OLD MATES,OLD YARNS, OLD TIMES

Grant was given a weekend pass to catch up with some old mates in London. The day started with a pint with Dave Huxley at O Neil's Bar in Shepherds Bush. Dave taught in Whakatane with Grant and has recently returned home to the U.K to pay off his ever expanding Visa bill. Here we're trying to get the rest of the pub to sing "God Save the Queen". Next drink at Twickers Dave for the Haka.

After spending the afternoon with Dave, Grant met up with 2 old Massey University flat-mates, Les (Jason Tipler) and Poos (Craig Humprey). Grant had not seen Poos since 1997 and Les in 1991. The evening began with champagne and a toast to absent friends, in particular the two flat-mates who weren't present. Yes Lynchie your now "13 behind" boyo. Poos was our tour guide for the evening booking dinner at the Thai Pot in Covent Garden followed by a number of ales at the Porterhouse Bar. The evening was most enjoyable yarning and filling in the gaps of the past 15 years. (14, 15, 16......behind Lynchie)

The next day Les shouted the flat breakfast where Grant met Poos' partner Gabi for the first time. They are expecting their first baby in August, hoping to buy a house and plan a wedding. No wonder you loosing hair rapidly Poos.

Notice the tired 3 lads. We may have arrived home early last night but stayed up telling war stories 'til 4am

After breakfast Grant couldn't resist getting shots of some of the sights near Poos and Gabi's Flat. Here Grant crosses the pedestrian crossing made famous by the cover of the Beatles Abbey Road Album. Not far from Poos front door is "Lords" Cricket Ground. Grant tries out his "forward defence"

Thanks must go out to Gabi for letting Les and Grant stay. To Gabi, Jaqui and Sharon for giving the lads a weekend pass. Lastly, it may have been a long time between drinks lads but it was like old times again (without trashing the flat). See you at the head wetting

BONJOUR PARIS

Paris in the Spring -not such a romantic trip this time for Sharon and Grant but still special all the same and lived up to all the Muru's expectations. In one day they managed to see more than most families of 5. The three wee ones were brilliant said their Mum. Here are some of the highlights. It is one of the tallest structures in Paris and possibly one of the most recognized monuments in the world. Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, it is the most visited monument in the world more than 200,000,000 since its construction. Including the 24 m (78.7 ft) antenna, the structure is 324 m (1,063 ft) high .

The Arc de Triomphe is a monument in Paris that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l'Étoile, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The monument stands over 51 meters (165 feet) in height and is 45 meters wide. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence. Its design was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus Notre Dame de Paris, often known simply as Notre Dame, is a Gothic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in Paris, with its main entrance to the west. It is still used as a Roman Catholic cathedral and is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris.

A view over the Seine

Yes Granny Hillary they have Nutella in France as well. The kids just loved the Nutella crepes
Liam hoping he never has to learn to drive on the Champs Elysee. no chance of traffic like that on Commerce Str. Whakatane.
The Muru's with their cheese, bread, ham, salami and cherry tomatoes at the western tip of Ile de La Cite'-Bon Appetite
Sharon and Paraone immerse themselves in the artwork of masters of the Louvre The bonus photo. If you've been to the Louvre to see Mona Lisa you'll understand why this photo is special because just behind these two is a 20 person deep crowd. Paraone and Ngahuia were singled out to have their own private gallery with the lady of mystery

Sharon and the kids in the courtyard of the Louvre

EURO DISNEY

Disneyland Resort Paris is a holiday and recreation resort in Marne-la-Vallée, 32 kilometres east of Paris. The complex features two theme parks, an entertainment district and seven resort hotels. Operating since 1992, it was the second Disney resort to open outside the United States (following Tokyo Disney Resort). 12.8 million visitors in 2006 it is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations.

The Muru's stayed at the Explorer Hotel a 10 min "free" shuttle ride from the resort. The Hotel particularly caters for families. The rooms were cleaned daily, the staff were extremelyhelpful and friendly and had lots for the kids to do including an indoor pool and hydro-slide.

ENGLAND-FRANCE CHUNNEL

Week 2 of the Muru's Easter Break started with a night in Folkstone before going through the Chunnel (which in itself is an experience). The Muru's always imagined you'd just drive on through like any other tunnel but no instead you drive on to a train carriage park your car up and then the train takes you through.
A view of the carriages that take you to France in less than 3/4 of an hour
Ngahuia asks the hostess if she will be able to see under the sea like at "Kelly Taltons". Unfortunately not says her Dad. Apparently your 40m below the bottom of the ocean. Sharon says "I hope there are no earthquakes".

P looking out over the beach at Folkstone and towards the "White Cliffs of Dover"

Dinner on the beach and thinking of Ohope

MORE OF THE IRELAND WHANAU (FAMILY)

Number 8 the Willows, the home of the Mulhollands a warm and friendly welcome to all who enter. Brenda (Sister of Harry) and Tom were our 5 star hosts for the week. The Muru's were well fed and watered
Paraone in the backyard of the house
Brenda, Tom Sharon and the kids in front of "Uncle Toms Cabin"
Liam and Ngahuia inside the cabin. But all is not what it seems.....
"What's this here?" say Liam "Look Ngahuia a secret door". But where does it go.....?

"To the bar of course...Every Dad should have one"
And the perfect complement to the bar.... your own lounge
Nee Kennedy sisters 2 generations of them. Brenda, Sharon, Bertha Tom and Grant share a few yarns and craic over an Irish Whiskey.

More Kennedy Girls. Wee Mia the latest addition and her Mum Clare
Chris son of Bertha, brother of Clare and Arsenal Supporter
The in-laws, Grant and Rob discuss the advantages of belonging to the Kennedy-Mulholland gene pool. Grant said I only did it so the kids could get the UK passports

The Muru's enjoyed being around family so much they are hoping to return for Christmas. Special thanks to all the Whanau in Ireland we look forward to our return.