More Tui

Another photo of the Tui feeding at our place.

Tui

I snapped a couple of photo's of two Tui feeding in the Kohwai tree at the front of our house, they have a real nice song and at times imitate other sounds.

Full Moon

Took this awhile ago but the moon looked pretty impressive it is actually dawn, about 6.30am. Beautiful clear morning, if I remember it was frosty as well.

And now to the house alterations, out comes the wall, this has made a huge difference to the house. It is now very much open plan. Watch this space.

Here I am down on the waterfront in Singapore checking out the old time Hotel.

Singapore

This is the peace fountain at least I think that's what it's called, anyway it was in the middle of this huge mall in Singapore. I had a few to wait so I went into the city for a look around. It was extremely humid and I gave up walking around and headed inside where it was alot cooler.

Gold Souq's

The gold Souq's had the girls very excited, it was best to not let them get any idea's photo's only.

The Creek Dubai & Souqs

We spent Friday evening wandering the Souq's near the Dubai Creek, plenty to see with the old fort, and exciting places selling spices and if you felt the need Viagra was on sale, not sure if it was the real deal or if you would later find you had been hard done by, I didn't bother to find out.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Colleen enjoying the sights in the Mall, we had brunch at a little place called the Lime Cafe, very tasty food, good coffee.

Hotel on Palm Jumeirah

This rather grand looking structure is on the outside of the Palm with magnificent sea views I dare say room prices are not cheap.

Dubai - April 09

We spent the weekend in Dubai with friends staying at the Golden Sands Apartments real handy to the central city. On Friday we were able to drive out onto the Palm Jumeirah it is needless to say spectacular and this is view of the city from the outside taking in the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Note the smog, it's almost like being in L.A.

Pursuit Vehicle

Trendy piece of Police equipment, I can't see it taking off at home, although it could be useful at the Mount. I think however that I could see some cleaver dick trying to take off on it.

Air Racing

We went to Abu Dhabi for the day and amongst other things spent some time watching the Air Racing down on the Corniche. Very spectacular the planes are capable of about 370 km/hr and can pull up to 12g's when turning. As this was part of the world series the world champion Hannes Arch who flys for a team from Abu Dhabi was there along with all the other title contenders, exciting.

Sand Storms

You guessed it I am back in the Middle East and continuing my travels. Its been awhile but I thought I had better earn some dollars before taking more time out. Petal and I had been on a Tiki tour for the day travelling to Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ras Khaimah, Kor Fakkan and Fujairah all the other minor Emirates. Most of this was along the coast where there is extensive development going on. On our drive back to Al Ain we drove through this little sand storm, not unlike being in a blizzard.

Ancient Mosque

This little Mosque is along the coast near Fujariah and is reputedly the oldest known Mosque in the UAE. We couldn't go inside for obvious reasons but it was rather quaint. The design is also unusual with the four columns holding up the dome. The Mosque was also guarded by two watch towers on the hill above, they both commanded good views out across the beach to the sea.

Ash's 21st, she organised a family get together at a Cafe not far from where she lives. Most of the cousins and uncle and aunties were there. Ash had a good night but I think she may have over done it with her mates the following night.

It was just all too much for Mal

It was just a bit much for Mal, finish night shift, a couple of hours sleep and then drive to Whity and add golf, a few ales and dinner and then it was lights out, I am not sure if he realised what he had been drinking !!

The Boys and the Bach

Back to terra firma and time to wash the salt away with a few nut browns prior to heading into town for golf and then the fishing club to catch the semi's in the 7's at Wellington. Golf by the way was ok. The 7's proved less so with NZ losing in the last seconds.

Waitangi Day 09

Brian and Bob relaxing at sea as we return from our fishing trip out of Whitianga not a day to write home about 6 good fish, and Bob and Mo not even able to add to the score, dismal effort really.

Christmas Day

It was a bit different this year, the same tree, but with two of the team overseas it was a little bit low key, not at all the same, missed them very much but I guess we had fun, but no stockings, as that's Colleen's job and I couldn't find them anyway. The girls enjoyed it and the BBQ roast turned out real good, nice crackling.

The End to a Great Day

And so ends the day, sunset Putaruru style.

The After Match Function

As with all good working bee's there has to be an after match function, so as per custom the workers were shouted a few beers as thanks for the hard work.

Just Add Water

Now just add water, thanks to the local Fire Brigade we were able to borrow a pipe stand and a couple of lengths of hose and the pool was filled in no time, now just a few cosmetic bits and pieces to do to complete the job, looking good.

The Day Progesses

Getting there the pool is taking shape, first the wall, then the sand and now the liner, then we discover that there are some crucial parts missing, Ash and Mark were off to Hamilton to get the neccessary parts which put us 2.5hrs behind schedule.

Progress

The pool is starting to take shape although not without a few difficulties, as the old pool was imperial and the new pool is metric which meant it was slightly bigger, but with a bit of jigging around it was made to fit.