....Leaving NZ

Just a really quick entry as I've got to hop on the airport shuttle bus in a mo to embark on my next epic adventure - we hope!

But first thought it only right to say farewell to New Zealand, which has been such a fab place to tramp and travel over the last six weeks....

I finished my time here in Auckland and had a good few days hanging out, tying up loose ends - and even had my hair done! Went to a Toni & Guy, how predictable am I...? And I also spent three nights with Ellie, my partner in crime for much of the South Island, who is now residing here for a few months to work as an au pair and live like a Kiwi for a while.

So again I was treated to the pleasures of a few home comforts and, as I'm still struggling through the final stages of my rather lingering illness (poor me!), we spent a good portion of our time together slobbed in front of the box watching DVDs and consuming our own weight in sugar-based snacks....

We planned a grand day out on Sunday for my last full day in the country - an afternoon of whale and dolphin watching out in Auckland Harbour. We were really looking forward to it but as usual the weather spoiled our fun and the trip was cancelled due to high winds - rubbish. So we had a rather civilised and girly lunch out instead at Mission Bay which is a bit like the Bondi Beach of Auckland, and that was lovely.

Have to admit I've become rather nervous about my move to South America; it seems such a mega leap after the familiarity and ease of here... but I know when I get there it will be fab and I'll get back into the whole getting by with hand signals and getting from A to B on a wing and a prayer.

Am certainly looking foward to things being cheapo again, will be able to eat out all the time and no doubt indulge in a bit of shopping to ease me through until the grand return to my old friend Oxford Street in just over a couple of months time...

So until Santiago, Adios amigos!