NZ Tsunami Survivor, Fri May 5, 2006
So there was a huge earthquake in Tonga in the Pacific Ocean that could have sent a tsunami smashing into New Zealand. Luckly, the Civil Defence was there to blatantly disregard warnings from the BBC and wisely kept quiet about the 50m wave of certain death approaching from the north. Some citizens were woken in the middle of the night by calls overseas from worried friends; many evacuated their homes on their own. To the great relief of the NZ government, there was no tsunami, but now that the ridiculous ineptitude of those employed in civil service has been exposed, we are the laughing stock of the South Pacific. The situation could only get worse if the prime minister accidentally shot someone in the butt on a hunting trip this weekend--the start of duck hunting season. In that case, we would finally be humiliated worse than the Americans.
But now I've bought a car: a crappy '90 Nissan Sentra with 99,000 km. I was sick the day I drove and bought it, so my ears were stuffed and I didn't realize the stupid transmission was so LOUD. It grinds all the time, even when at constant speed. I even lack the luxury of a radio to blast and deafen my ears against the constant buzzsaw of the gearbox.
Basically, I got screwed, but I don't care anymore. Once I figured out that the only way to downshift is to double clutch (the syncrhonizers must be worn down to a nice polish...) I (re)discovered the real fun of driving: going crazy fast around mountain roads and switchback corners!! Everyone here does it, and its even more exhilarating when your tyres are only the width of your palm.
I drove out to Akaroa, a tiny harbour town an hour and a half from Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula. I'm staying with these old English expatriates that have a 20 acre "retirement bloc." So far, I've done a lot of vineyard work and general property maintainance and I've started riding horses. My best day so far was: eat breakfast, tend the vineyard, visit the winery, first ride on a horse, then a dinner party with a dozen or so of their neighbours. I wasn't planning on staying long, but Mr. Oborne also has a sailing yacht out in the harbour, so I'm going to stay at least until next week riding horses, and then go out on the Pacific Ocean with his 40 footer :)
(Sat Apr 29)
(Tue May 16)
Comments
Check out www.woot.com, they have a refurb kodak 3.2 for $65. I could buy it and send it too you if there was an address for you there. Other than that, www.geeks.com has a bunch of cheap cameras. Have you just been using disposables? If you have, the really cheap ones will give you pretty much the same quality. Let me know what you want to do.
Thought you might want to know that Grandma is in the hospital but is stable. She has some rare autoimmune blood disorder. She's been getting tranfusions and steroids and is responding well. I tried to email you at the gmail addresss but was unsure if you got the message. Thanks for the phone call wishing me a Happy Mom's Day. You are soooo thoughtful!! Love to you! Mom
After 5/16 you will have to reach us by either email at kathleenlmullen@hotmail.com or call Tony's cell phone at 785-259-2647. We will be in Richmond on 5/18/06! I will drop you a note to let you know our new phone number in Richmond as soon as possible.