A Day at the Races

Happy New Year, everyone! I write this in the waning hours of 2010 for those of you on the East coast, while here in NZ we have already enjoyed most of New Year's Day. I am happy to inform you that 2011 is quite nice--I think you will enjoy it! While 2010 was the year that brought us to NZ, it was also the year that brought us more drama than we would have liked, and thus, we were happy to bid farewell! Our friend that we met in the hostel our first week in Napier, Stu, was back in town with a lot of old university friends to celebrate. They had rented out a small hall on the banks of the river in a small town called Clive, right next to Hastings, and were camping out for the weekend. He invited us for their big New Year's Eve Barbeque and we were happy to attend!


It was a very relaxed, but fun way to spend the big occasion. Friendly people, laughter, beers, and some steaks on the barbie all added up for a good time! We even had some friendly neighbors next to the camping ground who had their music going, a bonfire roaring and welcomed us to come and join them. I relished in the opportunity to socialize, as it had been quite a while. John even regaled everyone with some Ukulele and guitar. I very much enjoy the Kiwi sense of humor and unrestrained cheerfulness (at least when alcohol is involved :) ). If you have ever seen Flight of the Concords on HBO you get a taste of the dry, New Zealand humor. For some it may seem boring, but they deliver it in such a cleverly casual yet affable manner, it's hard to not at least crack a smile. That is to say, with so many around, it was a fun evening and we were happy to be able to meet new people. 

Our new friends, enjoying some sparklers. (Stu is in the middle with the hat).

A slightly preemptive celebration of the New Year.

Our friend Stu even showed us his impressive skills on his unicycle!

As we entered into the final count down to 2011, we were glad to be in such good company.

Happy New Years! (I will spare you the nausea of a midnight kiss photo--as we didn't take one.)

The next day, to celebrate, it was a day at the races! Neil and Sarah invited John and I to go with them to the annual New Year's Day horse races in town, as the racetrack was literally around the block from where we live. Unfortunately, John had to work until 5 today, so he wasn't able to make it, but I took lots of pictures and video to make up for it!


I had never been to a horse racing event in person, and usually just watched the three Triple Crown races each year on television. It seems in the U.S. those types of events are more for the so-called "bourgeoisie" who like to see and be seen while wearing their best suits or large-brimmed floppy hats and sipping on mint julep--or expensive champagne. And then there's the other half that attend those types of events who just go to socialize and drink for 12 hours straight. I had a friend in college who lived near Baltimore, Maryland and went to the Preakness the year that Big Brown had his fantastic finish in both that race and the Kentucky Derby (only to completely fail in the most spectacular fashion--finishing last at the Belmont). Anyway, I remember the excitement of watching the race on television as he definitively won his second race by at least 5 lengths. When I talked to my friend later about it, as he was actually there, he said he was so drunk that he never saw the race or even knew the outcome until later. . .


However, this particular event was a bit more casual and family friendly--though many women and men were dressed in their Sunday best and enjoying a beer/glass of wine or two. It was a relatively relaxing day, pleasant--punctuated by those 10 seconds of adrenaline and excitement as the horses came down the final stretch--especially when one horse overtook the other in the final seconds! People were also very much interested in the races, as there were 8 in total throughout the day--a flurry of fans placing bets and cheering on their chosen horses. I, myself, am not much of a gambler so I refrained from betting on any horses (especially because I had no idea as to strategy of betting nor did I understand the information provided in the racing guide)--but it was still fun to watch and cheer them on. I particularly liked the colors of the jockey's uniforms--they were bright and pretty! If I had bet at all, it would have been based on which horse names and colors I liked best. :)

A plethora of bright colors makes the spectacle that more fun to watch.

I was able to get some nice photos in lieu of winnings. I brought my nice SLR camera with me, however, right as I turned it on to get some good shots with my telephoto lens as the horses came down the stretch. . .  my battery died. :/ Oh well, I luckily brought my other camera and so I got some decent photos and video. 

Pretty horsey.

Me in front of the parade ring--just before the horses entered onto the track.

With all the horse racing excitement, I think I'll watch the Disney movie about Secretariat. :)


John is still doing fantastic at work--he gets great compliments and tips all the time--and he got a 60 cent raise! I believe John and I are already liking 2011, already! I wish everyone health and happiness (and safety!) as they usher in the New Year!