World Expeditions has asked me to be at the helm for this fantastic adventure. The tour has been designed to capture the pulse of Thailand. Whether that be the traditional culture of the floating markets, soaking up the sun in Phuket, or experiencing the more modern beat of the full moon dance party. 2 places have already been filled, so if you are interested, reply to this email and I’ll send all the details.
 
Focusing forward to the weekend, the 2 big parties are Deep Hard & Funky at The Vector Arena and the Ohakune Mardi Gras, I’m going to the latter on the recommendation of my psychiatrist. Get out of the rat-race for a bit, and sample the crisp air, new scene and plenty of white stuff.
 
Last week roared along. At this rate I’ll be 40 before I know it, or at least look it. Who’s heard of Aquamatta? It’s a very cosy, quiet, refined Italian restaurant at the back of The Chancery. Camillo explained they’ve been there for 4 years and been chugging along quite well, and after he’d made me a Manhattan, Caipirinha, Apple Martini and a neat Negroni I saw why. We nipped across town to the PSC to see friends, but all went next door to SPQR due to the loud music being as annoying as a slow healing scab. From here I could only find 1 taker to hit Globe Bar with me, but after an impromptu jam Dougal and I headed out. Globe was rammed for their famous $4 night. I felt 10 years too old to be there, but had a blast anyway. Opting against a taxi we athletically sprinted down Queen St to Pony Bar, I lost the race, but had unfair footwear. Grant Marshall has been replaced by new resident DJ Rain, and the place has lost its Wednesday edge, thus the saloon was vacant. I could hear the kebab shop owner next door calling from the top of the stairs, so I left.
 
Standing alone as my favourite event last week was seeing The Potbellez, one of the hottest dance acts in the world, perform live at Met Bar on Thursday. The 45min promo set flew by and it restored my faith in club nights like this. The older crowd helped, as did the boosted sound, lighting and the $5000 open bar-tab upstairs. I was convinced to go home early, by a more sensible partner, but the party raged on till very late with cameo DJ’s having their 2 cents worth.
 
I was so impressed by The Potbellez on Thursday I wanted to see them again the next night. After cracking up to comedian Ben Hurley at The Classic’s cute upstairs studio, I did just that. Being Friday (not a school night) the crowd was younger and vibe less social, but the main act was even better. I wonder where in the world they’re playing this weekend, maybe I could fit a flight in.
 
Last Saturday was the shortest day of the year, so I went swimming to celebrate. Despite the pool being heated I still froze; it was only the Pinot Noir I consumed while submerged that kept the hypothermia at bay. 3 bottles down and the sun had just closed it’s eye on the day, where better to go but to Dougal’s, the best pre-party Ponsonby pad ever. If you get to meet him ensure he invites you over. He’s playing at Forte this Saturday from midnight if you want to check out his uplifting electro tunes and meet the man.
 
The party pumped till 1ish then we cabbed to Spy. There’s something about that place that keeps attracting me back, as if brainwashed. In spite of all the pleas from my lady to go home with her, my stubborn self went anyway. Luckilly when I ascended the stairs to the surface again it was lousy weather, so I didn’t notice the late hour (breakfast was about to stop at McDonalds). I did notice the texts to after parties though, but to hear more about those you’ll have to come with me some time and see for yourself.