Leaving Devonport

Hi All
Phileas is being pampered at the moment so this is Fogg taking the opportunity to send you some thoughts as we are about to leave Devonport for South Island. Devonport is a super place. It is in many ways like walking into the past and yet with all the modern trappings that we have become used to. (Like this for example)It is beautiful, with majestic trees, wonderful views across to Auckland, friendly people, good bars and cafes. In fact we have really been thoroughly spoilt, but have enjoyed every minute. As we have become accustomed to being here we have ventured further. As you probably know we toured the top end of North Island which was awesome but also latterly we have also explored more locally, like climbing both extinct volcanoes which boarder two sides of Devonport. In fact the whole town is built on a larva flow. The walks have revealed something of a mystery to us. On both 'hills' or Pas(they have been used as such in the past) which is a Maori word for a fortified hill, are gun emplacements. In fact there are still large guns up there dating from the late 19th Century. They of course are inopperative but were placed there in about 1890 to protect this area and New Zealand from a supposed Russian threat! Apart from the signs on the hills telling us this we have been able to find out little of this time in history. Very intriguing since the Russian revolution was still just a twinkle in a Bolshiviks eye at that time! Any thoughts anyone? We have also taken to walking on the local 'Cheltenham' beach and have watched many Gannets diving for fish and of course enjoying the view of Rangitoto, our local ex volcanic island which has become something of an Icon for us. It is a super shape and I would love to incorporate it in to a painting or print at some time in the future when we get home. I have managed to do some drawing and am coming up with some ideas. My work seems to be taking an even more abstract quality. The shapes and patterns and textures are too good an opportunity to miss. There is so much to see. Thinking back to South East Asia I was completely visually boggled by the amount of Temples and Buddhist symbolism and the poverty I am having difficulty sorting out what I can/should/would like to do in terms of Art. (Back to NZ.) Forgive me if this is a bit rambling. It is hot today and humid too which for me makes it difficult to concentrate. We are leaving Devonport tomorrow the 4th Jan and are flying to Christchurch and hence on to Sumner where we have booked into a B and B before moving in to an ex collegues (from Redborne Upper School) house for ten days . Then on to Omaru when we stay for about a week with another ex colleague from Luton days. After that we are on our own, probably hiring a car or camper van and heading out and doing some serious exploring without the comfort of a 'permanent' home. So, at last we are begining to do what we always said we would, that that is 'winging it' . Excited? Yes. Of course. But we will miss the pool that we have become used to at the house in Devonport! We are having an amazing time. We are learning so much about places and people and have met some wonderful people too. It is also great to hear from you as well and keep us in touch with what is going on at home. So, the adventure continues. Keeping in touch may be a little more difficult from now on although we assured there are Internet cafes everywhere in NZ! We were in the Post Office in Devonport the other day filling in some forms which had our address on them. A woman who happened to look over Phileases shoulder said . Oh hello I'm from Bedford too. I was a student at St Thomas More. Small world. It seems there are at least four families from Bedford that have come to this part of NZ! So, farewell Devonport, hello South Island.
Until our next Blog.
Lots of love and Best wishes to you all.
Fogg x