2/19/2015

Why Sky cable company sucks in NZ

SkyTV is the largest cable company (and only, for many years) in New Zealand. Since they have gotten start-up competition in the last few years, you'd think they'd put a little effort into their service.

Since I've been here, we have subscribed to a couple of their packages, each with its own drawbacks. Basically, you'd think that a cable show would be shown with little interruption--at least, that's what I think I pay for--but you are constantly bombarded with ads for their 'extras' whether you already subscribe or not.

Sadly, their 'premier' movies are the ones that I rented for $1 before I moved here. And since you have to PAY AGAIN for those movies (after you subscribe to the movie channels) it seemed quite behind the times for me.

Fortunately, we aren't into sports because, yes, you have to PAY AGAIN for any recent games on top of subscribing to all the sports channels.

I'm not sure why, but our tv guide was NEVER up to date for more than a few minutes--when we were trying to use it. I can't tell you how many times we joked about watching 'listings not available'--even after we complained and a wonderful sub-contractor came out and replaced everything for us. And, trying to see what was on more than 3 days ahead was NOT going to happen.

As for payment, we couldn't use the second most used browser in the world. Oh, no! Chrome was the 'only' one that you couldn't use to pay online. That wouldn't have been a problem is we could have set up an auto payment every month. No, not an option. They were, however, very eager to get a credit card number and take the payment whenever they wanted, but, I don't think so, Tim.

So after trying really hard to like SKY--we went from the whole package to bare bones and still had too many channels that we didn't want--we took the box back to their office. The lady behind the desk didn't ask one time why we were no longer interested. It could be that she already knew from other complaints or she just didn't give a fuzzy rat's elbow, I don't know. Whatever the reason, their PR needs some work.
When I got the refund for unused Sky today, I should have been shocked that they didn't even say 'goodbye' or kiss my butt or anything. Just:





We are very happy with IGLOO TV. The channels that they carry are just right for us. Well, if they would get 'the Box' and CI, I would be ecstatic, but for now, I can live without them.

2/13/2015

Heaven's Bakery, round 2

I'm back from vacation holiday and have lots of photos to share, of course, but first, an update. Last August when we went to the Hawke's Bay area, I mentioned  a wonderful place for fun food called Heaven's  Bakery. I didn't have pictures then and you made me promise to get photos the next time, so here they are. I don't usually take photos inside so these are not the best, but you can get the idea.



The little colorful animals in the next two shots are made of meringue.


Now you know why it was so hard to decide!

2/05/2015

holiday time

We will be on the road soon for a holiday across the North Island. I can't wait to see what I will bring back to share!!