Feestpaleis/Wellington blog

Ruapehu, one of NZ’s active volcanos, erupted last night, covering its snowy top in black ash and seriously injuring a climber when a huge rock flew through the roof of his hut. See stuff.co.nz for the story and more pictures.

A steam and ash cloud was seen from Turoa ski-field when the volcano erupted for seven minutes without warning about 8.15pm.
GNS Science said it lost the signals from its equipment at the shelter, which indicated “significant action” at the top of the mountain.
GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott said the eruption generated a 2.8-magnitude volcanic quake.
Pilots flying in the area had reported an ash column of about 5000 metres.

“It’s below the 15,000 foot level, and rising, so it sounds as though there’s been some ash associated with the eruption as well,” said GNS Science duty volcanologist Craig Miller.

“The MetService have recorded some signatures from an apparent ash cloud on their radar and aviation authorities are already keeping planes clear of the area,” he said.
Skiers staying in lodges on the mountain reported a glow from the mountain top.

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We received awesome news just now! The proposed “marine education centre” that was to be built on our beautiful south coast will not happen! Save The Point says:

Hot off the press 9.30 am 21 Sept 2007 The environment court descision has been given in our favour, there will be no aquarium development at Te Raikaihau Point, this is huge news, well done to all the supporters . More to follow YEEEHA

For more information on why so many people fought hard to stop the aquarium, see the Save The Point FAQ.

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After cruising home on my skateboard today I discovered one of our Tulips in bloom:

Shortly thereafter, I discovered a nice cold beer on our deck:

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Remember that popular 90s song by kiwi band Otara Millionaires Club? OMC singer Pauly Fuemana made millions but lost it all and ended up bankrupt. After ten years, he’s returning to music and released a single together with fellow kiwi Lucy Lawless (she played Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess). Here’s Pauly Fuemana’s story:

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Moon crescent, shot from our deck:

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Time really does fly…
Exactly one year ago today, at 12:20pm, we arrived in Wellington on our one-way flight from the Netherlands. I won’t say “it seems like only yesterday”, but it doesn’t feel like a year has passed. Maybe a very short action packed rollercoaster ride that lasted a year. We celebrated tonight with a pot-luck dinner and our new friends, who have made us feel very welcome and at home this year.

Readers of our blog know we’ve been having heaps of fun, and our closest friends know it hasn’t been non-stop fabulous fun all the time. But overall, we can say it has been a good and very exciting year for us. Some of you have asked us if we’re planning to stay. We always say we’re not sure, which is true, but we’re fairly sure we would like to stay for a little while longer, even though we do miss our dutch friends and our families. Thankfully, we use text and video chat all the time so we can keep in touch.

Last year was about getting settled in, learning our way around Wellington and meeting new friends. Next year will be more of that, but also finding a new Feestpaleis, since our little house on the hill is only temporary, and another round of paperwork to extend our current visa. And more surfing, playing ultimate, tramping, planting, pubquizzes, yoga, tinkering, carving, cooking, mixing drinks, designing graphics, cycling, hunting for treasures in second hand stores, playing cardgames in a bar, working, travelling, making music, and trying out new things that we don’t even know about yet.

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It’s officially Spring since 1 September, and that means it’s windy as most of the time. On my way to work I count the number of wrecked umbrellas sticking out of rubbish bins. I thought everyone knew by now that umbrellas are useless in Wellington…

Anyway, brisk southerlies and rain today, looking out from my 7th floor office I saw rain going in all directions. A brief clear period coincided with me leaving the office, but when I arrived home fresh showers were rolling in:

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