Paper cranes

I finally learnt how to fold paper cranes! About 20 years later than your average Asian but I'm okay with that.

Sunday

Cosy Sunday morning
Drinking coffee in my bed
Folding paper cranes
Listening to the rain

Humble Jumble

You love going to see live music.

Waiting for the tickets to go on sale. Booking the tickets. Getting the tickets. The buzz. The heavy rotation of their music as you count down the days to the gig. They're your faves anyway but you find yourself listening to them even more than usual. And then the night comes and you listen to their music as you're getting ready to go see them live for the first time ever. Live. In your small wee humble town. Tonight they're playing your town of all places. Tonights the night.

You get to the venue. There's a queue but no worries because you've got your tickets already. Everyone shuffles along buzzing with excitement and anticipation. You get inside and everyone is chatting and dancing and smiling and checking out the crowd and waiting and meeting new friends; bonding over your mutual love for the music. And gin and tonics. You meet a new friend who can't remember your name even though you've told them about three different times, but they are still making the effort to introduce you to their friends. Which is nice. Eventually you just tell them your name is Ginny; they don't even realise its changed but they remember it now. Ginny. You smile to yourself. Hee, funny.

The venue is small. Intimate. The main act is out mingling with the crowd. That's cool. It's a small venue. They're out meeting their fans, their support. You like that. You decide to go over and say hi and tell them you love their stuff. The same stuff everyone tells them really, but it's okay because it's true.

Chat chat chat. Someone brings over three drinks. Gin and tonics. 'Wow look at everyone buying you drinks', you say. The main act sticks out their wrist showing your their paper wristband, 'I'm the main act, I get free drinks', they explain. 'I know you're the main act', you say. 'What is this', they say, 'why are you talking like I think I'm the shit cos I'm the main act. Oh I know you're the main act. That's not me man. I'm an individual. I'm humble. That's why I'm out here talking to the fans. You don't even know me. Like I know you must be okay because you are out here tonight showing your support for my music but don't say that man. I'm humble. This is not how you have a conversation with someone you don't know. Maybe I am too serious but I'm not cool with what you said. Oh I know you're the main act. Not cool.'

WOW, you think, and for a second you do feel kind of apologetic because you do support their music, and you do look up to them as an artist. But mostly you think, WOW, what a complete dickhead. But of course you don't think this til later because you're are still buzzing from being there and meeting them.

You think it's kinda European how it was all organised which is maybe what our humble main act requested. The local support acts were still going strong, and killin it at 2am. The venue normally shuts at 2am. Redbulls were being ordered. People were dropping out. They couldn't handle the pace. Or maybe they were just there to support the locals which is great. You love that.

The main act finally goes on stage around 4am; plays a very average set. You're still thinking about their lecture from earlier: was your small comment really that offensive? You get no buzz from hearing them live. You think that maybe if they played a BANGIN set, their arrogance could maybe be justified. Maybe. But then it's all over and you leave feeling kinda disappointed. You go home and you go to sleep.

Casting Call

We just need you to say, 'where did he get all that popcorn from?' in your thickest Scottish accent.

Oh okay. Hey, I just left my friend, I can go get her if you like, she has a thicker accent than me, I offer.

Is she Asian?

No

Yeah, we kinda want someone who doesn't sound like they should, he explained.

Oh.

#86

She told me that I had neat handwriting
I said, thanks

Happy Halloween!

Harro

I wanted fake blood, and to wear a poncho but my flatmates scoffed at the idea of a Mexican zombie so I just went as a Chinese zombie who later became a bit of a hipster zombie. It was a good time.

- Check out accidentalchinesehipsters who used one of my pics in their Halloween post! Thanks for the love!

