The big trip 2007 tag:travellerspoint.com,2006-12-18:/blog/?domain=grace 2007-05-03T21:08:41Z batfink img/travel-blog-feed.png Up to date at last! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=54&entryid=58918 2007-05-03T21:08:41Z 2007-05-03T21:08:41Z I am up to date on the blogging at last! Some entries need padding out abit though. Mark and I are having another poker/shopping day today so I came back to the internet cafe I saw yesterday and spent 2 hours catching up. Phew, might spend a bit of time people watching now - always amusing in Vegas! ... I am up to date on the blogging at last! Some entries need padding out abit though. Mark and I are having another poker/shopping day today so I came back to the internet cafe I saw yesterday and spent 2 hours catching up. Phew, might spend a bit of time people watching now - always amusing in Vegas!

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]]> Just keep walking tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=53&entryid=58916 2007-05-03T21:05:06Z 2007-05-03T21:05:06Z Today was the day Mark had been waiting for - he could play poker while I went shopping - everyone was happy! I walked down the Hawaiian marketplace and found this cheap (ish) internet place - hurrah! I walked around for nearly all of today and only covered a couple of blocks as the hotels are so massive it takes ages to walk anywhere. I was knackered when I met Mark back at the hotel in the evening. Also confessed to Mum ... Today was the day Mark had been waiting for - he could play poker while I went shopping - everyone was happy!

I walked down the Hawaiian marketplace and found this cheap (ish) internet place - hurrah! I walked around for nearly all of today and only covered a couple of blocks as the hotels are so massive it takes ages to walk anywhere. I was knackered when I met Mark back at the hotel in the evening.

Also confessed to Mum that the doctor in New Zealand I saw a few weeks ago said I had the start of pnemonia but I didn't want to tell her in case she worried, so I waited until I was better to tell her and write it in this blog. Those anti-biotics knocked it on the head - phew!

We went to a burger place for tea, the veggie burgers were yummy! Went to Treasure Island to try and catch the show but it was cancelled due to high winds - we'll have to try again tomorrow... Saw the volcano at the Mirage.

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]]> Fremont Street, Vegas tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=52&entryid=58913 2007-05-03T20:57:14Z 2007-05-03T20:57:14Z Went to downtown Vegas today to the Fremont Street experience. Mark wanted to play a bit of poker at the well known (to poker players?) Binons Horseshoe so I left him to it while I went for a walk. Once it went dark, all the neons went on and you could recognise it from the films [url=http://www.vegasexperience.com/]. We also caught a show on the biggest LED screen in the world and the tag line wasn't kidding, it was OTT! ... Went to downtown Vegas today to the Fremont Street experience. Mark wanted to play a bit of poker at the well known (to poker players?) Binons Horseshoe so I left him to it while I went for a walk.

Once it went dark, all the neons went on and you could recognise it from the films http://www.vegasexperience.com/. We also caught a show on the biggest LED screen in the world and the tag line wasn't kidding, it was OTT!

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]]> Vegas tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=51&entryid=58911 2007-05-03T20:51:58Z 2007-05-03T20:51:58Z Must be jet lagged even though we didn't realise it - slept solid til 1pm! We eased into the day by lying by the pool for a few hours - I'm getting so dark I hardly recognise myself! Went to Casears Palace shopping centre for a wander and had some food at Planet Hollywood (the restaurant, not the hotel as both are here) and by the time we wandered back to the hotel it was 8pm...time is still going too fast - ... Must be jet lagged even though we didn't realise it - slept solid til 1pm!

We eased into the day by lying by the pool for a few hours - I'm getting so dark I hardly recognise myself!

Went to Casears Palace shopping centre for a wander and had some food at Planet Hollywood (the restaurant, not the hotel as both are here) and by the time we wandered back to the hotel it was 8pm...time is still going too fast - I'll be home this time next week.

