This morning I went to the Embassy theatre. This afternoon I left it, four hours older and happy as a clam. I went to see the extended edition of The Two Towers on the big screen, and it was way cool. Beyond way cool, even. And it wasn't just any big screen- it was The big screen on which the world premiere of The Return of the King was shown. I sat in a big comfy leather chair (and saw the seats bought by/dedicated to many of the people involved in the film.) I'm really really (even more) excited about The Return of the King now, but I'm not going to be able to see it on the opening day, unless a miracle happens. I haven't bought a ticket yet, and while I could probably get one at one of the many theatres in this city, I'd quite like to see it at the Embassy. Which, I'm sure, is sold out by this point. So I figure I can wait a little while and see it in the right place, if not on the right day.
Yes.
Friday night there was a party at the house where I'm staying. Chris is essentially in charge of Catholic youth and young adult ministry in Wellington, and he was hosting a Christmas party for all the people (mainly young adults) who had helped out with various programs throughout the year. It was a lot of fun, and I met a bunch of people around my age, which was nice. And last night I went to the young adult mass, with some of the same people in attendance, followed by a discussion session, which was interesting and sociable and reminded me of youth group meetings back when I was involved in that. So that was good too. And today I went to the movie with Rebecca (a girl about my age who works in the office with Chris), and her sister and a friend of her sister. All of this is to demonstrate that I've been doing some actual socializing and meeting some people, about which I am pleased.
It's starting to feel like summer here, with the hot sun and the blue sky. It's exciting. But it doesn't feel like Christmas.