As far as events go there were only 2 for me last week. The Westin Hotel’s grand opening gala and the Caravan of Love mystery bus tour. Everything in-between was swept aside in order to enhance the C.O.L, and limit its hiccups.

The Westin, located behind the flash Vodafone building in The Viaduct Harbour, is streets ahead of its competitors in almost every aspect; its spacious opulence with superbly chosen decor, the helpful and knowledgeable staff, the fact that you can cruise your Miami Vice launch straight up to the bar, the cool Office bar on the street front and the even cooler club below it.

The launch last Thursday took all this into account and tripled it. Divine drinks from all regions of the menu, continuous sumptuous nibbles, that sometimes left you guessing as to what you were eating, and a glamorous social crowd that very much minded their p’s and q’s at first, but cut loose after an Agavero or 2. Only 3 quibbles spring to mind; the guest rooms, I was shown around a few, and they just didn’t measure up to my idea of a 5 star hotel (not that I’ve been in terribly many). One great feature though is their soundproofing, so if you ever want a delicate after-party, the Westin’s the place. Second was being locked in the conference room while the speeches were on. They were good speeches, but I just don’t like being caged.  Thirdly, and I know this is a bit picky, but the goodie bag was the opposite of good.  Lousy-bag was a better description. Or maybe mine had been raided earlier.

Last weeks title, “Bring Back The Blag”, should have read “bring back my bag”. I took my best of everything on board the Caravan of Love tour on Saturday and had such a great time that I mislaid everything, but I am told that I’m in good company.

3pm Saturday came around very quickly. 170 goody bags to fill, 5 venues to organize, three buses to load with ice, refreshments and boxes of tricks, 2 bands, 6 djs, a replacement film crew after a last minute cancellation, and of course the sunshine.  But from the correspondence I received over the last few days everyone had a fabulous time. I particularly enjoyed meeting new guide-getters, I now want to expand this social networking even further, and get even more of you involved. Stay alert for the rumbling of “The Love Train” in the near future.

When the double-deckers eventually arrived we were all parched. Like teenage girls at a Timberlake book signing, the C.O.L crew surged from all facets of The Westin. You could see the relief on the face of the Concierge and his arm-folded, frowning posse as we left the forecourt.

We motored around the bays to Bastion Point and ascended to The Memorial. The Steve Edwards Band was there ready to rock’n’roll, as was our pimped out little-man Gav plying us with an array of sweeties. I’d forgotten to realize that on such a nice day there may be some public there, so they were treated to sights and sounds too. It was here also that the “Boxes Of Tricks” came into play. Each bus had a jumbo crate filled with all sorts of wild bits and bobs that could be worn, thrown, blown or cuddled. The Red Bull promo girls were a timely addition and circulated the congregation dishing out the invigorating drop (that might have been added to vodka).

Between this stop and the next one Ecstasy was taken. Each bus was ambushed by themed Ecstasy promo girls who poured chilled shots for everyone. This lead to an impromptu stop by all 3 buses outside a poor gent’s home in Remuera, where a small ecstatic commotion was created before we busted on.

Stop 3 was my favourite. It was in a shoe boutique warehouse called Minx in Onehunga. Jeff and Kushla played wonderful hosts as we took over their home/workplace. Bright Young Things serenaded us as did James Reid’s rendition of “In The Air Tonight”, I suppose my lash at “Ice Ice Baby” wasn’t too bad either.

By this stage we were all letting our inhibitions slide. Steve played magician, Nicola played Ange, Hamish played the tyres and the band played on.

The Stardome had no idea what hit them. 170 up-for- anything people converging on a venue meant for groups of school kids with backpacks and Roman sandals. But what a venue. Andy Barr played a blinder set before Karn Hall saw us home.

Seeing we were having too much fun (is this possible?), we were shut down an hour early.  Nobody minded though as Forte was primed and ready for our onslaught. Ben Levi, Tania M, Justin Sane and the freshly mohawked Mike Burke kept us jiving till late. Spy bar took over, then a super crack-on at Dougal’s saw out Sunday. Can someone please just remind Leighton not to fall asleep at these events as he will get lip-sticked again and again.

Monday was a mess. Bruised, battered, bewildered and barely able to walk I made it to work and home again. Crashing out at 6 I woke just in time to witness another exhilarating installment of “Flight Of The Conchords”. Great day for it too. Nuff of the good shows on a Friday or a Saturday night. Who’s at home watching TV at that time of the week? ‘Suppose that’s why there’s My Sky.