History of the Tutu

A few years ago, whilst waiting in an airport for a ski holiday, I was trying to convince my brother to buy something silly to wear when we were skiing. A compromise was reached, I would buy something that he had to wear on the slopes and he got to buy something that I would wear when riding.

I thought that I would be kind (for those that don't know Henry, he doesn't dress up EVER!!) and go gentle on him. I bought a pair of pink, fishnet evening gloves (technical term, look below for more info) and thought, they will make his outfit pop! In return, Henry provided me with the largest tutu that Claire's Accessories had ever produced. If you ever have a child that is the size of me that wants a tutu, there needs to be a serious conversation had. I digress, it was a hot pink, tripled layered tutu with a flashing light belt. It couldn't have been more beautiful and perfect! Love at first sight, a theme that may well continue through these posts.

Combine such a delightful item of clothing with me and what do you get? The weirdest looking ballerina ever. The tutu had its first outing on the slopes of Serre Chevalier, the start of an era.

Since then, she has been with me through thick and thin. Every time I have been abroad, the tutu has been packed and somehow I always found an excuse to bring her out. This has nothing to do with my love of dressing up as woman, just a coincidence.

Then recently during a "work" sojourn to Sivota, Greece the tutu had a few outings and was very popular. Chicks dig tutus, obviously. It led to the creation of "Tutu Tuesday", the best day of the week! It's as simple as it sounds, wear a tutu on Tuesday. It makes people smile so why not.


For those that want to read up on the history of gloves, check out this website: http://www.fashionintime.org/history-gloves-significance/

Woodie's Wisdom: Do something everyday that makes someone smile, it's worth it.

Visas - What not to do...

Most of my traveling prior to this adventure has been in America or Europe. Getting a visa in advance has only ever really been required for working in America, everything else is a do it as you get there.

However, when traveling to the other side of the world it is best to arrange a visa earlier than 2 weeks before you leave. It can leave you a liiiiiitle bit nervous and without fingernails. I knew that I needed a visa for a long trip to New Zealand so had arranged something or other. When I came to print it out, so I could put it in my 'useful folder of things I'm taking with me' (Mother's influence), I noticed that the information about me was incorrect. I'm pretty sure I wasn't born on 30th September 2014!

After a bit of running round like a headless chicken I decided to flirt my way out of it, a late night phone call to a young lady in NZ later, flattery included, a replacement visa was being prepared.

Then I thought it was probably best to get round to sorting out a visa to get through Australia, this was an unexpected minefield. After looking at all the available visas I found the one I thought I needed, a 72 hour transit visa. DON"T DO IT! After spending an hour filling out the form I saw that you needed to post it in with a passport, cue more shitting myself and pulling my hair out.

Then after another cross-world phone call to Amanda in Callcentreville, Australia I was sorted out. Now I have a 12-month visa, who would have thought it was easier to go to Australia for 3 months than 3 days.

With all that sorted, I can now get into and out of the countries I plan on visiting, score. Less than 2 weeks to go.

Woodie's Wisdom: Planning is a good thing!

I booked my flights, now PANIC!!

Today I woke up in a panic because I just spent a shitload of money on flights and so far all I have planned is that I am leaving New Zealand on the 6th April 2015. Now to fill 5 months! 

At the moment, I have 25 open internet tabs about New Zealand! Let's take it a bit at a time.

Where to start? 

I have decided that I am going to buy a car/camper so I will always have somewhere to keep my stuff and sleep if necessary. Then when I leave I can sell it on and hopefully not have wasted too much money. 

There are a few useful websites to help with this, one that has made it seem less stressful is: http://www.planitnz.com/planning-for-new-zealand/getting-around-new-zealand/guide-to-buying-a-car-or-campervan-in-nz/. The hard part is not being able to view a car until you get into the country. I have some money set aside to rent a car for a few days so I can get around to view cars, the longer I rent for the cheaper the car I buy needs to be. I am hopefully going to have a few viewings planned for arrival and then it's fingers crossed time.

This is a short post to get me started. I like to keep things short and sweet. I haven't had any complaints, that's probably because I never call them again...