Heyho!

As you may see from the new photos, I've been to Hobbiton today and it was totally amazing. Of course there are lots of tourists (up to 3000 per day), but they organise the tours really well and it was absolutly worth it. We went extra early and that was probably a good idea - when we left, there were long rows of people waiting to visit. It's of course a little difficult to feel the magic of middle-earth with so many visitors around, but we did have a nice guide and learned some interesting facts about the making of the movies.

Yesterday we returned from Tauranga to Anna's farm close to Matamata. Today we visited Hobbiton, I had a look at the farm and tonight we are going to play in the local bridgeclub. Tomorrow I am leaving for Auckland, where I am fortunatly allowed to stay at another bridge families home - I don't know for how long, but it's really good to have these connections and amazing how nice I am welcomed here.

My main purpose in Auckland is to look for a car and I am actually a bit nervous about it, because I have no idea how it will work out. There are probably lots of cars for sale, but I don't want to be cheated on and buy a bad one... and I have no idea at all about buying cars. So I'll definitly ask others for help and hope that someone knows more than me. I'll be staying in Auckland for at least until 7th of February, when I'll be playing a bridge tournament in Rotorua.

Now we have to leave for the club night!