had a real blast of a travelling day today in nz's south island
left christchurch yesterday in a pocket-rocket rental car
at nightfall cruised into a much rejuvenated kaikoura
last visit to this town probably 30 years ago
since then the whales have visited frequently
meaning this town is now a tourism mecca
backpackers, cafes, motels, bars are plentiful
but all done quite tastefully and in true nz style
this morning i drove out with snow on the hills
swirling clouds, chilly air and a crashing sea
bought ye olde style toasted sandwich and cup-a-coffee
hit the road north fired up the cd player and settled in
today's first discovery - fleet foxes cd is fine driving music
all tracks on the album so reminiscent of 70's something
hollies - csny - buffalo springfield - simon & garfunkel
but with an edge and production that sets it apart
but whatever - perfectly suited to today's trip
quiet roads, rolling hills, clear rivers, wild seas
a pervasive sense that here and now all is ok
hoping that the destination doesn't come too quickly
the digital camera my companion on this trip and needing air
so frequent stops to push buttons to try and capture atmosphere
thus turning a 90 minute trip into much more than that
which also allows time for a run through of another cd
animal collective today's second musical discovery
an unbelievable collection of noise-infested tunes
radiohead - beach boys - pink floyd - stone roses
topped off with great vocals, harmonies and production
both new albums soaked up before cruising into blenheim
business successfully done and dusted at the local cd store
being on a musical roll means another new cd is bought
(a p r exercise for what hopes will be a new client)
the superb drive through to nelson has a soundtrack
more hills, more vacant roads, more stunning scenery
with the cafe-del-mar-ish music of boozoo bajou
musical discovery number 3 initially underwhelming
but won over as the pocket-rocket cruises into nelson
the album itself morphing from m-o-r to left-of-centre
oh what a perfect day - topped off with a meal with friends
and then some fine red and amy winehouse in concert (dvd)
that would be musical discovery number 4 - she has soul
so rolling into bed tonight feeling happy and well
all is good in (this part of) the world...zzz