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]]> Bumpy landing tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=50&entryid=58906 2007-05-03T20:47:33Z 2007-05-03T20:43:33Z Spent most of today travelling, arrived in LA at midday and then had to wait a few hours for our connecting flight to Vegas. Had some of the local food within a few minutes of arriving in the US - Maccie D's! The descent / landing in Vegas took ages and was so bumpy, after 10 flights in two months, I nearly had to make use of one of those paper bags! Vegas is as big and brash as I remember ... Spent most of today travelling, arrived in LA at midday and then had to wait a few hours for our connecting flight to Vegas. Had some of the local food within a few minutes of arriving in the US - Maccie D's!

The descent / landing in Vegas took ages and was so bumpy, after 10 flights in two months, I nearly had to make use of one of those paper bags!

Vegas is as big and brash as I remember if not more so! It is also around the mid 30's - hot, hot, hot!

Staying at the Paris hotel opposite the Bellagio and we can see the fountains from our room - my favourite thing in Vegas - I'm happy!

Mark set himself a daily limit for gambling - very sensible you might think - but then he lost today's, tomorrows and Tuesday all in one go as he was so excited! Oh dear! No more poker til Wednesday for him!

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]]> Bye beach tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=49&entryid=58904 2007-05-03T20:40:16Z 2007-05-03T20:40:16Z Although our flight wasn't until 23:40pm today, we didn't get up to much (there's a change!). Had to make a last minute dash into town for cash and also made the most of the beach, taking a walk along the beautiful shores - I'm going to miss this place... ... Although our flight wasn't until 23:40pm today, we didn't get up to much (there's a change!).

Had to make a last minute dash into town for cash and also made the most of the beach, taking a walk along the beautiful shores - I'm going to miss this place...

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]]> :o( tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=48&entryid=58900 2007-05-03T20:35:44Z 2007-05-03T20:35:44Z Last full day in Rarotonga. Went into town to get some cash (there are only a few cash points around and all but one are in town) and went to Trader Jacks for lunch (this is apparently quite well known in the Pacific too). The pizza was yummy and you could see a ship wreck from 1916 from there sticking up. Did a bit of shopping too and it was mid afternoon by the time we got back - time is flying ... Last full day in Rarotonga.

Went into town to get some cash (there are only a few cash points around and all but one are in town) and went to Trader Jacks for lunch (this is apparently quite well known in the Pacific too). The pizza was yummy and you could see a ship wreck from 1916 from there sticking up.

Did a bit of shopping too and it was mid afternoon by the time we got back - time is flying by.

Squeezed in abit of sunbathing before going to an island night at the Pacific Resort - all the food is made from local produce and then there is a traditional dancing display with drums. The cocktails were good too. Managed to avoid audience participation but I think Mark was quite keen to have a go! A memorable last night ;o)

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]]> Fishy tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=47&entryid=58897 2007-05-03T20:30:21Z 2007-05-03T20:30:21Z Bikes were due back today, woke up at 10:50am to realise they were due back at 11am - oops! Everyone is so laid back they didn't seem too bothered when we were abit late. Yep - another day lounging today and back to the Flame Tree for tea - I could get used to this! Came back from dinner to find Paul and Shona sitting outside their house (just behind ours), which Pauls brother in law and wife - they were gutting ... Bikes were due back today, woke up at 10:50am to realise they were due back at 11am - oops! Everyone is so laid back they didn't seem too bothered when we were abit late.

Yep - another day lounging today and back to the Flame Tree for tea - I could get used to this!

Came back from dinner to find Paul and Shona sitting outside their house (just behind ours), which Pauls brother in law and wife - they were gutting the biggest fish I have EVER seen! We sat with them for a bith but it was pretty gross and even Mark said the smell made him feel sick after a while!

