I left home in a bad situation. Life really wasn't what I wanted it to be and I was in a downhill spiral, the 21st of January I hit a peak of hurting myself to a point where I didn't care anymore. I completely broke down and I knew it was bad. That night I thought of suicide, which was a big thing because before I had never ever even considered it. Death scares me, and I always thought that things would get better eventually so it wasn't worth it. That night I text a friend who I've relied on a lot before. We hadn't spoken much recently but they helped me. I was scared and alone that night and I shared the problem and it helped it go away, albeit just for that night. Those last weeks I was stressed and tired, not just exhausted by work but by life. Hating being alone, upset, hurt... not ever having a solution, just stuck in a dead end. The day before I left I looked on the back on the painkiller box to see how many it would take to kill me. I sat on the floor and cried, because I realised what I was doing, and it was so stupid. It was stupid because this was something I had thought I would never do, it was stupid because like some kind of zombie I was doing this without any control of it myself, and it was stupid because no-one even knew I was in this kind of state. At that point, my trip was a lifeline. Knowing myself, I probably wouldn't ever have taken those pills, but jesus, I scared myself.

My trip was something to look forward to. Researching and organising it kept me busy and provided a nice distraction. It was a finish line for me to drag myself to. I had a goal to reach. It was also a cure, if it wasn't going to fix me by the end then I was more broken than I realised.

The first few days in New York were hard, but I adjusted. The first 5 airports up until I landed at Auckland, I would get badly homesick and scared again, going into the unknown. No amount of planning could ever have prepared me for that. But I stuck it out, because I'm stubborn and I was determined to make my trip work. Sometimes I did get really lonely, and wished that I didn't have to do it alone and that someone was there to share the things I was seeing. But I didn't have any choice, if I wanted to do this trip, I had to do it alone. I'm massively, unashamedly proud of what I've done. I've come back from this trip having seen and experienced so many different things and learnt so much and that in turn has filled me with even more confidence in myself than before. I met a lot of people along the road, who all played a part in making my trip that little bit better, because when you're travelling on your own they're all pretty important. I also know now that I can do it, this was a challenge and I overcame it, just like I'm sure the next few years will throw more challenges my way and I will overcome them too.

Best of all though, is that I've stopped hurting from what happened with Stuart. I also realised a week into the Cook Islands, amid emails, that he is selfish, and I don't think I've deserved the lack of respect or care he's given in this last year since we've been apart. I used to hope that one day he would be mature enough to talk to me again, but now I don't care, I'm too angry. Before I also gave consideration to how he and others may view this, but frankly, I've been honest, which is more than he has been to me. I guess what goes around comes around.

Another plus is that I went to Raglan to see a good friend Nash, met Colin and had the whole Raglan experience. Like I've said before, life in Raglan was exactly how I've wanted it to be for years, and I think it was that which really fixed me. I was completely me there, no pretending to be happy, no glossing over the bad bits. It showed me life's good side again, something which seemed only in memories for so long.

Now that I've admitted all of this to you; family, friends, even strangers... I don't want you to treat me differently, whether it to think me weird, or to treat me like a china vase, that's not what I want. There's such a anti-social association with self harm and that's only because people don't understand it, which I guess does figure, but I hope that through reading this I've maybe shed just a little, tiny, glimmer of light on the subject. Don't be apprehensious (think I just made that word up) of me, or feel sorry, talk to me about it even... I just want you to try and understand. For me, self-harm was another way of forgetting the emotional pain for a little while. It was the extreme, the rest of the time I tried to forget through writing, talking and sharing my hurt. If anyone ever needs to talk, I will listen. I won't fix the problem, but talking about it and not brewing it over in your head makes such a huge difference, or at least it did for me. I hope I don't sound like I'm preaching in a really cheesy way, but I quite seriously mean all of this. I've come back from this trip realising more than ever the importance of talking to people, the importance of friends. I guess that's the moral of my story.

Many thanks to those who read this blog, especially those who left comments, sent emails etc, all very much appreciated and needed along the road.

