Christmas in Akaroa

I had my first Christmas at home in NZ for the first time in 6 years. It was a fabulously hot and sunny day in Akaroa where my grandparents live. There was just a small group of us with mum, dad, auntie Catrina, Gary, Simon, Nan and Pappi, I.

Fancy Melbourne dinner with Shan and Mum#2

Shannon, Ann, Laurie, Racquel and I all went out for a fancy dinner at an Italian place to celebrate my new job. We ate like kings and had some fab desserts as you can see below. A great night was had by all.

For those that do not know I have a new job as Business Analyst with Emirates Leisure Retail which is in the hospitality business and I think it is going to be a great company to work for.

Hidden bars of Melbourne

Shan, Anna, Jane, Rackers and I went on a hidden bars of Melbourne tour and it was fab. Anna had been drinking all afternoon so she did well to last the distance. A great time was had by all.
Pubs visited were:
1. Canary Club
2. 1806
3. Campari House
4. Penny Blue
5. Palms at the Carlton

Visit to Sydney

A few weekends ago I headed up to Sydney to visit my brother Simon. We had a great time and headed up to the Central Coast, to Terrigal and Avoca beaches, in a friends V6 Holden Ute. We were like proper Ockers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocker) and it was great!

Melbourne

I have been in Melbourne for a few weeks now and have managed to land a job starting next week.
I have had a few nights out on the town which have been great fun.
Here is a pic of Melbourne at night:














Here is Shan and Mr Darcy of whom I have been staying with.

AFRICA

Before heading home to NZ I spent 18 days in Africa (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) with Absolute Africa and had a fantastic time.
I trekked to see a small family of gorillas in Rwanda. Known as the Umubano group they are one of the smaller with only 9 members including 1 silverback called Charles. We got really close and had an amazing experience. See these links:
http://rwandaeco-tours.com/umubano-group.html
http://www.lonelyplanetimages.com/images/257021

For a good selection of photos click here:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/dionnejane/Africa?feat=directlink

The pick of the crop: