They Speak English (ish)

So, eventually got here landed about 11.15. I think between us we managed to get about an hour's snooze, but didn't feel too bad for the effects. A quick fight with very organised and big Maori passport control, you don't want to argue with these guys !!! then off to get the cases and then have all your bags x-rayed again. This time it's the ministry of farm and fisheries looking for food and germs. I hadn't cleaned my pair of walking shoes properley so the very kind man took them away and washed them. Not too sure if it was bleach or disinfectant, but they've gone a funny colour since, then through to arrivals.

Dave and Helen haven't changed a jot in 2 years since they got here and it was really great to see them again.

About an hour's drive to their place with a running commentary from Dave on driving standards etc. After reading the book and seeing the series 'Grumpy Old Men' on BBC2 Dave definately qualifies and has done for years. By the time we got our feet back on the floor both R and I were getting dizzy spells. 12 noon and we had managed about 3 hrs sleep in the last 36.

Their place seems a lot smaller than I had imagined but Dave has been going flat out since May on a 2 storey extension to the back complete with wraparound 1st floor deck that doubles the size of the place. They look out over a small privately owned nature reserve then a road and a few houses across the bay toward Auckland. I could spend all day in a chair just looking. Parrots and Mina? birds are local and the greenfinches, kingfishers, starlings etc have the same name but they've all swapped plummage, so it's a bit confusing, especailly when the pigeons are a protected species.

WE struggle through till about 5 when Rose bailed out and went to bed. The rest of us went off to the chippie for some steak burgers (real steak) and sat down by the boat club to eat. By the time we got back to the house at eight I was experiencing spells of missed conversation so decided to call it a day as well.

Tuesday

Sun comes up about 6

we know cos we were awake at 4.45 and on our third cup of tea by then!!
trying to keep the noise down but woke Hels early as well. She works part time in Westpac(gov't bank) so disappeared about 11. so Dave took us off shopping!!!!

now for anybody that knows Dave, this is unheard of and needs recording, perhaps somethings have changed.

Pottered about and both crashed about 4.30 (dizzy spells again) for a late siesta, but got up about 6 for more tea and chat. Went to a really tacky looking but really great vietnamese reataurant for a meal. They serve complimentary tea (not recommended) but big portions and little money, first class. Home for about 10 and enough for another day.

I'll try and sort some pictures and get them posted but until then it's off for steaks and snags on the barbie (she's a small blonde lady who likes to pay for other peoples food apparentley)

M

19.22 NZ