Christmas day. The heat here is dry and dusty - unlike just about everywhere else we have been. It's a shock to walk out of the air conditioned bedroom to the outdoor kitchen - from chiller to sauna.

Andy, our host, had stepped on a nail and had to go for a tetanus jab. He and his wife, Anita, used to run a pub and eaterie but when the crash came, they struggled. So now they are running this small business for Andy's brother (who also happens to be here, though he normally lives in Canada.)

There's not much to write about today. We managed to get some laundry done in the shared washing machine. Things dry so fast! We read novels till mid afternoon having opened our cards and presents to each other and from Margaret. It is Christmas tradition now that she packs us off with some festive nick nacks - this year a couple of Xmas cuddly toys, some wine glass markers, festive coasters and a couple of novelty bath caps - one a Christmas pudding and one randomly a strawberry.

Mid afternoon we ventured into town. The bars, restaurants and supermarkets were open. The market here caters mainly for younger folk - zip-lining, off road vehicles, surfing. All adrenaline.

We walked on the beach, dabbling our toes into the Pacific before giving in to the heat and hiding in the shade of the kitchen.

We looked what friends and family were up to on social media, and were delighted to hear Sheree has got engaged to James today. Fantastic!

Next it was Christmas dinner. We borrowed a neighbour's oven and made nut roast, mushroom and madeira gravy, potatoes roasted in their jackets, roast carrots and brocolli. Joan had left the Christmas puds at home so we improvised with a brandy sauce (M&S) with bananas.

We're sharing this accommodation with some large crickets and a small spotted skunk who rattles about.