Family of Twelve

Brisk and chilly morning here in QT and I'm enjoying a huge latte up against the docks of Lake Wakatipu (google maps). The last few days have been very interesting around here as it seems I might finally be out of the haze and in full view of what I will be doing the next few months down here. As most of you know I'm big into wine over the course of the last few years and have been lucky enough to be in touch with Cameron Douglas, NZ's one and only Master Sommelier who recommended me for a job up in Auckland. I had my Skype interview a few days back for the position that runs during the Rugby World Cup serving some of New Zealand's finest most prestigious wines from the Family of Twelve and I though the interview went extremely well. www.Familyoftwelve.co.NZ Family of Twelve is a collaboration of 12 wineries throughout the diverse wine growing regions of NZ that have come together to showcase the breadth, depth and high quality nature of NZ's best made wines. The inaugural installment on their home turf will feature 36 wines and two bubbles and hopefully I will be one of a few selected to serve, discuss and play with these works of art. I'll keep you posted after the weekend.

Played my first actual game on NZ Ice Wednesday night and it blew me away how good these guys are. Given I've only been on skates all of about 6 months I played on the High School team and pretty much embarrassed myself with skating skills that lack basic fundamentals a Penguin could figure out. Had a couple good stretch passes to some kids and thankfully was on the receiving end of a pass across the slot that I banged home on a backhand shot lifting my spirits and putting the team up by two goals. That salvaged what little pride I had left with no feeling in my feet and a heart trying to lunge from it's cage in my chest. Crash the net and good things happen. At least they all invited me back to play again next week probably out of pity but man is it fun!

Took a great boat ride yesterday thanks to Danna's BF Ryan whom I've been staying with the last few days in QT. I met Danna in Auckland upon my arrival and since she works for Lululemon I instantly had a connection of which they've been kind enough to help me out as much as they can. No matter where people are from down here it seems everyone is appreciative of everyone else. Couch surfing, hitchhiking and buying a round for a stranger are commonplace and I'm starting to fall in love with the vibe down here. Summer is just around the corner and I can't imagine how much fun its going to be. Anyway, the ship is called the T.S.S Earnslaw which is a twin screw steamer as old as the Titanic would have been had it not sunk. Traveled on it over to Walter's Peak across the lake to witness and experience a Border Collie named Meg stare down and herd sheep to come in for their annual shear. Amazing experience that I believe can only truly be appreciated in person. Red deer, Scottish Highland cattle and Alpacas were also residents or this functioning farm which holds numerous weddings throughout the year because the view is beyond breathtaking.

Who knows what the rest of the day will bring and hopefully I'll be driving up to Auckland in the next week. Catch up soon!