#1591 ... What a great Friday

Well this describes the sunny warm Friday ... superb for absorbing some sunlight !!. Lunchtime at Midland Park

#1590 ... The Old Master

This time he takes the team bus ... Brad Thorn, or more correctly ... Bradley Carnegie Thorn (born 3 February 1975 in Mosgiel, New Zealand) is a professional rugby union player. He has in the past represented Australia at rugby league, and currently New Zealand at union. A lock, Thorn is a current All Black, plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby competition and for Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup. He previously played rugby league for ten years for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League competition and has also represented Queensland in the State of Origin series. His preferred position in rugby league is second row. In 2000 Thorn was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australia's international standing in rugby league.

#1589 ... Big Bros

The two Franks brothers who are an integral part of the All Blacks' front row ... nothing small about these guys. With a delighted fan outside the Intercontinental Hotel where the team is staying.

#1588 ... Out to Lunch !!

It's not every day you get to be out to lunch with some special All Blacks. Sandy(that's him standing at the back) just happened to be having lunch at the same Japanese restaurant as Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and fellow team members. Thanks ABs for letting Sandy enjoy the moment ... and thanks Sandy for sharing it.

#1587 ... Crossing Lambton Quay

Crossing Lambton Quay heading to Midland Park.

#1586 ... The Pain ... The Glory

THIS IS NOT MY PHOTO but an excellent image captured by Greg Stutchbury, a Reuters sports photographer at the Scotland - Argentina game at the Wellington Stadium. It captures the moment when one team confirms its place in the next round of the Rugby World Cup ... and one team doesn't. The Pumas (Argentina) are all smiles.

#1585 ... Flower Pots

The hanging flowerpots under the veranda of Kirkcaldies & Stains. Lambton Quay

#1584 ... Och aye

Two absolutely delightful supporters of guess which team. They have followed their team through the country and were looking forward to another great night in the capital. Thanks for letting me take your photo.

#1583 ... The Wallabies

Some of the fiercest All Black competitors, the Australian rugby team, relaxing in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel before heading off to practice. Rugby players all over the city at present.

#1582 ... Fill 'er up

There are a few of these charging posts around the city for the few electric cars we ave ... mainly promotional vehicles although one courier company has some that operate in the centre of the city. The lack of engine noise can be disconcerting for some pedestrians.

#1581 ... Boat men

Two men in a boat off to work. Queens Wharf.

#1580 ... RWC bunting

A typical example of office decor for the Rugby World Cup ... this bunting is everywhere ... seems most people want to embrace the mood. A lawyers' office in Wellington.

#1579 ... Fluffy white

Evidence of better days ...and with very little wind !!

#1578 ... Sunny but ...

A sunny Saturday but the signs of winter still on display at Midland Park.

#1577... See Food Bus

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! Giant crayfish are clawing out of the earth from mile-deep catacombs and attacking our city! This is not my photo but it shows an interesting interpretation of a trolly bus ... don't know what it would taste like!! This was a promotion for VISA by Whybin TBWATequila, Auckland

#1576 ... Driving like a Dog

Yes I am a dog and I am driving this SUV ... so you think I am barking mad?

#1575 ... Early Evening Glow

Looking south from Murphy Street ... Thistle Inn on the right hand side, railway Station to the left and obviously the Asteron building in the centre. The Inland Revenue Department also lives here.

#1574 ... Hail There

The climate changed dramatically this afternoon ... a sudden hail storm lashed the city ... hail stones about 2cm diameter ... almost like it was snowing again. Featherston St

#1573 ... Behind the Scenes

For every game played at the RWC ... there is a very large infrastructure effort to make it all happen. These boxes were being loaded onto trucks outside Rydges Hotel as the Wales team headed out of the city. Well labelled.

#1572 ... Stadium Glow

Taken with an iPhone ... gives a burnt out glow ... quite appropriate really ... this is where SA played Wales ... it was a 1 point game after 80 minutes in favour of South Africa ... WOW the RWC excitement continues. Point to note is that the Stadium has to be referred to as the Wellington Regional Stadium as part of the "clean stadium" rules for the RWC. No Westpac Stadium here for the next few weeks !!!

#1571 ... What Lies Beneath?

Maybe this is the All Black's game plan for the Rugby World Cup and with "NO WATER" !!
Actually it's the markings for what lies under the footpath ... the graphics have been spray painted on by the road construction workers to help them navigate when digging up the road. Molesworth Street next to the Thai Embassy ... currently under construction.

#1570 ... Walk the History

Walk the history of the Rugby World Cup ... the first image is one of the first and only time NZ won the Cup ...take a look on the Wharf beside Te Papa.

#1569 ... Nailed

This is an interesting and simple piece of installation art ... on the entrance wall to Zebrano in Johnston St ... essentially all made from builder's nails ... great 3 dimensional texture.

#1568 ... Plumage in the Park

Some bright plumage in Midland Park ... all to promote capoeira and a late night variety show "Monster Burlesque"

#1567 ... Capoeira

Capoeira at Midland Park. Capoeira (Portuguese pronunciation: [kapuˈejɾɐ]) is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power kicks and quick leg sweeps, with some ground and aerial acrobatics, knee strikes, take-downs, elbow strikes, punches and headbutts.

#1566 ... Historical Facade

The facade of the old Accident & Emergency entrance to Wellington Hospital ... now preserved in the courtyard behind the new main hospital building ... obviously will have varying memories for some people.

#1565 ... Thai Elevation

Working on the new Thai Embassy in Molesworth Street. It has been a major refurbishment of the old Thorndon Tavern .... in fact only the main structural elements were kept. Will certainly add a more fitting addition to the Thorndon international community.

#1564 ... In the Sun

YES a great sunny day today and everyone was making the most of it ... outside at Leuven, Featherston St.

#1563 ... On the Board

At the florist in Johnston Street ... well said.

#1562 ... Wellington Anglican Cathedral

The Cathedral viewed from upper Molesworth Street. Rather austere but not crowded by the other buildings in the area ... to the left out of shot is the National Library