Hi there! Just getting ready for the start of our first day here in New Zealand. We had a great afternoon yesterday. It started with a long chat over tea and biscuits (cookies to you Americans) with our hostess Chris and her friend who popped over for a spot. After that it was a short walk up the street to look at the local downtown area. Just a few blocks of stores...the signage all looks very 50's and 60s. Dairies are the local liquor stores although they all seemed exactly the same and run by Indians. We stopped at a bar and had some surprisingly weak Guinness - maybe because we're used to the Beck's Dark Audrey drinks! Then we ambled to a recommended sushi place (everything seems to open for dinner at 6:00pm) and had a much needed substantial meal. Finally we walked back to the Villa and I collapsed into a heap. I was soooo tired but I knew that I would be doomed if I went to bed at 7:30pm. So we relaxed for the evening in our room (the bed was turned down and a fresh jug of water was on the nightstand) and Laura made me promise no sleeping until at least 8:30. I barely made it. I had a great night's sleep although the birds were awake bright and early in the morning. I slept until 7:00am so I think I'm adapting to the local time. And now it's time for a big fat breakfast before we head out for our day. Hopefully we'll get lots of pictures for all you following along back home. Phil