much love as ever,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

and the moral of the story is... remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Sunday was our last day in Thailand and so we decided to go to the reclining buddha, just near the grand palace. We got a taxi out there, and were walking around to the 'foreigners' door when a man who had been walking in front of us turned round and said, 'are you wanting to see the reclining buddha today?' we replied yes, a bit confused as to why this man was talking to us. He explained that the reclining buddha was shut for foreigners until 2pm that afternoon due to a special holiday and that we would have to do something until then (it was 10am). We were a bit wary at first and were going to carry on to find out for ourselves, but he then asked for a piece of paper and a pen. With these he started writing down while explaining a few places we should visit meanwhile. He then said it would be 25 baht each, 50 baht in total, for a tuk tuk to take us around all afternoon until we could return to the reclining buddha. He then stepped near the road and a tuk tuk pulled over. Our Thai man explained to the tuk tuk driver that this was what we would do and this is how much is would be. He then shook our hands, we thanked him, and got into our tuk tuk. It was all very surreal and friendly. So first we were taken to the lucky buddha. We pulled down a rather private looking drive with houses on either side. The tuk tuk stopped and he explaining in broken english that the entrance was just down on the right. So we walked down there, and through some gates, not sure whether it was just someones garden when another friendly man came up. We asked if this was where the lucky buddha was and he said yes, come on in. We followed him in while he explained his love of british football. He had even heard of Aberdeen! Anyway, more interestingly he explained how the temple was in repair and what various things meant. For example the 'swan tails' which stick off all the temples at the corners on the roof are there as connections to heaven. While we were in one temple my mum got talking to a Belgian guy who later told us that he comes to Thailand a lot for scuba diving, who told us of a good jewellery shop and gave us the address. So once we finished there off we went to the gem store. My mum ended up with a sapphire and gold ring, and me with an ivory necklace which was all very nice. Then we got taken to another gem place and if we bought something then the tuk tuk driver would get money for petrol, so we kind of felt obliged... so out we came with a pearl necklace. After all this we decided to just go back to the reclining buddha as it was around 3 by then. There ended our tour of Bangkok by tuk tuk. The reclining buddha was HUGE. I don't know what its made of, but its gold in colour and the temple which it is in has painted cloth walls. You can pay 200 baht and get a tub of coins to drop in the monks collection bowls lining the wall of the temple, which we did. While we were in there a big group of young monks went in as well, chanting as they went, which was very atmospheric. On the buddhas feet was massage pressure points carved in with mother of pearl. Outside of the temple we wandered around a few of the other temples and statues. After this we walked to the river side and caught a boat on the very disgustingly dirty river. Fun all the same, we got off at the Oriental Hotel stop. There was a lovely friendly sign as we walked up the path to the hotel saying 'No backpackers allowed' hahaha! We went in for afternoon tea in the Authors Lounge or something which was verrry nice. The whole hotel was very nice. Our little tea set was on a 3 tier cake stand. We had some nice mini sandwiches, mini scones, mini creme brulee, mini shortbread, mini Maderia cake and other mini cakes. Plus a giant pot of earl grey. Was all very nice, a good end to the trip. After that we walked down the road and got a tuk tuk back to the hotel.

The next day we went to the airport, my flight was at 6 while my mums was at midnight, so she had a bit more of a wait at the airport. I went up to check in and the man had a problem with my ticket. Once again I was asked for my proper ticket and I had to explain that was all I had. He then said I wasn't booked in on that flight. We had just changed the flight dates so we thought maybe they hadn't gone through, but I did have a confirmation of the new dates so that didn't make sense. After probably half an hour of being taken to different check in people one girl finally managed to do it, and shouted something angrily to the original check in guy. I think he was trying to get me on the flight which had been checking in before, and thats why I wasn't on it. Anyway after that I said bye to my mum and off I went on my own again to get through immigration, which took agggges. I did a little shopping in the airport before going down to get the flight. I arrived at Singapore around 10pm and was there for the next 11 hours. We did try to get me on the flight which left at 11pm but as it was the brand new super huge plane it was all booked up. So I had to wait til 9am. Luckily there is a hotel in the airport so I booked in for 8 hours and slept there and got a shower in the morning when I had to get up. I then went around some of the shops, into Tiffany again for another oggle, haha. I went on the free internet for 15 mins and after wandering about aimlessly it finally got around to time for me to leave for London. My flight home was fine, despite being 12 hours it went really quite quickly, although I had an annoying tiny Chinese guy sitting infront of me. He had the seat which is by the emergency exit so has loads of leg room, like 2 metres worth, and yet he STILL put his seat back so that I had about 3 inches between me and the tv screen on the seatback. I was very annoyed, especially as it made the screen darker so I couldn't see the film as well, so I made it my little personal mission to wriggle about with my knees up against the seat so that every time I did so he would be bumped about in his seat. He got the hint and moved it back for a little while but not the whole time. Nothing annoys me more than people putting their seats back on the plane. I never do it unless I'm at the back seat, even then I don't think it makes much difference. Anyway rant over! So when I arrived at Heathrow I had a silly smile on my face that I was landing into England, nearly home! Getting across Heathrow was a pain though, I think out of all the airports I've been to it is the worst! Especially for joining terminals, most places have trains, trams or buses. Heathrow has little bits of moving walkway, all underground in a dark, dank tunnel. Anyway, I was booked on for a 9pm flight to Edinburgh but I arrived around 3pm so tried to get an earlier flight even though my dad had tried and had been told they were all full. Luckily there was a space and I left at 6, in for 7. I was so excited getting on the plane, the last leg of my journey before home, that place I'd been thinking of the whole time since leaving 3 months earlier. When we landed and I saw the airport which I'd seen so often from the bar and was smiling like an idiot to myself. I could see out of the corner of my eye a business man watching me smiling to myself, obviously wondering what was going through my mind. After I got off the plane I went up to the bar and saw one of the managers, Stuart, as well as Scotty, Barry, Ben and a few other new people I didn't know long enough to remember their names. It was so nice seeing them all again, it really sucks that I can't go back to work there because it was so much fun. Anyway after a quick chat I went down the escalator I used to go down every day after work, but this time as a passenger, and saw my dad waiting outside. We waited for my bag which came off quite quickly and went and got the car. It was strange, and it still is actually writing this now a week later, that my trip, this blog, is all finished and over. I am obviously quite sad about it, but happy to be home all the same.

