After so many of you mentioned this blog when we came over to visit, we decided to give it another go! Sometimes it feels like you’re repeating yourself using email and facebook etc, but here goes anyway!!

The trip over was very cool, and we were so happy to see you all, but wish we had been able to stay for longer. There were lots of you we wish we could’ve seen more of, or even once would have been nice!!  Most of the places looked the same, only a few things were new, (buildings etc) what was most striking was how green and bushy all the trees were.  New Zealand is very green, but the trees are more like pines or ferns, and the English countryside definitely trumps it!

Obviously, the shopping was also excellent, and I have to admit I spent much more than anticipated…oh well at least Im stocked up until next time! Mark bought random new things like snowboarding boots ( which were interesting to pack in the hand luggage…) and about 60 pairs of socks.  I think he has missed M&S more than he admits!! 

The flight back was ok really, just long and boring.  Because we flew on Emirates we actually had loads of leg room and those little tv screens you can control, so we were entertained for the trip.  I watched half of about 8  films, falling asleep for the endings, but it passes the time I suppose!

Auckland was bright and sunny for our return, but has done nothing but rain ever since. It is pretty cold  as well, we are planning our next ski trip to Mt. Ruapehu in the next few weeks, seeing as the south is full of snow at the moment. We are slowly getting back into the work routine but have been falling asleep in front of the tv at 8.30 most nights ( how sad) Hopefully this week will see us a bit perkier, and doing something in the evenings. 

This weekend I was working on Saturday, so on Sunday we went to see the new exhibitions at the museum in the Domain and topped up our caffeine levels drinking NZ coffee ( very strong!) We also started looking at new places to live, as we are ready for a change now.  will keep you posted if we see something good! I will be spendin lots of productive time on the internet finding some nice houses!

Take care,

Gill & Mark x