Back to Scotland

Was I surprised that the one plane that was late was the one from London to Glasgow? No, of course not but it was tough on Mick who was there to meet me - complete with welcome back placard! It didn't get much easier for him because when he asked if I'd had a good time I burst into tears. Yes, I had a good time. I had the time of my life.

The journey was over on 20 December and it's now 1 February. I've been busy since I've been back but that's only an excuse for not completing the story.

Still in Hong Kong

Apologies for abrupt halt to last post. PC crashed and a terrible few minutes while it restarted and I saw that I hadn't lost everything..............

By the time the taxi had got to Kowloon I was much restored and decided to stick with the plan so I asked him to drop me at Temple Street night market. I'd been told that this was where I'd get the fake watch I had planned to buy. And to date, far from melting the credit card I'd bought nothing but lunch and fares - bus, boat and taxi.

Despite all my earlier complaints about noise, people and too many shops I really enjoyed the market. It was about 10pm when I got there and it was buzzing. There were dozens of street restaurants selling amazing looking food - especially prawns and langoustine - but I was still too full from lunch to manage any.

I was offered dozens of fake handbags and plenty of fake watches but they were all far too fussy for me. Chains, buckles, sparkly bits when I wanted plain and elegant. It seemed that those who'd told me that what I wanted was too cheap to be worth bothering to fake were right. All sorts of rolex and cartier but no longines or tissot.

Alongside the designer fakes was all sorts of tat of the kind that you see in any market. I know I wasn't far from the snake market but I'm really not disappointed that I missed it!

I made my way back to the hotel and finished the evening in the bar with a cocktail - one I really like and can never remember the name of - clear white spirit and lots of lime juice.

The following morning I was up before 5 for the journey to the airport and my flight home. I couldn't believe that I'd spent 30 hours in Hong Kong and bought nothing! So at 7.30 when the shops opened at the airport and with 15 minutes before I boarded my flight I bought a real watch!

The flight home was tedious. It was very bumpy and for almost 10 of the 13 hours the seat belt signs were on. Several people were sick. I wasn't one of them but I couldn't sleep and got very bored. The flight was full so there was little room to move even for someone as short as me. About 2 hours out from London I was stood at the back of theplane and got talking to Syon (?) who was decidely twitchy and kept eyeing the emergency exit. Syon is from Tonga and is a rugby player. He's a big big guy and he'd been off and on planes - economy seats - for the previous 27 hours and had had enough!!! He was on his way to visit his brother who plays rugby here and was arriving into London on 20 December wearing nothing but shorts, tee shirt and flip flops - I do hope his lift arrived. I promised him a good steak if he made it to Scotland but I've not heard from him yet.

(Nearly) the worst experience of my life

There were hundreds of people waiting to get on to the Peak Tram. It was a fairly orderly queue until the ticket office came in sight and then it was a rabble. I was surprised that I was the only westerner. Most of those there with me were also tourists - the camera's are a bit of a giveaway - but the vast majority were young chinese and japanese folk. Whatever the age none of them had any manners and it was a complete free for all to get on the tram. Which is not a tram at all but a funicular railway that climbs just about vertically up the peak. I knew I'd made a mistake when the thing went past a masonic lodge and other buildings started to look like they were growing out of the hill at a 40 degree angle!

We all spilled out at the top and I found myself in yet another shopping mall. I'd had this mad notion that the peak would be just that - a mountain with some space and maybe a few bushes and trees. How daft can you get? Surely I should have realised by now that Hong Kong has shops everywhere?

There is a walk around the peak that is not to Gucci by way of Harrods and Matalan but it was pitch black by now and it didn't seem very sensible to head off in the dark not knowing where I was. So I did something stupid instead............

I was beginning to get blase about my fear of heights - I'd climbed a mountain (ok steep hill) in a pair of crocs, I'd stayed in rooms on the 14th & 18th floors, I'd scaled the viewing point over Hong Kong harbour.......... So going up escalators for a couple of floors in the Peak Tower would be no problem.