I'm going to write a conclusion to this, once I've had a thought about it all, so come back sometime. But for now,

much love,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

twinkle twinkle little star remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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On Tuesday we were booked to go on the tour of Angkor Wat all day. I however was very, very ill, and it sucked! I felt tired, couldn't hear because my ears were still up in the sky and my throat was the worse it had been and not nice at all. My mum got a 'doctor' to come up, although whether she was a doctor or not we don't know, she didn't even look at my throat! She did give me 2 days worth of 3 antibiotics and 3 vitamin C tablets though. Until they kicked in she suggested that going outside to the heat and then back in cool air-conditioned rooms probably wasn't helping. My mum put off the tour for a day, but that was the most she could change it. She spent the day by the pool and taking a trip into town while I slept most of the day - not the exciting Cambodian experiance I was hoping for.

Wednesday my mum went to Angkor Wat for the day long tour while I still wasn't feeling well enough to go. It was another boring day of sleeping and a bit of tv. When my mum returned I got to look at the photos on my camera, but I really didn't want to get this close to Angkor and not go see it for real!

On Thursday I felt a bit better but didn't want to risk it getting worse again by going out so my mum went on the tour of the floating villages alone again, and again I just got to see the pictures! We met the 'doctor' again and she gave me another 2 days of antibiotics as they seemed to be working. That evening I went down with my mum for dinner in the restaurant instead of room service.

Friday I felt a tad better, but out of sheer determination we went to Angkor Wat so I could see it, and it was totally worth it. Its so huge and vast, and the amount of work that must have gone into it is just crazy. Almost every single wall or pillar is carved with so much detail its like wallpaper. We visited Angkor Thom as well, which is the temple with the faces carved into the stone which is really cool, but a bit more derilict than Angkor Wat. Outside of there I bought a hat from a really nice girl who mustn't have been older than 13 or 14. I have to say, all of the Cambodian people who I did meet on my short visit were really friendly and happy, considering how much death and destruction which has so recently been inflicted on the country, the people are obviously keen to forget and rebuild. After Angkor Thom we went to Ta Prohm which is the famous temple from the Tomb Raider movie and which the jungle is taking over. Its really cool because the trees are like nothing else, all the roots wrapping around the walls and slowly destorying the temple. In a few years it will have been eaten up by the trees. Its quite spooky. Once we got back to the hotel I was really knackered out but so glad that I managed to make it, it really would have been awful if I didn't get to see it. After a short nap we went down to get massages at the hotel spa which were ammazing, after massaging your arm of whatever the lady pulled it so it went all tingly and really nice, haha. She pulled my fingers though and they clicked and I hate that, I always told Colin off when he did it cos its really gross, ha. After that we had dinner and then got a tuk tuk around Siem Reap which was quite good because I hadn't seen very much of it!

poddington peas remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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second batch of photos... remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The next day we got picked up by a shuttle bus and were taken on a tour of the Grand Palace. Possibly THE most lavish thing I've seen in my life. Theres a lot of temples, all with blue, orange, green tiles while every inch of the walls on the outside is covered in gold leaf, different colours of glass, tile or mirror. There was also one temple which contains the cremated remains of the first buddha which was pretty cool. I can't try to even do justice to it all, just staggering. We went inside one of the temples and saw the emerald buddha, which is actually made of jade. They thought when it got cut out of concrete (for protection during some kind of war) that it was emerald and the name stuck. Its only about 40cm tall but mounted on this giant pedestal of decoration in the temple making it rise above you. Once we'd finished there we were taken to a government run gem jewellery place. So in we went and I got a jade bracelet and we bought my dad a sting-ray wallet (quite a novelty!) amoung other things before leaving and being taken back to the hotel. I went straight for a nap being exhausted while my mum went up to the pool to catch some rays. That evening we ate in at the pretty fab buffet at the hotel, it had everything, including all the thai food which I really wanted but as I didn't want to suffocate myself I avoided.