So true

We went to check out the Cloud because the Black Seeds were playing. I had tried a few times before to get in but the rugby was going off and while I was enjoying the hype, I wasn't ready to give up my afternoons queuing to be squashed into a venue. I was pleasantly surprised on Saturday night. It's a good wee pop-up venue, and the crowd were chill. We even squeezed our way to the front. Love a chill crowd. Of course, met a couple of Scottish lads at the front. It's not so easy to get to the front of a crowd in Scotland. They were both wearing their rugby tops. I asked if I could have John's rugby top. I thought we had an exchange but he thought I was talking about his red shirt underneath. No, I said, your Scotland top. He thought about it, no. Oh, I said. Well you can wear it for 5 minutes. Great, enough time for a photo then, happy with that. Took a few photos, hung out til the Black Seeds had finished their set and we were on our way. Off to find another party. I was KEEN to check out the Puma After hours Club that's been in town but I think we walked in the wrong direction. Soo got chatting to some lad who was shouting down from his balcony. I just wanted to find the after hours club. I was trying to find a good wi-fi connection so I could use Google Maps. The guy was now downstairs trying to hustle us into his apartment. He had already bribed Soo with a cigarette. They were hollering at me. I just wanted to find the after hours club. Hey, c'mon, he says we can go up, shouts Soo. I don't want to go up there, I say to myself as I walk towards them. Hey, this is Dollar. Sue, nice to meet you. He's from X, says Soo. I have no idea where X is so I just nod and smile. Cool, I say. C'mon, let's go, everyone is upstairs, says Dollar. Dollar, dolla bills y'all. His yellow watch stands out beautifully on his black skin. Yellow stands out beautifully on my skin too. I ask him if I can have it and go to unbuckle it. He says, no. I say, okay. It's a  fuckin good watch, I say, I like it. We get to the flat after walking up one flight of stairs; going through a door and turning into the third door on the right. It's dark inside with balloons taped to the ceiling. We were handed Vodka Cruisers, raspberry flavour. Everyone was drinking Vodka Cruisers. Guys, and girls. It was a 25th birthday. I thought to myself, what the fuck but didn't want to be rude so drank it like everyone else. I found some 3D glasses and popped out the glass and wore them for the rest of the night. I have no idea why. I even have photos. I took some photos of myself in the mirror when I was in the bathroom. I was having fun doing that til someone knocked on the door so I said, gimme 2 minutes. I had a quick pee, and washed my hands with the posh soap then  went back out to the party. I got given some chocolate cake on a paper plate. I had no interest in talking to any of these people so I sat out on the balcony where the smokers were taking slow drags on their cigarettes and smiling into the room. Their eyes were not focus. Too many Vodka Cruisers I bet. I still had my glasses on with no glass, and my raspberry Vodka Cruiser. I put down the cake and the Vodka Cruiser and looked around. Who were these people? I didn't want to be rude so I started eating the cake. I didn't get given a spoon so I had to use my hands. It was good cake. The creamy middle looked like brie so I just ate the sponge around it and left the middle. Soo was smoking another cigarette. I went back inside to find a napkin to wipe my hands. I couldn't find any. Only cakes. They had a square sponge cake still in the plastic bag. Cakes everywhere. I was looking for something savoury now but there were no nibbles anywhere only empty Vodka Cruiser bottles. I even looked in the pantry. Soo was now dancing with Dollar. I couldn't tell if she was enjoying herself or not. Google Maps confirmed that we had walked ages in the wrong direction from the Puma after hours club. I said to Soo it was time to go.  I rummaged through the plastic bags for a Vodka Cruiser for the road but they were all finished so I took a Red Bull instead. Wow, that was random, we laughed as we retraced our steps back to the entrance. We got distracted at this point by a 24hr shop where I bought a kiwi pie. I swiped my card and entered my PIN. Do you have any ketchup, I asked. The man said, no. I was a little disappointed. I hope I didn't look too disappointed because it's not his fault but why would you not have ketchup. I felt like putting back the pie and asking for a refund but of course I didn't. It was tasty. I think we had given up on the after hours club at this point. We went instead to a pop up bar that's normally a really average coffee place with horrific customer service. With the rugby it has had a pop up extension of sorts and now sells drinks with a big TV screen. We were here just a few weeks back, and there was a creepy old man who gives me the creeps just thinking about him. He wasn't there tonight. Thank fuck. Creep. I recognised the Japanese boy with the dreadlocks from last time and smiled at him. I think I was the creepy old man this time if it's possible for me to be a creepy old man. He smiled back, and I smiled at him a bit more. Soo drank a Coke. I talked some very important rubbish to some Irish lads then it was time to call it a night. Soo paid for the taxi. I must pay her back. I woke up the next day a little bit tired but with a Red Bull in my bag. The Black Seeds were excellent by the way. xx

Wednesdays

As part of my weekly volunteering stint, I get to go to film screenings!

It's pretty great, I'll get a txt in the morning stating if I can get there for 8.45 then I can come see a film. I make sure to tell my flatmates (hello) with their serious lawyer and accountant jobs that I will be spending the morning watching a film, and with a breakfast apple in hand, I skip off to the screening bidding them a very good day at work. Good day!

I generally ask what the film is called but the title does not often reveal too much. 13 ASSASSINS was an epic 141mins long Japanese samurai film. It opens with a hara kiri scene which is quite hard to stomach (yes...) at 9.30 in the morning but it sets the tone for the rest of the film. A wee shame that one of the other viewers huffed and puffed through the whole film, and even imitated the voices. Can't stand ignorance like that. I thought the film was a great cultural insight into the life of samurai, and the role of the Shoguns in Japanese history. Very good although I'm not sure if I would watch it again.

Coffee bag

Coffee in a bag. It were alright.

$5 coffee

Where am I, Auckland?? 

I thought they had a cute collection of stuff behind the counter. Kinda organised, collected clutter. I like it. Like every employee has their own wee stamp on the place. I think that's important. I'm a big fan. 

Meanwhile, $5 coffees! So, extra for soya milk (fair enough); extra for take away cups... I agree with the principle, save the world yup, but what about saving pennies!?? $0.50 is still money! Would they serve me coffee if I brought in my own mug because I would do that. Probably. If it wasn't raining. And if I wasn't in a rush because then it might spill over the sides. It would get cold faster too. Gosh. They have a monopoly on my take away options. Carrying a mug of coffee down K Road probably wouldn't be that unusual though... What's good K Road?!?

Hey,  if you can guess where that photo was taken I will buy you a coffee.

Bring a mug.

962 Newmarket

Last seat on the bus
Facing backwards
Facing the bus
Asian kid doin maths homework
Lady doin a bit of sewing
Headphones competing
iPhones playin
Standing
Hold on.
Window seat
Daydream
Fresh start.

Karangahape Road

K Road 

School girls eating candy floss

On their way to school

Rainbows
Eighthirty coffee

Art galleries
Adult shops

Open for business, 9am.

Women with beautiful legs
K Road bridge
Men with beautiful legs

The green Link bus.

