Greetings everyone,

This is going to have to be a relatively speedy affair as once my money runs out on this internet the screen switches off and my half completed blog is lost. It reminds me of the Crystal Maze!

I am in Auckland now and oh my god is it sunny! The Cook Islands rained for the rest of my visit, we all sat and talked for the last few days, it felt like being on Big Brother! We narrowly missed getting hit by a cyclone which could have meant my demise so I am pleased to report that I am here where it is relatively safe, and I am alive.

It is weird to be back in the land of cheap internet, being able to use my mobile, and people understanding the concept of Skype and cheap phone cards (1p per minute to the UK, beat that). It is bloody boiling and I spent the whole of yesterday trailing round Auckland with a sweaty back taking pictures. It is very beautiful and very clean - not much graffiti and phone books in phone boxes that people don't nick.

I have decided that New Zealanders are very nice. There was a lovely woman on the plane who talked to me the whole way through take off because she could see I was scared and about to soil myself. What a nice lady! and when I went to marvel at a brand new hotel in Auckland harbour, instead of batting me away with a broom and a disgusted expression on his face, the doorman invited me in and showed me round! (I don't think he would have thought I was a potential customer given my foodstained combats and the way I smelt)

Last night we went down to auckland harbour as it is Auckland day or something. Just an excuse to get pissed basically and the locals do it in style, we saw some nice fireworks and looked at all the posh yachts parked in the harbour. By "we" I mean some Germans, who eventually persuaded me to go dancing with them (sober). Lets put it this way: after that experience I feel reassured about my dancing abilities. But once I got used to people staring at the guys trying to do a robot impression I actually quite enjoyed it!

Went to my cousin's house today and met his daughter, really cute 3 year old. Ate my fill of the delicious barbecue too, a good day!

Getting on the Kiwi bus tomorrow, it couldn't be easier. They arrange accommodation and all your activities for you, I'm going to enquire whether they would be prepared to wip my arse as well.

Will write soon, but thanks so much for all your blog posts, they really really make me smile so please keep them coming. I'm going to try and add some photos before the screen switches off...

Katie xxx