you smile when you're dancing remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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In the morning I noticed my throat was a bit more sore but igorned it. My ears had also popped on the plane when we went up and didn't unpop when we came back down so I could hardly hear, which was a tad inconvenient. Anyway, I left the hostel and walked towards the botanic gardens. Once there I spotted a nice little cafe outside so sat down for a bowl of museli with yogurt. It was brought over to me and all was fine until I raised the spoon to put it in my mouth and in half of the reflection I saw a black dot with lines, like legs, coming out of it. I dropped the spoon into my bowl in shock thinking it was a spider (I think I was on edge because Matt (who I met in the Cooks) had said there were a lot of giant spiders kicking about the botanic gardens). After sifting about in my bowl very cautiously I decided it wasn't there. So went to put another mouthful in when I saw it again, I was about to recoil again but then looked up and realised what I was seeing as a spider in my spoon was actually the reflection of the giant umbrella above me and the spikes holding the material up were the spiders legs. I felt very silly. After all that I carried on my walk to the harbour and once there went around to the Opera House, which was kind of cool but not staggering, for some reason I didn't find it all that fab. Anyway after the mandatory photographs I walked around the harbour to the bottom of the bridge where I saw a load of crazy people walking over the bridge. Crazy, crazy people. Few more pictures taken before I headed back. Along my way I came upon the Museum of Contemporary Art, which was free! Well theres nothing I love more than a free art gallery! The exhibition downstairs was by Fiona Hall which was very good. All based around the effects man is having on the world, global warming and things like that, expressed in a really clever way. Then upstairs there was an exhibition on Californian Art which just made me think of Colin, but was also pretty good. Once I left the gallery it started really chucking it down with rain so I put my jacket on and made a dash for the nearest train station before catching one up to my stop, saving myself the half hour walk in the rain. I grabbed a pasta salad at the station and then went back to the hostel. I went online and updated up until Auckland and then went up to the room for my dinner. I changed into my pyjamas rather early planning to just chill in my room before going to sleep, however there was a knock at the door. I thought maybe I should throw something else on so I didn't look like I was ready for bed at 5 or 6, whatever the time was. But I didn't really have anything to hand so just opened the door. There on my doorstep was guy holding a tray of shots and a girl who said, "Hiiii, why don't you come downstairs for some drinks, tonight is pyjama night, oh and you're in your pyjamas so you're all set..." They were so bloomin enthusiastic that I had to take one of the shots and promised I might consider coming down for them to leave me alone. Very amusing, anyway needless to say I didn't go down due to feeling ill, tired and Raglan home-sick.

The next day I woke up with my throat even worse than the day before, swallowing was ridiculously sore and no amount of water was making it go away. I decided to look down my throat with the torch and afterwards wished I hadn't. I had very swollen toncils and there were big pussy spots on them like ulcers. I did not feel like getting out of bed at all. But I had to check out of my room into a dorm because there was no space, so at 10 I went to check out and got to check into my new room luckily not having to wait until 2pm. I went online to try and find out what was wrong with me and read a few things about throat ulcers which told me to avoid spicy or sweet food, alcohol and gargle with tea tree or salt water. After that i decided to get some breakfast before going back to bed, so I went around the corner to a cafe place where a nice man said I looked very fresh, which was very nice considering I felt like I had just been scraped off the road! He asked where I was from once he heard my accent and I said Edinburgh. He said, oh well thats funny I used to work there, at that new complex, whats it called... I suggested the Omni, and he said that was it, he worked in the restaurant La Tasca, I said I knew it, that I had actually eaten there just before I left for my trip. Its such a small world. Anyway I had a toasted bagel with cream cheese and salmon which was yummy, although I didn't manage it all as it started to scrape my throat. Once back at the room I met one of the girls in my room. She was from Canada and on her way to New Zealand. She was a bit shy so we didn't talk much, I curled up in bed and read for a while before having a nap. Later on I went out on a quest to find orange juice. I did that and went back to the room and read more. Another girl came into the room who was nice. She was an Ozzie who worked as a legal researcher/ski instructor/nanny which seemed really cool because she said she could get work anywhere she liked and travel all over the place. Anyway she went out and I tried to get to sleep early as I had an early morning.

