be writing about summertime considering the recently change in weather in Paris and what can only be described as a shockingly cold Autumn, which in turn can only be presumed as an early Winter. (Notice this year I am calling it Autumn, not Fall.) Not only is it odd to be writing about it, but I am predicting it will be somewhat hard to muster inspiration to deliver some sort of cheerfully, sunny memoir of days that deserve an overly cheerful and sunny attitude. None the less, I will try.

My second summer of 2009 was, generally speaking, great. Paris was much warmer than I expected to be, and the days long, blue, sunny and encouraging. Encouraging to be lazy, carefree and relaxing. I had been warned that every Parisian leaves Paris for summer - and when we put a time period on this term 'Summer' we literally do mean two months. And so yes, Paris was quiet, uncrowded (except for the tourist spots), calm and pleasant. And yes, people really do go away for two months. Including all my students, which therefore meant I had little to no work for the two months of summer.

Now the lazy part of me relaxingly yawned, stretched and continued to meander about to my hearts content, pleased with this unexpected vacation within the city. The bank account quietly screamed in resistance. No work means no pay. No pay means no money. And no money means that I simply continue to go about my life and try my hardest to ignore this fact. And if I can't ignore it, try my hardest not to let it stress me out. I have resigned to the fact that I am going to come away from this year in Paris dirt-broke poor with only the bones of my arse to live on. And that fat if I am going to be entirely honest.

Throughout the months of June, July and August I would on average work, at the most, 10 hours. Many weeks however I only worked 5 or 6 hours. So there was major time for walking, reading, daydreaming, staring out the window daydreaming, finding cafe's or pubs in the sunshine for drinking and daydreaming and then again, more staring out windows. The walking and daydreaming were hours well spent, and a wonderful pastime in order to appreciate Paris's wonderful architecture.

I have a large soft spot for Melbourne, and still claim it as my favourite city in the world. But I will confidently say that I think Paris is the most beautiful city I have seen, and wouldn't bother to argue with someone that it is possibly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Paris appears to only have one style of architecture in the inner city, which makes me curious as to when it was all built and how/why, for what must have many numerous years, did they only stick to this one style as designed by Mr. Haussman. For whatever reason it may have been, I think the continuation, the repetition of these buildings on such a grand scale is what makes it so impressive. Add in the thousands of monuments, statues and gold plated figurines, plus the steeples, gargoyles and stained glassed windows amidst the gardens, fountains and stone-cobbled streets and you are greeted with one gorgeous city. Set this portrait of wonder in clear blue skies crisscrossed white from the cross-european fights, late night activities and temperatures of 35plus and one can only conclude that living is indeed easy in Paris.

Future Posts

Tonights post is rather useless and pointless to be honest. It serves two purposes. The first being that its too early to go to bed, yet too late to start a movie. It's filling in time. The second being that this entry will give someone something to read, and therefore stop them from saying, "Write in your blog" "When are you going to write in your blog?" "What are you doing today? You should write in your blog" "Your blog" "Write in you blog" I presume you get the point.

As have I. I'm now writing in my blog.

I am well aware that I do have a lot to write in my blog since my last entry. I am also well aware I state this fact in every entry I write now. But, since my last entry (read: Book Review) I have enjoyed a surprisingly hot summer in Paris, numerous train rides in First Class to Brussels (read: free food and free alcohol), a month long vacation with an epic road trip from Brussels, through France and finally into Spain. On my return to Paris I travelled to Strausbourg in the North East of France for Touch Nationals and am now making my way into my final six months here in France. Cue: thinking. Ewwwwww, thinking. Yes, ew. But, slowly some research, some ideas and some more thinking are producing some abstract plans. Not to mention some dreaded problems that always exist when thinking about moving countries.

Anyhows, these are the upcoming topics for my future posts. This is just a little tease as to whats to come. Perhaps with this slight planning of topics my entries will come thick and fast. Considering the lack of money I have at the moment, I would be advised to sit at home on the computer and tap out some writing. It's free. I like free at the moment.

