What a fantastic day. Had a nice walk this morning to intersperse the drive, short but sweet and Tom, Russ and I discussed our typical pre travelling days.

When we got to Rotorua we got straight on the Luge gondola. I picked up a fantastic GF brownie for lunch. Outstanding. The life's were fast, scary at times when they tilted but ultimately great value for views, fun and entertainment. Racing wasn't allowed but we did make a thing of seeing who could get I the bottom first. After that we went to cheapest chain shop in NZ for bangers and mash ingredients since the BBQ was out of gas which was plan A. Scout leader hat on, I really noted what I've learnt from organising 34th Lancaster camps etc. another one to put in the interview bank.

Which reminds me: since teacher training is up in the air at the moment I am on the look out for other options as well as the objective to work in a hostel in Britain. Specifically; other uses for my degree environmentally. The are a lot of cows in New Zealand, noticed more than the number of sheep actually.

It took ages to cook food because the Base hostel kitchen was sub-parr. But I muddled on as head chef and between us we cooked a fantastic filling meal. But I forgot the veg. Since we all need healthy diets whilst we travel the nice frozen veg became desert.

Me and Vicky then went for a late evening swim in the hot pool in the complex and swam and chatted until we were kicked out. It was a shame hat the clouds came out and covered up all the stars except the ones we can normally see in the northern hemisphere. :(

Status
• The beds were really squeaky...
• I managed to fall asleep easily after our evening swim, so not a real problem...
• I woke up at 4am convinced I was late for the bus because the room was so quiet. I got fully dressed before I realised how wrong I was...
(The photo is actually of Waitomo - I forgot to take a photo in Rotorua)