240120040323 Auckland, New Zealand

Well it's been a somewhat busy week - or at least it's gone by really quickly!

A few things have happened which I would like to separate from each other, so:

Big Day Out

Was AWESOME! Despite going on my own in the beginning, I think it may have been the best one I've been to so far (I think it was my 5th, but could be 4th, I'm never sure). After some horrifically bad planning on behalf of the train company and an hour wait, I ran into a few people I went to high school with (and haven't seen most of them since then), and went in the rest of the way with them. We managed to make it just in time to see The Darkness, and I split from them to meet up with Kelly. The Darkness were wicked on stage, just wish I'd been able to see them from closer up. I spent the rest of the day running around seeing a few other bands/acts and catching up with old friends. The weather was perfect (some sun, some cloud, nice breeze) and I managed to blag a ride home so I didn't have to brave the trains again (luckily I didn't as they were supposed to have been awful again!).

Other bands that I managed to catch:

Concord Dawn - my favourite act of the whole day. Broke away from the main stage for a bit and went to the completely packed boiler room (for those who have never been - think massive big top, light shut out, full of sweaty people you mostly don't know). I had never heard of Concord Dawn before I came home (they are an NZ drum and bass act) but they are absolutely awesome. I danced my arse off and it felt like it was 3am in a club and not 2.30 on a beautiful Auckland afternoon! I did have to miss out on Black Eyed Peas, which I wasn't too bothered about, but apparently they were pretty good.

Peaches - confirms my belief that Canadians are complete nutbars! She did an amazing but completely crude and in your face show, complete with dancers with strap-ons, bondage and plenty of stripping. It was a bit of a train wreck, but really good at the same time.

Blindspott - caught them doing "Stop, Drop and Roll" with the Deceptikonz. If anyone has heard this song they will know it's slightly retarded but very catchy. Blindspott themselves were really good though.

I had passed by while Salmonella Dub, Fur Patrol and The Datsuns were playing on different stages, but wasn't really in the mood to stop and watch. The Dandy Warhols were apparently too stoned to play properly that day! I missed them too but I'd seen a much better set when I was up at T in the Park.

Muse and The Strokes were both very good on stage. Amazing how many songs you realise you know after listening for a while. I had found myself in the middle of the D barrier by then with some different friends after getting to try out some very cool new glow poi in the dance tent (later on they were purchased - they can be converted into glowing juggling balls/hacky sacks and they make me very happy!).

Afterwards came what everyone had been waiting for - Metallica live! They were everything that they promised to be, but as I'm not a fan, I think that an hour in the D was enough. I did enjoy the show though, they definitely know what they're doing! I ran into a few more friends in there though, and apparently the end of the set was amazing. I missed the fireworks but I wasn't too gutted. I was gearing up for the boiler room again!

I had hoped to see King Kapisi but the call of Basement Jaxx from the tent next door was too strong. They were amazing as always. I was a little disappointed that they didn't play an encore, but what they did was so good. I danced quite happily in my own little world for the whole of the set. I did try and pop out to see Scribe but there were too many people and he still wasn't on the stage 15 minutes after he was supposed to start. I heard later on that he wasn't that good of a live performer though, which is disappointing since I really like what Ive heard of his so far (me and hip-hop, who knew?). I also missed out on Flaming Lips who reportedly did a wicked show too, but I can't be everywhere at once.

All in all, best day out I think I've had in ages!

Work

Is finished!! Had my last day on Monday and though I will miss the income, I am happy enough to have time to bum around at home. I will have to see how one of the work guys did in NZ Idol though..

Wisdom Teeth

I've been wanting to get them taken out for a while, basically so I don't have any trouble with them whilst in Canada. Have had issues with my dentist this week (I think he was trying to screw me over and have me give him more money - so I got angry), so made new appointments and ended up having them removed on Wednesday by a very lovely and kinda cute trainee oral surgeon (he's a dentist, just training to be a doctor as well). I was under IV sedation ("now you should be feeling more relaxed after about 30 seconds" - and it seemed like 30 seconds later they were finishing up) which was very pleasant and I have been taking the multitude of drugs that he gave me (he forgot I was already on a prescription so I got doubles of some - lucky I know which ones are which) and feeling no pain. It's great, and my face didn't swell up or anything. I have still been using the excuse to sleep random hours and eat jelly and baby food the last couple of days.

Other Random Things

I went to a bbq tonight (in my honour no less) and managed to catch up with quite a few of my friends from high school/uni. We ended up talking from 7pm til 1am about random stuff, reminiscing and generally catching up. They are all doing masters degrees, PhDs, Med School, working as lawyers etc. I am a slackarse in comparison. Maybe one day I'll have a secretary too!

The preparations for the trip are going okay. I have travellers cheques, insurance, tickets, international drivers licence, new pack, thermals, jacket, new visa card on the way etc etc etc. I still can't believe it's so soon.

Happy Auckland Anniversary Day and Happy Australia Day for all those concerned. It's the 26th for both this year, and also happens to be Happy Day Before My Birthday Day. Awesome.