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]]> Anzac day tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=46&entryid=58892 2007-05-03T20:21:26Z 2007-05-03T20:21:26Z Today is a public holiday - Anzac day so the twice hourly buses are even less frequent and not many places are open. Luckily we have the trusty bikes to get around! As it was cloudly and threatening to rain, we found an internet/food cafe and after feeding up on smoothies and toasties, I tried again to catch up on the blogging. Soon it was sunny though, so we went back to our little house to read and lie in the ... Today is a public holiday - Anzac day so the twice hourly buses are even less frequent and not many places are open. Luckily we have the trusty bikes to get around!

As it was cloudly and threatening to rain, we found an internet/food cafe and after feeding up on smoothies and toasties, I tried again to catch up on the blogging.

Soon it was sunny though, so we went back to our little house to read and lie in the sun. Feel sooooo chilled out!

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]]> Lounging... tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=45&entryid=58890 2007-05-03T20:16:23Z 2007-05-03T20:16:23Z Chilled out today after our busy day yesterday and made the most of the sunshine. Luckily the rain hasn't restricted us at all, sometimes it is actually quite refreshing. I'm still getting bitten alot but not getting a bad reaction this time like in the Philippines but I have learnt my lesson, the moment I start swelling up, I'm off to the doctor! We've exhausted the local DVD rental place but the owners of the house where we are still has loaned ... Chilled out today after our busy day yesterday and made the most of the sunshine. Luckily the rain hasn't restricted us at all, sometimes it is actually quite refreshing.

I'm still getting bitten alot but not getting a bad reaction this time like in the Philippines but I have learnt my lesson, the moment I start swelling up, I'm off to the doctor!

We've exhausted the local DVD rental place but the owners of the house where we are still has loaned some to us, not heard of many of them mind you! Watched House of Fog and Sand today.

Went to the Flame Tree restuarant which is apparently quite well known, the food was beautiful and there was more than one veggie choice so I was happy! The cocktails were good too - I'm becoming an expert! We liked it so much we booked a table for later on in the week :o)

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]]> Cycling and snorkling tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=44&entryid=58887 2007-05-03T20:01:19Z 2007-05-03T20:01:19Z We had an ace day today! We hired push bikes and cycled into town. It was hot but not too tiring but the saddles are really uncomfortable! I haven't ridden a bike in years so I was a bit wobbley at first. We bought snorkle gear in town and also some decent batteries for the camera as it has been out of action for a few days - we thought it was broken. Cycled home again and it started raining ... We had an ace day today! We hired push bikes and cycled into town. It was hot but not too tiring but the saddles are really uncomfortable! I haven't ridden a bike in years so I was a bit wobbley at first. We bought snorkle gear in town and also some decent batteries for the camera as it has been out of action for a few days - we thought it was broken. Cycled home again and it started raining just near the end - must have cycled about 20km in all.

As we were soaking anyway, we decided to go snorkling anyway - we were out for about 2 hours and saw some weird and wonderful sealife!

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]]> Sun, sun, sun! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=43&entryid=58885 2007-05-03T19:54:55Z 2007-05-03T19:54:55Z Hooray - it's sunny today! Not alot to write about today as we lounged about for most of it - it could be a common theme for this week! We went out in the kayaks but I prefer swimming especially as it is so hot. The most energetic thing we did was to return the DVDs and get a new one (Subway stories). ... Hooray - it's sunny today! Not alot to write about today as we lounged about for most of it - it could be a common theme for this week! We went out in the kayaks but I prefer swimming especially as it is so hot.

The most energetic thing we did was to return the DVDs and get a new one (Subway stories).

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]]> 21 April - take 2 tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=42&entryid=58883 2007-05-03T19:50:41Z 2007-05-03T19:50:41Z Uh oh - it's raining today! Tropical showers almost all morning! We went to the market this morning to soak up the atmosphere. Also got some food shopping as we are staying self catering this time. Even though it was raining it was warm enough to go in the sea, I waded to the island opposite and Mark canoed there. There is only 1 TV channel here (and we thought it was bad in NZ where there were 3!) and alot of ... Uh oh - it's raining today! Tropical showers almost all morning! We went to the market this morning to soak up the atmosphere. Also got some food shopping as we are staying self catering this time.

