What have I done this weekend you ask? My question is what have YOU done?

Saturday morning I toured the K Road markets (consisting mainly of used clothes and books) then Pam, Beck, Sherilyn & I headed to Rangitoto for the afternoon. Rangitoto is only a 600 year old volcanic island in the Hairuki Gulf, a 20 min ferry ride from downtown. We climbed the 1 hour walk to the summit (now that was a hike, all on a rocky path, leaving some of us a wee bit winded) which was, I grudgingly admit, completely worth the effort to see the views of the city and the other islands in the gulf from the top. It was a perfectly clear day (sun beating on us as we hiked up was not necessarily appreciated) so we had some breathtaking views from up there. Literally, I couldn't catch my breath. I can't remember now exactly how high it is, but I think about 500m about sea level. That's not true at all, I just lied to impress you all. I really have no clue.

So, back to town we went to meet up with Scott and catch the Sky Tower as the sun went down. Sky Tower is the highest building in the Southern Hemisphere at 350-400m (I forget). CN Tower is the tallest building in the world (I really didn't know that) at 553m. Again, the clear skies made for wicked views and the setting sun added to it all. We only live about 2 blocks from the tower and discovered there are cameras all around the viewing decks that you can zoom in with and see super up close views of the city, including what our neighbours were having for supper. Pretty happy we live on the other side of the building...

Last night we decided to go to the ice bar, Minus 5. Everything (walls, seats, tables, sculptures, bar, glasses) is made of ice. You get "suited up" before you go in (parkas with hoods & mitts for everyone, boots for anyone in open toe shoes). Once in you can stay for only 30 mins or 3 drinks, whatever comes first, because drinking at that temperature changes the way your body responds to the alcohol in some way (for further information, please refer to your nearest polar bear for detailed explanation). In the bar we met a man who had an Island girl live with his family for 3 years. He visited PEI last year and, as it turns out, I worked with the girl's father in Souris last year. Small world? I beg to differ...

Today we were forced to visit a Wine, Food & Fun Festival prior to the rugby game for preparation purposes. When we got there we quickly realized it the emphasis was much more on the food and fun than the wine and that we were representing another generation... Ah well, the wine tent got a kick out of us and we quickly met up with some friends who also saw believed that since the wine got the highest billing on the ticket it deserved the most attention. It's all about priorities.

The rugby game was wicked and we had field level seats. It was the Blues & Waratahs playing (not the All Blacks) and I have no clue what league it is, but it was an awesome game, especially since the Blues, the hometown team, won 22-17. It was the fastest rugby I've ever seen and the crowd was so into it. The wave went around frequently and every time people just threw whatever was in their hand. Debris everywhere.

Now it's time to pack up my crap and get ready for tomorrow's adventure. You shall (hopefully) hear from periodically the next few weeks; sorry if the emails don't get replied to for a bit but please keep writing them! Oh, I also have a mobile now too if anyone cares to call or text (we are now 15 hours ahead of you). The number is (I may have the country code/first 5 digits wrong) 011 69 21 108 7663.