Zappa, I lived in a hill suburb of the city where you are for 2 years, I don't think I have ever been so cold in my life.
Staying out of my city for the next week. The white supremacist who killed and wounded so many people in the Mosque attacks is being sentenced this week. There will be heavily armed police all over the place and roads on both sides of the court have been closed to traffic.
Zappa, I lived in a hill suburb of the city where you are for 2 years, I don't think I have ever been so cold in my life.
Yeah, it's a tad nippy at the moment. Funnily enough though I think the coldest I've been was in outback wankydilla, where the house were designed to cool you down, and overnight winter temperature dropped sub-zero even before you were cooled down more. And I lived in the town where Fr Jug was ordained, and that was as cold as a very cold thing. So I'm (just) surviving this I expect permanent experience of Souther than 45.
The coldest I have ever been (which includes Northern Canada in winter) was on the Otago Peninsula one evening in summer, waiting for penguins to arrive. I was not dressed for the bone chillingness that ensued. Eventually I decided that my friend could wait for penguins and I had to retreat to the car with the heater on.
Years ago I went on an eco holiday to The Catlins (still on the East Coast, but south of Dunedin). We watched the yellow eyed penguins leave their burrows and march down to the ocean at day break. As it was at Christmas we had to get up early, but had layers of clothing on. That area, especially Nugget Point often features as either the coldest or the windiest part of NZ (and sometimes both) in the daily weather results.
Hopefully the final day of the sentencing for the man who murdered 50 people and injured 40 here. He dismissed both his lawyers and has decided not to speak in his own defence, but the Court has appointed a senior lawyer to work on his behalf and ensure he knows his rights.
I said that because the usual practice here is that a person serves the sentence fixed and is then deported. (Not sure how that works with the non-parole period - is that served and then deportation, or if it must be the full sentence.). It is hard to see any sentence other than multiple sentences of life being fixed in this instance, as the accused is putting forth nothing in mitigation.
There is no parole period for this man. The sentence is for the term of his natural life. There has been discussion here whether he could be deported and serve some of his sentence in Australia, but that was just speculation as there are currently no laws in place to allow that to happen. The only other instance of NZ repatriating foreign nationals to serve time in another country was over The Rainbow Warrior murder and the French broke the agreement.
I was impressed by the father (?) of one of the victims who testified at the sentencing hearing that Christchurch was and remains our home ; people's support has ensured that our family feels part of this community. In support of which testimony he was wearing what looked like an Afghan cap and a Canterbury Crusaders rugby jumper!
Thanks BF. What the report misses was that the worshipper who picked up a gun, Abdul Aziz later threw an eftpos machine at the gunman, who then fled south intending to attack a Mosque in small town south of Christchurch. He never reached there, but was rammed a few minutes later by a Police car and arrested.
Mr Aziz is a hero and his action saved lives. The Judge made a point of commending his bravery in court and a burst of applause came from those listening.
Mr Aziz also gave an incredibly strong victim* statement to the court.
* That's what they are called - I see Mr Aziz as a strong survivor.
An eftpos machine is that gadget where you can use a debit or credit card to pay or donate money. Often attatched to a cash register.
Crazy day in Melbourne today. A storm last night caused lots of falling trees and blackouts. My suburb lost power for less than an hour, but my care client's house was without electricity until 3pm today and some suburbs are still without power. This also affected the water treatment at a dam that provides water for my suburb and many others so now we have to boil water. I stupidly still brushed my teeth with tap water tonight though, out of habit, but also did this morning before we knew and was fine. Hopefully won't end up with a stomach bug. At least the water is mostly clean as only a small amount wasn't disinfected. 4 people including a 4 year old boy have died due to falling trees though. Thankfully my care client is into preparing for disasters and has a generator and jerry cans of bottled water.
Thanks @Mili - I was hoping that an eftpos machine (we have them here, but I can't think what we call them - a card reader?) was something heavy, with sharp corners...
The bad weather in Melbourne was mentioned on our news stations here in Brexit Island, too. Seems as though it's world-wide at the moment...
No, the Turkish hat and Christchurch t shirt wearer was another man, Ahad Nabi.
I think one of the best articles I have read about the attack and its aftermath was an Opinion piece in the Guardian by Mohamed Hassan entitled, The Christchurch mosque survivors have to find a way to move on - but New Zealand must not.
I am particularly grateful to Mr Hassan for the suggestions of reading material as I have started to read more about racism and white supremacy in NZ.
Took a wonderful tramp on the other side of the mountains yesterday. Blowing a gale, but great views across the rolling hills towards Hawke's Bay and a bit of snow up on the higher peaks.
Ah, Sunrise Hut ... went up there with @Clarence when she and FD were staying with us a few years back, and then again with Zapplette #2 (who is now expecting Zappamokopuna#5) a year later ... happy memories and yes the views are stunning (though my excursions were in January)
My soggy backyard wouldn't be an inspiring photo at the moment, although if a video was taken the movement of the wind in the 4 metre high tree could be interesting.
I think it's safe - fingers cross as it could demolish fences of 3 neighbours, which would be expensive.
Later I will put on several more layers, topped with my wonderful purple raincoat and go for a walk by the river.
Sunrise Hut indeed.
Glad to read of the happy memories. So many wonderful and accessible walks.
