Quiz Night 4

Another night, another pub quiz. This time, it was organised through Nicola’s work. We had arranged to meet at the Backbencher pub http://www.backbencher.co.nz/ which is just behind the Parliament building. I got there 5 minutes before the agreed time, to find out that the pub was closed for a private function. They were “sorry for the inconvience” (sic) and handed me some vouchers for free drinks next time…so we’ll probably be back! 

Undeterred, we returned to Nicola’s office to update the remaining players, and an alternative venue, The Shepherd’s Arms http://www.shepherds.co.nz/index.html , was quickly arranged. It was another 10 minutes’ walk away. (Everything in Wellington is close to everything else!) We got there, and various other members of the group arrived. We had decided to eat there, and I had my first dish of green-lipped mussels since I’ve been here – cooked Thai-style, with coconut cream, chilis, lime juice, coriander etc. They were very good, and I must get some myself to cook at home – they’re available fresh at both our local supermarkets.

The quiz followed what seems to be a fairly standard format here, except this time we could choose two rounds to play our joker on. We went for the French round – all the questions were about France, French, or things with France in their name; and the music round – all pop, so Nicola’s specialist knowledge didn’t come into play. Several questions throughout the quiz, and particularly on the final round (TV and cinema) required local knowledge, so it was a good job we had a few Kiwis on the team! If we’re going to set up a regular team, I think that this is going to be a requirement, ’cos we (Dr. Evil voice) need the info.

After playing our two jokers, we were at the top of the leader board, but the second-placed team played their final joker on the last round and scored a perfect 10, thus pipping us to the post for first prize. Still, we ended up a creditable second, and won a $50 “bar cheque” to be used next time…as our former landlord Steve would say “these are commercial prizes to ensure you come back next week”.

All in all, a good night, and probably the best prospect so far for a regular night out – the food was good, the beer excellent (Speight's Old Dark). As it’s also close to Nicola’s office and where some of her colleagues live, the chances of getting a regular team together also look more encouraging…we’ll have to see about that.