[ShellBda]

Hello all,

I am back!!! Bermy Girl and I had a great trip to New Zealand. I can't speak for Bermy Girl so I will tell you my thoughts. I decided before we left that I would not take as many "flying" pills as I would usually take (1 1/2 pills for a 2 hour flight!). I took 1/2 a pill for the Bermuda to New York flight, 1/2 a pill for the New York to LA flight and 1 pill for the LA to Auckland flight. Considering how our first flight started out, you would have thought I would take the whole bottle! We had just taken off from Bermuda and were only a few minutes up when a burning smell filled the cabin. I could see the steward get on the phone to speak to the Captain and then the Captain advised that we would be turning around and heading back because of the burning. He said that his instruments did not show any sign of fire but better to be safe than sorry! OH MY GOD!!! We landed and the fire services and technicians boarded the plane. We were on the ground for about an hour when the Captain said that they could not find anything wrong and we would be heading out again. 3 minutes in the air and the smell was back. Bermy Girl looked at me and said "don't tell me...". The steward was back on the phone and then the Captain came on and said "The smell has appeared yet again but as they could find nothing wrong we were going to continue on to New York". Yes, I was nervous but I refused to take another pill - I really wanted one!! (American gave me an extra 6000 ff miles as a bonus for the inconvenience!)

After a delay in New York - we were 87th in line for take-off - made it to LA and then boarded the flight for Auckland. I was nervous but hanging in there. I did not sleep well and was quite bored. All of the lights were out and everyone was sleeping or dozing. I got up a few times to walk to the bathroom. I have to say, it was the longest day!! Finally the Captain announced our final descent. I was excited and so glad to have gotten through it. Just as we were descending, the plane hit a big air pocket and dropped down and then to the left and then to the right. Bermy Girl grabbed my arm (not sure if it was for my benefit or if it scared her too). I told her I was okay and smiled (nope, the drugs had worn off about 3 hours in to the flight).

Landed at 4:30am and I could have kissed the ground.

Our first 2 nights were late ones. The first night we went out, I met Red Alligator and her partner. Both very nice. I am just sorry we could not spend more time together. Our schedule was so full that time just got away from us. Except for the first 2 party nights! 2:30am home the first night and 3:45am home the second night! We were wiped out by Sunday night and could not move from the couch.

The Blediso Cup - AMAZING! What an experience. It poured buckets during the opening entertainment and the start of the match. Guess where we were sitting? Front Row right behind the AB's bench!! 10 steps and I would have been sitting next to Dan!! Ha, ha. I did not take many photos but tried video taping. Unfortunately, as it kept raining on and off I was moving the camera all over the place trying to keep it dry. Although, I did get a few shots of Dan and the rest of the team - close ups!!!

Drove from Auckland to Hamilton on Monday and met up with folks from New Life New Zealand. Wonderful people and very optimistic about our job outlook. I will be sending them a separate email of thanks. Hamilton was a lovely city. We had to leave as we needed to get to Palmerston North before dark. Sorry we did not get to meet up with Welsh Girl and Taffy (although spoke to Welsh Girl on the phone a couple of times). We will definitely meet up on our final trip to NZ.

We arrived in Palmerston North by 4:30pm (Bermy Girl shaved over an hour off of the GPS's estimated arrival time!!) Is the speed limit really 120kms? You should see the video I took on the drive down - just a blur!!

After we had driven through Taupa and Mission Bay (right order?) I turned to Bermy Girl and told her that I had never seen such a beautiful country. So many contrasts! It took my breath away! I really wish we had had more time as I would have loved to spend a few days (or even hours) in some of the towns we passed through. Some areas reminded me of Ireland, some of the roads reminded me of forest lined roads in Virginia and then all of sudden I am looking at a mountain covered in snow! Not to mention I could almost reach out and touch a cloud!! Awesome!! Ka mau te wehi! (learned this while in Palmy).

We saw our house and it was all we had expected. Tenants moved in the day we left. Played golf for the first time in 20 years. Watched Manawatu play Waikato; first match. Turbos lost but it was great fun.

Had great weather for the most part. Most days were sunny or slightly overcast.

Flights back were good and I only took 1 1/2 pills for the entire trip home!

Again, I just wish we had more time but I so missed my little boy. I was a nervous wreck picking him up yesterday and he was confused and didn't come to me right away which upset me to no end! I really don't think I can leave him again! He seems to be settling back in to our quiet life. Of course he is fussing right now in his crib so will have to run. He seems to be stopping now...

New Zealand was wonderful. I loved the grocery stores and can't see any problem with missing any food I enjoy now. Everyone was friendly. Service was great in some places and not so great in others but not something that would stop me from moving there. You have to take the good with the bad no matter where you are.

Loved it!!!

Will try to get my video on to cd or on to my computer once I figure out how to do it. Maybe Taffy will let me show a few clips from it once I have mastered the transfer (and find the time!).

Sorry if this seems rushed but far too much to say to include everything. I am sure Bermy Girl will be more eloquent when she comes back to the forum.

All the best,
Shell