Next Post: Summer time and the living is easy. Too easy in Paris.

So, I've finally written on my blog. Now You, shush.

The Book Thief

Bookshops and books I have always loved. Reading I enjoy, to the point where I hate finishing books. There is that moment when you have finished a good read, you close it a final time with satisfaction of being hooked on something good, and then it turns to almost a loss as it dawns on you that you now have nothing to read.

For the first time in a long time I have just experienced that. And it was so good being totally hooked on a book that I had to keep distracting myself from reading it. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a fantastic story smartly told.

It is based in Nazi Germany during the Second World War, and follows the story of a young girl Liesel. She is placed in foster care and slowly settles into Himmel Street due to the consistent care of her foster father Hans Hubermann and childhood loyalty of fellow theif, Rudy Stiener. Through the stories and adventures of Liesel and her most loved companions, the story is able to paint a stark account of life drenched in poverty, war, fear, anger, discrimination, mistreatment and misused power yet engulfed in loyalty, honesty, innocence, dreams and love. Loads of contrasts can be pulled from throughout the story. None no better than the comment by Death himself who says "I am haunted by humans".

The story is narrated by Death, one busy presence throughout the years of history particulary over this period. What I think I enjoyed most about this book is how Death is given such humanistic characteristics that depicts Death as a hard worker, intelligent and surprisingly emotional.
"A human doesn't have a heart like mine. The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consquence of this is that I'm always finiding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugliness and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both. Still, they have one thing that I envy. Humans, if nothing else, have the good sense to die"

With Death's random insights throughout the story, conclusions are blantantly drawn between people and events which made the story easier to follow with more meaning which could have been easity looked over by the reader. Or perhaps just me... who knows.

I know it sounds like I am giving this book alot of kudos. It isn't my favorite book of all time (that would be The Life of Pi) and it won't leave a lasting impression on me for years to come. Being the first book I have been hooked on for a long time, it's all just a little exciting.

I originally bought this book while in Brussels, with the intention of taking it on vacation with me to Spain. I should have left the book in Brussels as intended and not given into pressure, temptation and the promise that I could read Shantaram also when on holiday. From the sounds of it, Shantaram won't be finished, and I don't have a book.

That moment of loss is here again.

Even longer time and no post.

Again, no excuse. Unless lack of motivation and uselessness is a granted one. Please say yes - it will excuse alot of aspects in my current life.

First aspect - French and my lack of mastering it's complications, and to be honest even its simplicities, at the moment. I have many, many reasons to learn it, and one massive motivating factor. But still no, I'm not really learning it too quickly. Yes, I have learnt stuff since my last post (time is definitely on myside with this comment)but if one was to measure my progress we could liken it too the movements of a three toed sloth. The word 'unseeable' comes to mind. So does Becky. But to be sincere, I am beginning to see that I need to make some effort to learn it. The ipod lessons need to be creased and dog-earred, Patrice needs to stop learning English from me and je doit passe du temps a parler francais.
(Yes. Smile, laugh and now send me the correction)

Second aspect - hobbies, pastimes and things I do because they make me happy. Not that I'm not happy at the moment, but what I actually do to pass my large amount of spare time truely is, unknown. Writing has made a small comeback lately (just not on the blog) which at the same time is somewhat worrying. Writing generally only occurs when something is wrong/on my mind. Or if I am beginning to get unsettled or bored with whatever is going on in my life. [note: nothing is going on in my life. cue: boredom] Running made a brief comeback... for a whole 30minutes. And geez did my legs ache the next two days. And did I enjoy it? Yeah I did. Have I gone for another run? No I haven't. Have I thought about it? Yes I did. And I act upon these thoughts? Fill in the blanks people. Gone are the days when I used to run for over an hour on Namsan Hill. Je travaille cinq heures par semaine, cela me laisse beaucoup de temps libre. WHAT DO I DO WITH MY LIFE PEOPLE?!

