Merry Christmas

To our dear friends and family in all the far flung parts of the globe, and also to those at the farther reaches of the Piccadilly line,

Although we are sometimes not the best at keeping in touch we often think of you all out there.

We have had a very busy year and the savings and annual leave supplies are almost gone but a few days and a few pounds remain. We're not going back to NZ but have NZ coming to us (kind of) with members of both our families, and a few friends, joining us for a couple of weeks in Egypt. All very exciting. And hopefully warm. Most of all I hope Santa knows where to find us.

Hope you have a fantastic time where ever you are.

Lots of love,
Amy & Paul

DVC Awards

Although you could be forgiven for thinking our lives are just one trip after another there are other things that take place also.

Paul has been playing rugby for the Old Streetonians RFC since the beginning of last season. They are a great bunch of blokes and they rugby is pretty competitive too.

Last night was their annual awards dinner. Paul, who was recently promoted to the 1st XV, was awarded Most Improved Player, and was also awarded team colours.

Amy's suport was also recognised and she was awarded WAG of the Year.


Paul and Amy with their trophies

Budapest

Hungarian Paprika


Although the story can take a long time to explain if you go into all the details, the short version of Amy's geneology is that her great-grandparents came from Hungary. Although she had spent a couple of weeks in and around Budapest when she was in Europe as an exchange student, there was no questions about being able to share in Valda and Delia's exploration of Budapest.

So last weekend Paul and Amy stayed in the oh so friendly Gallery Hostel and explored the city with Valda and Delia.

Through the Hungarian Club in Auckland Valda had met Gorgyi and Bence who were our guides for the weekend. We saw some great sights, the city all lit up at night and enjoyed some yummy local food thanks to their local knowledge.



Inside St Stephen's Cathedral


Outside St Stephen's Cathedral



Stained glass in St Mathais Cathedral


The Hungarian Holy Crown (Replica held in St Mathias Cathedral)


Paul and Amy with the beautiful Hungarian Parliament Building behind


Freedom Memorial


View of the Palace by night


Paul considering a job change


Valda and Gorgyi looking for traditional Hungarian clothing


Icon Art


Heros' Square


Heros' Square


A Russian Locker in the train station

A cheese obsessed weekend in the countryside - Cheddar

Valda and Delia had said they were keen to see the countryside so in an effort to stay near Bristol where Delia was to see a friend Cheddar, and the Cheddar Gorge, was an obvious choice.


'Acob's Ladder - Paul, Delia and Valda


Delia trying to blend into her surroundings


Delia and Amy (shortly before the camera was surgically removed)


A view down the Cheddar Gorge


Valda and Amy with some warm apple cider (local produce you see)


Mmmm cheese


Is that cheese in the sky?

Visitors - Valda and Delia

It seems that us being here has sparked family members to come travelling. After the visits of Max, Torie, Kay & Dennis earlier in the year it was Valda and Delia's turn.

Here are some photos from their time with us in London.


Delia and Valda with Amy in the local pub just after their arrival


Delia and Amy in (not so) Green Park


Amy, Valda and Delia at Tower Bridge


Delia and Amy at starbucks one night after work

For more of their travels see Valda's Blog

Paris - RWC Final

After much soul searching we decided that a final with England and South Africa, which would no doubt be a kicking game rather than true try scoring rugby, was not really a game we needed to be in the Stadium to watch so we sold our tickets to the game but still went to Paris for the weekend.

We had a great time sightseeing and meeting a varied bunch of South Africa supporters under the Eiffel Tower. It is likely to be the only time we ever support South Africa though...


The English invasion of Paris


... Although I wonder who the French were supporting...


Game on the big screen


The Louvre in the sun


Notre Dame from a river cruise

Speights Ale House

After the AB's loss we consoled ourselves in NZ beer and pies. Yum.

Thanks to Fran and Graham who sussed the tickets!


Paul, Graham, Fran and a pie. Mmmmm


Speights, Speights and Speights


Amy & Fran

The rest of the RWC

I know it's been a while but at long last I have sat down to sort some photos.

Here are some highlights from Toulouse and Cardiff (photowise at least for Cardiff)...


Dennis, Kay, Kiwi and Paul at the All Blacks vs Romania in Toulouse


Two kiwis enjoying a drink while watching Fiji play Wales, Toulouse. Bula Bula Bula!


Tom, Amy, Paul and Vicky outside Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Wales


Paul had decided with the RWC being based in France it was only fair that the stadium was correctly named...


The formidable French line up in the tricolour as a challenge to the Haka. All Blacks vs France, RWC 2007, Cardiff