Christmas spirit

With only 9 days to Christmas, you can really smell the spirit of Christmas in the air. hehe.

On 1st December 2006, the people of Dunedin gathered together at the octagon to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree by the mayor himself. Unlike the other years, there were additional porgrams to go with the ceremony.

I'm proud to say that my very own church, Nations Christian Church, was behind the organisation of this grand event-- Christmas In the Octagon 2006. There were performances, Christmas carols, and a guest star- NZ idol's Jesse O'Brien.

As volunteer ushers, May and I wore extremely red ushers t-shirts (so that people can recognise you from afar -__- ), and gave out song sheets, glow-sticks, and sweets courtesy of Cadbury. Rohan dressed up as Prince Charming, Olivia as Snow White, and other people from church also as different fairytale characters. Uber coolness!

On the 3rd, the annual Santa Parade was held. Though it was a bit drizzly, people still came out to watch the beautifully decorated floats go through George St and reach the Octagon for another Christmassie concert.

Cute umbrellas.

...and so it began

A very big barbie.

A conversation I overheard:

A: Wow, look at that...
B: Oh, that's XXX from XXX high school.
A: Oh really?
B: Yeap, but his hair isn't that long. It's not real... but his body is.

The 7 dwarves; the one beside Sleepy looks erm.. odd.

The last float featuring Santa himself...

...looking very jolly indeed.

The 10 metre Christmas tree.

Graduation ceremony 06

This month aka the graduation month marks the end of the study era and the beginning of entering the working world for many, and for some lucky/brainy ones- postgraduate studies.

Yesterday, one of the many graduation ceremonies took place at the town hall. Starting from 1.30pm was the graduation parade from outside Dentistry building to the town hall, accompanied by a Scottish bagpipe band and the mayor heading the parade.

Around 3pm, the official ceremony began. After speeches by the Chancellor and Maori Orator and the national anthem in both languages (Maori and English), the presentation of degrees and diplomas were next.

May and I went there to show our support for Renee who got her degree in Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Science, majoring in nutrition. Also graduating was fellow Studholmite William (BSc in Food science). Congrats also to Renee who got into an Australian uni to do her masters. =)

It was indeed a glorious day for the hundreds of students who finally got that piece of laminated paper, which costed at least 3 years and countless hours and effort to achieve. It doesn't guarantee a wonderful, well paid job in a particular profession, but a degree is just a baby step taken in that long-winding journey of achieving success.

The long awaited day.

Students entering the hall; see the guy playing the pipe organ! *coolness*

All the big guys on the stage.

All smiles =D

Oh well, another 3 years until it's my turn. Yikes.

Music-making

With 3 more weeks before 2006 comes to an end, it's inevitable to miss the fun moments and wish we were all back to that time once again.

Being a part of Cityside Nations Christian Church music team was a dream come true. It's like having the vip pass to the coolest club, playing music and growing together as a family. Friday nights would have been very dull without the practices. =)

My family I've grown attached to; Jo's birthday (we got her a mobile phone!)

The 3 new pianists this year; Ellise, jOSs, and May.

The 3 R's; Ray on drums, Rahul on bass, Rohan on percussions.

Always smiling Amy; who's heading off to Philippines for a mission trip!

Eeeeeks! :P

Jo and Renee; Renee's last music practice T_T

...and those were the times.

2007 will be another new year, with new musicians and the "old ones" retiring. Come what may, it will surely be as exciting, if not more, than this year. Can't wait!

New summer layout

As summer is officially here now, it's also time to change a new layout. Not that I don't like the current spring layout though, it's one of my favourites so far. Not much "summery" colours in this new layout, but what the heck, it's pretty.

P.S. DO NOT click on anything (especially the PULL link on the top right hand corner) until all the pictures have finished loading. If not, the pull effect won't work. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Day 8 - Departure

Last day at Auckland- part of me is happy to leave this city where living expenses are always a tad bit higher, part of me is sad to end this 8 day holiday trip with my friends.

During the last few hours before the plane trip home, we walked along Queen Street and relived memories of when we first got there, so lost and overwhelmed. And now, I'm proud to say that I have been to Auckland, met some good people, met some odd people, and at least know the basic ways of getting around the city I always thought was NZ's capital. My bad.

Anyway, some pictures taken that day.

Mrs Higgins cookies- irresistibly delicious.

Dunkin Donuts- a perfect snack anytime, anywhere.

The dodgy santa who winks and moves his index finger.

Architecture.

Hmm. Interesting play indeed.