Air New Zealand

Love these flight safety briefings...The Hobbit!

....an epic journey

...Bear Grylls...

...the nude safety briefing - attendants in body paint resembling uniform...

...safety in Paradise...

...and Betty White:

In praise of Richard

Back just over three weeks now, which has passed in a blur: twelve hours after arriving, I was back in school for the start of a new term. A new class. And a new year group. And a new curriculum. And a new form of planning. And... well, let's just say it's the usual start of the school year madness.

I work every night and weekend. Not all the time, but a lot. My brain is brimming over with 'oughts' and 'musts' and 'could do betters'...

Life isn't so hectic for Richard - but that's a different story. Instead, it has dawned on me just how much he has done lately.

Shopping done.
Washing done, hung up to dry and then put away.
Dog walked. Frequently.
Gardening kept on top of.
Errands run, which I didn't get time to do myself.
Supper cooked, delicious smells greeting me as I walked in the door.
And a cup of tea made for a weary wife...

So much love and kindness.

"Sweet as"

What the traffic cop said to Cat.

"World famous.........in New Zealand!"

New Zealand: final reflections.

Interesting observations:

• Random strangers are incredibly helpful - even without being asked. As Richard was buying tickets at the train station, a young man approached him. 'Sir,' he said, 'if you buy an AT card (a season ticket) it's much cheaper.'
• Looking for a rubbish bin, a young man noticed and pointed it out.
• The ticket clerk was concerned about the tourists buying tickets to Otahuhu, where the CAP office is. She tried to suggest that we go elsewhere! Indeed, first impressions of the container depot and industrial area proved her point.
• Cafe baristas, shop assistants, passport officials - so friendly and laid back.

But that's New Zealand for you. Information boards in airport departures don't say 'Wait in lounge' but, instead, 'Relax'.

So we are.

Auckland and up and away...

The last day. Oops.

Church in the morning was the opening of a CAP centre. Hillsong type worship and a presentation by Cat's boss about the work of Christians Against Poverty. Inspiring stories.

After, we drove out to Muriwai wildlife area. Endless beach. Massive waves. Strong currents.

And, at Maori beach, a gannet colony. Awesome birds. It was the beginning of the breeding season, so really interesting watching the birds display to each other.

Then back to Auckland and the beginning of a long journey home - and away from Cat...

Out and about in Auckland

Auckland is the City of Sails, sitting around harbours, lagoons, rivers and creeks.

The choice of outings was bewildering, but in the end we settled on a harbour cruise. Waitemata, the harbour's name, means 'sparkling water' - absolutely! We were blessed with a bright sunny day.

We toured every wharf, jetty and marina in Auckland Central, amid a forest of moored sailing boats, before dodging in and out of a fast-moving regatta.

Then we headed out past the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. How anyone could live for years in the tiny wooden shack perched on top of a delicate metal structure is one of life's great mysteries. Well, perhaps not, but still a marvel.

Then an altogether far too brief stop on volcanic Rangitoto island, boasting the largest Pohutukawa - New Zealand's flaming red 'Christmas tree' - forest in the world. World famous. In New Zealand anyway.

Then past historic Devonport and the naval base to the iconic harbour bridge - just in time to see someone bungee jump off it.

Then back - and supper in a restaurant at the beach in St Heliers  - beginning to think about heading for home: just a few thousand miles...

An early start on a sunny morning took us to catch a train to the city centre. We walked past the neo-Gothic Anglican cathedral and city hall, through a beautifully restored high class Victorian shopping arcade to the glass shrine that is the Apple computer store.

We didn't join in with other worshippers but continued on with an ever-increasing sense of history to Circular Quay.

Ferries across the harbour and a couple of aboriginal street artists waited for us, but we hurried on to the Opera House. Groups of school children trailed up the steps, clutching an assortment of musical instruments. What an experience for these young performers.

Nothing had prepared us for the beauty of this lovely city. Sparkling water, tree-lined bays, wide streets, elegant skyscrapers, the shell-like curves of the Opera House and, above it all, the harbour bridge.

A ferry took us across the harbour to Watson's Bay for lunch. No ordinary fish and chips: grilled barramundi with chilli plum sauce. Then a stroll along past the beaches and coves and more history to a lighthouse on a headland.

And all the time, talking and catching up. What a joy to meet up with Elissa again, a lovely little girl having become a poised, wonderful young mother. And so many happy memories of the times our families had together.

The evening brought Max and Hanna. Laughter and reminiscing until our faces ached. We went home with them...

...to yet another day of exploring Australia's treasures. The Three Sisters and the Blue Mountains. A male lyre bird, resembling nothing as much as a black pheasant, strutted across the path but what struck us most was the incredible bird song.

And coffee and cake and more and more jokes and laughter. Such dear, dear friends - when we left, I could not hold back the tears. Such friendship is a rare gift - but the pain of separation is now inextricably bound up with the joy.

Before that, though, we managed yet another happy reunion: Lucy, honorary Guernsey girl and erstwhile dog-sitter. Great to see her well settled in her marriage and a promising career as a baker. Love that girl.

We went with her and Hanna to visit the oldest church in Australia at Ebenezer: this far the Lord has brought us. The little church, surrounded by graceful eucalyptus, nestled on a promontory in the great Hawkesbury River. The temperature was in the mid-twenties, the sun gentle on our backs. Peewits and willy wagtails strutted on the thick grass, parakeets fluttered above us. It felt like being back in Kenya.

And so, we left Sydney. Wish it wasn't so far away...