We woke up to a fairly windy morning and overcast skies. Had some breakfast and was entertained with the kids being kids. Eventually we all headed out. Katy, The Grandpa, and little Hugh along with myself were dropped off at White Rocks Beach with the two dogs and we had a lovely morning walk all the way along the beach to where we met the others. It was a lovely morning, fresh air, sounds of the ocean, and just being oceanside. Two of the sisters had gone out for a 3km morning swim, and the others were splashing around in the paddling pools by the water when we arrived. Eventually we headed up to a little cafe that overlooks the ocean for a bit of morning tea. Certainly controlling 9 kids and 2 dogs was difficult, but things settled down and we enjoyed some good conversation.
We headed back to the house eventually. And then Katy and I were dropped off at the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery. We took the tour and learned all the stages of producing the Whiskey. It was very interesting learning about the process and all the little stages that occur. Whiskey however is not my thing, and so the free tasting we got at the end was not the best way to end. But the tour was well worth it.
Unfortunately by the end of the tour it was drizzling and we had been dropped off, so we walked home in the drizzle. Like a true kiwi, I was wearing jandals, so not the greatest footwear for a 3km walk home. All part of the fun. We got back at 4pm and I checked the train schedule. There was a train leaving at 4.45pm and so we planned to make that, but we didn’t leave the house until 4.20. Of course we hit a little bit of traffic, but like a great guide, Katy got me there just as the train was loading. I bought a ticket and rushed on. Thankfully I made it, or else I would have been waiting until 6.45pm for the next one. It was a gloomy day outside so it was tough to watch the countryside pass by, and so I got out my kindle and continued reading. I arrived back into Derry, grabbed a taxi and headed on home. 
I finally got to watch some of the olympics that afternoon, made some dinner and called it a night.
The coastline is unlike coastline that I have seen before, and the oceans can be pretty unforgiving. The little Island that the bridge took us across to was very cool, and on a clear day we would have been able to look out across the water to friendly neighbors, Scotland.
Finally my tour was complete for the day and we headed to the home we were staying at. The house is owned by Stu, who is the father of Katy Best. Katy Best is the mother of the family my friend Katy is an Au Pair for. Stu has three daughters, who were all there with their kids, 9 and then the sisters had another friend who brought two more kids with her. So there was kids running around everywhere. I think the age bracket was 3-8yrs. But it was great to be in a family environment again. Everyone was lovely and we had a grand old time along with bits of drama here and there with the kids. A typical family fish and chips dinner, before the kids got put to bed and we spent time just chatting outside. Around 9pm Katy and I walked along the ocean side to the BayView Hotel which has a bar down stairs. We grabbed a drink and went and sat outside looking across the bay as the sunset. It was just wonderful to relax and chill out finally. We continued to share stories of our high school memories, some hilarious memories. Eventually the drizzle forced us inside where live music was being played. We spent 20 minutes listening but it was just very packed, so we headed on home for the night.
After showering we headed into town for lunch and then off to get a cup of tea/coffee. There was 7 of us so it was good to just spend some relaxed time away from football. A quick stop at the supermarket before we headed home. Wardy and I also got haircuts. For me it was certainly time for a trim as it was getting very thick and bushy. A fresh look which always feels nice. The sun has been shining this afternoon which allowed to read my book outside for an hour or so.
Today was the day where I finally got answers regarding my future. Unfortunately after being here close to 2 months, I am not required and nor will I be required come January. These decisions are all part of football, and I’m sure there are many other opportunities out there for me. Now that I know, I can start planning and seeking out what other opportunities I may have. The time spent with Derry City FC has been very valuable for my experience and I will use it in my future opportunities. While I figure out my next move I will still be training with the team.
Wardy and I headed off to meet the rest of the lads who were playing in the friendly that night to travel down in a minivan. Our trip was disrupted due to what seemed to be a bad crash and we were diverted. Eventually we got there. The game was against Magaherafelt Sky Blues FCThe pitch was narrow, but very long. The grass was cut but still long. Our team consisted of all the subs from the night before against Limerick, some youth players, and myself. It was a difficult game to fully get into, but it was more about not making mistakes and doing the simple things right for me. The pitch was making some things difficult but we adapted to the conditions. It was a good challenge nonetheless and good to get solid minutes under the belt. We went into half time up 2-0, when it should have
been a few more. At half time we were told to be more ruthless and put them away and dominate more, which we did to an extent. Our keeper only had to make one save. We won the game 6-0. Most our goals came from set piece play. I managed to put two in the back of the net via my head. Always nice to score goals, but its the whole performance that matters.
across the Peace Bridge, before she dropped me home and then headed on her way. She lives about 90 minutes away working as an Au Pair for a family, who happens to have various holiday houses around Ireland. I have next weekend off, and depending on how things go this week, I may finally get to see a bit of the country and possibly stay at one of the holiday houses. We shall see.
A nice shower and icing of the ankle before we headed home. I was able to watch more of the Blackcaps vs Zimbabwe test match, and also the Super Rugby Semi Final between the Lions and Highlanders. A little more reading of my book and then I headed outside just to see what I could do/keep busy with around the house. As much as I wish we had a lawn mower so that we could tidy the place up, we don’t so for now all I could do was weed one of the boxes out there. Nothing
productive is growing in there, but at least weeding it gave me something to do and made a difference to the look of it.
Once the game was over I was able to have my weekly catch up with my parents via FaceTime. For the last 4 years I have been away from New Zealand, I have been able to either Facetime or Skype them at least once a week to catch up and fill them in on all the happenings. As always it was great to see and talk to them. Funnily enough, during our talk they bought me a book for my kindle which I got for my birthday, however they are still technically challenged sometimes. Eventually I received the gift email of a book and I was able to add it to my kindle. The book is Fully Committed: The Ben Sigmund Story. Ben was a footballer from back home who took a fairly different path to becoming a pro, but being a true Kiwi, he continued through tough times and found the passion for the game again which often alluded him. It is a story that as I read, I continuously relate to, and therefore it is often difficult to put down. Before I went to bed I read at least 5 chapters.