Time to head home. I'm on the 9.10am Qantas Airbus A380-800 flight from Dubai to London Heathrow. A 7 hour flight. Arriving in LHR at 1.50pm. My best friend Marian picked me up from the airport on what was the hottest day of the year so far, and drove me home. She had brought milk and something for dinner for me. She stayed for a cuppa and chat. It was good to be home. A few things I have thought about since I've been home:- The only way to fly is on an Airbu...

I'm sitting in T3 waiting for my flight. My friend Tony dropped me off at Heathrow extra early which meant I dropped my bag off without queuing. In fact I was the only person there. I'm on an A 380 airbus, the big planes with 2 floors. I did ask for a sit on the upper deck but it was hard enough getting an aisle seat from the lady at check-in. I'm flying via Dubai & Melbourne and finally get to Auckland at 6am Thursday morning. They are 12 hours ahead. Hopefu...

I've booked an expensive swanky hotel in Dubai for 3 nights on my way back from NZ. It's called Fairmont on the Palm. It's not the type of hotel I usually stay in but because I booked using Avios points I thought why not and it's free. I'm meeting Sian an ex work colleague in Auckland for lunch next Friday. Since returning to NZ about 8 years ago, she's met a man, got married and had a baby. I could get used to travelling round the world being a lady who lunche...

I've have now left work but going back to have a late leaving lunch with the Comm Ops team on Friday. I've looked at lots of websites and guidebooks this week, in between sitting in the sun, but not made any firm bookings apart from 2 nights hotel accommodation when I arrive in Auckland. I want to keep things as flexible as possible. 2 things to resolve - transport and type of accommodation. Darren - sorry but there is no room for you in my rucksack. Perhaps y...

Just 3 weeks from today I will be sitting on a plane to Auckland. I finish work on Friday then the detailed planning starts. How long to spend on each island? What I want to see? Where to stay? Should I go sky diving? Should I hire a car or camper van? How many vineyards to go to? Lots to think about and book.