On the first level I found a viewing spot outside Burger King which gave me some clear views but not a lot of romance and I was still feeling ok. And there was a sign saying cash machine on level 2 so on I went. After two more escalators I realised three things. Firstly that the gap between level 1 and level 2 was several hundred feet and lots of escalators. Secondly that the escalators were suspended in space. Thirdly that I was terrified!

It had been a long time since I had a full blown attack of vertigo and I wasn't wanting one then. I gave myself a stern talking to as I came near the top of the next escalator saying firmly that I'd soon be on my way back down. Except when I got to the top, there was only a small landing to the next up escalator and no way down.

More than a month later as I write this I can feel my stomach starting to churn!

I can't have spent a long time thinking about it but I do know that I considered my choices as I stepped off that escalator. One - just fling myself over the side of the escalator and put an end to the doubt and misery as quickly as possible. Two - curl up in a foetal ball and howl. Three - eyes down, best foot forward on to the escalator up which would take me to a bigger landing and the way down.

Obviously I didn't fling myself over the side and neither did I curl up and howl though the eyes were suspiciously wet as I concentrated on not seeing anything but my feet. Coming down seemed to take forever. As I got closer to the ground I began to notice other people - adults and children travelling up and down, laughing and joking and enjoying it - you pay extra to go to the very top. I felt thoroughly sick and my knees were shaking as I finally got back to solid ground. I found a bench and sat for ages until the shakes had gone. I might be on solid ground but I was still at the top of the Peak and I really needed to be at sea level. The seething mass at the tram was even bigger than on the way up and I knew I couldn't cope with that so I got in a taxi and said take me home.

It was a spectacular drive - far too fast round sharp bends coming down the peak but some great views there and coming across from Hong Kong to Kowloon.

A little oasis of calm........

With number of shops, people and noise getting to me I was pleased to see a park on the map - between me and the harbour. I nearly wept at my first attempt to get into the park - it was a car park! I persevered, I couldn't believe that there wasn't some small piece of green remaining. My second attempt to find it was nearly as bad as I found an enormous concrete arena - very spectacular and empty but by now I needed trees.

Perseverance paid off and I finally found a very beautiful park with ancient banyan trees, and a small lake complete with flamingo's. I wasn't the only one seeking to restore their peace and harmony. There were a few people meditating, doing yoga exercises or simply sitting in the sun. Lovely!

I spent an hour or so in the park and was then up for continuing my journey to the harbour. The map suggested a walkway to a viewing point and after a couple of false starts I found it - and then found myself high above the harbour surrounded on all sides by far too many buildings to count. It was hot and hazy - similar to how it had been in LA - but clear enough for me to understand that I had never seen anything like it before and that I wouldn't be rushing back to see it again!

Lunch seemed like a good idea and I decided I was going to have something good in a restaurant over looking the harbour. I saw something that appealed and it seemed that I'd have to go into a building to get to it - mistake! The building was yet another shopping centre - designer labels this time. Even if I liked and could afford Stella McCartney, Versace, et al they don't make things that fit me!

Just as I was starting to think that I'd have to steal something and get arrested as the only way out of the place I was accosted by a snow flake who asked me if I needed any help. I hadn't realised that I had looked quite that frazzled but clearly I did. I could have kissed her but resisted the temptation as it would surely have confirmed all her worse fears about me! Instead I asked for directions to a restaurant with a view. She offered three - a burger bar, a pizza parlour and a chinese/vietnamese. I had a superb lunch at the latter - lots of starters - while I watched the boats in the harbour.

My snowflake had also given me directions for getting out of the designer hell hole and I easily made my way to the harbour front and the Star Ferry in harmony with the world again. An hour on the ferry seeing the sights and having my fortune told - I'm going to have a long and happy life - completed my relaxation and I was ready for anything.

I had been repeatedly told that I should not come to Hong Kong and not go the the Peak. I hadn't been keen - I REALLY don't like heights but I was relaxed, contented and making the most of the last day of my trip. So I made a quick bus trip back to the hotel to change and then headed towards Hong Kong proper and the Peak as it was getting dark.