On a more stress-free note, and an explanation of what I do here in Paris, here are some photos of what I do with my life... I hang out with my visitors. Below are all my visitors through the month of July....

Me and Alice - a fleeting visit but an awesome gossip session!
Mike and Ro came for a one night only special stopover.
Team Haggart in Paris. Chanel and her 22 students came and hung out.
Warning: Craig is an active visitor and tourist. He kicked me out of bed. Although did make me breakfast in bed. Hmmmm.
From Korea, to Hong Kong to Paris... the beers are always good with Olivia
Oh yeah, I casually caught up with Lance Armstrong when he was here for the Tour de France.

I hang out with my people. It makes me happy. I love it. I love them.

Arohanui loyal readers. I promise to write another post soon, and not so negative perhaps. My apologies.

Long time no blog

I heard myself say in the weekend that I crave writing.

Considering my increasing knowledge of grammatical tenses, I feel I should perhaps correct this statement.

I craved writing. I use to crave writing.
One of these, perhaps both of those are correct.

Not sure what happened. But it really is turning into a long forgotten past time at the moment. I think alot of things are becoming long forgotten sadly. As I sit down to write this, I can honestly say I have no idea what I am about to write about. I can't think of anything entertaining, or interesting, or remotely exciting. I bet some people are beginning to even wonder if I actually am living in Paris.

Patrice (the owner of the pub downstairs) continues to feed me beer, and not allow me to leave the pub when planned. This has resultingly meant drunken haze's are acquired, trains almost missed but some fantastic times. It's amazing how you can enjoy your time with someone so much, when you cannot speak the same language. Although he has managed to teach me a few bits and pieces. Usually through faults in my french I have learnt new words as he cracks up laughing at me, and then explains. And then continues to take the piss out of me the next time I see him. And then often, the next time again. Good thing he gives me free beer.

Work is... well, work. With the more teaching I do, the more organised I am for lessons, therefore the easier it is becoming to prepare. Usual teaching story, you just repeat lessons with different people, adjust to level etc. I do have a 1 week camp with kids soon however. Oh god. Children. I have organised it through Erick and Linda who are becoming much like my adopted family here, and my home away from home. They are fairly casual people, and I am thinking this camp is going to be equally casual. Still, there is nothing worse than entering a classroom unprepared and so at this stage I am a little worried about the prep work. Espcially considering I haven't actually done any yet really.

It is through Erick and Linda that I am playing Touch. We had a tournament a couple of weeks ago which was fantastic. Gorgeous weather, fantastic pitches and an awesome after party. Of which I managed to completely write myself off at. Matt rang, or so he claims, while I was at the party. Memory loss isn't usually my style when drinking so that gives some idea of the state I was in. The winners of the tournament were a kiwi team from London who were awesome to watch. We ended up coming 4th. or 5th. Actually can't remember now. But we started strongly, however faulted towards the end of the day.

With the arrival of summer, comes the arrival of visitors from afar. Awesome. Summer offically began on Sunday just been. In celebration of this, Paris had the Festival of Music. Which bascially consists of music (shock horror) out on the streets, in bars and generally where ever one can go with music making abilities. Denis was down for the weekend so we spent the day walking around central Paris, drinking, watching and generally drinking some more. Contrary to our previous luck of beer drinking where we have paid 18euros for 2 beers, we found the cheapest Happy Hour rate ever. At 2.50euro for a pint, we were two happy people at the happy hour. God bless the irish pub. God bless the irish pub again for having an Oasis Tribute Band play, who then covered Oasis's version of Hey, Hey, My, My, which for those who don't know, is indeed Neil Young. And we do love Neil. And when I say 'we', I mean 'me'. And Nevster. Hi Dad. Bet you're not even reading this.

