Meeting old pals

Arranged to meet a couple of pals from NZ this afternoon in front of the Parliament. Which meant that I had a wander around a part of town that I haven't been for ages. Where once were old buildings, there are now empty spaces/building sites, or new colourful buildings.

Had a great afternoon/evening catching up with our Kiwi pals. I used to teach with Iain in the early 80s. In fact, we honed our pool (snooker) skills every Saturday afternoon at local pubs in the area. We were unbeatable when on form. I took them to We happened to pass our local speciality wine/beer shop, and they were delighted to spot a Ka Pai beer, from NZ presumably. ('Ka pai' means 'Good' in Maori) but no - it was brewed about three miles away!

As we walked through The Meadows the Kiwis were amused to see it crowded with people enjoying the (weak) sun, barbecueing, playing sport - there was hardly a bit of grass not used. And the temperatures must have just been in double figures!

Our visitors are on a flying visit to UK (two weeks) - their son graduated at Oxford this week and they had arrived off the long flight from Aukland, jet lagged, and went straight to the House of Lords for a function. Moira was so tired on the guided tour of the Houses of Parliament that she sat down for a moment on the nearest seat. Which happened to be the green leather seats in the House of Commons... NOT allowed. Apparently.

I have loaded the dish washer magic cupboard and switched it on. I do love it.