Guy Fawkes

What is Guy Fawkes?


In New Zealand and in Commonwealth countries 5th November, is celebrated with Fun Firework to commemorate the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of the British Parliament in 1605.

Guy Fawkes Party in St Clair

We were luck enough to have two nights of celebration with fireworks and friends. First, the prelude on a misty Guy Fawkes night at the top of Baldwin Street, steepest street in the world with Jesse's friend Roscoe and his parents. The next evening (postponed from the previous day due to weather) at the Kennedy residence in St Clair beach, did not disappoint. We were treated with a delicious BBQ meal by chef Mike and his assistants Melanie & Holly.

Kids enjoying BBQ while patiently waiting for darkness.

The backyard fireworks display was magnificent.  The chilly night sky and sea air was filled with technicolor lights, smoke, pops, bangs along with oohs and aahs from the children. Then the competition began hotted up as neighbors got into the act. We were treated with additional shows all around us. Take a look at our video of the fireworks show.

• 

  Sparkler fun for Lucy & Holly 

The first quarter

Its unbelievable that we have been here in New Zealand for almost 3 months.

Family at Nugget Point Lighthouse in Catlins, Southland New Zealand on Labour Weekend Oct 25, 2010

We left San Antonio on the 1st August at the height of a summer heat wave, to arrive in chilly winter conditions in Christchurch on the 3rd August. We were warmly welcomed at Christchurch International Airport by Chris's brothers Anthony and John, and John's wife Brigid. Over the next few days there was time to catch up with the Jenkinson & Hu families. On the 5th August "The Free China Junk" was screened to a full house as part of the New Zealand International film festival. It is a documentary by Robin Greenberg telling story of my Dad and his friends sailing in an ancient Chinese Junk across the Pacific Ocean more than 55 years ago. click here to see more details and video clip http://www.thefreechinajunkfilm.com/

Dad was fortunate enough to be able to share this part of his life with his children, grand children, in-laws, Tai Chi students and friends. It was a wonderful inspiring story of young men living their dreams and adventures.

Jesse & Holly with Grandpa Loo-Chi Hu and the NZ International  Film Festival poster 

Then the family flew off to Dunedin to stay with Chris's brother Michael, until we found our own place. We have settled into life in North East Valley, Dunedin with the children starting school.  Jesse & Holly made friends quickly and Chris is enjoying going into Otago University's Biochemistry Department where he is on sabbatical as the William Evans Fellow. After a couple weeks of looking we decided to rent a house on the top of Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. It is ideal for us because it is fully furnished, with fantastic views but most importantly it is sunny and warm. The cold and wet weather here was hard for everyone to adjust to.  Luckily, we are now well into spring. The days are longer and warmer.

The children are now in week 2 of the school 4th Term following a two week holiday. The next posts will include pictures of the holidays, family and the Christchurch earthquake. Please bear with me as I am learning to blog. This is my very first post.