Leading from the front issuu

OH THE PLACES HE’S BEEN
by jes magill
From Chad to Port au Prince and Norway to the
Chathams, it’s no surprise that Pat — who laps up new
experiences and adventure wherever and whenever he
can get it — would take to international travel with his
trademark passion and enthusiasm. He is a natural born
traveller. Visiting new places, meeting new people, finding
out about their lives, the good and the bad and what
makes them tick whilst sharing food, wine and good
times.
I think there’s a lucky star hanging over Pat and it
shines especially bright when he travels. People with
good hearts and a sense of fun attract each other so
what’s pretty much going to transpire around Pat more
often than not, is a jolly good time.
There are several stand out Pat travel stories. There’s
the trip one year after Catherine died and Pat felt ready
to launch his solo travel career. Four of us headed to UK
and Europe for six weeks, Pat, my big sister Jan, cousin
Kevin and myself. We kicked off the craic in Ireland,
where else, and Pat didn’t need any encouragement to
seize every opportunity to learn, explore and enjoy.
He was the senior of the party but he pretty much set
the pace and the agenda while us young ones fell in behind
and at times, struggled to keep up. His stamina to
endure night after night in the smoky pubs left us exhausted
and after a week of what felt like standing round
pianos singing ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’ x 50 times,
my bloodshot eyes were set on Scotland and it was independent
activities for all for a week.
Catching up again with Pat in London, things felt a
little out of whack. Our accommodation was quite nice,
while Pat preferred the backpacker option. He wanted
fun and enthusiasm regularly and while we did our best
to oblige we couldn’t always guarantee it!
One morning he knocked on our hotel door, dressed
warmly for the crisp autumn day, kitted out with day
pack, coat and cap, looking cute and Paddington Bearish.
He was off to Brighton for the day and his sense for
adventure was palpable. I was tempted to attach a name
tag on his coat toggle but he was off before I could call
out, “What time will you be home?”
This same sense of adventure surrounded him as he
headed across Europe for a few weeks on a Europass
and did he have a blast! Amsterdam first and the sex
museum. It was a different experience, receiving a postcard
from your dad displaying seven different coloured
condoms for each day of the week on the front! Paris
wasn’t his thing but generally backpacker venues in Europe
exceeded expectations and offered him continual
opportunities for lively debate with new buddies and a
social life guaranteed.
He told us that one night at a backpackers, he fell out
of a top bunk. He didn’t mention any injuries so he must
have had just the right amount to drink. Then there was
the time he inadvertently inspired a fight between a
lesbian couple. One in the partnership found Pat fascinating,
which miffed the other partner, so much so that
fists flew, while Pat sloped off into the shadows leaving
them to it. And now at 94, the adventures just have not
stopped.
Above, exploring NZ and Europe; Opposite: Helen and Pat, out and about in India in 2007.
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Awards, travel, parties – fun, fun, fun!