The next day I woke up on the last of 3 alarms on my ipod (which at that point was my only way of setting alarms, not entirely effective due to the tiny short alarm goes off through my earphones, hardly loud enough) but atleast I woke up. I got up (this was at 5am) grabbed my bag and went down to reception where I was told I needed my pillowcase. Typically my room was on the 6th floor and being in a hurry to get the train to the airport and running late already I didn't wait for the slow lift and ran up 6 flights with my throat dry as sand paper. Once I finally checked out I quick walked to the station. My ticket on the way from the airport had been a couple of dollars so when I used the ticket machine and it told me I owed it $15 I think it must have had some kind of tourist censor that it could tell it could rip me off. Anyway with no choice and luckily just enough cash (I literally had $1 left after that) on me I got the ticket and went through. I thought it'd be fine finding the platform as I'd worked it all before but after trying 3 different platforms saying 'airport' I gave up and marched up to a cleaner or someone and asked him which one it was. He said he thought I was looking for the airport and told which one it was. I went down and 2 minutes later the train arrived and on I got, relieved to finally be a bit closer to resting and getting a drink at the airport. I got to check in (which was nicely the furthest away desk from where I entered) and gave the lady my ticket while dropping my bag. She tapped away as they do and then asked me if I had anything else, another ticket, that she couldn't do it with the bit of paper. I told her rather crankily that I had flown half way around the world with that 'bit of paper' and it would work. She turned out to be a beginner and the girl next to her had to do it for her. Anyway, once all that was done I got a bottle of water, drank half of it and then realised I had to go through security and leave the other half of it. Anyway the plane was brand new and I had loads of room plus it was a Singapore Airlines flight and they are the best yet who I've flown with, really good service. Also, I watched Juno which I think is the best film I've seen all year. For those who don't know its about a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant and decides to give the baby to a married couple who she gets to know. The actress who played Juno was so good though, and such a good character. Really loved it. Once in Singapore I had a little time and discovered a Tiffany there so went in and tried on a load of bracelets and looked at pens just for fun and the sales lady did look bored, haha. After that I caught my flight to Bangkok, where I met my mum at the baggage reclaim. It was really great seeing her, when I landed at Bangkok I had such a big grin on my face just thinking I would see her there. We booked a taxi for 1,200 baht (we later found out that it actually costs about 300 baht to get from the hotel to the airport) and got to our nice hotel. After a good catch up and some dinner we both went to sleep very quickly, completely exhausted.

the hardest thing remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Wednesday started off with a lack of enthusiasm for leaving for up north but slowly turned around. By 2 we were all packed up and ready to go. I had to say bye to Cam as he was leaving for a wedding on Saturday and not back before I left. That was really sad as it was the beginning of the goodbyes and Cam is really cool. I'll always remember him dancing, he was a really crazy dancer, just standing there on his own most of the time flailing his arms about the place and managing to actually look cool doing it. He got so sweaty too, one time he was talking to a girl with Colin and me after a mammoth session and said, yeah someone lent me this shirt and its all covered in sweat, isn't that disgusting? He was cool. Anyway, off we went, winding our way up to Mangawhai Heads on the East coast. By this time it was 6.30 and dark and we had to find somewhere to stay. We pulled into a caravan/camping park and Colin and Mike went into the office to get a camping spot just for two people while Reba and me hid in the car (the back windows are blacked out so it wasn't too hard). Once that was done we cruised about trying to find a spot to pitch the tent. There were rows and rows of caravans with little tents attached to the side and we figured it might be a better idea to upgrade to one of them instead. So Colin went back into the office where the guy said to him, its nothing much you know, no big American thing or anything... We hired 'Columbus' which was a lovely little caravan and tent, very cosy. Colin however said it was the perfect setting for a horror film. I told him to shh. Once we settled in we had some bread, well, rather a lot of bread and dip and other bits of food we'd brought with us whilst drinking one bottle of red wine and a shot or two of Jaggermiester. For some reason we all got really quite drunk and giggly while sitting at our little table in our little caravan. I don't think I've laughed so much in ages. All at really little silly things, I was about to describe some but I think its a you-had-to-be-there situation. By 8 we were all very tired (possibly from laughing so much, who knows but I could hardly keep my eyes open) and so went to sleep.

