Lost Opportunities or Lack of Preparation? Prince William in New Zealand
by While walking on Paraparaumu Beach in New Zealand, looking across to Kapiti Island late this afternoon, I wondered why a crowd flocked around a boat further down the beach.
Some people get lucky and some people miss out. Today I missed out, twice. I was as close I could possibly be to two events that would have given me something to write about, but because of lack of preparation I experienced two lost opportunities. How stupid can one get!
You see, today Prince William was in town – Wellington, New Zealand that is. And so was I. About an hour behind him. Once I realised that he would be opening the new Supreme Court today, I checked his agenda, as I was about to leave for my weekly trip to Wellington. I was about an hour to late to make the two hour drive in time. A pity, as his walk-about after the Supreme Court opening was only a few streets away from where I was going.
I was a bit disappointed about this. Not that I am a royalty fan, I just happen to think being part of the crowd observing Prince William would have been interesting. He’s a likeable young man, from all accounts. According to the news reports while a small group of anti-royal protesters were making their presence heard, the rest of the crowd were calling “We love you William”.
Image via Wikipedia
Instead, I went for a walk along the waterfront, gathering ideas for things that I could write about. I spent a lot of the time telling myself that next time I know something big is happening, I’d check it out, be there, report the news first hand. At least I could plan my trip better, find out if anything interesting was happening in advance. Oh yes, I’d learned my lesson. Or had I?
On the homeward trip, on the hottest day we’ve had so far this summer, I stopped in at one of my favourite haunts, Paraparaumu Beach. I was in need of some time to myself and a walk along the beach. Returning to the car I noticed a biggish boat being hauled up onto the beach by tractor, crowds of people flocking around it. It had obviously returned from an excursion to Kapiti Island. Would I go and have a look? No, it was probably just a group out enjoying the island on such a sunny day. Something must have happened to attract the crowd
Well, yes, it was a group out enjoying the island. And yes, something had happened. It was group consisting of Prince William, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and other important dignitaries. I only found all this out once home again. Wondering what to write about, I logged on to the Dominion Post newspaper site, and there it was, the headline staring me in the face.
Prince William on Kapiti Island
Image via Wikipedia
So close to such a newsworthy item twice in one day – two lost opportunities because of lack of preparation. I still have a lot to learn about being a real writer.
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Post Commentjohnnydod
On January 18, 2010 at 10:51 am
lol well you at least made something of it
ken bultman
On January 18, 2010 at 12:10 pm
You are a fine writer. Where you are lacking is in the area of a reporter…no nose for news. lol. He’ll return….as King once his father as a crack at it. Pay attention.
Christine Ramsay
On January 18, 2010 at 2:41 pm
It still gave you plenty to write about so I shouldn’t worry. I really enjoyed this article.
Christine
Lady Sunshine
On January 18, 2010 at 3:10 pm
But you wrote about your missed opportunity…so it still worked out. Besides, there is a difference between a writer and a reporter.
Val Mills
On January 18, 2010 at 3:50 pm
I’ve just heard that my son’s friend was doing something on Lambton Quay, turned around and found himself standing next to a tall man. It took a moment to realise it was Prince William.
8Shei8
On January 18, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Do not be too hard on yourself
There will be more opportunities when you least expect it. You will be more prepared.
Karen Gross
On January 18, 2010 at 4:44 pm
I don’t think you suffer from a lack of preparedness. Being in the right place at the right time is usually just a matter of luck. Better luck next time!
PR Mace
On January 18, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Oh, so close and yet so far. I would like to see William myself. He and my son were born in the same year and a month apart. Well, hopefully next time your luck will be better but look you still got an article out of it.
bailieman
On January 18, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Your natural, instinct it seems to me, is that you have the eye of a writer and not a reporter. Combining the two makes for a fine all rounder. A reporter has the nose for a story and a camera always at hand. You managed to capture your frustrations very well.
VTech
On January 18, 2010 at 10:07 pm
good writter
Shirley Shuler
On January 19, 2010 at 1:01 am
You were so close, Val. Better luck next time.
Inna Tysoe
On January 19, 2010 at 1:42 am
Better luck next time.
Inna
Glynis Smy
On January 19, 2010 at 3:03 am
I can see you stalking around the island now Val, camera in one hand note pad in the other!
What a shame you missed him.
Nitin Mudgal
On January 19, 2010 at 4:30 am
Nice writing keep post
Frances Lawrence
On January 19, 2010 at 6:54 am
I enjoyed your article anyway. Prince William hit the headlines on the radio this morning, poor chap they were talking about his early baldness (well not exactly bald just very thin on top). It is hardly surprising, his father and his uncle had the same problem.
Guy Hogan
On January 19, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I was hoping to see what his footwear was; but he looks more royal riding a horse.