I came to the UK at the start of 2011 and the timing of that decision meant I missed possibly the biggest sporting event in New Zealand’s history, the Rugby World Cup. I’ll never forget watching the final at the Walkabout in Shepherd’s Bush but not being there to see it in person always bothered me a little. As luck would have it, come 2015 the Cup came to the UK and after a very favourable ballot, I intended to take full advantage.
Chicago – Rugby, tall buildings and pizza
I’ve wanted to go to Chicago for a long time and the All Blacks playing what some would call an “exhibition game” at Soldier Field seemed like a pretty good excuse to make the trip over the Atlantic. With a former local (Kris) to show me the sights, we drank and ate our way around easily the most impressive architectural city I’ve been to…even gives New York a run for its money.
London, Paris – Sport & stuff
November & December continued on at a hectic pace, plenty of sport to finish 2013 and a trip to Paris to see the All Blacks and see some of the things I missed out on last time I visited 2 years ago.