Pubs selling coffee

Pubs selling drinks

Banks
Calender girls
Because boys
We've got nothing on
Charity shops
Over priced charity shops
kFM
Dancing man with sunglasses
Rain
Dancing in the rain.


$2 shops
Bottle shops
Tattoo parlours
Shisha pipes
People just hangin out
People just dancin out
on the street
From the night before
Maybe
Who cares.
Buzz.
Creative buzz.
Creative energy.
Non stop.
Different.
Everyday different.

Ponsonby

Dogs that look like they have beards

Owners who look like their dogs

Sunglasses, always

Run or shine

Sunglasses

Sexy bicycles

Just look at the cyclist

Fixie?

Yup, course

Fancy little cafes

Conch Records

The green Link bus

Cute boutiques

Speedwalkers

Women

Marching along the payment

Power walking

Two by two

Brunch

Mums taking their buggies for a walk

Coffee in hand

Flat white with soya milk

Phone in the other

Hello hello

Trying to steer with their wrists

Important people outside Chapel bar

Always

Drinks and chit chat

Kids in designer clothes

on their scooters

Helmet on

Upside down Mini

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee

Paper cut-out of the Royal family

The whole gang

Did anyone else see that?

Well, pretend

Humour me

Love my tan

Love my look

Love my style

Ponsy. Ponsonby.

Creativity is freedom... Creativity is also the absence of fear. Not being afraid to approach something, and make a mistake, or be wrong or right or any of that. It's just the absence of fear.
- Erykah Badu


Peace and light,
Thanks for reading.
Sue

Thanks to Okayplayer  too!

Monday

I was in a bad place
Oh Monday, you're just not my favourite
Blue. Boos. Monday.
Biggest weekend come down in ages
Monday blues, boo.
Oh, I'm speaking in metaphors
Metaphorical come down,
Not pharmaceutical. Gosh.
Crashing.
CRASHING, boo.

Finally.
Finally, finish work.

Home time.
Karangahape Road time

K Road makes me smile
I find myself smiling when I go down K Road
I find myself waiting for the green man a lot
On K Road
It was where Upper Queen Street meets
K Road, on K Road.
Through the crowd.
Through the crowd on K Road
My first Auckland accidentalchinesehipster
Through the crowd. Mid to late 40s
A red helmet. Orange, brown roots
Under a red helmet.
Dyed to cover the greys, obv
Mismatched denims
Not that matching would be better.
Flared jeans.
Flares, and a BMX bike at her side.

A BMX bike.

She was wheeling it along but
The helmet was strapped under her chin.
I think it was her bike.
I think it was her BMX bike.

I love you lady, you made my day
I love you K Road
I love you accidentalchinesehipsters.tumblr.com
I love you Monday

Bicycle

Shit. I was killing myself. There was 5 of us. We all came to meet this lady who was selling her bike. She wanted rid of it because every time she went round a corner, she'd fall off it. Yup.

We all wanted this bike so we kept straight faces while she shared her fallingoffroundeverycorner anecdote. I was struggling. Sometimes stuff is just so much funnier when you know you can't laugh out loud about it. I was ready to explode inside. The image was too much.

Biting my lip, focusing on the table.

I knew not to make eye contact with anyone. Laughing inside. I looked up. Bad mistake. I caught one of the guys. I made eyes with one of the guys, and I just lost it. Shiiiii. Ohmygoodness, I was crying. There was tears.

The woman glared at me. I felt a bit bad that I had disrupted her story. She didn't need to say anymore. We were hooked.

I can't even really remember what the bike looked like but it was nice. Kinda metallic blue road bike. It had a kick stand. I remember that. Why do I remember that? Nice slender frame, it looked good.

I tuned back into the conversation, and the woman was going on about how she was going to sell the bike to the person who she felt had the biggest connection with the bike. The price was fixed. Much like those trendybastard fixed gear bikes (although I secretly want one, a lot).

The whole time no one questioned why the woman got thrown off the bike round each corner. We just assumed it was the woman.  She fixed her eyes on me now: how old are you, she questioned, like 40?

I was shocked by this guess. Everyone always guesses younger. I look young. Somehow her question made me angry. I was raging, eh. No idea why. No, you silly old woman, I outbursted, I'm 24. I felt so offended. I have no idea why. I was MORTIFIED, for no real reason.

I immediately knew I had lost the bike just then. Don't piss off the old woman who you want the bike off for goodness sakes!

Who falls off their bike going round a corner anyway?

Kiwi chat (working draft)

I've been in New Zealand just over 4 months now. I love picking up on the words this small nation of people use. I've marked this post as a working draft because I'm still collecting the lingo.

First off, let me introduce some phrases which I like to use. It can be an exchange. Language change happens everyday. Pass it on!

- What's the chat? What's goin on? What's happening?
- Pal Friend. They don't really use this here. I'm bringing it here. Thank you to Glasgow for the influence.
- Wee shame Aw, that's a little bit unfortunate.
- Rubbish Not good.
- Ace Very good.

Kiwi chat, let's start with the basics:
- Choice
Used as an exclamation of appreciation, or to describe something that's really good
Those shoes are choice!

- Mean
Same as above. Really cool, good
I had a mean weekend eh!

- Sweet as! I like this one, sweet as... what??
1. Great,
I made you a cup of tea
Aw, sweet as!

