"Christchurch is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's most liveable cities, combining an easy-going provincial charm with an emerging energy and verve of a metropolis. Modern bars and restaurants complement Gothic architecture, and locals know how lucky they are to blend all the attractions of a city with the relaxed ambience of a small town..."
The above excerpt taken from the 14th edition of New Zealand's Lonely Planet guide book, may seem contradictory to the current plight of Christchurch after the devastating earthquake, but due to the special people that live in this fantastic city, I have every confidence that this beautiful place will be restored to its' former glory before too long. The strength and spirit of the people, as personally witnessed on numerous occassions, will shine through once again...of that I am absolutely sure.
Located within the Canterbury region, Christchurch is traditionally the most English of the cities in New Zealand. Although I often site Queenstown and Wanaka as my spiritual homes, there remains a special place in my heart for Christchurch too.
This is partly based on the fact that I first set foot on New Zealand soil in Christchurch to finally realise my dream, and also for the fact that I have a great friend living there in Angela Paul.
I first arrived in Christchurch in November 2008, and stayed at the Chateau On The Park hotel for a couple of nights. I was to return there a week or so later for a further few nights, and then when I decided to return to NZ in March 2009, I used this beautiful hotel as a base for the start and end of my monthly adventure.
The Chateau is a lovely hotel with friendly staff and fantastic facilities.
I enjoyed some fun times here; one story I'll recall a little later...the rest you'll have to leave to your imagination, as like I said previously...a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. Lol!
To reach the city centre from The Chateau you need to navigate either around or through the spectacular Botanic Gardens. I've never been a real horticulturist or garden lover, but I must admit I enjoyed walking through these gardens on countless occassions on my way into the city centre. It has a very calming influence on you, and the variety of colours on display lifts your heart.
Once in the city itself, there is plenty to marvel about.
The tremendous Cathedral Square with the street entertainers and mini-markets keep you enthralled for hours, and any city with two Starbucks on hand will do for me!
There are also plenty of great restaurants to eat at, and I remember one fantastic Italian lunch I enjoyed with Ange, as well as a classic risotto dish I shared with some friends, Brian & Christine at the same restaurant, naturally washed down with a gorgeous bottle of red wine.
As well as the regular shops there are the usual souvenir stores, and as mentioned in an earlier blog there is also the best tattooist I've ever experienced - Otautahi Tatu.
I was extremely pleased to hear that all my friends there were safe and sound after the earthquake, as was Ange and all of her family...my heart goes out to all the residents in Christchurch and any affected elsewhere in the Canterbury region.
To conclude my blog I'll leave you with a fun story as indicated earlier.
On one memorable occassion I was enjoying my first taste of the legendary Mac Gold beer in The Chateau bar, whilst watching the Rugby League World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand.
The bar was full of Kiwi's with two exceptions - me and an Australian fella.
Now this guy was the stereo-typical loud mouth Aussie, who just wouldn't shut up.
The All Blacks were convincingly beating the English (no suprise there), and there was the expected good natured banter between the Kiwi's in the bar and myself. Generally, they weren't gloating at all but the Aussie guy wouldn't let up. In the rugby league world Australia are the kings, whereas in the union game the Kiwi's naturally feel their beloved All Blacks rule the world. The Aussie fella continually reminded everyone in the bar of this, and of what was to happen to the All Blacks when they met the Aussies in the impending final (Australia were the overwhelming favourites against the winners of the New Zealand/England semi-final).
Fortunately at half-time he departed and left us in peace, but not before I endeared myself to all of the Kiwi's in the bar, by repeating a comment I once heard from Billy Connolly...
"YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL AN AUSTRALIAN...BUT YOU CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH!"
Even better was to follow as the New Zealand underdogs came from behind to spank the Aussies in the final.
Christchurch - I wish you all well from the bottom of my heart.
Nomadic Steve
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Reckoning
"...and you can have it all, my empire of dirt, I will let you down, I will make you hurt.
If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself, I would find a way"
~ Johnny Cash
So here I am in the week of my personal reckoning!
My entire future appears to be mapped out, dependent on decisions received concerning my health, my finances, and personal life in my persuit on my spiritual journey to find a home.
On Monday February 21st I visited St.Richards hospital in Chichester for a full examination to finally attempt to find out what's been causing my illness since last November.
I received the standard gastroscopy exam as expected, but due to some discovered damage in my stomach I also had a biopsy to see what's wrong. Unfortunately, I won't get any results until the end of the week.
There is still excess acid being produced by my stomach, which is travelling back up my oesophagus causing the lining of my chest walls to scar, but hopefully the continual medication that I can now resume taking will control this, or at least keep the condition in check. The whole process has left me rather delicate and sore, and I feel so tired...too tired to actually sleep, but I feel that if I could nod off I'll be able to sleep for a week!
The letter from The Financial Ombudsman Service arrived as expected, and they sided with my old bank.They did however admit certain liabilities and compensation is to be awarded, but this is rather insignificant as it just gets eaten up by the exsisting debts.
