Today the weather has been kind to us, only rained later in the day but still seriously cold. We have our thermal vests on and must say it is a long time since we have worn vests let alone tucked them in our pants to keep our backs warm!! We are saving the long johns for the the south island where it is even colder they say. Rotorua is certainly a wonderland of splendid geysers, colourful rocks formed from silica and lime deposits, hot bubbling mud pools and ste...

Arrived in Rotorua home of the hot springs and must say the smell is delightful - supposed to be sulphur from the geysers but smells more like rotten eggs to us. Only good thing is at least Ray can let go of his flatulence without everyone looking to see where the smell is coming from. Off to experience all the hot bubbling mud and Maori culture today so will update later. Jen and Ray

Arriving in New Zealand this time was not so traumatic and everybody was very friendly, but when they found out we were English took great delight in 'taking the the mick' about the rugby at the weekend. Stayed in a Formule 1 Hotel; have seen them in Europe but what strange places. Literally looked like a pit stop in reception and the room had everything in - comfortable bed, lovely crisp white sheets, television, dvd, kitchen, washing machine, shower and toile...

Have enjoyed our few days in Fiji if only for the sun, food and drink. As the resort has their own catamaran, we did take a trip around the islands for some sightseeing and snorkelling - most enjoyable. We had to laugh though as before we went on the trip we had to sign all the disclaimers as they didn't want to be responsible for any drownings and then when the skipper of the boat went snorkelling he had to use the life belt from the boat - very reassuring!! ...

First impressions of Fiji were mixed - for us it was similar to Mauritius but had more of a Hawaiian feel. As with all these tropical islands the journey from the airport was an eye-opener and you realise just how basically islanders live and not necessarily because of poverty - that's just the way it is. The Sonaisali Resort is just south of Nadi and we had to take a boat ride across the river. We have to say that it is pretty close to paradise and our room has...