2. No worries
How much do I owe you for petrol?
It's sweet as, don't worry!

- Adjective as 
You can pretty much use any adjective with 'as' for extra emphasis, to intensify the meaning
Yup, keen as
Oh mate, I'm sleepy as

- Eh
I've seen some funny spelling variations of  this. Some people spell it 'aye' but coming from Scotland, I'm just not buying it. They are big fans of building rapport here when chatting. This along with the rising intonation towards the end of phrases, i.e. sounds like they are asking questions the whole time but they're not (always).
Good party eh!

- Bro
Brother, friend, mate. Can be used for both sexes.
Sweet as, bro!

- Chur I've also seen this doubled up, chur chur
Cheers, thanks
Chur bro!

- Oh yup
An acknowledgement. Like, yes, yup, or oh yeah.
Oh yup!

- Yeh, nah, yeh...
Means yes. I think it's like a, oh I'm deciding, yeah go on, yeah.
Do you want a cup of tea?
Yea, nah, yeh...

- Yeh, nah
I'm not sure about that
Yeh, nah...

- Stink
Rubbish, or bad.
I just got soaked walking home
Oh stink!
I can't get use to this one. You'll hear like 40 year old men say this: Anywhere else in the world you wouldn't hear anyone over 4yrs old say this.

- Stink buzz
Rubbish chat, bad vibes
Oh, stink buzz!
I just heard this one for the first time the other night. I think it's horrendous.

- Dumb 
Stupid, rubbish
My flatmates won't let me get a cat
Oh dumb!
This is quite similar to stink, I can't get used to it.

Work chat

- Flick me a txt/ email
Send me a txt
Yup, just flick me a txt when you're ready
I'm not a fan of 'flick', flick me a txt- flick yourself a txt!

- Dominated 
Really busy, owned
I was dominated at work today, didn't finish til 8
Kiwis are always talking about how much they're being dominated. They love it.

Other

- Heaps- this is not exclusively NZ but they do use it excessively here
Lots, loads
I took heaps of photos last night

- Park
A parking space
I'm looking for a park, keep an eye out for a park

- Dairy
Corner shop, newsagent or convenience store

- Togs
Boardshorts, swim wear

- Jandals
Flip flops

I'll be listening out for more, or if you have any suggestions, send them my way!
Chur!

Princess

At first it was kinda cute. I was in the kitchen making a cup of tea, and a grey cat comes along and sits on the window sill to say hi. Big eyes, just peeking in. I was happy to make friends. I tap on the window. Tap, tap. Tapping on the window like it's a fish tank. Tap, tap. Not really sure how to interact with this curious creature, it can't talk. Hello cat.

It's collar said, 'Hello, I'm new to the area. If I appear lost, please call ...'

We have a cat flap in our flat. We don't have a cat. There's a wee lock on it so we don't get random cats coming in for a party when we're all out at work. Anyways, the grey cat comes over to the cat flap and starts pawing at the flap. Tap, tap. I thought this was kinda cute but I was like you're not coming in pal. So it just sits there, and meows. It's collar had turned round now, Princess. Oh pal, just because you're name's Princess doesn't mean you can just come strolling in here! Silly cat. I laugh, and go away to drink my tea.

Princess will come by every couple of days just to say hi. Have a wee nosey. Watch me make my breakfast. My flatmates have no idea what I'm talking about, having never met the grey cat. I just wonder why it keeps coming back. No ones feeding in. What does it want?

Maybe trying to make pals cos we're both kinda new in town.

I'm not going to go around tapping on people's windows though.

Princess...

Closing time

It was closing time

The man took the chair, turned it upside down, 

popped it on the table. Cushioned side down. 

He then moves to the chair next to it, 

repeats this step. Upside down. 

This one had a fluffy cushion which he placed 

on the other side of where it had been sat all day. 

Onto the table. Upside down. Distracted, 

he walks back into the cafe.

The man shuffles back but he has moved 

onto another table. There was still 4 seats waiting, 

waiting to be popped on from the previous table.

Forgotten

He was old. 

This man.

Again, he pops on 2 out of 6 of the new table,

 and then clears cups from another table. 

Walks back into the cafe.

My friend is off to be a sailor in forbidden waters. Nothing exotic, just the UK but yea he pissed someone off at some point so he might not be all that welcome. He can always study something else at uni, he concludes. Maybe sound engineering. What did you study? English language. Ah, that explains why you're... Ah, what's the word... I've got a really good word. He swirls his hands. Thinking. What's-ing.

The man has been waltzing around 

flipping random chairs here and there.

Apart from the kid's table 

which he has stacked on a normal, adult (?) table 

with the kids chairs on top. All four legs.

The man had created a piece of art in his closing, and tidying up efforts.

Quirky, old ocd man.

Owl Print

Thanks debutart.com, and ffffound.com

Love this.

01:14

Cat bread.

Colonel Mustard

I locked the cat in the kitchen

by accident, and when

I got back 2 or 3 hours later,

it had eaten 6 bread rolls.

Cats don't even eat bread.

- Picture, and words unrelated. 

Thank you to Marja Kipperman for the entertaining story.

Merlot Mondays

Red wine red wine red
Wine red wine red wine red wine
Red wine red wine red

One more for luck

set two alarm clocks

tick tock alarm snooze dream dreams

wake up to Monday

Sunday night haiku

writing a haiku
in bed, blue ink on my hands
goodnight Sunday night

Zines: the art of self publication

Zine (n) /zi:n/
A small self-published magazine which is often handmade, and made up of original work. Copies are usually made with a photocopier, and it generally has a small scale distribution. 

