Friday 9th December – 15:56pm – Sat in a park in Paihia, syphoning off the Libraries Wifi…

After arriving in Auckland, I met up with Ryan and Joe and met their girlfriends for the first time, Ellie and Katie. We all squeezed into their van, and set off towards Paihia, grabbing Keiran and Marley on the way. The 3 hour car journey flew by, and before we knew it we were moving into out hilltop apartment for the stay. We have managed to get a place that is a 5 minute drive to the beach, has 3 big bedrooms and comes with a hot tub outside just for good measure. Also, working out at only $18 a night, it is actually cheaper than any hostel I have stayed in!

The first few days were spent exploring the small town, and drinking beer. I went through 24 beers in the space of 2 and a half days…

On Thursday there was a power cut in the whole of Northland, meaning we couldn’t watch TV or sit in the hot tub. We decided the only decent thing to do would be to get drunk at midday. 12 beers later we were all pretty drunk by the time the internet came back on. It was another hot-tub evening, which ended in us watching a movie and falling asleep early.

The 10 day beach-side holiday had really started slowly, and I felt a little heavy-headed this morning. However we all got up, albeit slightly later than usual, and made our way to the Haruru Falls, not far up the road. Some great views and a 5K walk later, I find myself sitting on a bench in the centre of Paihia, using the WifiZone given out by the Library. I have managed to apply for my Canada Visa, and sent an email to the Thames Rugby coach saying I couldn’t accept the offer. It hurt pressing the send button, as I am fully aware I will never be given the opportunity to be paid to play rugby again, however I am considering my future and for the first time in a while, rugby isn’t coming first. Perhaps I’m changing? Who knows.