Even though it was raining it was warm enough to go in the sea, I waded to the island opposite and Mark canoed there.

There is only 1 TV channel here (and we thought it was bad in NZ where there were 3!) and alot of the time it is religious stuff so no wonder DVDs / videos shops are popular with locals and tourists! We eventually found somewhere to rent DVDs and watched The Notebook and Brokeback Mountain.

21 April - take 2 remains copyright of the author batfink, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> 20 April - take 2 tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=41&entryid=58881 2007-05-03T19:44:26Z 2007-05-03T19:44:26Z Arrived in Rarotonga at 14:55pm, first impression from the plane were amazing. The arrivals lounge was amusing with an entertainer singing and playing the guitar - traditional stylee! I got a flower garland from the taxi driver - a traditional greeting from the Cook Islands apparently. The islands is pretty small, the coast road in 32km and as our accomodation was on the other side of the island, we got to see quite alot of it on our way there. The place ... Arrived in Rarotonga at 14:55pm, first impression from the plane were amazing.

The arrivals lounge was amusing with an entertainer singing and playing the guitar - traditional stylee! I got a flower garland from the taxi driver - a traditional greeting from the Cook Islands apparently.

The islands is pretty small, the coast road in 32km and as our accomodation was on the other side of the island, we got to see quite alot of it on our way there.

The place we are staying is an ace little hut - if you want to check it out, you can see it here http://www.rarotongalagoonvillas.com/murilagoon.html

It is pretty much right on the beach and there is an island opposite. The whole island has a reef going round it which makes it pretty calm for swimming and snorkling etc.

Lovin' it!

20 April - take 2 remains copyright of the author batfink, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> 21 April - take 1 tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=40&entryid=58878 2007-05-03T19:34:56Z 2007-05-03T19:34:56Z We were amazed that our taxi arrived at 5am as planned as we weren't entired convinced that reception would remember to book it! But our flight from Wellington to Auckland and then on to the Cook Islands went without a hitch despite only an hour connection in Auckland. Flight left Auckland at 9am Saturday 21 April and we arrived in Rarotonga, Cook Islands on 14:55pm Friday 20 April - how weird! ... We were amazed that our taxi arrived at 5am as planned as we weren't entired convinced that reception would remember to book it!

But our flight from Wellington to Auckland and then on to the Cook Islands went without a hitch despite only an hour connection in Auckland.

Flight left Auckland at 9am Saturday 21 April and we arrived in Rarotonga, Cook Islands on 14:55pm Friday 20 April - how weird!

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]]> 20 April - take 1 tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=39&entryid=58876 2007-05-03T19:30:57Z 2007-05-03T19:30:57Z Went to Wellington Zoo today which kept us occupied for a couple of hours. Also tried to do a little bit more blogging but I'm still behind! Had an early night as taxi was picking us up at 5am the next morning, I set 3 alarms as I'm always worried about oversleeping! ... Went to Wellington Zoo today which kept us occupied for a couple of hours. Also tried to do a little bit more blogging but I'm still behind!

Had an early night as taxi was picking us up at 5am the next morning, I set 3 alarms as I'm always worried about oversleeping!

20 April - take 1 remains copyright of the author batfink, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Wellington tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=38&entryid=58874 2007-05-03T19:28:44Z 2007-05-03T19:28:44Z Arrived in Wellington early (first time for everything!) and dropped the car off - it felt weird to not be able to jump in the car to get around! It didn't help that the Carillon Motor Inn where we were booked in for 2 nights is on a very steep hill! This hotel was a little disappointing, the website makes it look quite retro and cool but in fact it was a bit tired and really, really cold! It was ... Arrived in Wellington early (first time for everything!) and dropped the car off - it felt weird to not be able to jump in the car to get around! It didn't help that the Carillon Motor Inn where we were booked in for 2 nights is on a very steep hill! This hotel was a little disappointing, the website makes it look quite retro and cool but in fact it was a bit tired and really, really cold! It was quite near the edge of the Cuba district though - it's only good point! Felt quite quite tempted to bail out but decided as we would be out most of the time to just stick with it!