Friday morning Mong Kok

I planned to see as much of Hong Kong as possible on Friday - starting early and finishing late - there would be plenty of time to sleep on the plane. But I slept longer than I intended and it was about 10 when I left the hotel heading south (?I think?) with the intention of walking to the harbour. There were people about, shops open and lots of traffic but I soon realised that Hong Kong was not fully awake yet. "Open 11 to 11" was a common sign. I have no idea how far I walked but the number of shops, people and noise soon began to get to me.

There had been two couples at the table next to me in the restaurant and I kept turning to look at them thinking they were arguing - they weren't - just having a good time, talking a lot and getting louder by the bottle.

All the conversations I passed on my way through Mong Kok sounded exactly the same - they made the average Glaswegian seem soft spoken!

Leaving Australia

At 5 am I seriously regretted having had the Jamiesons as my after dinner drink! I'll pass swiftly over the next couple of hours except to say thanks again to Dave for being a hero - taking me to the airport when he was exhausted - but even more thanks for being such good company. It's the longest time we've spent with each other for years and I really enjoyed it. Thanks brother xx

The hangover meant that I slept quite well on the plane even though it was full. Spare some sympathy for the man next to me as I'm fairly sure I snored!

I think Singapore airport must cover half the country. I was pleased to learn that I didn't have to change terminals for my flight on to Hong Kong but the walk from one end to the other took me about 20 minutes and there were at least 2 other terminals. The place was enormous and included a butterfly farm as well as dozens of restaurants serving food from just about every nation.

The flight on to Hong Kong was also full and I was very ready to get off the plane and stretch my legs. I'd lost more hours since leaving Perth and wasn't really sure what time it was in Scotland or New Zealand - my points of reference throughout my trip.

I'd arranged for the hotel to provide a 'limousine' from the airport. Extravagant? A bit, but not very much more than a taxi. When I found the desk I was offered a chilled cold drink of my choice, given a 'revival pack' and offered a play station to amuse me on the way to the hotel.

Aside from the fact that I wouldn't know how to switch on a play station, who on earth would bother with an electronic doodad when they'd just landed in Hong Kong? From the cream leather seat of my mercedes my head swivelled and my eyes were on stalks as we drove from the airport to Kowloon and the Langham Place Hotel. (Willie, thanks for the recommendation, it was a great hotel!).

It seemed like half the staff of the hotel had turned out to meet me. I was escorted to the lift and my room - I gulped a bit when I heard it was on the 18th floor - where I was checked in. I finished my cold drink staring out of the window (it was a glass wall!) a good metre back! It could have been worse there are 42 floors - and it's more expensive the higher you are!

There's a shopping mall in the hotel or the hotel's in the mall - never did work out which but I went to explore, got completely confused by 3 separate sets of lifts, and decided to have some supper in the 'prestigious' hotel restaurant. Very good - though I still have mixed feelings about the marshmallow bunnies that were to be dipped in boiling coconut sauce! Didn't stop me eating them though!

Wednesday 17 December - Louise & Craigs wedding day

And it promised to be hot again. I was due to meet up with the female relatives at the hairdressers. Though nothing was being done with mine - there's not enough of it. The taxi I called was an hour late and I got there just about in time to see them finished off - and very glamorous too! It was my first meeting with Helen and Freya since they'd arrived and I'm sure my comment about her being at least a foot taller than the last time I saw her betrayed both my age and my jealousy - I'm back to being the short**** of the family again - at least 4" shorter than anyone else!!

Back at the house I fulfilled my rash offer to iron shirts and press trousers and soon we were ready to go. We collected the flowers en route earning all sorts of compliments from the florist about how well we had scrubbed up!

We met up at Helen & Stav's apartment, handed a very beautiful Louise into the Rolls with Dave and the rest of us followed on. Ben and I in charge of emergency supplies - bottles of water, bug sprays, wet ones, first aid kit........

We all made it down the 90 stone steps without incident - Louise did 85 in flatties and the rest in the gold stilletto's!

