September - December 2015

Hello Everybody,

Well it's nice to be back writing and sharing a little of what's been one of the most cray years of my life. I've already written about my time living & getting married in Colombia in another blog: www.otdanincolombia.blogspot.com Getting married has obviously changed my life beyond recognition, but it hasn't stopped me from keeping up my Occupational Therapy relationships thriving. My wife (below) is an OT - which is really no surprise.

 The journey before getting back to New Zealand just as eventful as some of my previous round the world travels. A 16 hour stop in New York became an overnight stay as the absolutely shocking USA airport staff and Delta Airlines showed their continued incompetence by over-booking the plane. This worked out well for me though as I got extra time in New York and time with my long time friend, Petra. Check out some of the famous NY sights below...

Times Square, NY

Views from the Empire State, NY

Catching up with Petra for lunch, NY

Night at the Museum fans will like this one...

 This shot (taken in central park) might not be so recognizable but I loved it too much to leave it out...

Central Park, NY

Returning to New Zealand was never going to be difficult. I say this for many reasons. I had a great time in Colombia and wished I could have had more time with my new family, and more time with my own family and friends in the UK, but I was also very happy to get back to this beautiful country and get the chance to return to work and the new opportunities ahead. That said, my amazing friends in New Zealand made the transition easy. Friends (Frank & Fran) put me up in a truly stunning place with the most amazing views (see below)

Views from my Temporary Home, Karaka Bay, NZ

Karaka Bay, Wellington, NZ

I needed a little bit of temperature adjustment and had a couple of freezing nights (following months of intense heat in Colombia), before my body adjusted to a NZ Spring. Moving in to a place that had everything I needed so I could just dump my bags was brilliant! Walking into a new (old) job just 5 days after arriving back in the country was also a good thing as within a week, I was pretty much feeling back to my previous life. (Minus my wife and step-son of course)   

Wellington always has lots of stuff going on all year round, but one event in particular caught my attention. ROBBIE WILLIAMS was playing a concert at the Basin Reserve (One of the most famous cricket grounds in the world). I went with my good mate Ros and we one had a truly brilliant night singing along to songs from our younger years! 

Robbie Williams Concert @ The Basin Reserve

Rocking Robbie!

I had a few weeks to basically get myself organized: start work, readjust to New Zealand life, find a house for my family and well, you know.... find some time to enjoy life. So, as anyone that knows me knows I tend to search out what's going on in and around the place where I live. This is no different with a wife and teenager in toe. So after just one or two weeks after arriving in the country the family was running around the water front dresses as Santa (with another 300+) other Santas, as part of the Kidscan Charity Santa Run - held all over New Zealand....

Santa Run, Wellington

Needless to say the difference in lifestyles between  the bustling and busy Bogota, Colombia and here in the wonderful waterfront of Wellington, NZ is absolutely huge! So views from our new home, (like these pictures below), definitely help with settling into this totally new world. 

Views from the new home...

Views from the new home...

CHANGE  has been the one constant factor in life this year (2016). Change in my working life, change in my country of residence twice (& Continent), a change in climate, a change in marital status, moving home 3 times, and finally a change in becoming a parent to a teenager overnight. I'm a bit over change to be honest! Still, some change is unavoidable. One thing I can definitely say is that change is not something that worries me anymore!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Wellington, NZ.

A little Sabbatical....

Wikipedia tells me that a 'sabbatical' is: 

Sabbatical or a sabbatical (from Latin: sabbaticus, from Greek: sabbatikos (σαββατικός), from Hebrew: shabbat (שבת) (i.e., Sabbath), literally a "ceasing") is a rest from work, or a break, often lasting from two months to a year.

Well, in reference to life in New Zealand, that's exactly what I am doing - I'm off to Colombia, yes the one in South America, for 5-6 months to live in the desert and get married amongst other things!  So you can catch my adventures at www.otdanincolombia.blogspot.com.

I'll start this blog up again later this year (2015) on my return. 

Adios Amigos!

It's All About Alice....

Hi Everybody.

It's been quite a while since the last post, and as usual lots of things happen at once that I want to write about. However this post is a fresh one, meaning I'm writing it just an hour or two after an experience that I thought I'd like to share.

