Today was along day indeed.
It was the annual Petoneman race. A couple members of the club wanted me to do it, but seeing as I had none of my belongings I decided to opt out. After eating breakfast we head to the clubhouse around 11. When I arrived I went on a mission for pictures. I took pics of the clubhouse, practice pitch, and the rec grounds (game pitches). After this, I decided to walk to Jackson street (the main street with all the shops and whatnot). After about an hour and a half, I returned to the Petoneman starting line. The race was just getting started.
Some time passed and Wayne asked me to go to the transition point with him and their club camera man to take pictures. This is where the bikers drop off their bikes for the 2nd running stage. I sat around there for a bit and I wished at this point I had some sneakers. This running stage began uphill and looked tough, but it wasn't on the road. It was a trail run(or as they would say it "in the bush") , which looked really cool.
We made our way back to the club house (starting line) to hang out there. I then went inside the clubhouse to proceed calling the airlines again about my luggage to no avail. I gave up. I hung out outside and waited for everyone to finish the race. Finally they cracked open the beer and began BBQing. By this point a Scotsman arrived with whom I recognized from my first practice. I think there are two Scots who will be playing with Petone. This guys name was Sam. I was releived to have Sam show up. Someone in the same boat as I so he was easy to relate to.
This was the funnest time of the day. Everyone was merry and I had the chance to meet many people. I met the President of New Zealand Rugby named Andy Leslie. He was with Petone before he stepped up to the national job. Another neat person to meet was Ross Filipo. He is the newest member of Petone to be inducted to the New Zealand All Blacks. He was a really nice fellow and was intersted that I was here playing for his club. Our chat was cut short due to the award ceremony beginning. After that, it was just more chatting and drinking. I only had about 4 beers though since they were $2 a piece.
Then it was time to leave. The only solace I got from the airlines today is that I can go spend $100 for supplies and bring the receipt to them and be reimbursed. So I think I'm going to this place called "The Warehouse" to see about finding some training gear and some shoes. Hopefully after that I will be able to go for a run and possibly work out in the gym at the clubhouse. I plan on making one of the hill runs which the guys made today for the race. It's right outside where I'm staying. I can't believe they haven't tracked down my bags yet. This is insane.
Monday I am going to see about a job and a place to stay. They have two bars which are owned by Petone club members who have offered me a job. I looked in the classifieds today about jobs and everything dealing with those jobs seemed a bit out of my experience and ability.
I am getting very upset about my luggage. They have a speed training session on Monday night that I have been invited to but I don't know if I'll be able to make. Also, regular practice on Tuesday and Thursday as well as some chaps playing touch rugby on Wednesday. All I may have to miss due to lack of gear! SOB.
One guy with the club has possibly offered me to go see a Super 14 match, as well as the chance to work with one of their kicking coaches when he comes to the Petone pitch. I hope that all works out!
Anyway, I am so wind burnt and sun burnt it's not funny. So, it's wearing on me and I'm going to lay down for the night. I probably won't blog again until tomorrow night, seeing as how I want to leave the phone line open for if the airlines call during the day about my luggage. Night all
4 comments:
My experience with luggage is 4 hours to make international flights. No doubt the luggage didn't make the connection at Los Angeles. Be patient and find out the frequency of the carrier you flew on (Delta?) from Los Angeles. That's where your luggage will be. They will put it on the next plane (possibly). Be persistent. Hold on to your airline ticket. It will be your means to claim.
Good to hear you are getting around. Look for the positive. It will teach you a lot about yourself. Bummer you don't have your things. All the planning and such. However, the jet lag has you racked out, so don't get in such a hurry to get physical. Let your body adjust to the new time, etc. It used to take me 7-10 days to adjust and get back to "normal". Some say I was never "normal", still to this day.
Good luck and enjoy your experience.
Gladiator
If you're really that worried about blogging taking up too much phone line time then just write the blogs before you get online. That really blows about the luggage. You need to ask someone where the absolute cheapest place to buy gear is, and get the most out of your $100.
I know how hard it is to just sit back and see others do something you know you can do, but they don't know you can. Does that make sense? That's why it takes a serious injury for me to sit out in a dance class! (in which when I tore tendons on my toe!) If only you had gotten that flight insurance you'd have a bigger allowance to spend on clothes. Oh well, live and learn eh? Have you gotten used to the time difference yet?
Hey James,
Just wanna let you know I'm reading your blog. Thanks for writing so often. Hope you get your luggage soon. Try thinking positive about it (the secret), it really works, and you better put the lotion on the skin for that sunburn. kee-wee,
Kappy
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