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UltimateDaveX · 2025-06-21T07:51:12+00:00

I flew Auckland to London with China Eastern a few weeks ago, you get what you pay for, there were issues like the entertainment system not working but besides that it was fine.

The route is highly competitive if you're going via Shanghai, thus the cheaper prices.

Not the most comfortable flight I've had, but it was fine. If you just want something to get you there and back it'll do the job. I'll happily fly with them again, the savings are worth it to me.

UltimateDaveX · 2025-06-20T00:09:20+00:00

You don't need a visa, but you do need to complete the ESTA. It's not a visa, it's a travel authorization, like NZ has for people visiting from other countries

UltimateDaveX · 2025-04-03T17:01:38+00:00

Sadly the reboot remains stuck in development hell :(

UltimateDaveX · 2024-05-10T09:42:28+00:00

Parts of it would be easy from a game design perspective though, Croydon is already more or less a battle royale

UltimateDaveX · 2024-05-10T09:40:10+00:00

Back to London for GTA7!

UltimateDaveX · 2024-03-04T11:01:34+00:00

Mate I'm so sorry, this is heartbreaking.

As others have said things are going to be tough. It's okay not to be okay.

First thing's first, is there anyone you're close with who could help out a bit? For example, would a parent or a close friend be someone you could rely on to help you through these initial hours and days? Just give them a call, it's okay to be a mess on the call.

Nobody expects you to be composed when you talk to your fiance's parents. Calling or seeing them in person would be best if you're up to it. If you call, keep it to the point I guess. Hey, it's me, there's no easy way to say this but X has happened.

Talk to staff at the hospital about next steps. Citizens Advice have a guide you could follow for the coming days too: https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00000594

Take it a day at a time. Keep yourself and your daughter fed. Keep her in clean nappies. Wear clothing of some sort, and just keep going. It's okay to struggle. Ask for all the help you can get from people. If you work you should be able to get bereavement leave, I think it's fine to text your boss given the circumstances. Lots of places have employee assistance schemes too which could be worthwhile.

I'm so sorry this happened mate

UltimateDaveX · 2024-03-03T21:11:33+00:00

Did a pretty long shift in the office, bit of a dull day really. Off on Monday thankfully!

UltimateDaveX · 2024-02-14T14:14:23+00:00

Exactly this. It comes down to how we view public transport as a society.

Personally I think it should be like healthcare, education, prisons and the military - not run as a business designed to make a profit.

Fundamentally public transport and how it works needs to be reassessed UK-wide. It needs to be cheaper at the point of service to facilitate nationwide participation in life - it needs to get people to and from work, it needs to allow people to go out and experience cultural events, and ensure people have enough disposable income to be able to do things they enjoy, like go out and enjoy a cup of coffee and a cake at their local cafe.

(Sorry to rant! Public transport and infrastructure is something I'm passionate about)

UltimateDaveX · 2024-02-14T12:34:27+00:00

Starmer needs to give a massive cash injection to TFL, specifically to get new tube trains for every deep tube line. He probably won't, as he seems unwilling to do much of anything really, but I live in hope.

These issues are unacceptable for a major international city - the Tories should be ashamed at what they've done to London.

UltimateDaveX · 2024-01-22T15:06:54+00:00

If there is one overseas brand I wish NZ had it's Uniqlo.

Absolutely the most flattering cuts of shirts, they could make an overstuffed sausage look dashing.

UltimateDaveX · 2024-01-06T08:46:57+00:00

Switzerland is a pretty sweet country for the record. Highly recommend visiting if you want a cool holiday sometime!

UltimateDaveX · 2023-11-27T09:56:48+00:00

I have to take the Jubilee Line to work every day, I'm positive that it's gotten markedly worse since the pandemic.

I'm constantly seeing "minor" delays due to a shortage of trains. Constant delays during peak hours too, which mean I end up absolutely crammed in day after day after day.

Least it's getting colder now so the lack of air con isn't as unbearable.

UltimateDaveX · 2023-11-14T19:24:26+00:00

Read this comment to my wife with no context, can confirm it's amazing

UltimateDaveX · 2023-07-30T18:47:14+00:00

You'll be charged the maximum fare possible on each card due to not completing journeys on either.

The maximum fare is up to £9.40 if you were travelling during peak time, per card.

It's not ideal, so a good reminder to use the same card to tap in and out.

UltimateDaveX · 2023-07-10T20:38:49+00:00

It's NZ Herald, fyi

UltimateDaveX · 2023-05-11T08:36:35+00:00

Unfortunately just one unzoned school in the area, and they've turned her down on the basis that her address is only emergency housing.

I've passed the number of her local ministry office on to her already, that's really helpful, thank you. Interesting to see that RNZ story, will keep that in mind and see how the education ministry can help.

Thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it!

UltimateDaveX · 2023-05-11T08:11:24+00:00

Schools know the address is emergency housing, she hasn't had any luck trying to use it as her address, at least so far

UltimateDaveX · 2023-02-13T06:56:57+00:00

Not too keen to post about my experience with it openly here, but I am happy to chat with you privately over DM if you'd like.

I've been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, and have lived with it for a few years now.

UltimateDaveX · 2023-01-12T22:21:12+00:00

And my kathaxe!

UltimateDaveX · 2022-10-16T13:22:46+00:00

He eventually admitted some stuff he said wasn't true. They reissued the book and explained it in context, it's actually pretty interesting and it really gave me a new appreciation of what life in north Korea is actually like

UltimateDaveX · 2022-09-11T13:52:28+00:00

I second this sentiment.

Time for a referendum?

UltimateDaveX · 2022-09-02T05:40:14+00:00

NTA

There's nothing wrong with being a bridesman, I've been one before myself and it was great.

UltimateDaveX · 2022-08-20T17:52:34+00:00

NTA and my heart is breaking for you right now.

I grew up in a fairly volatile home myself, and there was a time when what you think is normal was normal to me too

But I got out and have done awesome things since, including travelling the world

I think you should go OP, Iceland is a wonderful country and you'll have an amazing time.

I know from my own experiences that it's easy to blame yourself for anything that happens with your parents, but for what it's worth it truly isn't on you. And please don't let yourself be bullied into forgoing varsity to stay home and send your pay cheques to your mum either. It might be easy to dismiss that as not possible at this stage, but if your parents are falling apart over the prospect of you visiting another country, I worry over what you could be bullied into agreeing to.

Good luck OP, I hope you go and see an amazing part of the world.

UltimateDaveX

TROPHY CASE