We have wracked up a fair few air miles and by the end of this trip we will have wracked up a fair few more. Even before this trip I’ve been no stranger to flying but I have never been treated as well as when we flew with Air New Zealand, none of our requests for help were a problem for them. Once the cabin staff found out about our various disabilities and that we were going to cycle across New Zealand they became positively effusive with enthusiasm. We were brought three very nice glasses of Sparkling New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from first class, which we coudln’t believe. Not long after we were brought an entire bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and were welcomed to New Zealand. The various staff gave us contact details for family or friends who they told us we should speak to about everything from sights to see, to bike repair to even a place to stay, it was a very novel and extremely agreeable experience. I can say unreservedly that it was one of the best, if not the best flight I have ever been on and it will certainly be a fondly remembered highlight of the trip.
We arrived at four thirty in the morning, but by then our body clocks were spinning around out of control and even now I’m not sure they’ve recovered. We are staying with some friends of Jimmy’s Martin and Charlotte who very kindly agreed to allow us to crash, with all our stuff, in their home. Although with two very active and very curious young boys, I’m pretty sure they’re no strangers to chaos, but I am very grateful that they have allowed us to add our own dimension to it.
Martin took the time to take us for a drive around Auckland to see some of the sights, but I’m afraid my fifth gear syndrome hit and I only remember a few of the spots we visited. I’m almost ashamed to admit that it was my own snoaring that woke me up.
I’m still finding it hard to believe that I’m actaully in New Zealand. It’s a country that I’ve wanted to see for such a long time and I feel like an idiot to keep repeating it, but I still have to take a breath and realise that I am here. The weather here is amazing and the sun is very strong, fear not however, for I have sun cream.
Now this sounds like things are definitely on the up! Have you got anywhere to stay? You obviously need a good kip so that you can take in all the sites. If you’re falling asleep when all you’ve been doing is sitting around on a comfy plane being molly coddled by gorgeous cabin crew, what will you be like when you’v got to start pedalling a flippin’ bike???
Keep using that face cream!!!!
Take care
Lots of Love
Lor xxx
Comment by Loraine — January 21, 2009 @ 14:34 : 09
Hi John – looks like you are enjoying the ”Adventure” , I hope you dont have to make use of the old vasiline – We all miss you today on our Wine night so make sure you let me know what NZ vino is like
Keep trucking
Lots of Love from all of us in the penthouse
Polito
Comment by Polito — January 22, 2009 @ 19:24 : 55
Told you the Kiwis were great. Glad you enjoyed the flight. It is one of the best airlines. Enjoy NZ the scenery is gorgeous and keep using the sun tan cream. I am printing this for Grandma, grandpa and they are loving it. Keep it up and love to all of you. Big kiss from us all and licks from the dogs.
XX
Nelly
Comment by Gianella — January 23, 2009 @ 09:49 : 44
Hey John, ur begining to sound like Bill Bryson – both in literary style and the unconscious dribbling in your host’s car! Glad it’s all working out, but now stop enjoying yourself and start cycling. Honestly, the youth of today… U’ll be glad to know your Mum is doing an extra workout at the gym, one for her and one for you, so you must be feeling the benefits! (and yes, I have been there to witness it)
Comment by Steve — January 24, 2009 @ 22:57 : 12