Game Day #2 (Canada v New Zealand)

Well after our walk and breakfast yesterday, we got picked up by the Mexted's and went by their favourite Sunday brunch cafe, the Astoria. Henry & Jack never let a moment pass when there is a chance to toss a rugby ball around and this am was no exception. A small patch of grass in front of the cafe proved perfect for the three boys to work on their handling skills. We had a coffee and H&J had some chips (which they shared with Matthew), followed by bacon and eggs once Henry decided he might actually be hungry. Then off to Shed 5 to link up with Gilmour et al for a pre-game warm up. They actually have an outdoor artificial ice surface on the wharf which was a funny sight.

Rode to the game with Alan et al and saw some very expressive Canada fans along the way. None moreso than Zach Foster who turned up in the row right in front of us with his buddy Alex. They are in NZ for an OE (overseas experience, as described by Slat's). They are having an extraordinary time, complete with certain events that I have been sworn to secrecy over (not to worry though, apparently there is a "certificate" to commemorate the event). The game started with Canada drawing first blood, and eventually scoring a couple of trys, but the AB's are far to powerful for the Canucks. The game was very entertaining if not competitive, even without Dan Carter and Ritchie MacCaw. Matthew was enthralled with the experience. We saw lots of action in our corner (excellent seats again - thanks Alan!), we were just inside the 22 and about 15 rows up. We had a great view of the Haka to boot.

After the game, we walked with Zach and Alex back to the Dockside where I got them in (in spite of a very sceptical looking bouncer) and had a few beers and a bite before they took off with their buddies to the FoxGlove. We re-linked with Happy Gilmour and his troupe for more festivities topped off with a fantastic meal upstairs at the Dockside. Matthew and I then took off for a brief stop at the Fan Zone to watch a few minutes of the Ireland v Italy game on the big screen, but it was raining so we carried on to the Establishment where we heard the Canadian team was gathering. Indeed they were there albeit at a private function upstairs. A few players were mingling with fans at the bar, including the rather large Jamie Cudmore. After a long day Matthew and I headed for the hotel and crashed.

Slept in this morning and had our breakfast. Seems everyday, there is a slightly different protocol for this feature, but the food has been excellent every day. Also today, can't pick up the WiFi in the room (it's been good til now) and I'm down in the lobby posting. Desk attendant says they don't have WiFi on the second floor, which is odd, since the guy who checked us in told us about their 2nd floor wireless, and I've been using every day so far. Apparently getting everyone on the same page is challenging.

We'll see some more of the Wellington sights today, hopefully taking the tram and visiting the beehive.