Piglet: someone once told me when I shared some photos that it seemed impossible to take a bad photo in New Zealand. I should take it as a challenge.
One of my favourite places in the world. Being able to see Mt Ruapehu in one direction and the coast on the other in the early morning light was a gift.
As for bad photos, I challenged Zappa with that too, and he took a shot of a light industrial part of Queenstown...with the snow capped Remarkables as a back drop.🙄
I think of Queenstown as the ugliest town in the most incredible setting.
It wasn't like that when I spent time there in, I think, 1957. But I wouldn't want to go back there now.
Last there about 12 years ago, looking after first grandchild while daughter was at a conference. A trip afterwards to lovely sleepy Wanaka was a delight. Wouldn't want to go back there now either.
Glenorchy USED TO BE really special (you could buy an actual ice cream after your tramp at the General Store) but it has undergone a demographic change or LOTR has put a curse on it or something and it's HORRIBLE now.
The Red Shed is the same, that's about all https://www.thetrippie.com/travel/queenstown-to-glenorchy-new-zealand/
It's been so long since I graced these boards that I've forgotten how to show a URL elegantly with BBCode. So here's a link, a year ago, regarding Betoota's pub. Can't find an up-to-date news item; perhaps it didn't reopen after all.
Anyway, how are you all?
Also, since I was last here, @Clarence and I have moved oop north. Where Higgins is forecasting 15 cyclones and 25 flooding tropical lows. Fun, eh. Better get those sandbags ready (again 🙁)
Good Lord ... @Foaming Draught ... I remember you! Ooop norf, huh? Up in the real climes (I'm jealous). Kuruman (who hasn't crept up these gangplanks) and I must come and see you some time. Or we could meet up at Betoota, which may be a wee hike for both parties.
Comments
... these days even they have to queue
and I might emerge from fifteen layers of clothing and glance at the pale orb that masquerades as sun in these parts
Staying out of my city for the next week. The white supremacist who killed and wounded so many people in the Mosque attacks is being sentenced this week. There will be heavily armed police all over the place and roads on both sides of the court have been closed to traffic.
He pleaded guilty and has fired his lawyers.
https://bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-53919624
He is the first - and will, hopefully, be the last - person in NZ to receive such a sentence.
Thanks BF. What the report misses was that the worshipper who picked up a gun, Abdul Aziz later threw an eftpos machine at the gunman, who then fled south intending to attack a Mosque in small town south of Christchurch. He never reached there, but was rammed a few minutes later by a Police car and arrested.
Mr Aziz is a hero and his action saved lives. The Judge made a point of commending his bravery in court and a burst of applause came from those listening.
Mr Aziz also gave an incredibly strong victim* statement to the court.
* That's what they are called - I see Mr Aziz as a strong survivor.
BTW, what's an eftpos machine ?
Crazy day in Melbourne today. A storm last night caused lots of falling trees and blackouts. My suburb lost power for less than an hour, but my care client's house was without electricity until 3pm today and some suburbs are still without power. This also affected the water treatment at a dam that provides water for my suburb and many others so now we have to boil water. I stupidly still brushed my teeth with tap water tonight though, out of habit, but also did this morning before we knew and was fine. Hopefully won't end up with a stomach bug. At least the water is mostly clean as only a small amount wasn't disinfected. 4 people including a 4 year old boy have died due to falling trees though. Thankfully my care client is into preparing for disasters and has a generator and jerry cans of bottled water.
The bad weather in Melbourne was mentioned on our news stations here in Brexit Island, too. Seems as though it's world-wide at the moment...
I think one of the best articles I have read about the attack and its aftermath was an Opinion piece in the Guardian by Mohamed Hassan entitled, The Christchurch mosque survivors have to find a way to move on - but New Zealand must not.
I am particularly grateful to Mr Hassan for the suggestions of reading material as I have started to read more about racism and white supremacy in NZ.
Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale
Glad to read of the happy memories. So many wonderful and accessible walks.
Piglet: someone once told me when I shared some photos that it seemed impossible to take a bad photo in New Zealand. I should take it as a challenge.
I think it's safe - fingers cross as it could demolish fences of 3 neighbours, which would be expensive.
Later I will put on several more layers, topped with my wonderful purple raincoat and go for a walk by the river.
Oh, there's a few urban spots that don't cut the mustard. Not many outside that, though.
@Leorning Cniht ... your post above was one of the most brief and enigmatic I've seen in my journey on the ship. Especially as it was edited.
I am avoiding listening to or reading the news.
And all for whom the anniversary strikes hard.
One of my favourite places in the world. Being able to see Mt Ruapehu in one direction and the coast on the other in the early morning light was a gift.
As for bad photos, I challenged Zappa with that too, and he took a shot of a light industrial part of Queenstown...with the snow capped Remarkables as a back drop.🙄
Last there about 12 years ago, looking after first grandchild while daughter was at a conference. A trip afterwards to lovely sleepy Wanaka was a delight. Wouldn't want to go back there now either.
The Red Shed is the same, that's about all
https://www.thetrippie.com/travel/queenstown-to-glenorchy-new-zealand/
Though I did hear that the pub was re-opening.
Anyway, how are you all?
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/queensland/2019/06/29/betoota-hotel-smallest-town/
Thnx (mustn't use Piglet's FB name 😊) I was all set to "Like" it, when I remembered that I'm afloat again.