It was a truly fabulous location for a wedding. Sue, the Celebrant, made the ceremony informal and comfortable but very meaningful for Louise and Craig and I'm sure a few tears were shed! After lots of photo's and a champagne toast we made our way to the restaurant for more champagne and a really good dinner.

It was a very very good day for all of us. I'm not sure when it finally ended but with the excuse of an early flight for me - with a lift to the airport from Dave - we left as the first few were making use of the hot tub in Louise and Craigs back garden.

Swan Valley

I reclaimed the green beastie on Tuesday and found my way to the Swan valley. All the wedding stuff seemed to be under control - or would be as Dave was on the case - and it was my last opportunity to see something the area.

I had a really nice trip but I was disappointed in the Swan Valley. It was very very flat, I saw very little of the river and one field of vines looks much like another - especially when you're driving and having to reject all the invitations to taste! I had a very pleasant lunch at the Riverside vinery - though I never did see the river there. On my way back I stopped at an aboriginal art gallery and came away with a boomerang.

Got back to find that Ben's visit had started with a trip to Ikea ............. But all the shopping was done and the transport to and from the wedding - including a Rolls - was booked. Dave, Ben and I had a very quiet but very good steak dinner. Ben spent the night with his soon to be brother-in-law. I'm glad I didn't!

Reindeers and snow men

How can you take Christmas seriously at 35 degrees - even if the shops are full of snowmen and reindeers! We had a serious shopping list for Monday - the grooms wedding ring; the bride's earrings; hat, shoes and shirt for the father of the bride to name but some of what we were to get. I couldn't be left out ........... bought another pair of shoes! Very classy black suede wedges - absolutely impractical for that dry, dusty environment and not much better for Scottish wet but irresistible!

Dave and I spent the evening making the place cards for the wedding - Blue Peter has nothing on us!

Helen (Louise's mum), Stav (Helen's partner) Ben (Louise's brother) and Freya (cousin) were all arriving around midnight. I was quite happy to leave Dave and Louise to the task of picking them all up from the airport. Ben was to be in the house with Dave and I, while the others had a separate apartment.

Family and a fish hook

Dave made the bacon sandwiches on Sunday morning. Louise had stayed over and gone into work very early to finish up, she called to say that Craig had a fish hook in his finger and could we pick up a scalpel on the way over! To cut a long story very short Craig finally gave in to family pressure and had the hook removed by a doctor on Sunday evening!

Dave, Louise and I took another trip to the wedding location where Dave and I reinforced our earlier advice to Louise - that gold stilleto's not wise if wanting to get up and down 90 stone steps as beautiful bride! Dave also decided that wearing a suit for the wedding was above and beyond what should be expected of the father of the bride!! It reached about 37 degrees during Sunday afternoon.

Craigs Gran, aunt and cousin arrived during the day as did friends Iain and Laura who are
back-packing round the world. The day finished with a Barbeque in the garden at Craig & Louise's house - with enough food to feed the entire wedding party for a week!

Saturday in Perth

The adrenaline and jet lag caught up with me on Saturday morning and it was nearly 10 when I woke up - about 4 hours later than usual. After a fantastic bacon sandwich I headed for the Swan Valley - lovely river, dozens of vineyards. Except I missed the turning and ended up in the centre of Perth. As cities go it is very attractive (small! lots of water!) and I decided to make the most of my mistake and explore. Having zig zagged through the main streets I started to climb and found myself in Kings Park. The views of the city are great and the park is beautiful.

Louise called while I was in the park and asked if I could get some place cards for the wedding dinner. She gave me the name of the shop and said it was past the shopping mall. Silly me - I didn't ask how far past the mall, or more to the point, which direction past! I found it eventually - at least 3 miles past the mall on the way into the city. And incidentally found out how and why I'd got so badly lost the night before. The shop did not have what was required but I left with all sorts that would serve a Blue Peter presenter very well.

