Lots of job hunting over the last couple of days, looks like the job market is picking up a little bit! Here’s hoping there aren’t enough Kiwis to fill all the posts!!

After a couple more job applications this morning, off to Kaitoke National Park on a bike trip today.

Another trip over Paekakariki Hill to stop over for a latte at Ground Up in Pauatahanui. The wind was a bit strong on the second bit going up the Hutt Valley today, Louise got blown all over the place!

We’ve stayed away from Kaitoke up until now, because she couldn’t face the thought of having to leave New Zealand and a bit more of her heart at Kaitoke – and there wouldn’t be much left to take back to the UK!

We came back down the Hutt Valley again – the Akatarawa Rd is closed for repairs for 3 days! I pulled away to cross over to Pauatahanui first, to stretch the bike’s legs a bit……..

Unfortunately, I got the comms a bit wrong……….as Louise never turned up!!

She didn’t have her mobile this time – the last time that’s gonna happen!! – so I had no idea where she was. I did go around the lake to Paremata both ways, but couldn’t find her, so was getting just a little bit worried!!

I drove like a devil over to the Hutt Vallley and back, checking the sides of the road for a wrecked bike and rider…………..

In the end, I gave up and hot-footed over the Paekakariki Hill in record time to find Louise waiting on the veranda bench wondering where I was! Phew!

Smattering of rain early this morning, so off to Wellington motorcycles about 10.30am – petrol stop first though. Start of the longest bike ride so far for Louise – not planned at all though!

After a couple of coffees, picked up Louise’s bike with a fixed clutch lever – unfortunately the original lever broke, I thought it might and we were ready for  being slightly more expensive than originally quoted.

Up to Mount Victoria (on the easier route) to have a panoramic view of Wellington.

The Wellington Artillery Volunteer Corps must have been a very fit outfit indeed!

Chatted to Louise and thought we’d ride up to Petone, via Newtown this time, for another coffee. Our normal cafe seemed closed, with no tables and chairs outside, even though the sign said it was open. We gave it a miss and went into town on a search for a different one. The Screaming Turtle looked like a nice cafe – I don’t usually get to make that sort of choice when we’re two up! It was nice to have a break from the wind and watch the world go by while having a strong cup of latte – well the world of Petone anyway!

Louise was obviously in a mood to go riding so we chatted over our options. It seemed like we were going over to the Waiarapa, so I made sure she realised that it could be a long round trip. Up and over the Rimutuka again – all good experience!

Up to Masterton for a petrol stop at about 5.30pm, before the stations were likely to be closing – also gave us enough fuel to either go on or back.

Rode out a little further for a break at a picnic spot (and a quick game of hide in the trees or bushes from the traffic) where we decided that rather than just return the way we had come, or indeed even that direction over the back roads, that we’d continue on and do a loop around Palmerston North. The Manawatu Gorge was going to put about an extra 30 mins on the trip, so I suggested we cut across the Tararua Range at Pahiatua.

As we got to Pahiatua it was getting a bit colder, and we were going to gain some altitude we stopped so that Louise could don my warm inner (we’d not planned ahead enough to put Louise’s new quilt liner in the top box) and to change gloves to a warmer pair.

With hindsight, this might have been a bit much for Louise on only her 7th trip out. We got halfway up the Tararua Range and it was obvious that louise was struggling, so I pulled over into a slow vehicle lane to sort it out. She didn’t seem to be riding as well as normal and was riding a little slowly (comparatively speaking that is!). Her winter gloves were proving too much of a change in riding style – I know exactly what she meant! So we changed back over to her normal gloves and I put on my grip warmers, planning to stop for a surprise coffee on the other side and let her warm her hands up.

We stopped at Summerhill and I went for the coffees which gave Louise a chance to calm back down after having her confidence levels severely dented. A lovely coffee it was too!!

However, we now needed to get moving as learners have a curfew of 10pm, and Louise hasn’t had experience riding in the dark. However, as the sun was going down there was the worry of sunstrike too,Louise donned her sunglasses. The wind had been quite strong all day too, at least I had a fairing to help me…bless!

