Wellington, New Zealand

Went to Wellington on a business trip.

Arrived about 8 AM, and went straight to the Saatchi offices to begin working on a new business pitch. This is not easy after a 20 hour flight which also crosses the international date line. I do remember stopping in Aukland before flying to Wellington, and there being a shower in the business class lounge that was more like a bathroom in somebody's home than a public shower. There was a bar of soap, a couple of towels hanging on racks that, to be honest, looked like they might already have been used. I was so tired and so grungy from flying so long, I didn't care. I just used what was there.

Saatchi Wellington was (is?) a great office, with smart and creative people, an interesting art collection, and a committed team. We worked like dogs for two days, gave a killer pitch and ended up winning the business. When finished, they held a little reception for me. The head of the office said I was the first person who had ever showed up from "headquarters" saying "I'm here to help" and actually did. I think it was the most appreciated I ever felt in business.

Sheep in New Zealand

This must be one of the reasons there are so many bad sheep jokes about New Zealand. Three postcards, sent over a twenty year period, all featuring sheep. Close ups of cute little lambs, a view of a flock, and sheep as interest in the foreground of a shot of a distant mountain - a variety of ways to show pictures of sheep.

I've only been to New Zealand once, and it was on business, but I don't remember seeing a single sheep. What about all the gorgeous scenery, the outdoor extreme sports, the Maori culture, the geysers? Instead I was sent postcards of sheep.