Returned this evening from blissful trip round some of the North Island. East coast and mountainous interior with waterfalls and steam coming out of the earth, plus a couple of volcanoes. Lake Taupo is wonderful but we resisted the temptation to go white-water rafting or bungee-jumping. Stayed in lovely B & Bs and met my newly discovered 6th cousin once removed who is a Kiwi who lives in the UK but was visiting NZ for his niece's wedding. We all had a meal with him and his wife and friends on Sunday evening in Martinborough - heart of the wine-producing area. Saw Kiwis, albeit in a reserve, and lots of Tuis with their unique calls. Not seen a live possum yet though Bridget thinks she saw a dead one by the side of the road! (There are 15 million of them in NZ!!!)They are universally loathed here. This evening we have watched NZ being trounced yet again by England in the 20/20 cricket. As Michael says, he knows how we must have felt last year - he doesn't.... For those who know about B's finger, it's healing beautifully - it no longer sticks out like a sore thumb! Sorry to hear about the awful weather in UK - the last four days have been cloudless here and a lovely temperature, but no doubt you will be saving some of the wet stuff for us when we get back. John and Bridget.