I met Louise from work as she wanted to visit the location of the wedding and the restaurant at the same time as the real thing. This was her last day at work before starting 2 weeks leave - unpaid leave but she's not been there long and had been pleasantly surprised that her job was being kept open for her.

The location at Roleystone was beautiful and the views from the restaurant spectacular. And the visit took longer than we thought because Louise got a call from Dave to say he had landed. So instead of dropping me off at home and going to meet her dad by herself he got both of us. Which was fine as he'd hired a car - another Holden but a brand new one with LOTS of air conditioning. So I took the green beastie and left them to catch up.

We had a very pleasant evening - vague memories of crisps, sausages, peach vodka and too too much wine. Only absolutely sure that it wasn't me drinking the peach vodka!

Another classic motor.......

It was about 9.30 and I was just about ready for a second G&T when Craig and Louise arrived. It was great to see her, she looked smashing and despite being tired was excited about what the next few days would bring. So was Craig but he was also down because work - and therefore his anticipated income - had fallen through with no notice. He'd got a new job lined up but the timing of it all was c***!

Louise manages a jewellery shop and had been working until 9pm. She had driven over in their other classic car - classic in that at 26 it is as old as she is. Yet another Holden, this one a Gemini that is bright green and was to be mine for the next couple of days. Louise warned me that the plastic seats would get hot and there was no power steering. Never mind, we'd get on fine.

Friday morning was hot and I realised that I needed shorts. So I made a trial run in the small green beastie back to the shopping mall. It wasn't too bad on the way there as the car had been parked in the garage all night but getting back into it after an hour in the mall car park was torture! Plastic seats, no air conditioning and no fan!

And you're right I'm glossing over the fact that despite trying on just about every pair of shorts in the place I couldn't bring myself to buy any - I looked ridiculous!! I compromised with a couple of short skirts - mutton dressed as lamb rather than sack of potatoes tied in the middle!

I then took a couple of deep breaths and pointed the green beastie in the direction of Freemantle. No problem! Got straight there and even found a tree to park under. Coped reasonably well with only 4 gears - don't think I quite stripped the gear box - the engine agreed with my instinct to change up! Freemantle is very pretty and I enjoyed my walk around the harbour as well as the prawns from the water front cafe. I also enjoyed an exhibition of metal sculptures - fabulous things but far too big to pack in a suitcase.

I was really impressed with myself as I got back to the house without getting lost and after a quick change I headed to Louise & Craigs - Louise was taking me to Scarborough beach for fish & chips and to watch the sun go down. We had a great time - despite my new skirt and my knickers getting drenched by an unexpected wave. It was dusk when we got back to their house and Louise had confessed that there was a slight problem with the rear lights on the car - they probably didn't work....... So I headed straight off to be back before I really needed them. Except that I got thoroughly and seriously lost. Found myself in the wrong part of town and being followed - not by the police - but by young men in a couple of cars trying to frighten me. They did!! I eventually found my way back and calmed down with a glass of wine.

Pohutukawa Trees

Throughout New Zealand the Pohutukawa - or New Zealand Christmas trees - were coming into flower as I left. There are more in the north and I was often told that they look absolutely stunning as they are covered in bright scarlet flowers.

As Craig was driving me to the supermarket I saw one, pointed to it and said "so you have Pohutukawa trees too". I got a blank look at first and then "yea, bottle brush tree, native to Oz". Well it might be, but there's not much poetic about bottle brushes.

Shopping with Craig was much like shopping with Mick...... "What do you want that for? That's too expensive, this one's reduced". He was right about one thing though - Australian bacon is much better than ours - and not just because the rashers are 18" long!

Despite having enough food for a small army I was too tired to eat much - I'd lost 5 hours coming from New Zealand - so I settled for a large G&T.

Arriving in Oz

The plane arrived a little early into Perth which was some compensation for the time it took me to get through immigration ............ The form asks you - amongst other things - if you are bringing in any food and if you've been on a farm in the last 30 days. I answered yes to both these questions as I had spent a great weekend on Michael & Gaye's farm in the Wairapa and I had succumbed to some Pineapple Lumps! I also had a box of wonderful chocolates that Anne had given me.

