Now Voyager: Wellington Christmas Buzz

The summer weather seems finally to have arrived and the boys are bathing in Oriental Bay. I have had an already packed weekend and it's still not over. It began with the Dervish Dancing on Friday night, quite spectacular, and my friend B at the tender age of near 70s was twirling with the best of them. I was very impressed and they invited me and the other 'lovers' present to share the food afterwards.

The venue was in the kitchen of this grand home in Thorndon which I then discovered had been sold to the Wellington Studies Group by former iconic Lord Mayor, and artist, Michael Fowler. The whirling was done on a large parquetry floor which once, I am sure, had many a dancing foot on it at the Fowlers' many 'at home' parties. Again the smallness of Wellington. They are a lovely group of many nationalities and the following day at Te Papa where there was a 'Listen-In' choral fest, I saw one of them singing as well as playing the key board. Such an energetic woman and a European beauty to boot.

This concert at Te Papa was a great event. I was alerted to it by J, our choir mistress, and now she may regret telling me as one of the choirs I absolutely fell in love with. On enquiry, they rehearse the same night as the Glamaphones. It may be a sign to change choirs, I was, after all, getting a little disenchanted with the ambience of this choir, perhaps my expectations were too high. The smaller choir, named WOSISI, do a lot of African and Maori singing, with movement, which attracts me a lot. I'm keen to sing Maori, and be in a smaller more dedicated choir. It will be difficult to take my leave, so I'll just have to think about that later.

Later on Saturday I caught the movie at the Cuba Lighthouse about the fabled back-up singers in the US, called 'Twenty feet from Stardom'. It was excellent and showed the absolute talent of those who are not always in the spotlight. I will tell J about it when I write my letter of resignation, I know she would love it, that's if she takes any time to relax over the silly season.

On my way home after the movie I had an unexpected invitation from a Phillipine man who invited me joyously to join them all in a street celebration and barbecue for Christmas. He belonged to a Christian group and wanted to spread good cheer. I had already eaten at Mama Brown's so my tummy did not allow me to indulge in his kindness. But it was a typical statement of Wellington generosity I thought, and one which stayed with me for a wee while. See, I'm already becoming Kiwi!

Today after shopping at the Victoria Street market I am back home to do a few Christmas phone calls, otherwise I just won't have time, after all, next weekend I am in Nelson and then it's Christmas and Vinegar Hill. The madness of this season, even when I try to avoid most of it. Spoke to sister in Perth who actually posted me a present, against my instructions, and it probably won't arrive till after Christmas, given the inefficiency of the local posting system.

A choir at Te Papa, with Dervish Whirler friend in black at keyboard...