Due to our rediculously early night we woke up very early at 7. Having arrived in the dark, Reba and me went for a wander down to the beach shore opposite a very big sand bank/dune while Colin and Mike went to scout out waves a bit further around the coast. Once packed up again we drove around to the surfing point but it was too small for Colin and Mike to appriciate and Reba decided against it. We hit the road again and drove forevvvvvver. We were still hoping to hit the very tip and Cape Reinga but it takes so long to drive on the windy roads that it was impossible. So anyway, we drove almost all the way along the coast. We stopped a few times, once where they nearly surfed but decided it was a bit mean and rubbish looking (at Elliot Bay). It was also really cloudy and looked thundery so wasn't very appealing. They later concluded it would have been the best place to catch some waves. After that we headed up to Russell, which used to be the hell hole of the pacific with pirates but now is a favourite spot with old retired people. It was nice, especially so because it was sunny. Once seeing a lot of the Bay of Islands, allbeit from the car window we got the ferry to Paihia where we got burgers at Beachfront, the place I'd gone with Lynsey. Back on the road again we went in search of another surf spot. It was off the beaten track, and along a dirt track. We drove up and down for ages before deciding that the road to the beach had been turned into a private track which now had very big gates blocking it. The map was 2008 published which was a bit wierd but anyway, it was starting to get too dark so we gave up. I'll just mention now that Colin and Mike were nearly useless at map reading, and it fell to Reba, but mostly me to direct us about the place when needed. We were now searching again for somewhere to stay, I saw the wreck of the rainbow warrior on the map so we headed up there and along a road called million dollar view, which really it was, until you got to the bottom of the hill. Down there we found what looked like an abandoned yet in use caravan pack, one caravan was split in half, with the open half facing the sky. The trees were sparsly laid out and it looked very un-N.Zish. I said it looked like the perfect set up for a horror film. Anyway, after driving a bit along the shore we pulled into a slightly better looking caravan park. Colin and me pitched the tent while Mike and Reba made their bed in the car. We all then went and made chicken sandwiches with provisions we'd picked up in Kerikeri earlier. They were sooo good. Then we went and chilled out in the car which was really cool now, like a magic little den. We went for a (short) walk along the beach, further elaborating our horror film script. Once back my mum called and then we went to sleep. It was about 9.30, haha.

In the morning I had a shower with my paper shampoo which Ellie gave to me, many thanks, it actually worked a charm! Then went for a walk up to the raindow warrior memorial on the top of a big hill. Once back down played frisbee with Reba and then we all had some breaky. It was a lovely morning again. The days are like this now, Colin described it as summers last gasp, its got enough sunshine for the morning with blue skies, but by about midday it turns cloudy and a bit colder. Once we left for the road again we decided to give up on the tip of N.Z, as it would have taken way too long on Saturday to drive back, and Colin and Mike wanted to be back in reasonable time as it was Justins birthday. After driving for a while we fell upon some national park which Mike had mentioned wanting to see. Its the home of Tane Mahuta, the biggest tree in N.Z. It was a pretty darn big tree. I said it would be really cool to have a very big tree house at the top of it. It was also home to a load of kiwis, but we didn't see them. After that we headed down and back to the coast, this time on the West Side. We got to Aranga beach which we could drive down, thanks to Mike having 4 wheel drive. Colin tried to suggest that his car could do it too but I said it would probably shake itself to death on the track down the beach before hitting the sand. Anyway, after zooming along that like we were advertising Subaru, they finally pulled the boards off the top and headed out for a surf. Although I don't think they actually caught many waves, it was so messy I could hardly see them half the time. They weren't out very long as we thought the tide was coming in and we were still parked on the beach. As it turns out it wasn't, but never mind. We drove a bit further down the coast (we could have gone all the way on the beach but weren't sure about the tides well enough to risk it) to Dargaville where we filled up with petrol before heading a bit back the way to Baylys Beach. We stayed in a caravan/hut/camping ground. We got a little hut thing each, for some reason they gave us two opposite each other by about 20m. That was funny, don't know why they weren't just next door. Anyway, we made friends with the cat, played frisbee, went for another drive on the beach where Mike did a few handbrake turns and more zooming about. Then we went for someting to eat in the only place to eat, Funky Fish. It was about 6 then and the place was empty but the lady said, oh sorry we're all booked up till 8.30 so would you like to come back then? We kind of agreed and walked out. Mike thought she maybe had something against Americans, I thought she was taking the piss at first. But anyway, we went to a bar/greasy takeaway meanwhile and chatted to a local couple while having a few beers. Eventually it came to 8 and we headed around to Funky Fish. Which was TOTALLY worth the wait. It was more of a resturant than we though but soo good. I had beer fried fish and chips which were amazing. We were all very satisfied after that and headed back to our little huts around 10ish, our latest night yet, haha!