Four of my female friends (Fran, Maree, Tania & Ellen) are about to do a 100k walk for charity, and well, hey, that's what lots of people in New Zealand seem to like doing - big walks, runs and all manner of physical endurance races for good causes or personal challenges.  It's no wonder people are so bloody healthy looking here. Anyway, I digress. As part of the fundraising they had a movie screening at one of the gorgeous little Art-House cinema's - the Cuba Lighthouse. The film that was screened had to be changed, and as a result of the change tonight's film was 'Still Alice' (see picture below...)

Now, this movie which is based on a book, was all about 'Alice' - a highly successful academic, wife, mother of 3, who finds out she has a rare form of Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. The added twist is that it is a rare form of the disease and is hereditary, meaning any of her children may also get the disease. One of Alice's daughters is "Bella' from the Twilight movies, (who actually is really good when she's having to worry about vampires and werewolves fighting over her).

This movie is not a comedy, but it's gritty and very real portrayal of how the Alice and the family cope with such a disease. The film made me frequently tearful, and made me think about lots of wok related cases from my past. Also I think a recent file I read of someone at my current work shared many of the same issues that were shown in the film.

I'm also reading the book pictured below....

... which also has a central character called Alice, who loses her memory. This story focuses on Alice who can't remember the last ten years of her life (from age 29-39). She can't remember her 3 children, the reason for her divorce, of the death of her best friend. This story also focuses on a real sense of what has been lost and how relationships change over time, including the perceptions of who we are as people and how our values can change.

I was sat watching the film tonight, thinking about many of the 'people', (patients / clients / families of clients / friends & family), who have been affected by illnesses and injuries like in these stories and the sense of a person being present in their body, but not always present in their mind. In both stories there are interactions where the 'now' Alice is either trying to send a message to the future Alice, or understand behaviors of the past Alice.

These stories really got me thinking about issues like:

- What parts of myself and my own story would I like to record, and be able to tell myself in the future if forgot?

- Would there be parts of my past I wouldn't want to remind the future me of?

- Do I tell the important people around me enough of how I really feel about stuff now, whilst I can?

- What do I really value in my life, and am I doing the things that make those values real?

 

Now I know, lots of OT's and health professionals will say that questions about personal values come from the 'OT' part of my brain. Yet thinking about all the interviews I have conducted recently in my new job, and thinking of the many hours of time spent with very ill patients / clients / families, I wonder did I ask this one question enough? - WHAT & WHO ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO YOU RIGHT NOW / IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES? 

 

The follow-up question should be.... AND ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO RIGHT NOW MATCHING YOUR VALUES?.

 

You'd be surprised how many people in my professional career realize that the answer to the follow-up question is a "NO".... 

Regards from Wellington.

A Whole New World - Moving into non-clinical practice...

Hello everybody!

Don't worry I'm not about to post a video of me bursting into Disney's Aladdin song, but given the enormous change in my working circumstances, I could have easily have sang my way through the streets after experiencing working in the private / corporate sector.

Now lets put this in context, I have worked for 12+ years (post qualification) in public health settings - so that's government run - underfunded, busy teams and departments, with short lunch breaks, average pay and with mainly health professionals. During my overseas trips (South America, Vietnam, Romania etc) I have volunteered, but again with health professionals around to speak, work and joke with.

Not anymore! As of 2015 I began life working for a large insurance company (who shall remain nameless for the sake of privacy). This is a little short term project, whereby I am part of a group of rehabilitation 'Consultants' who assess people who have Income Protection Claims (where an illness or injury prevents them from working either partially or totally). We look at the person's situation and see if there may be additional support that could given to them, to help them recover and get back to work... I don't want to really talk about the work side of things and am legally bound in what I can disclose anyway, but I do want to talk about the difference between working conditions!

DRESS CODE: No clinical uniform, (or as I have been used to in Mental Health your own clothes), oh no - this is the corporate world, so it's suits, / shirt and suit pants (at the very least). Ties are optional - as you might expect in laid back New Zealand. I've had a few heart attacks already at the cost of suits here, but I managed to find a cheap one ($250 NZ) in a department store instead of $600 minimum anywhere else that was decent. I have secretly (well not so secretly) enjoyed buying a whole new set of clothes, and yes more shoes too!

