Is it just me or is the festive joy around Rotorua in 2014 even more spirited than previous years? I have been lucky enough to be part of some great community events over the past month or so, like the parade, Carols By Candlelight, Tryathlon, food drives, and also a number of retail promotions where everyone has seemed to be smiling and happy and positive. They say Christmas can be a stressful time, but it seems that is all washed away at the moment. Why can't the vibe be like this all year round? I suppose it is hard to be feeling really positive after a holiday break and then into the cold and wet and dreary winter months, but I hope the really good feeling around the city does flow much further than this Thursday.
We really do live in a beautiful place don't we? I admit to never getting sick of seeing our sights and hearing about our history over and over again.
Like most workplaces, we have had a bit of an end-of-year celebration and last week we spent a couple of hours out with Rotorua Duck Tours. Now this is a tour that I have been lucky enough to do a number of times over the years and it never fails to disappoint. The scenery of the lakes, the commentary and the vehicle make it a lot of fun. I also recently visited Rotorua Museum for the first time since upgrades to the Don Stafford wing. While exhibits were largely the same, it was extra exciting to see the new way they were displayed; a credit to all involved.
Unfortunately, there are still too many people in our town that either moan too much about it, or just take things for granted. So if you've got a bit of time off these holidays, get out and be a tourist in your own town. There is so much to do, and not everything will cost a heap; in fact there's lots of free stuff to see and do too. You will not be disappointed.
While I actually finished up my radio show for the year on The Hits Rotorua last Friday, there's no time off for me this holiday period, except Christmas Day itself. I am working the whole way through with radio shows and MC gigs in other parts of the country, so it is a busy time for me. On behalf of my wife Katie and children Joel and Destiny, I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy holiday season. May you get to spend time with loved ones and please take care on the roads.