We drove home on Saturday for Justins birthday and the party. I headed into town with Reba to meet Nash in the afternoon and we chilled at Tongue and Groove for a bit before getting some booze and going back to Tahuna. We had a fire 'pit' (actually a very shallow little groove in the ground which Alex and Colin claimed really knackered them out) with a bonfire in. Colin, Mike, Reba and me chilled in the garage for a while. People very slowly arrived, but it wasn't until 10 or 11 that most people were there. In our 'ballroom' we had one of the guys friends DJing and loads of dancing. We did lots of dancing. At one point there was a kind of dance off with people doing robotic dancing which then turned into miming playing hakey sack - kicking it up with their foot, onto the knee, then dropped onto the neck, down the back, over the head, rolled down the chest... Really funny, cool stuff. Really great night, just made me love Raglan and all its people even more. Got loads of really good pictures of everyone.

On Sunday I was VERY hungover, not cool. I think it was because I was drinking rum in pina coladas as well as beer... not a good mix. Anyway, Colin dragged me to the Harbour View with Mike, Reba and Justin for some breakfast, which I wish I wasn't so hungover for as it would have been even better, although it was pretty good anyway. Like a full english breaky, which I haven't had in sooo long. We then hired some dvds, well, Colin did, while I sat and mourned my head feeling so bad on the floor. Then we headed over to JDs/Corbos/Justins and watched Zoolander, which was funny. Mona was there too and I'm still in love with her although shes getting bigger by the day. This time JD was atcually there, and so so was Summer the dog. Mona and Summer aren't yet quite friends. They watch each other constantly, sometimes Mona will arch her back, Summer seems to be a bit scared of her, despite her being so tiny. Anyway, after Zoolander we went to the bakery and they all got food. My hangover was nearly wearing off. Colin bought me a cookie man because I like my cookie men. Once back we watched Eastern Promises which was a bit gorry to say the least. Still good though. Oh, we were watched dvds all day because it was pissing it down with rain. Anyway once it was really quite late we went home and chilled for a bit. Tears beginning to kick in, as that was my last day in Raglan.

Monday Colin and me headed up to the lodge so I could update my ipod with music like Nash said, without deleting my stuff. Sadly due to my ipod being newer Apple must have caught onto this being able to be done and it didn't work. I wiped my photos to get hers of the party, but left my music. Then I said bye to Reba. Colin, Debs, Nash and me went back to Tahuna to finally get my things. I said bye to Debs, Mike and Phil. It was so crazy, I kept wanting to say, cya later or something but I didn't know when if ever I'll see any of them again. It really sucked. I hated leaving the house, it really has been home. Anyway, off we set with Nash to Auckland. It was raining again, Debs said because I was leaving. It was so sad. Once we got up there Colin and me dropped Nash off at her hostel, just around the corner from ours. Getting the room was a hassle, I swear Base is a hassle every time. The printer wasn't working and I had to print my expedia reciept, my credit kept running out so I tried 3 times before just asking the guy at the desk to do it on his computer. We got given the key for 1002 but on a 1004 tag, and out of 3 lifts only 1 works to the 10th floor. Just a pain. Anyway, once in we went out again and went to see Vantage Point with Nash. It was pretty rubbish, it repeated but slightly different like 5 times. After that we got burgers at Burger Fuel on Queen St, right next to us were solvent abusers sniffing from plastic bags hidden under their jackets. Just blindingly obvious on Aucklands biggest street. Crazy. Anyway, then Nash went to her hostel and Colin and me went to see if we could find any bars but failed. We did find a nice shop on High St though to look at the next day when it was open. We ended up just headed back to the hostel and watched the beginning of The Next King of Scotland which was kinda good.

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That morning I was online, so thats when I did the big update. I then went to the beach as Colin was hanging out with Mike and his mum. I got eaten alive by sandflies (who for some reason that day were feeling really hungry) which turned into a massacre with dead flies all over my towel. I eventually gave up and went to the point (a kind of look out over the beach which is very pretty) and sat in the car and read for a bit before heading back to the house. Chilled out for a bit at the house and had some amazing beer fried chips with Phil and his girlfriend Gypsy outside in the garden which was nice. Later on Mike, Mikes mum, Reba, Colin and me went to the Harbour View hotel/pub on the main street for some munch. Mike ordered mussels and I had one, one of the many new things I have eaten on this trip, my new tastes include; onions, parrotfish, pumpkin, mushrooms, and a whole load of other things which I can't remember right now. Anyway, after some seafood chowder (that was pretty good too) Mike drove his mum back and we all chilled at the pub and then went through to the sports bar where The Midnights were playing. All the music here is reggae and ska, which is fun, it fits into Raglan perfectly, just chilled out and relaxed. Its so nice being here because I have nothing to worry about at all, everythings perfect and stressfree. Its going to be really hard leaving.

