I didn't get jet-lag at all thanks to a sleeping pill in the LA flight and one the first night here which was brilliant. It's hard to believe I've been here almost a week in New Zealand. It's gone so quickly. Unfortunately the weather hasn't been that great, but Judi and I have been able to do a number of things by dodging the showers. At least it hasn't been cold.
Rick spent last weekend in Auckland helping Felicity to move into her new student house. He had to rent a house in his name as accommodation there is very difficult to get this year thanks to many more students choosing Auckland as a place to study rather than Christchurch because of last year's earthquake. So Felicity's actually got a much better place than she would otherwise have got with wonderful views across the city. Felicity and her friend posted an ad' for housemates on Friday evening and by Sunday morning they had interviewed and selected two.
I've been tracking Chris's flight on the Internet today and just seen that he has just landed in LA - a rather dreary stopover I thought, with fat surly American staff ordering everyone about and not caring that it was about 3 in the morning for us weary travellers. I'm really excited that he's finally on his way and we can get started properly on the holiday. It's been lovely having time to catch up with Judi and do some girly things together. We are hoping to be able to collect Chris from the airport tomorrow in an Art Deco car that we are borrowing for the weekend. (Rick's desperate for Chris to get here as he is a bit over run with women at home!)
Judi and I spent some of yesterday sorting out our costumes for the Art Deco weekend. I have hired two dresses - a fairly plain one, with a long string of pearls and a hat for the day time and a sparkly one with a fascinator and a feather boa for the evening do, although I have to say there wasn't much choice and it was ridiculously expensive.
R&Js youngest daughter Felicity - whose job is to dress in Art Deco costume and talk to and take photos with the tourists coming off the cruise ships.
Judi and I have been taking their dog, Bale, for a long daily walk down to the beach and along the coast road. He's obsessed with balls. Considering he's a labrador, he's really not that into food - he doesn't even attempt to eat the cat food which is left out (it wouldn't last 10 seconds if Barney or Truffle were around). We have also been attending Yoga classes run by a world renowned Yoga teacher called Peter Sansom - Google him if your interested! There were people there who were almost tied in knots - I did my best, but what with the combination of stiff joints and terrible balance I looked like I was an escapee of the local funny farm!
We had a wonderful evening yesterday sitting in the hot tub reminiscing about old times, sipping wine and listening to the sea rolling in. We had had a delicious Turkish meal earlier in the evening with friends of R&Js who we have met several times on previous visits. They joined us in Taupo and on a visit to the Waitomo Caves last time we were here so it was great to see them again. We are off to do some touristy things "this aavo" as the weather has temporarily improved. Hurrah!
Rick and Judi's House in Napier
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