Sunstrike there was! I kept close in front so that Louise could see me rather than try to see the road – always difficult even for an experienced rider! We stopped after the sun went down so she could take the sunglasses off.

We stopped again at Otaki well after dusk, to make sure Louise was coping. She was, but by now was looking forward to getting home!

We finally arrived about 9.40pm after a really nice ride, if a pretty long one!

Total distance 354km (about 221 miles)!

Up and online for 8pm UK time, I’d sorted the bin and recycling out last night so no early early rise.

Played RPG again on Skype. I’d updated my character and after clearing it with Dave, thoroughly enjoyed playing – even if I nearly died (my character that is)!

During RPG, Keith rang on Skype for a chat. We managed it for a while before we had some connection issues.

Louise started to wash her bike but threatening clouds turned to rain and she had to give up on it just before finishing and starting to polish. I’d just finished looking at jobs, slow today again today, and was taking a coffee out to Louise when the rain started, so I couldn’t do mine either…..

We both felt like a lazy afternoon in, so we did!

I was staying up late again anyway to chat with Kez, but we got to see a little more evening tv than we normally do!

After a late night, slept in til about 10am today. Louise had already told me that she had to go out this morning, although she was very tight-lipped about why.

After checking out jobs, Mitch came on Skype and we had a lovely chat. Wrote some mails to Kez, then Adie came online with MSN and we sorted out Skype with him so we could have a chat. As he’d been down South when we moved over and didn’t have access to a cam, I took him on a tour.

When Louise came back home I found out why it was that she was out until 2pm! She’d made an appointment in Porirua with a tattoo parlour, both to touch up some colouring and make some additions to her leg tattoo.

Busy morning this morning!

Talked to Niki on Skype, talked to Kez and Mitch on the phone and Adie on MSN….phew, lots to talk and think about!

We also got a ring from Wellington Motorcycles to say that Louise’s trip knob was in – sweet as! So off we went to Wellington on the bikes.

Picked up the trip knob and fitted it, had a coffee then we went over to Lyall Bay. What a lovely place, good for surfing too as there were some lovely swells coming off the Cook Strait. Came across the Taputeranga Marine Reserve just before the road turned into 4×4 beach country, looks interesting and worth a re-visit.

On the way back around the coast we stopped to see the aircraft taking off across the bay from the airport and found a strange piece of sculpture – for here that is. A quick look at a nearby plaque cleared the strangeness up though!

We started heading home, but the traffic was quite busy on the SH1, so I pulled off and we stopped in Porirua for a KFC.

We thought we’d go back over Battle Hill, and I thought I’d try and get ahead at the top to take some action pics of Louise as she pulled into the car park – I obviously didn’t pull far enough ahead to have the time though.

I suggested we try turning left at the bottom of Battle Hill, and pulling into the garage forecourt right next to the junction. The junction off Battle Hill by Paekakariki is pretty dicey at the best of times – by turning into the garage it reduces the traffic flow from four directions at once to just one! I tried again to catch Louise at the bottom – a bit better this time, but still not good LOL!

I think I’ll stick to riding, I don’t think action photography is a particular forte!

Total mileage 132 km (about 83 miles)

Slow day today – no jobs for me today on the websites this morning. We both were happy with staying in and relaxing in the sun – when we could get out of the house of course!

Housework day for Louise and a major blog catch up for me – also helping Louise with pegging out and coffees of course. I did also order Louise’s odometer trip reset knob and do a little maintenance check on the bikes. Only Louise’s tyres need a little air tomorrow, not bad considering what she’s done over the last few weeks!

YES, I’m actually up to date completely on the blog. You might even be able to read about our day before yours is starting – if you see what I mean! We’ll see if I can keep it that way – I wouldn’t hold my breath if I was you though!!

Happy Valentine’s to everyone! Especially those that may not have got a card, surprise or expected….

The weather cleared a little this morning, so we were off on the bikes again. It’s been a few days since Louise has been out on hers, so we need to get her re-acquainted with the road and her bike skills.

We had a chat, and she decided she wanted to try the Rimutuka – as long as I rode point there should be no probs! We went down the SH1 and around the lake from Plimmerton and over to the Hutt valley to the Kaitoke Country Gardens for a break, a coffee and a decision point.

