Hi there,

Christmas in Akaroa was great fun. We had a bar-b-que at the hostel on Christmas Eve. We sipped champagne and prepared all the food while Nick and Bob were cooking the meat. It was warm evening because the sun had been shining all day. Everyone, (all 18 guests and 5 staff) ate and drunk like kings and queens. Christmas day was even better, it was yet another hot day, I even wore a dress! Nick, myself, Bob and Kath were invited for a champange breakfast and traditional dinner with the boss who was looking after a 5 star bed and breakfast. (which was nice...). The views from the veranda were beautiful, we could see both wharfs, the sky was bright blue, the sea was calm and the boats bobbed up and down with the gentle movement of the sea. It was all very decadent sitting outside in the sun, drinking champange and eating strawberries for breakfast. The views made it seem like paradise.

Our christmas dinner was very tradtional, (turkey, potatoes, carrots, brocoli, peas, bread sauce and lashings of gravy), as was the feeling afterwards of being stuffed. Yet another day eating and drinking like kings and queens. (It's a tough life).

On boxing day, Nick and I found a job on a yacht. (The Fox 2). It was 45 foot long and 85 years old. I really enjoyed it, although I didn't feel I contributed to much. I didn't really have a clue what I was supposed to be doing. (pulling ropes up here and putting knots in there, semed to be the thing). I was pleased to see the hector dolphins again. I also got to see a seal colony and a shag colony, (a type of bird for those with a dirty mind). I was really impressed to see the petrol bird because its huge. They are part of the albrotros family. I would love like to see the albrotros, apparently the live further south near Dunedin and Stewart Island.

There was great excitement in the village a few days before christmas. We had high winds and one of the boats lost its moorings and became beached up on the shore. It was the same boat that took us on the 'raft jet sling'. It was a very sad sight to see the 85 year old pilot boat on the shore. There were dubious rumours that the ropes had been cut, (someone didn't like the new competition). I felt for Possum the owner of the boat because he has lost his livelihood and he had only just started. He was such a character, he was named 'possum' because he used to trap them.

Yesterday, we went on a mammoth bikie trip. I climbed a hill that was 7km long. It took me 1 hr and 15 mins. I felt like 'queen of the mountains' in the 'tour of New Zealand'. I was proud of myself.

The weather has changed again. The weather here is extreme, one day it's very hot, sunbathing weather and the next day you need your winter woolies. I've got 3 layers on at the moment including a bloody rain-coat! The cold can be biting. I've just looked outside the window and some poor b***** has lost contol of their umberella. It's New Year's Eve and its wet, windy and cold. My mulled wine is going down well and is much appreciated, I think I will have to make another brew.

I hope you have a good New Year and you are all looking forward to what future brings. I am...

Take care as always

Love Annie. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx