Firstly, apologies for the novel proportions of this post! A bit to catch up on...
Over the weekend I spent two nights in Rotorua, a town in the middle of New Zealand's North Island, famous for geothermal activity. I really enjoyed playing tourist even though in my native country. The experience was enhanced by an international friend joining me to help with the tourist vibe! It is my last trip away in NZ before I head off to London to live.
While I was away, I had the opportunity to have a guided tour through a living Maori village, sample some of Rotorua's cuisine and experience my first Aix (pronounced 'aches') massage. During this time I was surprised to remember that I have a play to rehearse and open in a week, and continue to pack up my life in preparation to relocate overseas. I had completely immersed myself in the experience that I had forgotten about the current issues occupying most of my thoughts. Bliss!
If you are in New Zealand (whether visiting or living here), get yourself to Rotorua and give Jock a call - he runs Eddy Massage & Spa, where my friend and I indulged in the Aix massage. With a specially designed therapy pool, hot spa and sauna room, you will be relieved of what ails you in no time. I had my first experience of a sauna (dry) while my friend was massaged under jets of warm water by Jock. Then we swapped and it was my turn for the Aix massage. Jock, who has these fabulously large hands that intuitively understand muscle and ligament structure, manipulates tissue and coaxes out aches and pains with ease. Being a top-notch gentleman, Jock goes to the utmost pains to preserve your modesty while you're on the table. It was bliss in a couple of hours. My friend and I really enjoyed chatting with Jock afterwards - whose background is in sports and sports massage, and has many an interesting story to share! - and his generosity that caught me by most pleasant surprise.
Before I went away to be a tourist in my own country - and following a quick renewal of my passport - I submitted my application for a UK visa. It is a relief to have that done. Now the waiting starts and I must be patient. My fingers itch to pick up the telephone and call the office to check on progress. Knowing that the application goes offshore to be processed means that I'll be waiting at least two weeks before I hear back - either with good or bad news. My only concern is if additional information or evidence is required, which will delay the process. However, using the principles of The Secret, I am confident that my application will be swiftly processed, accepted and the visa returned to me in good time. Looking forward to it!
I now move into the process of selling off some of my possessions. I started this today and have also sorted out some of my clothing to be donated to goodwill, and other clothing items to be sold to a recycle boutique. My wardrobe subsequently looks a little bare! This will surely help me when it comes time to pack my suitcase for the big move. The less I take with me, the easier it will be!
Adding to my busy schedule is the current show I am in, 'A Few Good Men', by Aaron Sorkin. Dolphin Theatre in Onehunga cast me as the sole female in the play, Lt Commander Joanne Galloway. I'm having immense fun playing a strong-willed female who is the catalyst for the entire premise of the piece. We are in the final week of rehearsals, having undertaken a double-run yesterday to prepare. The members of the committee were our audience at the second run-through and we've received good feedback so far. It helps that we have a very talented core cast. I'm really looking forward to getting this play in front of a more regular audience.
The focus, persistence and hard work required to a) find the character, b) find a way into the character each time and c) keep exploring and finding new aspects, has galvanized my desire to succeed in this career. It is my hope that in London I will find a way into the professional acting industry and make my mark on the world. Here's to future success!
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