Oinz and more...
I once read a book where the character used to refer to things are "OINY" (Only in New York). Occasionally (ok, rarely) i think New Zealand has nothing on New York and the things which go on there. But every once and awhile i have an ONIZ moment and am proven completely wrong.
Case in point: Boobs on Bikes
Warning - if nudity, pornography or discussions involving these upset you, please do not read the text between the lines (literally)!
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Boobs on Bikes in an annual event in Auckland organised by New Zealand's self proclaimed porn king and contains, well, just that - boobs on bikes. Or half naked women on motorcycles. The lower half of Queen Street (aka the street we live on) is shut and "tens of thousands" of people came out to see the scantily clad women be ferried down the street on the backs of motorcycles, convertibles and trucks (and even tanks!). The start of the "parade" was a protest of women walking down Queen street with giant signs saying "Porn fuels rape" then followed by women, bikers, strippers, porn stars and the host of the "naked news" here in New Zealand.
I've never seen anything like it in my life. Even Mardi Gras was different (perhaps because this was at 1pm in the afternoon and everyone was stone cold sober and out on their lunch breaks). Personally i can't say i thought this was particularly offensive or that i agreed with the protesters but i support everyone's right to bear, um their opinion.
I'm sorry but something like this would NEVER happen in America. If you had asked me before i moved abroad if i thought America was conservative i would have said no, but after the things i see abroad i'm not so sure.
I will say however although the general concept didn't offend me the White House girls did offend me. I'm not sure if i've mentioned it but across the street is a quaint looking building (painted white) with a large American flag outside. Initially Matt and i thought it was like a chamber of commerce or something. But no. It's a strip joint entitled "The White House". Anyways, the white house girls came down the street in the parade in cars with large American flags and wearing stars and stripes boxers.
That's just a bit much, don't you think?
I think i feel that way because i'm slightly protective of America. It's the big bully in the world - everyone's scared of it or wants it on their side, but the moment it's back is turned the jeers start for the stupid comments or actions it makes. I'm not sure if it's defensiveness or patriotism i feel in these cases.
Anyways, that's my OINZ (Only in New Zealand) moment to share for the moment...
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Otherwise things are going well. Aside from the rain. I don't know if i'm just naturally attracted to countries which are wet (The UK, Ireland and now New Zealand) but i am just over it. It's rained something like 24 out of 30 days in the past month. Enough already. It's not cold just wet.
I spent most of July in study mode and am waiting on exam results to hear about whether or not i have passed. I'm trying to remain optimistic but am feeling a bit unsure. On the other hand this is the first course i've done which will have no huge effect on my life - i don't need to pass it to graduate university. I don't need it to get a raise or anything so i just need to chill. Which is what August has been and for better or for worse i'm now taking the next course starting in September.
In other exciting news i've signed up to run a quarter portion of the Auckland marathon. Matt and i have become diligent "gymers" and have been going down to the gym twice a week in the morning before work. Lately there is another girl on my treadmill. We got up earlier the other day so we could get the machines we wanted and i'd be lying after having not had the opportunity to run on the treadmill recently i had a small sense of satisfaction from beating her out.
Right now it's just a count down to summer and warm weather. It really can't come soon enough. Matt's Aussie rules team has started up again and you can tell summers poking it's head out around the corner. It's close. So close.