Admitting the farm visit meant that my footwear was checked. Despite turning out the case that I was sure the sweets were in they couldn't be found and it was decided that the 2nd case should be x rayed. Pleased to say that the Pineapple Lumps are fine!

Craig (my soon-to-be-nephew-in-law) was coming to meet me as Louise was still at work and after adjusting dial codes I got to speak to him and was told to look out for a big blue truck. It was about 6.30 by the time I got to the front of the airport and about 22 degrees - much better than the 45 that I had been threatened with!

The big blue truck is a classic Holden - bench seat in the front and gear stick on the steering column and plenty big enough for my suitcases. Having collected the keys and paperwork we set off to find the house that my brother Dave was renting for us. This took some time and led us to a garage, a couple of alleys and confusion.... Calls to Louise didn't help.

A beige building near the booze shop...... It was looking like we'd have to point the remote control at every building we saw then a question "Is Louise a little dyslexic?, could 916 really be 961?" She is, it could be, and it was indeed a beige building near the booze shop. It was also a very nice house - ideal for Dave, Ben and I.

The Ninety Day Rule

As I was driving back towards Christchurch there had been initial news reports that the new Government were planning to bring in a Ninety Day rule. This was not unexpected as many of those I'd met had been talking about it as a priority. It will mean that anyone working for a small employer can be sacked for any reason - other than discrimimation - within 90 days of being employed. A retrograde and worrying step for many. As I drove to the airport I listened to a number of employers welcoming the move and justifying the right to sack people without any right to appeal. I'll be following developments..........

24 hours in Auckland

I had already decided that I wanted to spend my last night in New Zealand overlooking Auckland Harbour so my first stop on landing was the I-Site office. It took a while but I was booked into a harbour view room at the Copthorne. I was advised that I wouldn't need a car as I could walk most places in and around the city from there. I got the super shuttle from the airport - mini bus and trailer that takes about 10 people and delivers them to whatever door they want. $30 instead of the estimated $75 for a cab. I was about the 4th person off so I got a bonus small tour of the city.

The Copthorne is just across the road from the harbour and ferry terminals and my room was on the 10th floor so I had a good view. I had come to realise that every time I arrived in a city I'd lost little time in leaving it again - and this time was no different. Within 20 minutes of checking in to the hotel I was on the ferry to Waiheke Island. Conor had told me that this was a very special and lovely place and she was right. I've got a brochure from an estate agent in my suitcase! The Auckland skyline is impressive viewed from the ferry and the island is very very pretty. I got a bus to the town and walked enjoying the beach, the views and the flowers. Lovely!

When I got back to Auckland I was hungry and I found an asian restaurant that I liked the look of and had some very good prawns in coriander and lime. Back at the hotel I spent a little time on the blog and a lot more watching the lights and movement over the harbour.

I woke the following morning with a very heavy heart knowing that I had very little time left in New Zealand and not liking it one bit! I was looking forward to my niece's wedding but I really didn't want to leave New Zealand. But it had to be done.

I was up and out really early for a last and fast walk round the harbour area and was still at reception in plenty of time for the return trip to the airport by super shuttle. I'd arranged this with the concierge the afternoon before as I left for the ferry. Except that it didn't turn up and upon enquiry I learnt that it had not been booked.

I might not have wanted to leave but I wasn't going to miss the flight. Suffice to say I was not a happy woman and the hotel were left in no doubt of this! I travelled to the airport in a taxi at the expense of the hotel.

I don't need to say that checking in, boarding, taking off happened in a haze of tears and sniffles - pathetic! I gave myself a stern talking to as the plane headed out over the ocean - I'd had a truly truly fabulous experience and the last thing I should be doing as I ended my first visit to New Zealand was snivel!! Remember, rejoice, PLAN! I'll be back.

Flat whites and long blacks

Not to be confused with All Blacks, Black Caps or All Whites..........

