3/64 and XII

Sitting on the couch at 3/64 Hawera Road, Kohimarama Auckland 1071, the new digs. The last three days have been pretty hectic but I finally feel as though I'm hitting my stride here in Auckland. Turning an empty space into a wine bar in two days was no easy task but through a bit of perseverance and sweat we succeeded and opened to the owners, winemakers and finally the public on time. The who's who of wine critics, wine makers and winos were in attendance with all three being interchangeable at times. The space is small but gorgeous and it should be really fun throughout the World Cup to be in the heart of the big city serving a taste of NZ's top wines from the Family. I met Barbara Lawson who with her late Husband, Ross started Lawson's Dry Hills in Marlborough. She is showcasing a Pinot Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer sourced from 30 year old vines for this event. Unfortunately upon introducing myself I asked how her Yellow Labrador, Timo is doing and she told me that sadly the pup who it's rumored controlled the time of harvest by his taste for just ripened grapes had passed as well. I wonder if Timo is a bit of the wines we were drinking that night? Sir George Fisternich of Villa Maria was in attendance as was Judy Finn of Neudorf down in Nelson. The Brakjovich's were also there from Kumeu River. Enough of these starstruck ramblings but to meet people who have poured their heart and soul into their greatest passion which in turn brings people together in celebration is quite thrilling to me. Thrilling in the sense that I feel passionate as well although I still need the adrenaline as well just to prove to myself I have a pulse.

The new place is perfect although I don't have any bedroom furniture I think it'll be great. A proper kitchen and a huge deck with wooden shutters are the highlight for me although being ten minutes from the center of the city by car isn't bad either. Oh and a brief walk from my front door and the beach is there as well. I'm ready to welcome a beautiful and hot summer!

It's quite eerie to think how far away I am from a place that I call home but maybe a shift in the way I think has made me consider this to be quite similar. I am content most of the time and although it is extremely difficult to be away from the friends and family I love, New Zealanders are making me feel as if I've been here my entire life rather than 5 weeks.

On a side note, cards, gifts, cases of wine, anything and everything is welcome to be shipped to me. Ship yourself if you so choose as well, you've got the new address.

I'll be back in touch when something worth telling you comes up but for now, raise a glass and cheers those you love and love to be with and I'll leave you with some pics of the new bar and the new home base.