Two buildings in Wellington are virtually earthquake-proof: (1) the Parliament and the (2) Te Papa Museum. They are protected by flexible plates at their base which essentially allow the building to remain relatively still during an earthquake by providing a shock-absorbing buffer at the building's base. This buffer is also capable of allowing the entire building to shift from left to right without damaging its frame. After seeing a video of the plate action (follow link for video), I was inspired to create the Earthquake Dance. In case of an emergency in Wellington, this is what I will be doing:
By the way, I'll be in Tonga for Christmas and New Years Eve, so enjoy the holidays!
21 December 2008
20 December 2008
Rainy Weekend
It has been a cold and rainy weekend in Wellington, so I picked up a few movies from the city library. Below are video trailers from two excellent films from Australia (Rabbit Proof Fence) and New Zealand (Whale Rider). Although these films are approximately 6 years old, I would recommend either of them for your next rainy weekend, if you haven't seen them already.
RABBIT PROOF FENCE
WHALE RIDER
14 December 2008
Bike the Bays
One of my favourite events of the year is the Bike the Bays bicycle ride around the various bays outside of Wellington. Hundreds of people come out for the 28-KM ride and enjoy the morning. Last year this event was held in February (see link to my entry last year).
The ride this year was beautiful because the Pōhutukawa trees were in full bloom. (NB: the Pōhutukawa is sometimes referred to as the New Zealand Chrsitmas tree because of its brilliant red flowers and green leaves, and because it blooms just in time for Christmas. Here is a video clip from Scorching Bay (one of the bays with a beautiful small beach) and a couple of photos from the ride.
The ride this year was beautiful because the Pōhutukawa trees were in full bloom. (NB: the Pōhutukawa is sometimes referred to as the New Zealand Chrsitmas tree because of its brilliant red flowers and green leaves, and because it blooms just in time for Christmas. Here is a video clip from Scorching Bay (one of the bays with a beautiful small beach) and a couple of photos from the ride.
01 December 2008
Visitors from Another Hemisphere, Part II
Here are a couple videos from my recent travels with friends from the North. The videos are of: (1) a traffic jam on the South Island, (2) Angela's bungy jump/canyon swing, and (3) a Tui (a native bird of New Zealand).
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