This weekend brings the arrival of Thorno. And I do love Thorno's world and Craig himself. Can't wait to hang out with him and attempt to stay out of trouble! It will be interesting. Tammy and Kate are also visiting and coming to stay this weekend, but staying for a whole week. They leave next Friday, and then Chanel arrives on Saturday leaving Tuesday, although I will have started my camp on the Monday. I get back from the camp on the Friday, then Mike and Ro (YAY BURGER) arrive on the Saturday for the weekend. Then its a short week at work and hopefully a trip to the North of France and Belgium the weekend after. Busy times people, busy times.

As for tonight, lets bring it back to the present time, I'm meeting a friend Alex for drinks and perhaps some food. There were plans of a picnic under the Eiffel Tour but its started raining. Boo. And I did just demolish a baguette so not so phased about the food part in the picnic now. Perhaps we shall visit Patrice. Yessss. Lets.

And so. Even more present, I got clothes to wash and feel like treating myself to a Leffe at the Tabac around the corner. Yet another lovely owner who is super smiley and friendly and shouts a 'Bonjour' each day I walk past. Never fails to make me smile.

And I like smiling. Smiling is good for the soul.

Un mois passer..... ???

I still can't speak french but what I attempted to title this post was something along the lines of one month having passed since being here in Paris. I'm thinking I have got the translation wrong. Oh well. Froncais est difficile. or is it 'sont'? Zelia, my French teacher, would not be happy should she read this blog and discover that I still haven't yet learnt the verb 'to be' correctly.

Things are cruising along nicely. I received my first pay check today. Wasn't whooping, but there is still something hugely exciting (if not relieving) in receiving that first pay check. Although now that I write this, it does make me realise the finality of re-entering the working world. I have increased my teaching/contact hours from 9 hours for the last 3 weeks, to a jump of 17 hours. With prep work included it would probably manage to equate to around 25 hours of work for the week at the moment. Still I feel like it is so much more, and I feel like I am super busy. Am looking forward to settling in a bit more with the schedule, enabling me to be able to manage my time a bit better.

French study, running and in general a healthier lifestyle is being craved from this solo sifter.

Have had loads of visitors, with many more to come. Alastair, Doig and Becky came down for the first weekend of May. Al and Doig were hilarious, entertaining, super cute and excellent guests. A small creature may have crawled up Big Al's arse and died if his lethal farts were anything to go by. I am still finding burnt matches on the floor in the living room. They did buy me a fantastic Money Tree, of which I named Aldo. However, Aldo - I may have drowned, and it is now looking rather sorry for itself in the corner. How ironic would it be if I, of all people, was able to kill a Money Tree?

My one and only birthday to be celebrated in Paris has been and gone. The weekend was wonderful, sunny, relaxing, fun and hilarious courtesy of the excellent company I had. We went to the markets and got loads of food, ate lots of food, drunk and even managed a (longer than intended) meandering walk along the Seine to Jardin des Plantes, were we visited THE ZOO!!! Yep, still love zoo's. This one was very small but still entertaining. And the Garden and the grounds surronding it was much nicer than I thought it would be. Monday, my actual birthday, was incredibly uneventful as I slogged away at work late into the night. The weekend was awesome though.

This weekend I have Bonny, Harriet and Sam arriving with Shapeshifter to rock with on Saturday night. Can't wait. All the above mentioned people are staying for a week so it's going to be a cosy wee week in Hotel a la Kiri. Can't wait.

Not much else to report on. To be honest, there wasn't much to report on in the first place. I should note that Patrick, the owner of the pub in my building is awesome. He got me absolutely steamed on a Wednesday night, shouting me beer after beer after beer, after bottle of champagne, after the original two beers that I paid for. So. So. So. Drunk. But he's awesome, and he looks after me. He's great. I may possibly love him just a little. But maybe I'm just easy when drunk.
(No comment needed thanks - let's keep it clean. Plus Maggie doesn't want to know. Right mum?)

Well true to the quote, "Procrastination is the thief of time" and it is now 9.45pm.... perhaps a little too late to attempt any work for my 4 hour workshop on Friday? Yeaaahhhh. Definitely too late.

