excursion into Czardom

[Freefallguy]

Highlights and gratitudes are in order after my fifth excursion into Czardom; it’s quite entertaining, more so with each visit. Rob, et al, has come a long way from the humble corner in Merle’s warehouse. I know somewhere I have photos. The new locale is what I'd call capitol digs.

Highlights:

Seeing Lisa with babe in tow, gorgeous.

Smithy- my tech support; works standing up; chauffeured me to the airport at 6am after a night at the rugby; allowed me to participate in his review (it was all about him until Artie showed up); suffered through my questions about the intricacies of Rugby Union; made good on his losing RWC wager with a steak at the Brekky Creek; very accommodating and all around top shelf guy!

Ken- on his deck, I'm sitting enthralled as he and an Aussie winemaker swap stories about $10K/bottles of wine; sharing a homebrew vintage ’82 libation and having him note “a hint of vinegar”; exceedingly magnanimous and gifting me with a limited production cigar, smoked in his company as we swapped NZ fish tales; turned me on to a kiwi fishing guide who was damn good and loved talking guns, my kind of guide!

Kurt- not exactly the office lackey as Smithy still has to clean up at the end of the day, but a sharp uni lad none the less.

Diana- big shoes to fill with Lisa out but when Diana sits down behind that “glass thing” (monitor) she is the modicum of focus and efficiency; gotta love a woman who admits to having watched all the Rambo movies and with sculpted arms and shoulders I know she can pack a punch to keep the boys in the office in line; one fine lady.

Rob- I’ve known Rob since ’99 and he’s brought me to understand the definition of a true mate. I’ve heard his aspirations for his staff and you couldn’t ask for a finer co-worker/boss. He brings out the best in those around him and is happy to see them flourish. The very fine wine and exceptional cigars he’s shared is nothing compared to the character of the man behind them. He may scoff at the accolades I’ve laid upon him but I count him amongst the closest of friends. Cheers mate.

I have to give some props to Artie; I’ve only met the man on three occasions but he’s one of the most affable men I know. A true gent.

Lowlights:

Ken, I’m sorry but the arachnophobia in me had me looking over my shoulder and under my chair when I stepped onto your deck. And I have to admit I was a bit unnerved when you had to keep waving your snake stick at the motion sensor on the light when I was waiting for the cab. Aussie spiders and snakes freak me out man.

Cheers to all!

[Colt45]

[Guest rob]

Beautiful write up mate!

Oh, and I hate spiders too! And being born and bred here has done nothing to diminish that fear!

[El Presidente]

Rob....you are a great mate and a class act. To venture down and hang out with us reprobates is something I always look forward to. Spending time with you in conversation/councel is something thatI have always valued. It is more a confessional !LOL!

Can't wait to catch up again my friend for a laugh, a cigar, a drink and a chat.

[aavkk]

Rob, agree 100% with your sentiments. When Missi and I were there last year this bunch opened up their home and hearts to us and are truly good people. Guys like I stated on the video reviews its exactly as it appears only much more professional behind the scenes

I would have liked to get to know Diana more but she was too busy fulfilling orders for you bunch of degenerates

[Ken Gargett]

great to have you. hurry back. i want stories of the fishing with boris. (the other guide actually sells guns!!).

and glad you enjoyed the hamlet - i was embarrassed for all aussies when i found out that in all your visits, rob had never bothered to bring one out for you!

[CanuckSARTech]

Very cool - thanks so much for sharing. It all just further helps to cement the fact that we have awesome hosts here. Kudos to all.

And.....Di has sculpted arms, AND has watched all the Rambo movies?!?!?? Good lord!!!! Methinks that her stock has just spiked through the roof with some of the lads here!!!!