Hi. In New Zealand, staying one step of the Lions fans in Rotorua. The rugby kicks off here in 4 days although obviously its all very low key in typical Kiwi style.(!) Spent a week in the North of the north island with our friend Cara, (Hokianga harbour) which is one of the more remote parts of the country so was total sticksville. Amazingly peaceful and beautiful. Went to the Bay of Islands which was just gorgeous and the kind of place you just can,t help checking the house prices. The beaches along the west coast were totally deserted and really dramatic, all thoughts of surfing dashed as we would have been, onto the rocks if we had tried!!! Failed to find any mussels to eat despite a lengthy search! Had a great Bush walk in the rain which was beautiful if uneventful aside from me falling (typically) in the river! Was already wet anyway. Cara took us to a winery near Auckland where she used to work which as you can imagine was in a hideous spot surronded by s*** scenery and not at all near lots of amazing beaches. This country does seem to have it all. Apart from warm weather, i am sure you are pleased to hear. No matter, surrounded by volcanic activity here so will have to pop to one of the thermal pools later. Also going to fling ourselves down a hill in an inflatable ball_only in NZ. And skydiving at our next destinaiton. Think the general fear factor should keep us warm. That and the Lions fans. Anyway hope all good at home. With love Anne P.S. Having never been a fan of meat and pastry as a combo am fast becoming a fan of that great Kiwi staple, the meat pie!!