Gypse Brass And Gamelan

It was finally time to leave, we had been in Rotorua for 2 weeks and our time was up. The family had been so warm and welcoming to us and we were having such a good time there being one of the family; it was sad to say goodbye, but we didn't come to the other side of the world to hide out in the back end of nowhere so it was off to the capital we went. We got a lift into town with Steve and Hans, due to a lack of seat we had to ride in the back of the truck for 20min trip into town, which was a quirky send off gift, if that what you'd call it. The bus down was rather uneventful, as usual but we did go past the bottom of Mt Doom and eventually after a long days travailing arrived at our new host house and found out why wellingtons know as the windy city, that wind show dus blow. On the 4th we did our first days work and it was quite the contrast to our previous sight. were mainly backing and gardening in the back garden of a city suburb house for an older lady, who in no way let her age get in the way, of anything. On the 5th we explored the city going to Scopa a fancy Italian restaurant but after that it was time to party the night away. Judith (our host) took us to an eccentric BBQ pool party up in the hills overlooking wellington. For the fireworks we strolled down to the beach were we had our own mini firework display before watching the real deal across the harbour. But that wasn't enough for one evening, oh no. After this we headed back into the city to go to 'happy' and watch the Balkan brass explosion, a brass Gypsy band (don't worry i didn't take my wallet or jewelery) who were quite a lively act and Judith's grandson was on the trumpet. So after a feet tapping good time we finally headed for home and bed. But our house being a crazy kiwi doesn't seem to like sleep, so we were up at 8 and back to work, nothing too straineous though, just making a few goodies in the kitchen. so after a relaxed morning of backing i decided to do something a bit more energetic and went for a run around the local area. We are staying in Petone, which is right on the beach and bordered by a rather nice river, so it was a pretty scenic run, even had a bit of time to take in some golf. Monday was a rather mundane day until the evening that is. Our house is a member of a Gamelan music group and we had been invited to attend one of there practise sessions, so how could we say no. Based up at NZ university of music there was about 20 to 30 people there whacking instruments with hammers, apparently that how you play there instruments. and in my book anything you can play via hitting with a hammer is a good in my books. The music itself was rather good to. After watching for a while i was give my chance to shine as i was invited to play with them. I was rocking the Gamelan, even had a solo, but the others forgot to stop playing, but i don't want to seem like a glory hog so i let it go, probably better that way.