One of David Merritt's efforts: recycled book cover, typed up prayers... staple it altogether!

Last weekend I was down at Tangleball where they were running a zine workshop- a kinda hands on, make your own zine affair.  I wasn't sure what to expect before I got there but it was heaps of fun.  We were warmly welcomed by Tessa who also showed us how easy  it was to make the base of a wee zine booklet.  Easy as an A4 piece of paper.  A few folds, a cut down one of the creases then open and fold it in on itself.  Easy.

A solid base. Now we just had to find content to fill that bad boy. Magazines, newspapers, drawings, rubber alphabet stamps, pens, scissors, glue sticks... Heaps of stationary! There was also books and encyclopedias to cut up but I dunno, I just feel quite uneasy about cutting up books.  I feel the same about writing in them, it's just not right. Anyways, I somehow found myself cutting up an encyclopedia (Aa- As).  It was a real old copy that someone had dismissed onto the streets, and Tessa thought she would save it, but not really because there I was cutting it up.  Now I wouldn't normally but she convinced me it was okay, and I was getting involved so...  Yea, it still didn't feel right.  I only cut out a wee section though- a wee piece of South East Asia.  I thought I would make a zine about my travels to Auckland city but I didn't find too much relevant material so I'm stilling workinonit like Dilla.

*more
So there I was walking down K Road.  I love K Road, so many different characters. Anyways, on Thursday evening I bumped into David Merritt with his boxes of zine making gear- rubber alphabet stamps, ink pad, stapler, and a box full of recycled book covers.  He had a small collection of zines laid out on the bench next to him, and he was putting together more.  I didn't make it to the zinefest but I had read about it, and him. He was the man who sits on K Road selling zines, and there he was. What a guy. I had to stop for a chat. 

David Merritt

What a character!  He was great chat. A quick witted, but also very humble man.  

He was like, okay so what are you: a graphic designer, copywriter or a writer?   I was like, I write things. Yeah, you're a geek I can tell! Why do you think that, I asked, is it because I'm wearing glasses?? No. Is it because I'm Asian?? Haha, no. See you've got it wrong, for me a geek is anyone who is passionate about something.  Yea, you're totally right, I agreed.  He goes on, it's just a lot of the time it's seen as a bad thing, or it's computer related but I can tell that you 're passionate. That you're a geek.  Take one of these, go on, take the one down at the other end, GEEK PRAYERS, yea, that's it. Take it, it's yours, now get out of here.

I was kinda overwhelmed by the gift.  We had only been chatting for like 10 minutes but I was very pleased with it.  It looks like he had stapled his collection of Geek Prayers together, and then sewn in a small thread binding.  My first zine!  Hopefully next time I meet him I'll have one to trade with him.

I know, I know: you love what I'm doing, keep it up... Don't make your friend wait any longer... Get out of here. I'm going for a hot chocolate. 

Legend.

FOR PETE

HAVE A DANCE OR TWO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM SUE
HAVE A DRINK OR THREE
YOU'RE NOW TWENTY THREE
HAVE A CAKE WITH A FACE
EAT ITS SPONGY, JAMMY FACE.
HAVE A GOOD ONE  PAL
EAT SOME CAKE AND YOU SHALL
HAVE A FACE WITH A CAKE
A FACE FULL OF CAKE!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


LOVE,LOVE,LOVE
SUE
AGE 24

t y p e

I really want a typewriter.


I've just had the urge to bash out a story.


I don't know what it's going to be about yet.

bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash ring slide click bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash scroll slide click bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash ring slide click bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash bash scroll scroll scroll scroll scroll scroll scroll

That will have to do for now.

Photo Thursday: Glasgow

Glasgow gets such a bad rep but it's one of my favourite places in the world.

I went to university there, made ace friends, and had heaps of good times.  It's July.  It should be summer, and sunny!  I can't get used to this.

I miss hanging out in Kelvingrove Park on a sunny day.  On the big hill with pals, and the rest of the Westend.  Everyone would chill on that hill.  Drinking, chatting, and waving at the polis.  I miss the Westend in general.  I found these photos on my phone so I thought I would share.

The Kelvin 

Love this. I think these guys were singing out their window

Great Western Road

- It's Winter in Auckland. They don't have central heating here... 

I did not pack for a winter in NZ when I left on my trip but this working holiday visa. It's working out okay eh...

The Loft, yoga studio, Auckland

I've done quite a few yoga session since I left on my travels in September.

From a studio set in the serene surrounding of paddy fields and beautifully fresh air, in Ubud, to an air conditioned studio in one of Singapore's many, many malls.  The world class instructors make up for the lack of atmosphere in the latter.  But all in all, it's been pretty good, and varied.

I have found a nice wee studio in Auckland.  It's called The Loft but I'm pretty certain there is another floor above it.  Anyways, for $17 ($14 for students) you get a 75 min yoga session, dinner AND dessert.  Absolute treat!  It's all vegan food so it's all round goodness.

Monday's Vinyasa class is worth checking out.  It's in the smaller room so only fits like 12 people but it's great, and a bit more challenging which I like.  Miki teaches this class.  She is a quirky Japanese girl who effortlessly demonstrates some positions, and says things like 'if you've never done this position before... watch the person in front of you' for others.  Lucky the person in front of me knew what they were doing.  I'm still trying to learn all the different names.  The small room is literally 6 mats wide, and 2 deep.  Intimate.  I like it.