We met up with Robyn, a waitress, and started chatting about bikes. Ended up by swapping e-mail addresses – her son works in IT and you never know when something might come up! We also got swamped by a set of 5 yr old triplets, well Louise did – it was a cat thing to start with. Their Dad came out to rescue us after a while and we ended up chatting with him for 15 mins too.

Suitably refreshed, Louise still determined, we headed for the Rimutuka summit. Well, the road summit anyway!

We had a chat and decided to pop down the other side to Greytown for a cup of coffee and a late lunch. Louise did really well up and down the hill. We managed to stay clear of most traffic too, a bonus.

The cafe we’d previously been to in Greytown was closing as we arrived, so we popped over to the cafe on the other side of the road and had a lovely lunch in their garden area.

The clouds started closing in down the Wairapa and the wind was getting up. It had been bad enough for Louise being battered by the winds coming up the Hutt Valley, so we decided that after a stop at the Rimutuka summit again, we’d stop at Harcourt Park for another decision point – whether or not to do the Akatarawa road!

Yep, the wind got a bit fierce for Louise in places. Although not really bad, it wasn’t brill for her – she did very well and even managed not to get too exhausted from battling the wind. We stopped off Harcourt Park and could tell that the wind was going to be fierce down the Hutt Valley again. Rather than struggle down the SH2, cross over to the SH1 and struggle back up home, we thought it would be better to nip across the Akatarawa Rd to Waikanae. Hopefully, the road over would be a bit better protected.

Yep, it was better! Although we did come across a nasty bump involving a 4×4 and a car that was going to cost both of them a new wing! I did stop to make sure everyone was ok and to see if I was needed, but everything was sorted and they were happy to carry on themselves.

I stayed far enough in front, without being too far away, on point duty to get into trouble first if it was coming. That way anything coming our way had to get past me first, and was nicely slowed down and tucked on their own side when Louise got to them. It worked really well, even though it meant I had a wonderful time on the edge of my wits being first to a corner, making sure it was clear, looking at the next corner and that Louise had made it around ok – oh and staying on the road myself of course. That’s ok when there are only one or two odd corners, but after about 30km of almost constant blind bends it was certainly tiring! Probably more tiring than just riding the same road two up!!

No worries though, we got to the top for a stop and a much-needed break before heading on down to Waikanae and home. Louise was obviously getting more used to the bends by then and was doing great.

Total mileage about 190 km (approx 120 miles)

On a mission today, looking for textile jacket and trousers for biking, mainly for Louise – I’ll look for mine once I know we’re staying.

In the car to MotorMart (BMW dealer) and TSS Red Baron in the Hutt valley then on to Wellington to check out Leather Direct on Cuba St. Lovely staff!

I parked the car up by the Southern Cross Apartments on Abel Smith St again, after dropping Louise halfway down Cuba St so she could get to the shop without so much walking.

The shop was boiling, or at least when you’re trying on full wet weather textile clothing complete with quilted inners it is! Louise did find a 100% waterproof jacket and trousers though, so she’s sorted now! She also found that entering the UK debit card as a credit card allowed the use of the UK banks too (with a pin) – Result!

I’d asked Louise to be ready enough to stay in Wellington for the evening – it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow after all!

We stopped at the Hotel Bristol in Cuba St for a few wets and then for a meal. We had the wets outside watching the world go by – Cuba St is a nice place to do that, lots of variety. We had the meal inside though – Louise had a seafood basket and I had an open steak sandwich. Both meals were gorgeous and we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy.

By now, Louise was getting “a little bit interested” in what we were up to. I’d returned to the car with the shopping earlier (while she got the first drinks), so she had nothing to occupy her mind….

I spilt the beans on the way down Cuba St, we were off to a show called “Busting Out” at the Opera House. I wasn’t really sure what we were in for, but all the reviews had said it was hilarious! We stopped outside the Opera House for a coffee, mainly cos I’d planned to be there early to pick up the tickets. If you’ve ever been to a London show and picked the tickets up on the night, this can be quite a long wait and a lengthy experience.