LOCATION & LUNCH: Working in the central business district - OMG I have never seen Wellington so busy and bustling with people as I see now every lunch time. Almost all food outlets are busy, and if people aren't out eating lunch they are going off to exercise classes ( I prefer my lunch break). And oh yes! No more scoffing sandwiches down or running to grab something quick. My luch break just suddenly went form 30 minutes to one hour! I'm prety sure I coudl squeexe in a massage f I really wanted to!

FACILITIES: In public health settings I am used to minimal space for kitchens at work, shared computers,working in publicly accessed buildings and some grotty departments. Well, I now find myself in a flash tall storey building, with lifts (elevators) that only work if you have a swipe card, infact you need a personal swipe card to get in the door, use the lift, use the photocopier, printer and even get back from the toilet! The kitchen is almost as large as my entire flat, and has a huge tv in it! The fact I have been able to watch sky sports whilst making a cuppa still amazes me. Perhaps best of all is the fact that as part of some social responsibility scheme there are free deliveries of fruit on Monday and Wednesdays! During my first week I have literally been in a constant state of shock. None more so than on day one when  was given my own computer - my own computer!

BUSINESS SPEAK: I have heard phrases and words that I have never heard / used before in my work. 'Let's get in front of that/them' = means early intervention, 'we are going to socialize that' (document / idea)... = we are going to share the document, and I can't even begin to go into the specific language of the insurance world.

MENTALITY / KEEPING STAFF HAPPY: I have worked with some great managers in the public health settings, though many of the Health Boards / organizations have rarely put as many practices in place to keep staff happy - comparative to what I have seen so far. There's a daily meeting in the organization where all staff (including video link to other offices in the country) have a representative and report on how people are 'doing'. The best bit is the rating is with smiley faces! There's regular team time where staff have chance to just say anything good that is going on for them in life, and then there's a little quiz done all together.  Did I already mention the free fruit? And discounted lunch time keep fit sessions?

SO...... basically I have had my eyes open to a new working world, with a different mentality, focus, amazing facilities and most importantly - nice people to go with it. The banter and jokes between colleagues is indeed different, and the level of client / customer / patient (insert appropriate label here...) is less. However the opportunity to be exposed to a new way of organizational structure, mentality, resourcing and flexibility has been wonderful so far.

THE TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Well I guess it's simply to never rule out any opportunity, as you never know what you might learn / get from it! Even if it's only free fruit!

Regards from New Zealand
Dan

Showcasing Wellington / NZ life as another chapter begins & a very kiwi Christmas Road Trip

It's been a little while, so please read this when you have time, get a cup of tea and relax - (it's a long one)....

Summer moon....

This picture follows on from the last post - as a new moon arises. Yes it's been a big year, and next year will be an even bigger one, however life doesn't end in December and begin again in January, however the Christmas period does at least allow for people to come together and time away from usual routines. So here's a little snippet of the last wonderfully crazy few weeks living in Wellington, New Zealand.

1) SAYING GOODBYE TO 'LIFE AS WE KNOW IT'

The work Christmas party way split between a lunch at Wagamama and then a 2 hour boat cruise around the harbour. It was a glorious afternoon with my fantastic colleagues and friends. It was especially enjoyable for me as I was due to finish working with the team after 2.5+ year together, and these people have been with me through my entire NZ life.

Work Xmas Party

The idea of leaving such a lovely group of people and work that I feel competent and effective in, is a daunting and scary idea. Regardless of whether this is becomes a permanent move or not, I can at least say that the last 2.5+ years have been a wonderful experience and more importantly contained many hours of laughter - which is something I always highly value!

2) FEELING PART OF A COMMUNITY

Many of past travels have included attending weddings... I've been blessed going to weddings in Canada, Vietnam, Romania and now I can add New Zealand to that list. But more importantly than attending different wedding ceremonies, was the sense of belonging that these invitations meant to me personally. Living away from 'home' is tough, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, making new friends is great, but knowing people long enough to have shared (or be invited to share) special events like weddings can take time. 

Therefore I was incredibly honored to be invited to my friend's (Chris) wedding in December. I went on the stag party too - but for obvious reasons I will not be sharing that information here! Being invited to such an event really helped to remind me of feeling like I am not just a temporary visitor to NZ any longer, but am part of a community that goes beyond superficial niceness. I can certainly add a few more people to this list, but you really know who you are already!

@ the winery wedding

Bride & Groom

 The wedding (at Coney Winery, Martinborough) was in itself a brilliant day with a relaxed atmosphere and a day where it was about everybody just having fun (very much like The Hungarian wedding I attend in 2007). Simple, relaxed and about enjoying the day!

