A quarter past what?

I've had a few experiences here in New Zealand that I have started getting comfortable with. But one thing that still confuses me is the way they tell time. Kiwis prefer telling it by halves and quarters.

One time at the office, for example, we set a time for the meeting to be half past 3. Now we all know that that's 3:30, but when you're multitasking, things that you're not accustomed to hearing can get confusing. I almost missed the meeting, actually. Now, when we talk time and it gets to halves and quarters, I repeat the time, this time in the way I am familiar with (so it's three thirty, right?) and note it down. I was worried about getting a bit of a challenge when adapting to new things, I didn't anticipate time to be one of them. Whew!

Chipmunks Children's Playland

This week is start of Term 2 for the kids, and so we decided that Jo-Lo should have some fun time before going back to school.  So off we went to Chipmunks Children's Playland in Tawa, Wellington.

Entrance is $8.00 for a 4-year old kid, but adults are free (you need to have your kid/s with you, of course).  The area is quite huge, with structures resembling obstacle courses featured in Nickelodeon's kid games.

It's not just Jo-Lo who enjoyed the day, even the grown-ups had a lot of fun at Chipmunks.  The huge inflatable slide is a big hit.  We had a go a number of times in there!

Chipmunks is also available for parties.  It would surely be one memorable event for kids and grown-ups alike.

Filipino wins Ethnic Forum Design Competition

Out of 18 entries, Michael Javier's design was chosen to be used for the Ethnic Forum happening on May. Congratulations, Michael! You make us proud.

Related link: Absolutely Positively Wellington's Ethnic Communities page