Ok, so two minutes after walking in through the doors, we were outside again with tickets in hand and it was still only just gone 7pm…..that’ll be an excuse for a latte from the theatre cafe come bar then! Quite a surprise to find that the drinks weren’t all that expensive for a theatre either – London theatres take note please!

Rather than give a blow by blow of the titillating experience of the evening, I thought I’d just quote a review of the show and let you look it up yourselves if you want to know more.

Busting Out! was created by Emma Powell, evolving from a one woman show she wrote for the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2006. Performed with Bev Killick (the blonde one), it is a mixture of stand up, skits, music and even a bit of dance.

The third presence on stage is the BreastCam operator whose job is to film the things that then appear on the big screen upstage. Before the show began she turned the camera on the audience much to their delighted discomfiture. Andy Warhol was right: we do love our few minutes of fame.

Seriously folks, this show is hilarious. You can’t help but laugh even if you are shocked. Bev Killick opens with about 30 minutes of stand up comedy. She covers life with a teenager and a toddler, growing up in Townsville where the men outnumber the women 10 to one, the advantages of big pants over g-strings and how Tina Turner could advertise tinned tuna.

She does all this at the top of her lungs in an accent that could remove rust at 100 metres, and a ribaldness of terminology that only a fair dinkum Aussie would dare to use. But bless her, she goes right to the heart of the matter. Especially about the undies!

The second part of the show is Busting Out! Emma and Bev do things with their boobs that make women wince and men gasp. My personal favourite is Emma’s heartfelt rendition of a song called “Mammaries” that doesn’t sound even remotely like a certain hit song from Cats (yeah right!) during which Bev appears in a cat suit and provides a counterpoint of genuine cat behaviour; the kind T S Eliot chose to ignore.

Powell is a talented singer and has been in several musicals, and my friend commented that she would have enjoyed a whole concert of just listening to her fabulous voice!

The other comic highlight for me was the shadow puppetry. Projected onto the back screen were depictions of things it’s nearly impossible to imagine started out as two women and four breasts!

This show is not for the prudish. It’s not the bare breastedness of it, it’s the unabashed Aussiness of the humour that reached into my Presbyterian Scottish ancestry and pulled out a disapproving, “What do you expect from convict stock!” It is this element that will barely pass or totally fail some Kiwi’s tastefulness test.

But I confess I was a little ashamed of my inner Scot, especially when a Scottish primary school friend of mine was spotted on stage at one point demonstrating how fast she could remove her bra without taking her top off. (But she did come from Glasgow, from mammary, oops memory.)

Which reminds me, there is audience participation but it is quite safe and no-one has to bare anything they don’t want to, not even their soul!

The nearly full house thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there was plenty of laughter throughout.

This is a clever, funny piece of theatre with a popular appeal that goes far beyond the usual theatre going audiences. So tuck your colonial forebears in with a cup of cocoa and head to it without them, they won’t miss it but you probably shouldn’t.

Busting Out website

Found 2 jobs that sounded good – Police e-crimes system support (not sure if I could get it though) and Kapiti Council systems support. Thought I’d have a go anyway! Spent most of the day filling out the application form, security clearance and letter of application….as the Police job closed today.

Louise didn’t feel up to doing much today anyway, which was just as well!

Off for the day in Wellington in the car in the rain – threatened thunderstorms starting down South and moving up the North Island later in the day. Lucky I’d put covers on the bikes last night then….

We visited the NZ Immigration office first, they confirmed I’d need a job offer before I can get a work permit – good try anyway. I thought I’d found a way to get a part-time work permit, but there ya go…. maybe I’ll put it in anyway if it comes to it. Depends on how much it costs really.

Wellington Motorcycles next to check if Joe had found my second key. He’d checked with the previous owner, but no key. He did, however, have the owners handbook – so not a total loss. Louise was checking out the helmets and textile gear. We did also ask about her odometer trip reset knob (it’s missing), but we needed the VIN and to confirm how it attaches.

We had a choice of seeing Avatar 3D or going to Te Papa to see the Pompeii exhibition. The exhibition is on until April, so peering into the darkness with 3D glasses on won out! We thought it was a brilliant film in 2D, its even better in 3D!!