Munchner Christkindlmarkt

Enjoyed a few days in Munich this week taking in the Christmas markets.

Two snowy days and two sunny days, so the best of both worlds.

Believe me, there is no recession in Munich. The streets are alive with people and the atmosphere is amazing as the sun goes down around 16:00. Everyone just heads to the Gluhwein stalls until 21:00!

On one of the snowy days we ducked into this antique shop and discovered an "aladdin's cave" of chandeliers, furniture and paraphernalia!

There wasn't too much outdoor dining either!

So back to the Cotswolds and miserable wet weather. There is something to be said about sub-zero temperatures and sunshine. Good for the soul!

Twickenham 01/12/12

The day started off well enough. Uneventful drive into London and found a carpark under the All Blacks hotel for the day. Coffee with the coaching staff and it was great to catch up with Aussie after many years. Even "the boss" was upbeat at this time of the day!

The seats were pretty good too...

Fortunate to have Alice and her mate Sophie on one of side us, and another of Aussie's coaching mates on the other. Milton Haig who is now coaching the Georgian National team.

Sadly, from an All Black supporters point of view it all went down hill from there. It was great to be at Twickenham however and it is a great stadium. 

I don't think I have ever seen England play a better game of rugby and with them hosting the next World Cup, they have something to build on.

I have had to remind our friends and colleagues back home today however, that it has been awhile and they have had nine years to work it out!