Tuesday's Ashtanga class is good too.  Miki again.  I've been a few times, and the class size seems to vary a lot.  It's in the larger room. The first time I went, it was packed out, I think someone even had a mat in the changing room at the back! I wasn't a fan of the crowded class at first, thinking they were packing too many people in but I kinda forgot about it throughout the practise, and I've been back since so all good.  Second time, the class was a better size.  Heaps of sun salutations, balancing poses, stretches.  A good balance, and at a decent pace too.  Mat hire is free, and there's loads of blankets for relaxation at the end.  THEN it's dinner time.

Food food food.  Vegan isn't a lifestyle I have ever really considered.  I've done a vegetarian challenge but never vegan.  Every time I've been to the Loft though they've cooked up something different (from the last time), and tasty, and it all seems pretty simple too.  Portion sizes are huge.  They make these delicious chocolate brownies but without the chocolate.  They use carob.  I hadn't even heard of carob before but it's tasty as.  A tasty vegan friendly chocolate alternative!  I kinda joked that the girl next to me got a bigger piece than me, and she was like, we can swap, I like the corner slabs anyway, and that made me go hmm maybe the corner slab is better, maybe I'll keep it.  I ended up with both pieces cos she was so full after dinner, hahah.  Treat!  Hopefully carob is good the next day too.

I believe Wednesday, Thursdays are hatha classes, I've not tried them yet but the website will tell you more about the classes.

See you there!

http://www.theloft.org.nz/

NEXT: I'm keen to try Bikram yoga, and also laughing yoga.  I'll be back.

Oh hiyaz- a definition

Oh hiyaz came up in conversation today when I met up with Emma from re>publication. 

I struggled at the time to think up a formal definition but I got in touch with an old friend, Ginge, and together we came up with our interpretation of said phrase.  I wouldn't call ourselves pioneers but anything along those lines will do nicely.

Sheena MacSween

 "oh hiyaz / oh hiyas" (insert phonetics bit) this versatile phrase originated in Glasgow in 2005/2006 academic year. it really took off in 2007. and now has spread across the rest of Scotland, England and much of South America, Asia and New Zealand. Can be used as an informal greeting but more commonly used...
Sue Tsang 
I asked for a definition not a history...
Sue Tsang 
‎/o haɪja:z/
First heard in Glasgow circa 2006. Origins are unsure. Affiliated with ginge chigga/ wigga street gangs. Also entered the Madrileno vernacular briefly as 'oh HOLA!' Used as an exclamation of surprised- happy- appreciation.
Sheena MacSween 
examples. i just found a tenner on the street - "oh hiyaz!"
Sheena MacSween 
can also be used to congratulate someone - i just got a new job - oh hiyas!

• banter.

GoogleAds is pretty handy- it let's you know where all your site traffic is coming from.

It made me smile when I saw that someone had typed 'camembert nightmares' into Google, and it directed them to my page.  This made me review my post, and I found it a wee bit upsetting that I did not report back with my findings.  Sorry about this, pals!

I don't think it worked.  I think you really need more than a slither to get a cheese induced nightmare.  Also maybe camembert is a bit too creamy.  Maybe I need to get a smelly, crumbly cheese involved...

WATCH THIS!

A morning in Luang Prabang, Laos

I cruised down the Mekong for two days to get to this little gem of a city.
Two days because I opted for the cheaper and safer slow boat.  It takes literally a quarter of the time if you want to take the fast boat. I actually saw a few zoom past. The passengers wore motorcycle helmets. The fast boats only seated about 5 people, it's a speed boat. Meanwhile, the slow boats can squeeze in like 100 people- rows and rows of small wooden benches. Minimal leg room. Wooden, numb bum but at least you don't have to wear a motorcycle helmet, and if you were to crash into a rock, the whole boat would not crumble.  A speed boat would, warned my hostel owner in Chiang Mai.  Oh it would, he said.  Safe! You can read about the slow boat journey here.

Once locating your backpack, and climbing up the small hill, you'll be greeted by a small group of tuktuk drivers.  The city is a UNESCO world heritage site, making all big vehicles forbidden.  It's a real religious city- about 90% of Laotians are Buddhists- and it's forbidden to be higher than a monk so no buses!  It was really quite refreshing being in a town without heaps of traffic.

Monks do not have any possessions- although sometimes you see them in big cities with mobile phones, and shopping which I can't really understand... anyways, in Luang Prabang, every morning, the monks walk down to the main street to collect alms.  They each carry an alms bowl which they use to collect goodies and which they all share out later in the temple, and that's their food for the day.

I was with my friend, Pete, and we got up at 530am to get ready to go hand out alms.  There was already a lady there setting up a stall with baskets of sticky rice so we bought a couple from her. You can also buy packs of biscuits if you are into that.  It was still dark at this point but a few people had started to gather. Once it started getting light, more people arrived, tourists and locals alike and we all lined up at the side of the road. Soon we saw the bright orange robes of the monks walking down the street in single file. They walk alongside us and open their bowls each time they pass someone with an offering.  There was a local next to us, and she would pinch some sticky rice, and roll it into a ball before popping it into the monk's bowl, and whispering a prayer. They come by really fast so I probably only managed every 3rd monk but they all share the food anyway. It was a good experience.

There were a couple of homeless families on our side of the road too, and a lot of the monks would donate all their alms to them.  One of the woman selling alms across the road had one of her kids with a box on our side of the road, and the monks would hand over all the biscuits and treats into the kid's box, and I guess the goods would get sold again the next day... huhh.