I immediately contacted an independent debt relief agency, and they proved exceptionally helpful.
They advised me that the best course of action in my specific circumstances is to request an Independent Voluntery Arrangement (IVA), rather than go down the bankruptcy route.
All the appropriate information has been passed on and I'm currently awaiting my request for an IVA to be approved by my creditors, and if I'm successful then this becomes legally binding.
I will then repay a fixed sum of what I can realistically afford for the next five years, and this will only stay on my credit file for an additional year providing I maintain all payments throughout the term of the agreement.
In effect this is just like a personal loan, but my creditors are getting repaid only approximately a third of my outstanding debt. I'm not particularly proud of this course of action as previously I've always been very good concerning my financial commitments and obligations, but I honestly have little choice.
And finally, as previously indicated I had some hopes of a romantic nature, although I was understandably cautious. It's still early days but I think this caution is justifiable as what can I seriously offer a woman other than a kind heart and a good soul? I believe that money shouldn't matter more than love itself, but in reality this isn't really the case. I remain a humble man who is poor in life but rich in love...but that just isn't enough in the modern world.
I also tried to improve my circumstances by applying for a company position as a Research Analyst in Wellington, New Zealand. But I was overlooked for this vacancy, although I remain very doubtful whether I could have obtained the neccesary work visa anyway, due to my financial situation.
This also means that my New Zealand adventure planned for later this year may have to be reconsidered.
But on reflection I reckon with a bit of stringent budgeting I can still save enough to enjoy my friend's wedding celebrations, and have a great time in my spiritual home...Ange, I won't let you down!
Despite the recent earthquake in Christchurch, where Ange is due to be married, I am determined to visit this wonderful country for a third time.
So for the forseeable future my home remains in Chichester, West Sussex whilst I try to live my life as best I can. I am shortly going to be visiting my good friend Jo Rolfe in Winchester, who I haven't seen for a few years despite constantly keeping in touch. I also hope to arrange another visit to enjoy a lunch with my great friend Elona in Theale, especially as she's proved so supportive in helping me with some forms connected to my refinancing.
Another trip to Cheltenham beckons too, as I hope to see Jimi, Denn and the boys again.
And hopefully, over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend I shall finally make good my promise to return to Ireland to catch up with my great friends Ruth, Glenn & 'Rose.
If any romantic developments happen then this may well result in a change of venue, but like I say my current circumstances don't exactly offer much hope.
Despite the support of my family and a close network of friends, I do have a sense of feeling awfully alone.
But my spirit remains upbeat despite all of these issues, and I intend to put a positive spin on events if possible. No matter what the future holds, I've been in worse situations in the past and I survived all of those to live and tell the tale...SO BRING IT ON!
Nomadic Steve
If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself, I would find a way"
~ Johnny Cash
So here I am in the week of my personal reckoning!
My entire future appears to be mapped out, dependent on decisions received concerning my health, my finances, and personal life in my persuit on my spiritual journey to find a home.
On Monday February 21st I visited St.Richards hospital in Chichester for a full examination to finally attempt to find out what's been causing my illness since last November.
I received the standard gastroscopy exam as expected, but due to some discovered damage in my stomach I also had a biopsy to see what's wrong. Unfortunately, I won't get any results until the end of the week.
There is still excess acid being produced by my stomach, which is travelling back up my oesophagus causing the lining of my chest walls to scar, but hopefully the continual medication that I can now resume taking will control this, or at least keep the condition in check. The whole process has left me rather delicate and sore, and I feel so tired...too tired to actually sleep, but I feel that if I could nod off I'll be able to sleep for a week!
The letter from The Financial Ombudsman Service arrived as expected, and they sided with my old bank.They did however admit certain liabilities and compensation is to be awarded, but this is rather insignificant as it just gets eaten up by the exsisting debts.
I immediately contacted an independent debt relief agency, and they proved exceptionally helpful.
They advised me that the best course of action in my specific circumstances is to request an Independent Voluntery Arrangement (IVA), rather than go down the bankruptcy route.
All the appropriate information has been passed on and I'm currently awaiting my request for an IVA to be approved by my creditors, and if I'm successful then this becomes legally binding.
I will then repay a fixed sum of what I can realistically afford for the next five years, and this will only stay on my credit file for an additional year providing I maintain all payments throughout the term of the agreement.
In effect this is just like a personal loan, but my creditors are getting repaid only approximately a third of my outstanding debt. I'm not particularly proud of this course of action as previously I've always been very good concerning my financial commitments and obligations, but I honestly have little choice.
And finally, as previously indicated I had some hopes of a romantic nature, although I was understandably cautious. It's still early days but I think this caution is justifiable as what can I seriously offer a woman other than a kind heart and a good soul? I believe that money shouldn't matter more than love itself, but in reality this isn't really the case. I remain a humble man who is poor in life but rich in love...but that just isn't enough in the modern world.
