After over six months of planning an epic trip to South America to explore, experience and, teach a little English the start of our trip took an unexpected turn by the eruption of the Puyehue-Cordon-Caulle volcano range in Chile early June. The, somewhat large, ash cloud created by the series of eruptions disrupted several flights in NZ domestically, trans-tasman and to the States - none quite so bad as actually getting in and out of South America itself. Convenientely - exactly where we want to go!

As we live in Wellington and, you can not fly to South America from our lovely capital at any time, we had already arranged independent flights to Auckland with the intention of then connecting with our international departure. The ash cloud began making disruptions a few days before we were due to leave but, ever the optimist, we were convinced we would still get out and if not, a couple of days on stand-by wouldn't be the end of the world. So, we decided to still take our flight to Auckland.

After over two weeks of cancelled flights, re-sheduleing flights, numerous phone calls / emails to cancel re-cancel or change plans and, developing a somewhat closer than normal relationship with our travel agent, we are still in Auckland.

Despite the frustration and often boredom, this 'bonus' time in New Zealand, even though Auckland, has not been all bad. We have been lucky enough to be put up by an amazing family friend in Takanini, so have had plenty of fun family times staying out here and have been treated so well. Through staying here I've been introducted to Miranda Kerr - a hilarious British comedian with a show on TV1 on Friday night. Something I never would have discovered if not forced in to a life, with no social life and which, I'm pretty stoked about to be honest. Being in Auckland has also enabled unexpected chill-out/catch-up time with some lovely people around, which is always fun and something to be grateful for in itself. Both Andrew and I (albeit seperately) have also managed last minute trips back to Wellington to attend some important events that would otherwise have been impossible.

So all in all, the delay - perhaps a good thing. Some time to relax, organise a few more last minute things and, have a bit more 'NZ time'. Just to ensure that now we're finally actually enroute, transit in Sydney, and waiting to embark on our South American, we can appreciate it that much more.

And, what's an adventure without a few unexpected hiccups!