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malcstravelogue's Journal  Back in January, Morgue and I went on a weeks camping trip up through the North Island to Northland. I've been a bit remiss in not actually sorting out photos thus far. So here are a few. Mostly of some of the varied natural wonders seen on our meanderings through the north. Mt. Ruapehu, Central North Island  ( More phoaties... ) Keeping things in order, and prior to the photos of my recent trip around the Far North, I thought I might mention the recently past Hogmanay. Spending new year on a beach, with sunshine, barbecues, cold beers and frisbee throwing is a somewhat different to being wrapped up like a Norwegian lorry driver in Falkirk or Edinburgh. It made the entire things feel somewhat un-Hogmanay like. That's not to say it wasn't immense fun, but any standard it was a brilliant couple of days. Friends in Wellington had kindly loaned us their bach at Hokio beach, about an hours drive from Wellington. The bach is something of a New Zealand cultural tradition, a small, Spartan beach house for holidays with family and friends. As a sidenote, the traditional bach does seem to be under threat through lesgislation and big-money beach front development throughout New Zealand, which is a great shame. Ruth showed great kindness in allowing us to take over their property for a few days. We installed ourselves the day before Hogmanay, complete with amps, speakers and DJ decks provided by Damon (with Damon and I being desegnated music-meisters for the event). Many friends from Wellington and the surrounding area turned up, people I'd never met before but had the pleasure of now getting to know were in abundance. There was music, dancing, drinking, food, sitting on the beach, browsing the bizarre and eclectic book collection, chat and the first Grand Downhill Dune Racing Championships (Sam, with aggressive and strong play being crowned the inaugural winner). ( A small handful of photos ) Current music: My Bloody Valentine 'Several Girls Galore'. Since I first posted about The Bike, it's evolved a little. Some bits needed replaced, others I fancied changing for something a bit different. Unless you are me, Rab, Josh or Kit, the rest of this probably won't be very interesting. ( Bike geekery... ) A collection of photos taken on the recent Rotorua/Waitomo/Taranaki/Otaki trip. Two updates in one day. Heavens. Tree roots on the lower slopes of Mount Taranaki  ( More photos here... ) Over the last week, Cat and Sadhbh have been visiting from Australia. So for the first time since I arrived here, I ventured out of the immediate Wellington area and into the wilds of the North Island. Travelling North from Wellington, we crossed the desolate (but really rather wonderful) Desert Highway, past Mount Ruapehu, through square miles worth of Army testing range. In a very 'American Werewolf In London' kind of way, we were encouraged not step off the road! Big signs at intervals along the way warning of unexploded munitions, live firing and an assortment of inimical hazards placed there by firing them out of a cannon. Thankfully, the danger of being crushed beneath the tank tracks of the NZ Army passed relatively quickly we sped down towards Lake Taupo and on towards the tourist mecca of Rotorua. Rotorua has two notable attractions: 1) Geothermal activity 2) Dangerous stuff The two might seem closely associated, but in reality, there's a big distance between the "Ooh! Aah! Isn't nature grand!" responses that hot springs, mud pools and crystaline formations provoke and the "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Shiiiiiiiiiit!" reactions that flinging yourself off of suspended platforms provokes. Yes, here's me about to fling myself off of aforementioned suspended platform.  ( More idiocy from the nonsense factory... ) I'm here, in Wellington. Well, I've been here for nearly three weeeks now. And what a great city it is. The greatest thing, however, is the fact that I get to see mr_orgue again! Heaped on top of that, Morgue and Cal are very generously allowing me to stay in their lovely apartment in Newtown while I'm here. I even have a room of my own! So far, it's been great, getting shown the city, checking out the nightlife, meeting people,gaming, seeing bands, mountain biking, wandering, playing Ultimate Frisbee (I'm now in a team!), cooking, writing and generally having a great time.I've even been on the spiritual pilgrimage to Lower Hutt (appropriate hand gestures to be made). I should also recommend two fantastic musical acts that I've seen so far: The Dukes of Leisure Group Five Not only is the music great, but the Dukes and Andrew from Group Five are thoroughly excellent people to hang out with. Oh, and the 80's music party hosted by various band members on Saturday was a rocking affair of much greatness! I also now have a bike upon which to explore the many trails in this area. And for getting in an out of the city. As this is probably only of interest to Rab and Josh, I'll hide the photo and technical gubbins behind a cut. ( The bike of bits ) Current music: The Wedding Present 'I'm Not Always So Stupid'. In this entry that I made whilst staying with Josh and Carrie, I briefly noted that I had visited the remains of the Northampton State Hospital. Well, I've finally had the chance to go through my photos and select the ones that I like the most.  Sadly, the main Kirkbride Plan building was in the 'piles of rubble' stage of demolition when I got there, which was a great shame, as I would dearly love to have the chance to explore one of the Kirkbride asylums. This time, it was not to be. However, one of the ancillary wards was still standing on the main site. In addition, on the other side of the road was what I assumed to be (at least partially) the childrens section of the asylum. ( Block North 4 ) ( The Childrens Asylum ) Miyajima ('Island of Temples') is regarded as having some of the finest and most classical views in Japan. Not only of the famous 'floating torii', but also from the summit of Mt. Mizen, the highest point of this lovely little island. As it's only a short tram ride from Hiroshima, not to go would be foolish. The journey was made in the affable and amusing company of two fellow hostel stayers, Neil from Wicklow in ireland and Willem from Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Arriving at the island, we took in the views of the famous torii:  ( Story continues after this break... ) Having spent a few days in Hiroshima, I can say that's it is a vibrant, exciting city with lots to offer. But, all of that pales into insignificance when you are standing looking at ground zero of the first ever atomic weapon fired in anger. The Peace Museum was a very moving and difficult place. An unbiased, balanced account of the bombing, of Japans aggression in World War 2, of the aftermath and the long process of recovery and reconcilliation. It is a testament to the people of this fine city that they have used their experiences to try and do something better. There's not really much more you can say. I guess these two photos say everything I can't. The A-Bomb Dome  The Peace Memorial  Cheers Malcolm This is a very short post, merely a quick note to say that it is very odd to be sitting in a coffee shop in Osaka, sipping Italian espresso, watch the crazy congestion outside and having The Specials, Toots & The Maytals, Prince Buster and other assorted old school ska playing in the background. This is indeed a country of great contrasts. Cheers Malcolm |
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