The second, Mike, is coming in less than THREE weeks!
Unfortunately, August is supposed to be the worst month to visit here, as it's the dregs of winter. And this winter is apparently the worst Wellington's seen since the 70s. By New York standards, however, I don't think it's that bad (knock wood).
Fingers crossed I'll be able to show them a great time, and they'll see a little of what I love so much about this place.
Sigh...I had an AMAZING time at the rugby game last night.
To begin with, the sheer number of people making their way to the stadium through Wellington last night was staggering. Wearing black is the norm in NY, but here it really means one thing: support for the All Blacks. So think of thousands of people walking through the streets in one direction clad in as much black as possible, and it's a pretty impressive sight. It was one giant black parade making its way to the bright lights of Westpac Stadium.
Once you get to the stadium, there's a mad crush to get in and seated before the haka started. We got there with about 7 minutes to spare. Which means I had about 7 minutes to take in all the spectacle and enormity of the stadium. And to find my seat. Which was, I have to say, EFFING AWESOME!!!
We were close to the field and even closer to the little tunnel that the players use to make their entrances and exits. Dressed in about five layers of clothing, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the excitement.
First the South African Springboks came out onto the field, without minimal fanfare. Hee.
Then came the big men in black, and I couldn't get over how close they were! Good God, they're stunning.
Players lining up for the National Anthems
Next came the National Anthems. First up was South Africa, which 99% of the crowd tolerated till it was their turn.
All Blacks during NZ National Anthem
The chick who sang the National Anthem (and words for folks like me who needed the help).
Crazy fireworks display after the National Anthem.
Fireworks and marching band!
After the National Anthem(s), it was time for the kickoff. However, as any rugby supporter knows, there's one thing that comes first:
the haka
All Blacks preparing for the haka.
haka part I
haka part II
haka part III
As much as I would have loved to have seen the usual "Ka Mate" haka, this new haka was pretty goose-bump inducing. The high-point is the throat-cutting motion at the end. Yowza.
The game itself was so exciting. I'm still not completely clear on the rules or what everything means, but it was phenomenal just feeding off the vibes of everyone there. Everyone just has such a great time (except for the few South Africa supporters seated near us) and I was lucky to snap a few photos and videos. The rest are below:
Jason Eaton and other players not used in this game on their way out for the second half
The other players make their way onto the pitch for the second half.
That's poster-boy Dan Carter kicking one of his 2 conversions, scoring a total of 25 points, after Richie McCaw's try!
After McCaw's try and Carter's conversion.
Finally, a bit of action down at our end.
More "action"
More action, including jackass telling us to sit down. Say wha???
I love "action"
The players make their exit after the game.
exiting ruggers
Rodney So'Oialo on the left, captain of the Wellington Hurricanes, clapping and waving as he leaves.
MVPs Dan Carter and Piri Weepu
Sigh.....
A recap of the game here.
Much as I'd like to give a whole retelling of my trip to Australia, I just don't have the energy. We're talking 12 days!!!
Suffice to say it was great, had some incredible Aussie experiences, and am very glad I went.
Highlights:
1- Late night kangaroo "spotting" with a bus driver we met at our hostel in Hall's Gap. He's responsible for the close-up 'roo photos before my battery lost its juice:
2- Making it back to Melbourne in time to watch the last 5 minutes of the World Cup final on a big screen in Federation Square. We're talking 6:00am people. After an all-night overnight bus from Adelaide. Sans sleep. With luggage. It was pretty damn awesome (no sarcasm there, actually).
3- Making friends with two 'roos on our last day in Kangaroo Island. Yep, the ones that came straight up to our car doors and smelled our hair:
4- Having the honor of being the center of a sea lion pup playground for about 90 seconds on Kangaroo Island. Seriously. They smelled something awful, but goddamn are those pups cute:
5- Chillin with koalas:
Am knee-deep in classes again. Have 12 weeks left till the program's over. Have a blocked tear duct so my left eye is constantly crying. It's doing wonders for my social life. :)
The week ahead:
One of the hardest decisions I've been faced with since arriving in Wellington: I have a ticket to the All Blacks game against South Africa on Saturday, and my favorite kiwi band, Salmonella Dub just scheduled a show at my university on the same night. Been dying to see the All Blacks, obviously, and paid a crap-load of money for a ticket. But I've been waiting for Salmonella Dub to play, like, for-EVER. So what am I going to do? Go to both! I'll make it work, fingers crossed. :)
Hey all!
I'm back, and had an awesome time. I'll post a more detailed account of our day-to-day adventures later, but wanted to get these videos up. I hope you enjy them!
Love,
Claire
Koala mom and her joey at the Healesville Sanctuary
Koala we came upon as we were leaving Tower Hill
Cape Bridgewater
more Cape Bridgewater
Kangaroo in Hall's Gap (it doesn't seem like it from the video, but my "oh jeez"'s were because this fella looked like he was going to hop straight into me.)
Same kangaroo, after he (and I) settled down.
Wild kangaroos hopping away when we tried to get close to them.
Sea lion pup following her mom
Pup and mom part 2
Sea lion rolling around in the sand. Comical.
Sea lion pups playing.
Pups playing.
Pups playing.
Pups playing next to me!
Pups next to me part 2 (I friggin love the barking).
'Roo crossing the road to come and check us out.
'Roo at our window.
Our new best friend.
