Auckland NZ

Arrived here after a relatively short flight(4.5hrs) to find it pisitively possing it down..not a good welcome!!
Booked in at Auckland City YH which is O.K but certainly not the standard we've been used to over the last two weeks. I guess that, from now on, we'll be "roughing it" more, but what the hell!! Went to the Auckland Museum to see one of the finest collections of Polynesian artefacts in the world and followed this up with a visit to the Sky Tower and impressive structure which dominates the skyline. Needless to say, we passed on the opportunity to bungy jump from a position almost 160 M above the ground, but we watched!!

Next day took a ferry out to Rangitoto Island...went up to the edge of the crater of what is essentially an extinct volcano...great views and really weird geology and plant life. Nearly missed last ferry back......but that's another story!!

Rarotonga Cook Islands

A 9.75 hr flight to Rarotonga saw us arrive at the airport in Avarua at around 6.15am to be welcomed by dusky maidens who hung beautiful smelling Frangipani flower garlands around our necks and "George" playing a guitar and singing Hawaian type music. We're normally greeted by surly-looking policemen with sub-machine guns, so this was a nice change!!

A 20 min drive to the Pacific resort hotel..wow what an island this is!! The weather was a little dull, but nevertheless temperatures were in the 80's all day long so not complaining really!!

The welcome meal in the evening was wonderful. treated to more music from George and then an hour of dancing girls and boys in traditional costumes, culminating in a final dance where yours truly was chosen to dance with a beautiful Raro girl.........is this paradise or what??

Next day, the weather was good and we took a kayak out to a little island. The water in the lagoon was crystal clear and azure blue(will include short video of this later as it takes a lifetime to upload!!).

The following day was absolutely beautiful and saw us hiring cycles and biking all the way around the island.It's only 32k so not far really(but far enough to give us both numb bums!).

Kayaks again the next day and some snorkelling too(Pam's first time.. so lots of fun and laughter and water up noses!!).

We really will be sad to leave Rarotonga as we have been treated extremely well by the hotel staff, who are very friendly and happy people.

Santa Monica L.A.

Departed Boston for our 6 hour flight to L.A. and arrived there late afternoon to stay at Best Western in downtown Santa Monica(a bit of a concrete jungle!!).

Friday saw us walking about a mile to the beach where we hired fun-trikes and cycled down the Pacific bike trail for about 2 miles

to Venice Beach; a concoction of stalls which sold nothing useful, but interesting nevertheless !! Weird and wonderful examples of the human race converge here and it really is a microcosm of all

we think of, when we think of the USA. Ageing hippies

(no I don't mean us!), beautiful girls and athletic -looking guys (now I'm talking us!!) abound and the Pacific Ocean wasa bit warmer!!. The weather here is fantastic and blue skies, golden sands and warm seas all make for a comfortable life.

On Sunday we visited the Getty centre, just outside town,

a 1.1 billion dollar site which houses many of the artworks

which he collected throughout his life. Truly impressive

architecture with stunning gardens and a whole host of other

facilities.

Boston Mass.

Arrived here and were met by Doreen & Rick, long time friends, who are hosting us for a few days.
Went back to their home in Needham and were treated like Royalty for five days.
On Monday we had a tour of the local neighborhood and in the afternoon went into Boston including a stop-off at the Hospital where Rick works.

Monday evening saw us meeting with David(their son) who we hadn't seen for around 13 years. It was lovely to see him and talk to him about his experiences in India.

Tuesday we visted Raptor centre at Pack Monadnoch(a 3,000ft peak in New Hampshire)and had great views of Turkey Vulture and other species. Great weather and lovely countryside, with the Autumnal colours just starting.

Wednesday saw us Journeying to Cape Cod

( stopping off for Cream Teas) where we had a lovely day and

visited Wellfleet Nature Sanctuary. A beautiful haven for wild life with impressive coastal salt marsh scenery.

Eventually we arrived at Provincetown where we B&B'd at the White Wind Inn(which won 1st prize in the Gay B&B's guide 2006!!), a well-appointed and friendly stay. Tackled Lobster for the first time!!!(needed bib, but delicious and could develop a taste for this!!).

Birmingham

I know this isn't exactly an exotic location, but it is the first day of our holiday and very excited we both are!!

The weather is dull in Glossop and we're starting our four month extravaganza with a journey southward to the sun. It's a small step, but one which we have waited for with eager anticipation for some time.

So, down to Andy's new home in Brum to stay the night in preparation for the onward trip to Heathrow and our flight to Boston to see old friends Doreen and Rick.