Spent the afternoon wandering around the city centre, went on the cable car which gave you pretty amazing views from up the hill. It took us a while but we found tourist information at last to find out what else to do and see.

In the evening we went looking for somewhere near the waterfront to eat but ended up in a pizza place in a cinema complex - it's 11 years that Mark and I have been together today - I'm sure we always end up having pizza on our anniversary!

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]]> Last leg of motor trip tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-05-03:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=37&entryid=58872 2007-05-03T19:19:29Z 2007-05-03T19:18:47Z We had a pretty chilled out day today, made our way down to a seaside town not too far from Wellington (Kapitia?), and went to the cinema to see 300 and also to an internet cafe to catch up on emails/blogging etc. I am so far behind that I am likely to be back in the UK before it is all up to date but I've been writing in a diary so I don't forget what I've been doing! ... We had a pretty chilled out day today, made our way down to a seaside town not too far from Wellington (Kapitia?), and went to the cinema to see 300 and also to an internet cafe to catch up on emails/blogging etc. I am so far behind that I am likely to be back in the UK before it is all up to date but I've been writing in a diary so I don't forget what I've been doing!

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]]> Thermal Wonderland tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-25:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=36&entryid=57299 2007-04-25T22:56:50Z 2007-04-25T22:56:50Z Spend this morning in Wai-o-tau Thermal Wonderland, it is difficult to describe and the photos just look like pools of mud but they were amazing to see. We walked over a couple of massize steaming pools (smelt ugly - looked cool!) and saw an eruption (!) (http://www.geyserland.co.nz/) Then in the afternoon, we decided to drive across the mountain range, it didn't look that far on the map but it took about 4-5 hrs on these single track, gravel roads that were ... Spend this morning in Wai-o-tau Thermal Wonderland, it is difficult to describe and the photos just look like pools of mud but they were amazing to see. We walked over a couple of massize steaming pools (smelt ugly - looked cool!) and saw an eruption (!) (http://www.geyserland.co.nz/)

Then in the afternoon, we decided to drive across the mountain range, it didn't look that far on the map but it took about 4-5 hrs on these single track, gravel roads that were pretty scarey when you met a truck or caught a glimpse of the drop at the side of the road. I did alot of the driving here as the winding roads made me feel travelsick when I was a passenger.

When we got through the mountains, we had to drive another 1-2 hrs to find somewhere to sleep but when we did, I was happy cause it had a spa bath! Finding places to stay that are cheap and cheerful hasn't been a problem luckily, they are usually much better than you would expect for what you are paying (which is less than you would pay in UK).

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]]> Eggy! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-25:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=35&entryid=57287 2007-04-25T22:41:15Z 2007-04-25T22:41:15Z Drove down toward a town called Rotorua, where there is alot of thermal activity which creates hot springs etc. As we got closer to the town, the smell in the air got really eggy, we later found out this is caused by all the thermal activity. By the time we had got to the town, we had missed last admission to most of the thermal places so we decided to stay overnight and go first thing in the morning. But the ... Drove down toward a town called Rotorua, where there is alot of thermal activity which creates hot springs etc. As we got closer to the town, the smell in the air got really eggy, we later found out this is caused by all the thermal activity.

By the time we had got to the town, we had missed last admission to most of the thermal places so we decided to stay overnight and go first thing in the morning. But the smell was so bad that even when we found a motel with a spa bath, movie library and xbox rental, which would be perfect under any other circumstances, we decided to look further afield! We drove toward the 'thermal wonderland' to look for somewhere close and found a quaint little motel with a natural hot spring in the garden. It wasn't warm enough to venture in though.