3) CHRISTMAS ROAD TRIP

This was the main reason for writing this post. Given the upcoming change in my employment status, I ended up with a week off after 24th December. After a very relaxed and chilled Xmas day (Dec 25th), I decided to leave Wellington on boxing day and drive north. My plan really was simple, drive north... text friends along the way, stop when I feel tired or just feel like stopping, and as it's NZ - stop when you see something worth taking a picture of - so every 3o minutes!

Day 1 and the first proper stop was Taupo (4/5 hours from Wellington).  Taupo being a super huge glacial lake in the centre of the North Island. As you can see from the pictures below, it's the perfect stop for a random swim. I literally just pulled off the road to a little layby with a few other cars there, and threw on my trunks, bathers, swimming wear (insert culturally appropriate word here...).

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo

 Swimming in Lake Taupo was chilly - but worth it for the pureness of the water. Whilst I dried of in the sun next to my car, I text my friend / colleague (Michelle) and was invited to join her and her family in the Thermal Valley Hot pools outside of Rotorua. I firstly stopped int Taupo township to have a pizza and glass and beer!

ROTORUA - land of smelly thermal energy and site of the APOTC in 2015. The Thermal pools were at Waikete Thermal Valley, wow, what a great place to catch up with Michelle and her UK family and enjoy an amazingly pleasant NZ evening. Relaxing in the pools (which go up to 40c) between 6-8 pm was a blissful way relax after a long day's driving. 

Hot Pool, Rotorua...

The evening didn't quite end there though, with a short 20 minute drive into Rotorua to find a cheap hostel room for the night. I was not disappointed as I found Cactus Jack's hostel who gave me a private room for just $40 (£20). 

Day 2 started well with a tip from the hostel receptionist to head off to the local market around the corner for breakfast. I was loving my morning after a bacon and egg butty (sandwich), a cup of tea and then an amazing 20 minute ($18) Thai Massage in the open air. It was just heavenly!

Rotorua Markets

 Following such a brilliant start to the day I was now ready to head up north and to Auckland and to visit my friend's Tony & Monica. Coincidentally it happened to be Tony's birthday. So hand delivering a card to him on the viaduct in Auckland at a tapas restaurant was an added bonus. 

Summer in Auckland...

Two days in Auckland followed, which included eating, drinking, relaxing at Tony & Monica's beautiful home and deck in the glorious sunshine. A few guests came and went on day two including A Romanian couple and their young son, which allowed me to practice some of my now very basic Romanian language skills. Perhaps the highlight of the two days was yet another swim - this time in the ocean in front of the Rangitoto Volcanic Island.... see below.

Swimming in front of Rangitoto

The water was warm, shallow and full of people enjoying the stunning Christmas weather! Despite the heat, you just can't beat a good catch up over a cup of tea / coffee, and we weren't going to miss out on doing that at such a lovely place. Mum, in case you are reading - I had plenty of sun cream on!

Tea @ the beach...

Coffee with Tony

After two days of relaxing, it was time to hit the road again. I had a choice of three ways to return to South. I decided to keep my options open and head to Hamilton and visit an OT friend, who was in turn visiting her friend there. As things turned out (in true NZ style), The mother of my friend's friend - was an Occupational Therapist too! So after a lovely cup of tea and a great chat, I had to decide which way to go. A quick phone call to my friend Shane helped me decide! 

4 Hours later I arrived in Clive, Napier and was supping a beer on Shane's parent's deck, in a beautifully sunny Hawkes Bay. Shane's family offered me a place to sleep and a great breakfast of home baked scones before I headed out for one final stop. 

In the nearby town of Hastings, I randomly called in to see another friend Lisa. She was working but was able to meet me for a tasty lunch in a nearby cafe. This was the perfect way to end the trip, especially as it allowed me to do a little shopping along the way!

So in 4 days I had been up and down the North Island, seen 6 friends on unscheduled visits, swam in a great lake, thermal hot pools and the ocean, and been invited to stay with people for the majority of my time away. There's not many places I've lived where you could just set off without any specific plan and end up seeing so many beautiful places, and just meet up with people as you go...

Thank you New Zealand for providing such a great end to what's been a huge year! 

Regards from New Zealand!