Arrived in Napier from Taupo after a 2h bus journey arriving at the Albatross Motel which was fine, which was just as well as it was the only bed left in town because of the cricket starting the next day. It was a 40 minute walk to the ground which started pleasantly enough with very attractive harbours but then became dull along industrial then residential areas. Like Hamilton its not somewhere you would want to go for long without a specific reason. The deciding match had a dire start for England 4 for 3 after 10 minutes, and at lunch on the 2nd day we were facing a big first innings deficit. However, a great spell of bowling from Sidebottom and then a 177 from Strauss in our second innings after Pietersens ton in the first set up victory early on the 5th morning. The ground again had an attractive grass bank flanked with palm trees and three run-of-the-mill stands, there was a very relaxed feel about the whole thing with nobody being bothered where you sat so you could move around and chat to different people at your leisure, a stark contrast to home. Except for one cloudy cool day we were blessed with glorious sunshine yet again. Once again when the cricket was on my waistline showed the difference after five days eating snacky food. That was followed by Export Gold lager in the evenings mainly at the Barmy Armies recommended Rosies Irish Bar which was fine but meant a 50 minute stagger back, one night this took slighly less after I was chased down the road by a big black dog! A few of us did venture down the more civilised West Quay area one night for a cracking meal at the aptly named Ginstop overlooking the harbour - It'll be strange to be one my own again after another five days with plenty of people around to chat too, including yet another Palace fan, Christoph, and Brighton punter who against all those odds turned out to be a decent bloke, Stuart! Easter Sunday rules were weird, you had to order food to get a drink and the food entitled you to buy alcohol for only an hour. Loads of pies were brought, many not eaten just - such a waste. Luckily we found a social club who had decided to disregard this law....."Dont let things like the law get in the way of a pint fellas!"