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]]> Middle of nowhere tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-25:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=34&entryid=57278 2007-04-25T22:24:08Z 2007-04-25T22:24:08Z Drove for hours and hours and hours (well, thats what it felt like anyway!) Ended up in a twon called Thames, it has a high street straight out of a film set. We stayed in a Western style motel too, you have to see the photos to believe it (but I haven't got my camera today to upload photos - oops) ... Drove for hours and hours and hours (well, thats what it felt like anyway!) Ended up in a twon called Thames, it has a high street straight out of a film set. We stayed in a Western style motel too, you have to see the photos to believe it (but I haven't got my camera today to upload photos - oops)

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]]> Just keep driving... tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-19:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=33&entryid=56146 2007-04-20T04:34:59Z 2007-04-20T04:34:59Z Drove all the way to Cape Reinga today - the farthest north point of New Zealand. Road turned to gravel about 30km before getting there and were getting dodgier along the way. But the views were spectacular. As it was a conservation area, it was not inhabited so we had to drive 1.5hrs back to find food and a bed. We found a quaint little lodge right on the beach and stocked up on peanuts and pretzels – sorted! ... Drove all the way to Cape Reinga today - the farthest north point of New Zealand. Road turned to gravel about 30km before getting there and were getting dodgier along the way. But the views were spectacular. As it was a conservation area, it was not inhabited so we had to drive 1.5hrs back to find food and a bed. We found a quaint little lodge right on the beach and stocked up on peanuts and pretzels – sorted!

Just keep driving... remains copyright of the author batfink, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> We're on the road! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-19:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=32&entryid=56142 2007-04-20T04:29:28Z 2007-04-20T04:29:28Z Slept late yet again, by the time we got up it was time to check out and pick up the car. Thought it was going to be a nail but it is not bad - an automatic though so it took us a while to get going! We headed north, towards the Bay of Islands, stopping at some waterfalls on the way. Some of the towns we drove through look like they are straight out of western films. Ended up in Paihia in ... Slept late yet again, by the time we got up it was time to check out and pick up the car. Thought it was going to be a nail but it is not bad - an automatic though so it took us a while to get going!

We headed north, towards the Bay of Islands, stopping at some waterfalls on the way.

Some of the towns we drove through look like they are straight out of western films.

Ended up in Paihia in a motel which overlooked the bay and found a little Thai place for tea - couldn't ask for more!

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]]> Eugh! tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-19:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=31&entryid=56138 2007-04-20T04:23:17Z 2007-04-20T04:23:17Z Went to the doctors today about my manky mozzie bites as my legs are still swollen and it hurts to walk - never a good sign! I think I even grossed the doctor out! Got some anti-biotics for 10 days and some dressing and ointment which needs changing everyday so yet another trip to the pharmacy to stock up on medical supplies! ... Went to the doctors today about my manky mozzie bites as my legs are still swollen and it hurts to walk - never a good sign! I think I even grossed the doctor out! Got some anti-biotics for 10 days and some dressing and ointment which needs changing everyday so yet another trip to the pharmacy to stock up on medical supplies!

Eugh! remains copyright of the author batfink, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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]]> Knackered tag:travellerspoint.com,2007-04-19:/blog/?domain=grace&thisblog_entryid=30&entryid=56129 2007-04-20T04:23:38Z 2007-04-20T04:15:07Z Arrived in Auckland 11am local time - both knackered! Went to the hotel and slept most of the day, only got up to eat! Managed to stay awake long enough to watch Music and Lyrics, but it wasn't really worth the effort! ... Arrived in Auckland 11am local time - both knackered! Went to the hotel and slept most of the day, only got up to eat! Managed to stay awake long enough to watch Music and Lyrics, but it wasn't really worth the effort!

Knackered remains copyright of the author batfink, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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