Monday 23 July 2007

The Funky Monkeys!


The theme of top gigs continues with the introduction of the Funky Monkeys!! We have seen them twice in New Zealand...and really they are slightly difficult to categorise. I guess they could be best described as a Kiwi version of the "Wiggles" or "Hi Five" and for those of you who don't know who the "Wiggles" or "Hi Five" are....shame on you!!
The Funky Monkeys have been on Nickelodeon (children's TV) so are vaguely famous! We recently got to see their show at St Paul's (our church in NZ) and both Harry and Matilda had a blast. Fun and frolics was the order of the day and boy did Harry get into the dancing!

Regina Spektor


Last week I went on a hot date with my wife! We went to see Regina Spektor (and no it is not some kind of medical instrument Paul!). She is or has been in the charts in both UK and NZ. Rose liked one of her songs on the radio...so when we heard she was going to be in Auckland we decided to jump at the chance....not really knowing whether she had any other decent songs!
We were a little apprehensive trekking out on a cold Wednesday night but were pleasantly surprised to find out that she was incredibly talented and definitely not just a one hit wonder! She is an interesting individual coming from New York yet originally from Russia and actually a classically trained pianist rather than a pop singer! It really was a great show...if you get a chance do go and see her...although I think her gig in London at the South Bank Centre has already sold out!

Wednesday 4 July 2007

Auckland Fishmarket





Auckland has a great fish market. This may come as no surprise to many considering it is surrounded by water! We spent a great morning with Rich, Kath and Amelie down at the fish market. Harry and Matilda both really loved the incredible variety of massive whole fish. Unfortunately, there was great distress when Matilda wasn't allowed to pick her own fish to take home. This was mostly due to the fact that we did not actually know how to cook the fish Matilda chose ...or indeed what it was called!
In the end we decided to get a large salmon and snapper. The bonus about this market is that you can choose a whole fish and take it to "the nice man" and watch him fillet it for you. Fantastic!

Sunday 1 July 2007

Auckland Zoo





We love Auckland Zoo! It was one of the first venues we visited in Auckland and decided to get an annual pass straight away. We have had so many fun times at the zoo. The animals seem to be really happy and it is very well laid out.
Matilda's favourite activity at the zoo is going into the maze of underground tunnels that go though the meer cat dens. You can pretend to be a meer cat by poking your head up, at various places, into viewing domes...very cool!
Harry's favourite are the "Mummy and Daddy" seals. You can view them swimming underwater which absolutely thrills Harry!
Other highlights include the elephants, tigers and lions.
Just as you leave the zoo there is the kiwi bird house. I am sure most of you know this fun little bird is the national emblem of New Zealand. I find this slightly intriguing considering the kiwi bird cannot fly because it has no wings, it cannot see with its eyes, only comes out at night and is becoming extinct...not sure what this says about New Zealand!