Guess what, I can see the sea! Am now up in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, just arrived to a hostel full of colourful fish and a lighthouse in the kitchen! Spent the past few dys in Auckland, visited Devonport and climbed am inactive volcano (but just a little one!) with amazing views all around. Have aquainted myself with some of the now rare birds of NZ, took a ferry to TiriTiri Matangi island, about 1 3/4 hours from Auckland and saw all sorts of birds -the K...

Kia Ora from the Land of Auck! I'm feeling horribly jet lagged- its like being on a heaving boat-but I have made it to the other side of thw world in one piece and I'm not upside down! The 33 hour journey was, unsurprisingly, long and ardous in parts but I took to gambling with a fellow passenger to while away the hours for coppers and american cents/dimes (which now confuse me totally mixed in with my NZ cents!) but sadly I didn't make my millions! Its lovel...

T minus 34 hours.... Strange to think I will be on the other side of the world before the weekend is out. Though I'm sure the 36 hour journey may bring it home a little! Any thoughts on how to stave off cabin fever? I heard horse tranquilizers are good for this but sadly Rescue Remedy may have to suffice (ah well the brandy's good at least) The Good Byes have been gut wrenchingly hard but I have had so many fantastic send off events its a bit like freshers wee...