Raving it up at the New Lynn RSA.

I just love my local RSA, and as always, they put on a really good 'do' tonight. A terrific band playing authentic Rock and Roll, great company, food and half-price drinks. What better way to see in the New Year, may I ask? There were some great 60's outfits being worn, and the night was jitterbugged away. New Lynn rocks, it has a totally '60's feel about it, and call me an old fogie, but the NL RSA is as good as anywhere. Nice people, great times. The Te Atatu RSA isn't bad either, and the meals and drinks are even cheaper that at New Lynn, though I find the atmosphere more low-key, let's just say it's not quite as bubbly, in my humble opinion. Still a good place to visit though, and the food is really good. I recommend the steak burger adn the myriad selection of yummy salads.

Before midnight we whipped down to the waterfront to watch the fireworks display from Okahu Bay, magnificent, and well worth the traffic queues afterwards. Made me feel proud to be an Aucklander. What a jewel of a city it is, and especially at night. Happy New Year, NZ! I'm not missing Facebook at all, by the way. (New Year's resolution No 1 - stay off Facebook. Blogs are so much more fun)! Roll on 2011, may it be a cracker. An added bonus already - election year. Bring it on. Delicious! Lolly-scambles galore? Or not? Either way, can't wait for the usual electoral hullabaloo. Always fun, especially for a politicial junkie like myself. Let the games begin!

A little bit of luck...to be born female, for a start...

Personally, in the gender debate, or what is left of it, I feel that these days it is luckier to be born female. Women have as many if not more opportunities than men in this day and age, can have the joy of childbearing/birth/raising firsthand, can still work, study, and play. Yes, we can have it all. Also there is the fun of wearing the more colourful and daring fashions, a myriad arrange of cosmetics (not my scene though), and quite often, I believe, a far more artistic and emotional kind of mind/thinking. Not that men don't raise children of course or for that matter don't wear make-up, lovely clothes, but these things is and will always be, more a womans'' domain. Being female does not tie one to the kitchen sink, though if we didn't cook and clean (whatever our gender) we would live in squalor and starve)...sometimes it is necessary and even of course, enjoyable...

It's a good era to be a woman, as the female leaders of our time have proven. Ciest La Vie! I would love to see NZ have another highly versatile, deep thinking, with a genuine smile, female PM!

Travelling South...

Golden Rule Number One when travelling South, Auckland to Rotorua, - always check that there is no special event on (stock car racing,in this case), so that you don't arrive in the evening to find every room in the place completely booked out! I never normally book Rotorua because of the myriad choice of motels/hotels/bed and breakfasts'etc, and at Christmas time, it is normally fairly quiet Not this time, worst luck! Arrived in the pouring rain, in the evening, tired and hungry, to find the annoying No Vacancy sign flashing at every single inn. Fun indeed, not! Was almost going to go on to Taupo out of desperation, but as Taupo was not my intention, I decided there just had to bee a room left. After much door-knocking and enquiring, around nine o''clock at night I managed to grab the very last room available at the Heritage Hotel (paid more than I would have liked, but it was that or the car.). So, there is a lesson learned. Book ahead, always! Always, always,always. Never, ever assume! Anyway, it's a lovely hotel, with great amenities and a scrumptious, cooked breakfast was thrown in. Very nice of them. I will be forever grateful, not only for the breakfast, but for the last room, I''m sure, in the entire town!

Rotorua is a magical place. Spiritual, cultural, fun and with the most unique, gorgoeus scenery. Also, I enjoy its touristy hullabaloo. I enjoy Hamilton too, but more for the shops and hte city hub feel. Soaking in the bubbles in the hotel spa was wonderful, and well worth the drive through blinding rain, which came out of nowhere.

Happy New Year, holiday joy., The beach is out for me at this time of year, just cannot stand the chaotic queues of traffic. Free flow all the way down South, wonderbar.

Kia Ora....and cheers. Rotorua absolutely rocks, with a unique sparkle and zest all of its own.. Champion. Rain or shine, it's lovely to be here!