llamas, stunt doubles and near death experiences

before heading off to teach not one, but two classes we decided to load jamie up on some caffeine at our new favorite aukland eatery, mecca café. jamie ordered a short black, and learned the hard way short is not new zealand for grande…love the “are you kidding” expression she has looking at her doll sized coffee cup.

after parting ways, I met up with rob and his good friend jonathan and we headed on a ferry over to waiheke island. fresh off my experience in wellington, I convinced the boys the best way to experience new zealand’s wine country would be on scooter! the trip got off to a rough start when rob bailed in the gravel parking lot, falling head over heels into a pile of rocks. things took a turn for the better once we hit the open road and fortunately rob’s near death experience was the only one of its kind.

we ran into a few little friends on our way along the gorgeous coastline.

then it was on to a few vineyards where rob and jonathan enjoyed tasting a few local wines.

it should be noted that for a guy that lives in los angeles, I get pretty star struck, and today was no exception when we ran into zoe bell at a local cafe. those not familiar with terentino’s last few movies won’t recognize zoe, but she’s a native new zealander who doubled for uma thurman in “kill bill” before starring in her own right as one of the most kick but heroine’s you’ll ever see in terentino’s grindhouse pic, “death proof.” we sat next to zoe and some of her friends at lunch, but I chickened out on a photo op, and by the time I got the nerve to snap a pic she was already headed back to the beach. anyway, I find it funny I leave Hollywood for a tiny enclave half way around the world and still I run into a movie star!

jamie is on her way back from her classes now! I think she was quite pleased with the results, but I’ll let her give all the details upon her return! i’m so proud of her!!!!!!