Bristol, Bath and London - here I come!

The media trip has finally been approved - next Wednesday I'll be one of three journos flying Qatar Airways' new Auckland to Doha service, and then onto London for a 10-day media trip to my old stomping ground of Bristol (as well as Bath and London).

It's been a couple of years since I was in the UK so am really looking forward to seeing my old mates (hopefully there will be some free time!)

Woop woop - a great way to start a Friday.

Visuals from the Animator on our last visit to Bath when we were hosted by Bath Tourism for a story a few years back.

  

Almost time

Colleague to me today: "Are you getting excited? You're so lucky to have an all-expenses paid trip to Europe."

Me to colleague: "Yes, I'm really grateful and can't wait to leave winter behind but holy mother of god, I'm going to miss the Hound."

Colleague to me: "Oh don't worry, he won't miss you. As long as dogs are fed and warm and in their own environment, they don't really care whether you're there or not."

Needless to say, my colleague is a moron (and if she's reading this, I mean that in the nicest possible way!)

In other news, the Vienna/cruise/Budapest/UK itineraries are being finalised. As I am one of the first of our group of 12 journos to arrive in Vienna and have a day or so to kill until the rest get there, I asked the PRs to help sort me with a visit to the Sigmund Freud Museum. I'm not sure if they're trying to mess with my head or if Astrid is just a really common name in Austria, but THREE of the women I'm currently dealing with are called Astrid. Which isn't confusing in the slightest.

And finally, as I gird my loins for the stupidly long and painful 30+ hour flight tomorrow, here's my two favourite boys who I shall miss like crazy (whether they miss me or not).

See you on the other side...

      

The amazing Shaqaila

My story of this amazing Kiwi woman - and her even more amazing musical ability - features in the current issue of North & South Magazine (click here to read).

In other news, I spent an hour in the dental hygenist's chair this morning, which was worth it simply to hear the magical words, "We don't need to see you until November". Bliss.

There was also a dog walk with Lorna and Dobbie, the completion of a couple of stories that have been annoyingly difficult to put to bed and, later, there will be the Wednesday running group.

I also had a long chat to a lovely PR about my next media trip (to Hawaii in August/September). Yeah I know, I have to make it through the European one first. But emails and plans have been zipping across the globe and I think I am almost sorted for the week in Vienna/Budapest and the following week in London/Bristol. Now I need to go lie down in a darkened room for an extended period...

We beat Kate and Wills...

NZ is currently awash with Royal fever, as Kate, Wills and bubs traipse up and down the country. Having lived in the UK twice, and witnessed the impact the Royals have on the public purse, I can't say I'm a fan (although I'm currently back-filling in the comms team for an organisation directly involved in the tour so, ironically, they've provided me with employment).

Earlier this week the visitors headed over the winding road to Wharekauhau Lodge, a luxurious country estate in the Wairarapa. About six years ago, the Animator and I managed to blag a freebie there for a story for the Herald on Sunday (click here to read). It was, from memory, a ridiculously indulgent weekend. Am guessing not much has changed since then, so trust the Royals enjoyed it.

(Pic credit: Google Images)