Well Overdue

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted anything on here. In short, things have been good. Scratch that, they've been great. Work is on the up and up. I've been described as part of the senior section of the firm, betraying my slim years of experience in comparison to those who've been there for 10 years or more.

Life outside of work is on the rise too, snatching the opportunities afforded in trying to maintain a balance. That balance has seen some wonderful travels and adventures. The latest being to the Bay of Islands. The idyllic far north of New Zealand. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Speaking of travel and adventures, I'll be heading over to Europe for all of September. I can't wait to revisit some wonderful sights and create new memories. I can't say it's been awhile, I was in Vienna this time last year.

That trip may also be a reconnaissance of some sort. The better half is wanting to move there next year and I will seize the opportunity. Hopefully I'll find something that tickles my fancy and provides the challenge I want.

Well overdue

It's been awhile since I've posted. There's been many reasons for that, the primary reason being the influx of work. It has been, and hopefully will continue to be, a wild ride.

Enough. Updates. Since I've last written, I've moved into the central city. It's a pretty sweet apartment with two others. There's a balcony overlooking the viaduct and harbour, together with access to a gym, spa, sauna and pool. It's pretty sweet. Best, and worst, thing is that it's one block behind work. Great because I can sleep very very late and still make it to work at a reasonable hour. Which is great given how long and tiring some days have been. And that is partly the problem; living so close means easily staying a little while longer than everyone else just to finish that one last thing off.

The ever increase at work has its payoffs though. For example the increase in my travels round the country. The latest excursion being to Queenstown. Painfully the flight schedule in and out of Queenstown required me to be there the afternoon beforehand and leave later the following day. It was excruciating, taking a long weekend with all that sunshine, fresh air and luge. To be honest it wasn't that long a weekend as I had to be back for a trial the next week.

So I leave you with photos from this torrid affair with Queenstown and one of the songs currently on high rotate: The General Specific by Band of Horses. I realise it's a little old news, but so is this update really. So enjoy.

Resurgence

I'm finding my rhythm again.  Settling into a pattern after travelling can be a little difficult, especially going from one intense schedule into another.  Certainly having some music helps.

And the latest offering by Gomez is well worth it.  It is an album, in the nostalgic sense of the word.  Some have proclaimed the death of the album as an art form, and the rise of the album as merely a vehicle for individual songs.  Thankfully some artists are defying that trend.  But, just to appease the masses and incentivise you to purchase the album, I give you Win Park Slope.

Gomez has, however, flown under the radar of most people.  They first released Bring it On around 10 years ago.  And the album hasn't dated.  Or at least not for me.  People will probably recognise Get Yourself Arrested, and Whippin' Picidilly even if the names don't ring a bell.

In Vienna

It's been about a month since I last posted anything.  So I do apologise.  Offered as some flimsy justification is my annual adventure to Vienna and the necessary hectic work schedule beforehand.

Vienna.  It was amazing.  As always.  And as always I was there with the VUW moot team.  This year was different though.  I'm not just talking about the unseasonably warm and summery weather.  We also won.  First out of two hundred and thirty three universities.  233.  It was a long time coming, and these guys deserved it this year.

We've been called the favourites so many times before.  But this year hit it home.  Not so much backed highly to win, though there is that most years, but more of everyone's most liked team.  Afterwards everyone heaped praise on us and called us one of the most deserving teams.  I think it had something to do with David's acceptance speech; we travel from the far side of the world on very little and are reliant on the support of the teams we meet on our way.

As part of the celebrations we took a horse and carriage ride through the street of Vienna.  Sipping Veuve Clicquot out of plastic cups.  Magic.

I should also mention other highlights, like being taken on a tour of the Supreme Court of Austria by one of the presiding judges, meeting so many fascinating people in practice in Europe, dancing til 5 in the morning, sneaking snacks of meat between our forced vegetarian meals, chairing arbitrations, and much much more.

There was also the 4:30 am departure from Vienna to head home.  The 8 hour transit in LA, made easier by staying in the Air New Zealand lounge, being upgraded on the flight between LA and Auckland, randomly bumping into team mates who had left days before me, and the joys of jet lag.  The stories.  Oh the stories.

I will be returning next year.  That much is guaranteed.  I know I moaned about the price of going over, of uncertainty and not being entirely sure of the whole thing.  But I miss being in Europe, I love Vienna, and I am addicted to the moot competition.  I can't imagine not going anymore.

That Time

Tis been a while since my last post.  I've been a little on the busy side.  With work of course.  Which has been hard to explain to most, for I love what I do and the opportunities I get.  I may complain about the hours, but I wouldn't want it any other way.  I mean, I get paid to argue with people.

Anyways.  I should share some music.  A friend introduced me to Bat For Lashes, whose latest offering is decidedly good.  Daniel is the track doing the round, but I'm partial to Glass.  Try it and see.

What else?  I'm off to Vienna (again) shortly for the Vis Moot, and I'm looking forward to it.  I always love going to Vienna.

Just thought I'd gloat.

Adventures in the South Island

Great time off two weeks ago, spending a week travelling through the South Island and then into Wellington. Fantastic trip, great scenery and generally just a much needed break for me. Sadly I didn't take photos of the Cuba Street Carnival when in Wellington, but it was awesome.

Porare River near Punakaiki, Christchurch Art Gallery, Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, Punakaiki, Pelorus Sounds, and Kaiteriteri.

Lantern Festival

Auckland played host to the Chinese Lantern Festival. Well, it still is playing host as it goes on for the entire weekend. But I went last night.

As you can see, there's some pretty cool lanterns out there, hanging from the trees, built up, and floating around Albert Park.

There were also throngs of people there. It was unbelievably busy. The food area was probably the most packed. Though I didn't go to the Karaoke Stage, so I can't know for sure.