23rd September 2013

It's Monday, and Andy has just finished a weekend on call. We are both glad it's over as now we can get on with our travels. Heading into the centre of North Island, to Lake Taupo on Friday and we are looking forward to it. 

The whole of New Zealand has been abuzz for the last couple of weeks with the Americas cup, being held in San Francisco Bay at the moment. We have been caught up in it all, despite not knowing a thing about sailing. I think I know what tacking is, and I'm learning what a jibe is, but what the heck is a 'code zero'? New zealand have been doing really well, but after leading by 8 races to 1 last week, the USA won on saturday and then both of today's races bringing the score to 8-5. New Zealand need only one more race to win and I really hope that they do it, even if just to get something else on the news!

We are settling down to life here, though I must admit I find things a bit strange. Had expected it to be just like home but on the other side of the world. Not so! Andy and I went to the pub the other day and the landlady had the nerve to tell me that kiwis think that the UK is a bit backward! This because we didn't pay for 2 beers with a credit card! However, I did find an area where the UK could learn a thing or two. Look at the registration plate we could get if we lived here -

Or even this-