A flat white is a coffee with milk. Nearest description for a long black is a double espresso - I thought I liked strong coffee but some of the long blacks I've had have taken my breath away - and the enamel off my teeth.

NB - Black Caps - cricket. All Whites - football. You can work out for yourself what the Badminton team is called.

Leaving the South Island

Both Sharon and Murray left the house before me on Wednesday morning so I had a little time to work on the blog though I have never yet caught up with myself. Maybe when I'm back in Scotland?

This drive to the airport went without a hitch though handing the car back took a while as I reported the dent and a mass of paperwork ensued. Should have said nothing - it was fully insured. I tried to arrange another car for Auckland but they only had an automatic and I've never driven one. I know lots of people have said they are easier than manuals but only when you know how and I wasn't planning to waste any of the precious few hours I had left in NZ fiddling with a gear stick - or whatever it is that automatics have instead of gear sticks.

I spent the entire flight looking out of the window with lots of sighs and a good few tears. And the pilot was good enough to tell me when we flew over the Waitaki river.

Back to Christchurch

The views of Lake Pukaki were much better today as the rain had stopped and it was much brighter. Though none of the surrounding hill tops were visible. At the foot of the lake I turned left and rejoined Highway 8 which took me past Lake Tekapo. Sharon & Murray told me later that there are no motor boats on Lake Pukaki because a kind of volcanic silt blocks the engines. I didn't see any but there are motor boats on Tekapo. What I saw was another very beautiful turquoise lake. My route took me over Burke Pass and I had wondered if this would be a steep climb but once again the road was well designed and it was just part of a pleasant drive.

I stopped at the Farm Barn Cafe for fruit juice and the sickliest cake I've ever eaten - sort of millionaires shortbread with coconut and sultana's too! Certainly did the job as an instant sugar hit. But I rejected the offer to take away the half I couldn't eat!

Shared some fond memories with the guy running the place - he had worked for some time at Loch Fyne. Realised as I left the cafe that my timing had been perfect - a coach party pulled in as I got into the car. Until then there had been only two other customers.

At Geraldine I decided to take the "inland scenic route" back to Christchurch. The hosts of lupins continued and for a long time were the only feature that told me I was in NZ rather than Scotland. In fact I was starting to wonder why I'd chosen a scenic route that required clear skies to be scenic! Especially when I got to Mt Somers - a dozen or so houses a couple of shops - but definitely no mountain!! It wasn't lost in the clouds - there isn't one - I drove round twice just to make sure.

But then I got to Rakaia Gorge and, as I hope you can see from the photo's, this really is a gorge with steep steep slopes on both sides. It made the choice of the scenic route well worth while.

At about 5.30 I rang Sharon with a progress report and was told that I was probably about 2 hours away, and that there was roast lamb for dinner. So with thoughts of that in mind I made my way back to Waikuku beach and my last night in the South Island. I suppose it had to happen - I got to the store at Waikuku beach and then couldn't find the house. Sharon's phone was off when I tried so I drove about some more and still couldn't find it. After about 20 minutes I got through to Sharon who said that Murray was out looking for me - and just at that I saw his very familiar van! Rescued and escorted home!

Murray was very disparaging of his efforts but the dinner was absolutely great - I really enjoyed both the meal and the company. Sharon told me that the total for Christmas dinner at their place had risen to 14 - I'm not surprised as they are such welcoming and comfortable hosts. Thank you both once again for looking after me so well.

And while I'm talking about cars........

Have you seen the photo's of the SFWU (Service & Food Workers) cars? "Proud to be Union" sun strips and the union logo on the side. I've always thought UNISON should badge our cars and I was real impressed with these! John Ryall the Gen Sec told me that there was some initial resistance - concern that the cars would be damaged but it has never happened. However, he has had one or two calls of the "you'll never believe where I saw one your cars" kind!

When Campbell Duignan came to meet me in Christchurch not only was the car wearing the union logo but he was wearing a union shirt. Not a campaign T shirt but a proper tailored shirt with the logo on the sleeve. Very smart, very professional. I'll await the comments from colleagues!