The only thing that annoyed me were the tourists that chased the monks down the road to snap photos! It was crazy, running after the monks like that.  Very disrespectful, and embarrassing seeing falangs (foreigners) disrupting the morning ritual like that.  I took a photo from afar...

Pappin the papz

We went along to the morning market after. Lots of treats!

Baskets for sticky rice alms

Colourful veggies

Rice, rice, rice

This little kid was actively involved in choosing dinner. The ducks were freakin out.

Catch you next time,

Sue

via okayplayer.tumblr.com

black melon bread.

So this packaging has created a huge uproar.

You guys have it all wrong. Huge props if you can grow an afro with Oriental hair.

coffee?

I have mixed feelings about this: I can make an alright coffee now. Like foam and everything! Hahaha oh no.

It means I've made too many fricken coffees. Being the only girl in the office still makes you lower in tea/coffee making duties than the intern.

And now whenever I go buy a coffee, it's just not very good.

All mixed up.

flip flops

Playing behind a waterfall in the Botanical gardens, Singapore

Rain rain rain wind rain wind wind rain rain. I don't know what it is but when it's raining I just want to hide inside.

I had the time of my life traveling through Asia. Flip flopping around. I got to Australia. Welcome to Australia. Thrown right back into the city- wow this is the first time I've worn shoes in 5 months, I thought. Very upsetting. Thrown back to the city, Melbourne, where girls walk around in high heels during the day. 20 something degrees. Crazy chat. No, not into that at all.

Of course the locals can get away with it. They are used to it.

Meanwhile, back to flip flops. So its rain rain raining. I pop my shoes in a bag, and wear my flips flops to walk into work. People are always like, ah your feet are getting wet. My feet are getting wet but they will dry once I get inside. If I wear shoes in the rain, my shoes are going to get wet, and my feet will be wet all day. All day, my brothers. Just think about that. Is that good stuff I'm sharing or just an idea that only makes sense to me?!?

I would loves boots but again not very practical for backpacking. Heavy. Welly boots are fun but not really socially acceptable in the city eh. Wee shame.

Don't say I'm not nice to you. Spread the word !

Flip flop tan lines

No couple please.

Hello blog, how are you? I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Sorry for neglecting you but you will be happy to hear that I now have a fuckingplacetolive! CHECK that off the to do list. Yeahhhhh!

Phewww, it was a stressful time. I got a mouth ulcer from the stress. It was under my tongue. Can you imagine? Oh, the pain. I thought it was some sort of mouth cancer from a build up of 'social' cigarettes that I seem to like to smoke now and again. I couldn't do anything about it. I don't think they have Bonjela here so I just had to deal with it and find a flat.

I have always shared flats with friends. If you don't count student halls in 1st year of uni. Halls aren't really flats though. So yeah, I have always shared with friends. Here I was in NZ, checking the trademe website everyday for flat listings. For about a week I was just looking at the 'Featured first' drop down which are the listing that people pay extra for because its the default search. I felt pretty stupid when I discovered there was a 'Latest listings' option, and tens of more flats showed up. I felt really stupid actually but at least I knew I could start to properly look for a flat now.

I was clicking on listings based on the photos, and the price. Then you read the ad, and txt the person and in 140 characters try and make yourself interesting or memorable enough to be asked to come and view the flat. Actually phone calls would make things more direct and less like a 140 character life story but I'm not made of money so sometimes it would have to be txts. Then you go and view the flat, and in 10/15 minutes try and make yourself seem like a nice person to live with.

There's a real power imbalance. You're trying to make a good impression but really all they've given you is:

- Medium sized room, $160 a week, $25 for bills which includes electricity, water, internet and flat stuff like toilet paper

- Room is unfurnished but the rest of the flat is furnished so you just need your bedroom stuff

- Looking for someone whose laid back and tidies up after themselves.

- Don't want a party animal but someone who enjoys a vino or two after work.

- Smokers ok. No pets.

- No couples.

SO boring. And all the ads are like this. The only advantage they have is their flat! A huge advantage sure but a lot of the time, THEIR chat was rotten. I really should have just txt them after, 'Nah, yeah, nahhh'.

I actually asked which one of my current flatmate wrote the ad cos it had things like, looking for a woman; no couples unless you are completely illiterate (they had some turn up for the viewing). Lots of weirdos apparently. They thought one of the girls I know was a drug fiend just from 10 mins. First impressions, eh. EH.

My room is great. I have a bed (which I have only half paid for so far- thanks Gabby), and I got a clothes rail at the weekend there. So, I have my own room but still living out a backpack. No bad !!! No couples. No mouth ulcers. Happy.

----

I am living in a house but apparently it is called a flat because I'm staying with people I don't know. For me a flat is an apartment with several floors above or below it. Although saying that, I have been referring to my new temp home as a flat this whole time. Hm. Discuss.

TO DO

busy busy bumble bee

and yes, I do realise I did a horrific job transcribing 'choice'. Without sounding like a booze hound, I blame the rum. I think it should be more like /tʃɔɪs/.

I've not really adopted 'choice' though. (the font has changed??)

I like 'sweet as'. Sweet as, what?

Sweet as, whatever you like.

'its pretty much just hippies, and people who want to get laid'

Couchsurfing.

I think its one of those things people have heard of but not sure if they would ever try. I was the same. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing, people like to talk, people value what their friends have to say. I used my friend, Graham's, opinion as the title of this blog.

