20/08 Hi Everyone,

Mercury Bay to Rotorua, We set off early as there was a walk we wanted to take along some old gold mines. I was really looking forward to a bit of a stroll and a change from sitting on the bus. Unfortunately when we got there the pathways to the mines were all closed, so we only managed to take a few photos up the Gorge and walk across a swing bridge which is one of the suspension bridges strung between the sides of the Gorge. It was a really pleasant day , a little chilly but perfect for a walk and a shame to miss out on this bit.

We carried on to Rotorua where there are numerous activities including Zorbing, a nutty little past time where you are put in a large ball, part filled with hot water, sealed in and then rolled down a hillside, no chance of an injury there! Rotorua is an area of themal activity with hot springs which rise up out of the ground heated by the Earth's crust. The smell of sulphur is a bit strong but once you have overcome the nausea you are okay!

It is a nice town with plenty to offer and whether it be the hots polls, walks around the Lake shore or just visiting the many geothermal parks, it is worth stopping at. The guide book made me smile, there is a word of warning in small print in amongst all the detail about Rotorua, it says: 'don't put your head under any of the thermal pools', Reason? , 'there is a risk of contracting amobic meningitis, infection can result in serious illness' Err Hello! Do you think you can highlight this in Bold Itallics instead of small print! I'm sure Amobic Meningitis is not too serious, is it?

I am now waying up my options, broken limbs in a ball going down hill, Meningitis or just feeling nauseas from the smaell of sulphur? Actually it sounds bad but it it isn't. I was advised by Lauren, our driver, that if I prefered a slightly more comfortable hostel, I might like to stay at a place called The Funky Green Traveller. That sounds about right for me, and so I was dropped off there whilst the 'youngsters' went to a place called the Hot Rocks with its own club and thermal pool. The Funky Green was a great place to stay and run by a Kiwi called Gerrard who has vast travelling experience. He was younger than myself but had been involved in this lifestyle for 20 years or more and was 'full on'. He was also great company and had built the business up from scratch. The accommodation was in three sections. The main house with large porch, this is a 'shoes off' premises, a really good idea if you ask me, massive kitchen, longe / diner with a large log burner and three multi bunk rooms, good showers and bathroom, with heated flooring! Luxury. There was more accommodation in the grounds and across the road all of a similar standard. I was sharing with a German couple and another German girl, all good or Sweet As, as they say here. We all got along well and swopped stories and tales of this that and the other. the great thing about all this is that you are thrown in with like minded people of all ages, generally younger, but all with a great attitude. There is a common bond and everyone looks out for each other, it is totally refreshing. There are others here also , a younger American couple, an Irish couple and then other European travellers.

In the meantime, I had decided to go Luging up on the hill. This entailed racing a small 3 wheeld cart down the hill on a man made track. You take a very nice cable car ride to the top, pick up a helmet and luge and then race down the hill as fast as you dare.

The 1st run was down the intermediate track and lets face it it was for softies! However, you have to complete this before you are allowed to take the Advanced run. My 2nd go was down the Advanced route and soon got my eye in for the correct line and where you could take off etc. It was great fun and with confidence growning I took the chair lift back to the top for my third go. I had actually booked five runs because I thought it was worth it, and so it was.

My 3rd run was going well, I was really getting into it leaning this this way and that, using the banking on the high bends and taking 'Air' where I could to get max speed out of the thing. All was going well until the last bend, a high right hander with a hairpin finish before pulling on the brake and turning sharp left to the finish. As I hit the bend I knew I was going too fast, I leant as far as I dare to my right but the force and speed were too great and I was then unceremoniously dumped from the cart onto the edge of the bank at the top of the turn. I crashed down onto the vertical board, slid along on my side, winded myself and got laughed at by some kids! Which hurt most? Being laughed at of course! Having got back in I realised that I actually was hurting. I took the lift back up to the top and decided that as I had two goes left to try another trip and just work through it. This was all well and good until I started hitting bumps and discovered that I couln't breath properly on my left side. By the time I reached the bottom I was really struggling and didn't go again. I knew I had hurt my ribs, could feel something grinding when I breathed and feared the worst of one or two broken ribs.

I realised that there was nothing that could really be done for a rib injury so I was just going to have to tough it out and find anything to take my mind off the pain. So it was that I went out for the evening to find a pub and down a few stiff ones find someone to talk to and take my mind off it. I returned to the Funky Green later that night and met Carol who is from Kent. When I came back in most of the other residents were still up and reading in the lounge area infront of the fire or at the table. Carol looking bored and I started talking to her, I was probably a bit too talkative for the others liking as they seemed well engrosed in books etc, but you know how the lips get loosened! We stayed up chatting for a long time and went to bed very late. That night things got worse and I could not lay on my side, it hurt to lay on my back and front and I really could not touch the spot very well, I was a bit concerned. I couldn't raise my left arm (not very useful when you are carrying a backpack) and breathing was just plain uncomfortable.

I had to make a decision, go to a Doctor or Hospital or just take it easy for a few days and see how things worked out, access exactly what was going on, take a few pills, and try not to damage myself any further. The second option was what I went for. Fortunately I had 2 nights at Rotorua so I didn't have to do too much the next day. Having got up quite late, everyone else had mostly either moved on or gone out for the day. I entered the kitchen and found Carol. Several cups of tea later and a leisurely morning spent in the sun lounge, I decided that a gentle walk around the lake side was all I really wanted to do. We got ourselves ready and set about a walk.

Rotorua is actually a very pleasant area but just a bit smelly. The lake shore has many information boards and lovlely views. Now this is no ordinary lake, it is enormous and has a love story attached to it. It is the site of the first inter-tribal union, when Tutanekei, the son of the Mokoia Island Chief, fell in love with Hinemoa, the daughter of the shore tribe. The Shore Tribe were high brow and they were forbidden from seeing one another. Hinemoa wanted her man so she swam and floated across the lake to the island. She then lured Tutanekei to the water side, the little minx! and cemented the relationship, so to speak. Their union was recognised ans so the first cross tribe marriage came about. There, that was nice wasn't it.

The Govenrment gardens are beautifully kept with crocket lawns, bowling greens and a fantastic frontage. The Maori carvings are a complete contrast but in some way complement the area bringijng traditional and new together.

Back at the hostel life was going on and one of the girls had a birthday and had very kindly provided chocolate cake for everyone. Tea was taken in the garden and Gerrard joined us and provided stories of his various trips around the Globe.

New people had arrived and decided to go to a place called Burgerfuel, just down the road, for supper. Carol and I had now been joined by John who was telling us about an incredible trek through the Himilayas which was facinating so we decided to join the rest of the gang and ventured down a short while later. Burgerfuel is by far the best 'burger' place I have ever been to with juicy fresh beef burgers and fresh fillings and also great value, - recommended!

The others went on elsewhere so I took myself off to a quiet night and keep myself out of harms way. I went to the pub, used the internet and got back to the hostel sometime later. I found everyone playing cards and dice, they had been out for less time than me. I confess that I had more to drink than was really good for me but it helped with going to bed, even so I got an immediate reminder of why I had been sitting up straight all night!

The next day I was due to start the cultural part of this trip and head east on the 'East As' bus which is something I really looked forward too and had booked it specifically. I had discovered that I can now actually feel the ribs which appear to be either cracked, broken or popped, take your pick. I can push them in and make them crack, quite entertaining really but pretty painful. I'm still going to carry on, there's not a lot that can be done apart from a bit of strapping and that wont stop anything from happening.

See you soon,

Chris