I also tried to improve my circumstances by applying for a company position as a Research Analyst in Wellington, New Zealand. But I was overlooked for this vacancy, although I remain very doubtful whether I could have obtained the neccesary work visa anyway, due to my financial situation.
This also means that my New Zealand adventure planned for later this year may have to be reconsidered.
But on reflection I reckon with a bit of stringent budgeting I can still save enough to enjoy my friend's wedding celebrations, and have a great time in my spiritual home...Ange, I won't let you down!
Despite the recent earthquake in Christchurch, where Ange is due to be married, I am determined to visit this wonderful country for a third time.
So for the forseeable future my home remains in Chichester, West Sussex whilst I try to live my life as best I can. I am shortly going to be visiting my good friend Jo Rolfe in Winchester, who I haven't seen for a few years despite constantly keeping in touch. I also hope to arrange another visit to enjoy a lunch with my great friend Elona in Theale, especially as she's proved so supportive in helping me with some forms connected to my refinancing.
Another trip to Cheltenham beckons too, as I hope to see Jimi, Denn and the boys again.
And hopefully, over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend I shall finally make good my promise to return to Ireland to catch up with my great friends Ruth, Glenn & 'Rose.
If any romantic developments happen then this may well result in a change of venue, but like I say my current circumstances don't exactly offer much hope.
Despite the support of my family and a close network of friends, I do have a sense of feeling awfully alone.
But my spirit remains upbeat despite all of these issues, and I intend to put a positive spin on events if possible. No matter what the future holds, I've been in worse situations in the past and I survived all of those to live and tell the tale...SO BRING IT ON!
Nomadic Steve
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's Day Blog
"Love is always new. Regardless of whether we love once, twice or a dozen times in our life, we always face a brand-new situation."
Just a short piece to wish all the other single people out there a Happy Valentines Day.
It can be quite sad sometimes on February 14th, when you see couples enjoying this special day...but don't lose hope and don't lose heart. Having said that you may be happy to be on your own, and it's far better to be alone than in a miserable relationship.
To all of you who are in a relationship, make sure you appreciate each other and spoil each other every chance you get!
As for me, a quick update since my previous blog on where I'm at after hitting the crossroads of my journey.
Technically speaking I remain single, but things are progressing nicely personally for me on a potential romantic level.
I'm slightly reserved in terms of not wanting to tempt fate too soon, as there are numerous obstacles standing in our way preventing love from running smoothly.
Fortunately, I have always been a very patient man, so I can wait...and I believe that she is worth waiting for, so time will tell I guess?
If things develop as I wish, then my long search and quest to find my spiritual home may finally be over!
Next Monday I'm attending St.Richards hospital for my long awaited gastroscopy and biopsy, and fingers crossed the examinations will finally provide some answers to my state of ill health.
On a positive note, since contracting this condition I've lost nearly a stone in weight and at least two inches around my waist...so the purchase of some new jeans and smart trousers is imminent!
Finally, the noose around my neck is tightening with regards to my old banking problem.
After nearly two years of wrangling my case has been passed from an adjudicator to an assessor at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
By the time my next blog comes around I'll finally have an answer as I've just been informed that a decision is in the post!
So all being well my love life, my health, and my wealth will all be resolved in the next few weeks.
I'll keep you all informed...watch this space!
Nomadic Steve
Just a short piece to wish all the other single people out there a Happy Valentines Day.
It can be quite sad sometimes on February 14th, when you see couples enjoying this special day...but don't lose hope and don't lose heart. Having said that you may be happy to be on your own, and it's far better to be alone than in a miserable relationship.
To all of you who are in a relationship, make sure you appreciate each other and spoil each other every chance you get!
As for me, a quick update since my previous blog on where I'm at after hitting the crossroads of my journey.
Technically speaking I remain single, but things are progressing nicely personally for me on a potential romantic level.
I'm slightly reserved in terms of not wanting to tempt fate too soon, as there are numerous obstacles standing in our way preventing love from running smoothly.
Fortunately, I have always been a very patient man, so I can wait...and I believe that she is worth waiting for, so time will tell I guess?
If things develop as I wish, then my long search and quest to find my spiritual home may finally be over!
Next Monday I'm attending St.Richards hospital for my long awaited gastroscopy and biopsy, and fingers crossed the examinations will finally provide some answers to my state of ill health.
On a positive note, since contracting this condition I've lost nearly a stone in weight and at least two inches around my waist...so the purchase of some new jeans and smart trousers is imminent!
Finally, the noose around my neck is tightening with regards to my old banking problem.
After nearly two years of wrangling my case has been passed from an adjudicator to an assessor at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
By the time my next blog comes around I'll finally have an answer as I've just been informed that a decision is in the post!
So all being well my love life, my health, and my wealth will all be resolved in the next few weeks.
I'll keep you all informed...watch this space!
Nomadic Steve
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