Bordeaux and Bed

There is currently two men constructing a bed base in my bedroom. They can't speak English and I can't speak French. It's a forced silence. Therefore one would presume that it would be a comfortable silence. It's not. It's weird. Awkward. Further fuelled that they are wearing their work boots, when I have just mopped the floor in there. Dammit.

But yay, finally I'm gonna have my whole bed to sleep on. For the last few sleeps in my whare, the mattress has been on the floor, but because it is so dusty in there on the tiles I didn't want to put the mattress directly on the tiles. So I left the plastic covering on it. It made me feel like I was some small child with a bed wetting problem. Or like a 26 year old adult with a bed wetting problem. It was kinda gross.

Hot water has arrived. Complete bed. My house is now fully ready for my first visitor - arriving tomorrow. Although the more time I spend here, I begin to notice all the little things that are wrong and really need to be fixed. Mainly the bathroom area.

Anyway, shall we move on to the other topic suggested in the title? That being Bordeaux? Yes. Okay.

Bordeaux was awesome. It is about the size of Auckland, with a (very brown) river (think Wanganui River) running through it. The view along the river, or The Quay, was stunning. Huge, grand, gold, stunning buildings set all along the Quay with huge archways that lead through to the rest of the city which sprawls out away from the river. Led by cobblestone roads to numerous sun-trapping squares, Terraces are set and populated by the many hippie-like students, crusties and over-the-top lovers with disregard for those around them. France is made for people watching and judging. I love it. Oh let me judge.

Intertwined amongst the little cobblestreets, and the large squares, and courtyards runs the Tram System. Reminiscant of my days from Melbourne, I love Trams. And there was something attractive about sitting amongst such old buildings from times past to watch a Tram snake through the middle. Followed by the ever casual bicyle rider, with basket on the front, sans helmet, scarf floating over their neck behind them. It was a beautiful place. Laid back, casual and romantic.

A great place to get into the local scene. Which Harriet and Sam have both managed to do wonderfully. Escorting us around the town to nifty little spots, some wine tasting, great restaurants and of course their pub, The Blarny Stone. It was great to see what they have been doing for the last 8 months, and witness the extent of their French Experience and knowledge of the language. With plans to leave at end of May, it will be a sad exit I am sure. They have definitely been sitting on a winning gig during their time there. It was great.

Right, the men have left. Time for me to go buy bedding. Ohhh, yah.

4 months in summary...

Where to start? It's been 4 months since I left Korea. And I must say they were 4 VERY fast months.

It was a largely anticipated return home to New Zealand, returning to sunny Napier Christmas Eve. Leaving Korea, although not sad, and not by any means intended to sound like an insult, was incredibly fun. The final week was fantastic. Due to my overwhelming desire to leave resulting in some uncharastically organised behaviour by yours truely, it allowed me to casually indulge and enjoy in what I did love about Korea. The people. Thursday night dinner, Fried Chicken Friday and farewell drinks in Itaewon finishing at the local Kimbup Cafe for Mundu Ramyon. With all of the minga crew. Loved it. No tears were shed, but love to all for sure.

Christmas at home was great. It was warm, it was relaxing, the food was great and it was amazing seeing the family again. Truely. Plus seeing Katie.. that being my teddy bear who was still waiting paitently on my bed for my return.

New Year celebrations saw the catch up with two fantastic girls from school - Rachel and Katie. Seeing those two girls again was most definitely one of the top highlights of my summer at home. Cue photo of the lovely ladies...


January bought on the month of travels beginning with a two week road trip with the Nevster down to see the big bro Matt at Lake Hawea, just outside of Wanaka. Dubbed The Haggart Holiday Boot Camp we completed the Rail Trail, conquered Mount Maude, played Tennis @ Ten and indulged in fine New Zealand Lager of the Deep South. The Rail Trail was amazing and for much of it (which felt much like the longest pub crawl ever) felt like I was amongst a Grahem Sydney painting. Matt's house was fantastic and the whole trip was awesome. Arriving back in Napier for one day, it was time to wash clothes and repack for a 10 day trip to Melbourne. Oh sunny and beloved Melbourne. Was fantastic to see Jen and John again and to meet their recent addition, Little Jim Jam (aka James). The weather was ultra hot, atmosphere alive with the Australian Open, and great to be meandering the streets from days gone once again. The Neil Young concert, the main attraction for the trip, was awesome. A trip well worth it, and he rocked out like the rock god he is. Three quarter pants and all.