Now I have to tackle the whole of this week, I've started writing this at 11.35am so lets see what time it is when I finish...

Monday was pretty boring as it rained for once. The lands so dry around here it was actually nice to have some rain. I went for a run and luckily got in just before it really started throwing it down. Colin was at work so I just chilled out with some music and watched a 70s show on my ipod. I wandered around the corner to the takeaway and got some chips as I was a bit peckish and met Colin, Nash and Reba on my way back and they were going into town for food so I went avec them. We went to the butchers too and got some mince to make burgers out of as Bess (have I mentioned her before? She works at the lodge) had her dad and sister staying and was having a BBQ at the Lava Lounge (a small apartment kind of thing which is run by Karioi) that night. Once we got back home Mike made the burgers and we went to pick Nash up and then went round. It was a nice night with the normal Raglan crew. Scotty (another person, hes Scottish though) found out that I was born in England and looked very dissappointed and just said, I don't know what to think now... it was very funny. The food was amazing, everyone had brought something so we all got stuffed.

On Tuesday Colin left early to take Bess, Brendon, Bess's dad and sister to the airport and it was cloudy again so a pretty boring morning. Gypsy came into the kitchen and gave me a pair of her loose brown 3/4s as she had no space in her bag for them which was cool, they'll be prefect for Asia. Once Colin got back we watched The Flight of the Conchords with Mike and Reba which was funny, although Mike decided it was even funnier after a few beers later on. We then took the boat out at about 5 or 6ish and went for a cruise about which was cool because Raglan has so many little bays and nooks and crannies. We went over to the pancake rocks too (they just look like stacked pancakes hence the name) and pulled the boat up in this little cave thing and had an explore over the rocks. Cruised about a bit more until we started heading back and the sun was setting and it was very pretty, really amazing sunset. It was red, yellow, pink, purple, blue, black... Once back on dry land we went and had verrrry greasy chicken burgers at the chinese shop (the only place open bar the pub after about 7) before Mike, Reba and Colin went up to play poker at Jeremys (another American) and I went back to Tahuna to watched a number of dvds with Rommy. Have I mentioned Rommy? She was staying with Alex for a few days.

On Wednesday the sun finally came back to Raglan and I took full advantage and had a nice seat outside, it was most amusing having my parents call and say that snow was due back home! That morning we went supermarket shopping although I was feeling a bit ill so didn't input much (which I later realised resulted in us getting nothing which makes a meal, Colin and cooking don't combine.) Then we met Nashy and drove her back to ours where we played hackey sack for a bit before going out for a bit of frisbee in the park opposite. Then headed to the beach where Mike was giving a surf lesson and Reba, Colin and me chilled out in the blissfull sunshine which actually turned out to be a bit chilly. I went in for a swim (think thats probably why I got cold after) and they didn't surf. Oh that day Colin and me went to the dump too which was a special moment as Colin loves the dump. Its actually a recycling place where there is very cheap furniture, just about every person in Raglan likes the dump because of this. I'm not sure what I did that evening but I'm pressuming chilling at the house, but I didn't write it down in my diary.

Thursday was another lazy day, didn't get up til pretty late and then went for breakfast at the bakery... so healthy. Haha, I had an egg sarnie tho so really it wasn't that bad. After that we went to Whale Bay and Colin surfed. I got some snaps but it got a bit cloudy so they didn't turn out very well. Met Rock and Zennor coming out from surfing Indicator and had a chat. Colin doesn't surf there as apparently you have to be a big local like Rock or a legend like Zennor to get to the front of the queues for waves. After that we chilled for the afternoon in the garage with Mike and Reba before Reba took Colins car to the lodge as she was on night duty. After that Mike and Colin went and surfed Manu Bay. I watched but couldn't find them as the sun was setting. I did see a whole load of munchkins surfing though, really tiny little kids on dinky boards just ripping up the waves. After that we went up to the lodge and realised we hadn't eaten so Reba lent us a load of veggies and noodles and I made stir fry while the guys played poker. Colin got into the final while I went on the internet (to get the scone reciepe my mum had emailed me) and played pool with Rommy. I nearly won until she got lucky and potted her last 3 balls all in one shot. Well, in 3 shots, shes not that good!

Friday was my cooking day. Colin, Mike and Alex went on a surfing mission with the boat to find some big waves and so Reba and me chilled. We went into town and while I got my baking supplies (at the check out the girl was like, 'baking today?' and a little old lady heard and said, 'