New Zealand was everything we had hoped it would be! Beautiful scenery at every turn, friendly people and an amazing family reunion. The first six weeks were such a dream with everyone coming together for Christmas it really was brilliant. I was pleased to finally meet Kiwi face to face without the normal abusive language I normally receive when he rings James on a night out! Travelling with Monique was so much fun and every journey was interesting with somet...

Sad goodbyes We all flew back up to Auckland feeling pretty glum. Everyone packed up and we had some food and drinks in the hotel bar. The next morning Jenny, G&C left us to catch their plane to Singapore for a few days. We had another teary goodbye waving them off; The Pullman staff must think I am an emotional wreck! It's an emotional rollercoaster this travelling malarkey and I have to keep reminding myself that although it is hard everyone is only a ...

Last Day with the Fam Nan, Mel and I went shopping in the posh area as Darren got himself a tattoo and the others went to the fabulous museum. We got a lot of nice souvenirs and had a wander around the few shops that were open; NZenders are lazy when it comes to opening days! It was a chilled out morning and then it was all go when everyone got back together for lunch. In the afternoon Mum, Dad, Nan, Mel, James, Rob and I all went to the aquarium. The best p...

A Sky High Birthday For my 28th birthday Dad had booked a walk around Auckland's tower, 328m high. But first of all I had a few presents to open, breakfast to enjoy and an amazing skype session with Kirsty, Kelly and Liam where they held a party, including cake in my honour! Even Marnie had a birthday hat on! The walk was delayed by a few hours just to get us a little more nervous but the weather was clear so we could see exactly how high we were. Jenny, Rob...

Mum and Dad went to Manly Bay to visit Val and John and Darren, Nan, Mel and I had planned to go to Devonport. Gail, Chris, Jenny and James met us there and we all took a short ride around the ancient houses (100 years=ancient for NZ) by horse cart. Darren and Mel decided to go for a long walk around the island and Nan and I joined the Wipers in the pub. We celebrated NYE for the second time when it was 12:00pm UK time. 'Auld Lang Syne' was sung again and o...