Feburary bought about the month of wineries and wine festivals in the Hawkes Bay region. As always, The Bay turned on the weather and the entertainment at the wineries delightful. The Nevsters antics also noteworthy. Highly noteworthy. It also saw Mike arriving back into my world with a road trip up around the East Cape. I had never been up there before and I was completely blown away by it. So deserted, undeveloped and... chilled. Kids ridding bareback on horses to the dairy, beaches deserted - completely - and no traffic. It was fantastic. Highly reccommended to all.

Fortunately for the bank account I managed to acquire some positive cash flow through the wonders of past employees The Mill Liquorsave. Spending two weeks delivering alcohol in a big red truck, singing along to Classic Hits... hits of the 80's, 90's and today... it was one of the best jobs I have ever had. Then moving back in to one of the outlet stores for a further two weeks. Not as good, but by no means stressful. Always a plus when working.

Overall my return to New Zealand was one of the best I have ever had. It was truely unbelievable. Hanging out with the parents has never been so good, and saying good bye to them has never been so hard. Hopefully, it will only be a year until I see them again if all goes to plan... Mum - we need to talk about this plan.
(And cue photo with the parentals)


So then my departure from Aotearoa and on to London. Met at the airport by Claud, sans Becky who was too hung over, and thrown right back into my closest and coolest friends. Catching up with everyone was amazing. Slotting right back into the groove of things with them all only reaffirmed my decision to move to this side of the world. It's been too long since I have spent time with any of them. I spent the weekend drinking and eating and meandering through the days with ease and contentness. IT WAS GREAT.

Next stop - Brussels, Belgium - Beer, Chocolate, Grand Buildings, Cobble-stoned roads, Ali and Denis. It was a great week and was fantastic seeing both again. Truely impressed with the range of beers! More so than the chocolate. Who would have thought.

Return to London. To finally see Harriet and Sam again. Too only hear that they got engaged. Cue tears. Weeping even. Numerous times throughout the fun, giggly, high-on-life night. God I can't wait for their wedding. Only I'm hoping it will be a long engagement to enable me to save the cash to get home for it! The reunion with the cliche Fab Four that we are, was everything it was always going to be. Hilarious.
Cue photo of the night we heard the news....


The remaining days in London was mainly filled with organising, repacking and laziness.

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 saw me board the Eurostar, desination Paris for the beginning of my one year working visa. Finding the apartment with ease, and courtesy of the taxi, was blown away by the sights of Paris within the first 15 minutes. Grand, huge, classic, European. The buildings are amazing, the weather was amazing and the people got style. Some a little different, but style none the less.

My apartment is in the middle of Paris, a little run down with work needed but very Parisan and so very cute and full of character. I love it. Admittedly, I am still high on life at the moment, so in two months time I won't be writting with such enthusiam (presuming I don't take a 4 month leave of absence from writing) but in the mean time, let me get excited.

It looks like I will be returning to Teaching English again, to business people one-on-one, throughout their offices in Paris. As part of the package deal I also get 10hours of free french lessons beginning tomorrow. Should be interesting, although strangely looking forward to it. It's been a long time since the marbles within my cranium have had to tick over with purpose.

And that people pretty much brings you up to date with me. This coming weekend I am heading down to Bordeaux to spend 5 days with Harriet and Sam. The following weekend I get my first guest at Hotel a la Kiri which will be fun times. Hopefully by then the hot water is working and the bed base has arrived!

Au revoir people xx

p.s The spellcheck isn't working and it's too late at night to care. Apologies.