I have to admit, he didn't really sell it to me.

How I came to discover couchsurfing was when I was in Fiji. I met Jukey, an ex army guy from America who also happened to be traveling to Auckland after Fiji. We spent a couple of days together exploring, and as he was leaving for NZ before me, I asked him which hostel he was staying in. Maybe as a recommendation, or just to hook up with him again for more traveling. He introduced me to the concept of couchsurfing. Even though I had heard alot about couchsurfing, I hadn't actually spoken to someone who had hosted/ surfed, and well, Jukay did a good job selling it to me. People value what their friends have to say.

'What, so, when you head out to work, do they leave with you for the day, or do you give them a key? How does it work? Do you lock up your stuff?' I asked.

And he said, 'No, actually. I don't lock up my stuff haha. I guess you just have to trust people.'

I was like wow, and I signed up to the site the next day. I still wasn't sure whether I would try it but I signed up to see what it was all about. As a Couchsurfing member, you have a profile page, and you state whether you are hosting, surfing, or traveling. It is based on a reference system so its like feedback. People write that you are awesome/ rubbish to have around, etc. So from these references, and from what someone has written about themselves on their page, you can build an idea of what that person is like.

I was quite keen to see if Jukay's host had space for me on the nights Jukay was staying. Just so I had someone I knew to freak out with haha, but his couches were all full. I did end up staying in a hostel for a week or so but I figured since I was hanging around Auckland for a bit that I should try and meet some locals. Get some of their insight into the city, and not just the generic touristy stuff. This is what I love best about the couchsurfing concept. Traveling through SE Asia, my best experiences were ones where the locals let me in, and gave me a taste of their everyday life. You can't beat that.

I sent off a few requests. Got a few declines. I didn't have any references, and well, I hadn't ever written a request to someone to sleep on their couch before. What do you write?!? It felt pretty good, getting my first accept haha. I was nervous but his picture looked nice. Looks do count.

So my first host... (Hi John!) I told you I would write about you!! First of all, he was shorter than I thought he would be. I can't stop meeting short boys in Auckland apparently. I had a friend I could txt to say I was safe, and it was sweet as. After 7 months traveling, it was like, back to reality. John would wake up at like 530 to get to the gym before work, and I wouldn't see him until like 6 in the evening. I would say he was one of my first friends in Auckland. I think people often just surf a couch, and then move on but we kept in touch cos we're cool like that.

I've met some really good people through the site. Within like a week of signing up, I had organised to go away on a weekend with couchsurfers. I managed to hook up a ride down to Coromandel, and I spent the weekend hanging out with people I'd never met before. It was crazy, and probably would have never met these locals or went on a trip like that if I had stayed in a hostel. A week after that, I was doing the Tongariro Crossing with people who put up an ad on couchsurfing. One of the girls from the Coromandel trip, Sarah, was friends with the girl doing the Tongariro Crossing so it wasn't a completely random.

'For some reason I wasn't so worried about going on a road trip...' I said.

'What if we kidnapped you?'

Huh. I didn't think about that I admitted, haha. I did feel more easy about going on the trip after Sarah said her friend was cool. References.

My experiences have been good so far. I've met some sweet people from all over the world, and locals. Learnt some new words in several different languages. Practised my High school German. (I am getting good- and phrases like, how much pocket money do you get per month; do you have pets? are ACE. they are only useless if you make them useless!! actually if I asked an 11yr old German these questions they would probably think I was crazy). I got a job through couchsurfing! Getting pretty good at frisbee. Been to some real local places. Co founded Merlot Monday (this shit is goin to take off). Sharing stories. Made friends to visit from loads of countries around the world. Living life!

www.couchsurfing.org

Ahh, yeah. My mum did freak out when I told her I was surfing with a 40yr old man. I don't think the site will ever shake the sex party vibe off but it happens so I guess Graham was right in a way. Some people will host you to try and hook up with you- I didn't sign up for this shit you tell them, or you might be into that.

You pick your own experiences.

LOOKBOOK.su

I did a wee impromptu photo shoot with my friend, Mark. It involved a few change of clothes so I'm wondering if that makes it a fashion shoot...

I've been told the photos have a lookbook feel to them.

I've been told lookbook is an exclusive, invite only site where you post lovely looking photos of yourself, and your outfit of the day. iamtryingsohardnottoposethatilookstiffandposey photos make me cringe! So I'm still trying to figure out the lookbook connection.

let loose, and have fun!

Photo by Mark Russell.

plastic glasses, vintage

scarf, shop in Madrid

top, TKMAXX

jeans, GAP

belt, Diesel

socks, the business socks shop

Photo Thursday

Last week's answer was the Mekong River. On the slow boat to Laos. I thought it was quite easy. Maybe not.

This week is easy for sure. I'll even give you a clue- it was taken in Europe...

Where am I?

I missed a great photo opp today. Absolute guts. The whole time I was thinking that would make a great photo, but we got hurried out before I could snap it. Gahhh. Next week!

redwine haikus

red wine red wine red

cabernet sauvignon, red

wine red wine merlot

poetic genius

red wine red wine red wine red

autumn is here now.

this wine is delish,

i mean delicious. you should

join in. autumn now.

this haiku comp is,

getting out of hand. can't wait

to read this tomo

wine wine wine wine wine

i can barely see now pal

autumn is here now (standard).