Sorry about the lack of updates recently but that's only been because there hasn't been much to update on!

After a surprise phonecall from Madison last Friday (8th) we had to rush down to Air New Zealand and have training for a job that started the next day! Basically, we were working in the call centre from 2pm-8pm everyday for the next 9 days. We were taking calls from people who's luggage had gone missing and it was Air New Zealand's fault...so we had to deal with some pretty angry people! All we had to do was take a reference number from them they were given when they reported their bag as not coming off their flight, then check if it'd been located. If we had any queries we'd then e-mail the guys at Auckland Airport who were 'following up and locating bags'. First few days were ok...then we realised that the people at the airport weren't doing anything...and that the system we were using wasn't being updated. So we had the same people ringing back demandin to know where their bags were, or sayin they were told their bags would be delivered and they werent etc etc. So as the week went on the calls got worse n worse (although we did get some random ones, like asking if you could take a live Cray fish onboard a flight haha!). Luckily there was a guy there the last two days from the airport who actually had a system that could look up exactly where the bags were (like if they were on a flight from the passengers last destination). Had some pretty bad ones, like people going on a cruise with no luggage and stuff! We were offered another 7 days but although the money was good, it would of destroyed us lol! We even had to tell people some little lies so they would get off the phone. So...basically...this week we learnt, DON'T fly with Air New Zealand, if you want to keep your luggage. DO fly with Air New Zealand...if you want to take a live fish on board (coz according to us, you can!) Also, Sunday night we went out for a celebratory dinner at this steak place, Patio cafe that's in Queen Street. Was really nice food, we even had 3 courses...thought we'd treat ourselves! So that's our 2nd decent meal since we've been here lol.

Had a couple of days just at home past 2 days, enjoying not working! Monday we just spent in the apartment, literally all day! Got a little bored so at half 4 we decided to play 100 games of s**thead (card game)....60 games later and at about 10 o'clock, Ben was the 'ultimate s**thead' so as a forfeit, had to sleep naked on our sofa with just a towel (and as you can see from the pics, it's not the comfiest sofa!). He lasted til about 6am i think! Weather is still a bit cloudy but warm still! Yesterday had training with our other agency for the waiting work. Didn't realise it was proper silver service work so we had to do things like carry 3 plates round the room, scrape three plates at a time and clear them (using corks as a demo) but most of it was common sense stuff...at least we hope it was coz it was a 3 hour training session and we can't really remember too much about it lol. We've just gotta ring up every Friday and find out if there's any work for the following week. Will get to work in some decent places though, nice hotels, corporate funtions and awards and stuff...may even get to work on a boat! We've all had to get uniforms (apart from Ben who was sensible and brought black trousers and shoes) but we've all got ties and name badges...so just waiting to see what works about at the mo. Definitely doing the big Auckland Cup Races so that should be good (no Newbury Races though!)

May go to the beach this week if there's a clear day and we're hoping to swim with sharks next week! It's about $130 and you get a briefing andtraining then swim with three different kinds! And stingrays...gotta build up the courage this week! And tonight Tom's gonna play poker at this bar we've passed a few times while we make the most of happy hour!

About to run out of time so will update pics of Rangototo asap!

Come back today to add some more!!! Just about what we're doing this week...going to the New Zealand Beer Festival on Saturday, 70 different types of beer and 24 breweries I think...should be a good day! It's at the racecourse we'll be working at in a couple of weeks so at least we'll get to see it before! Although I bet it'll look a lot different. Got some local bands playing there as well!

Anyway hope everyone's good and should have more pics up now!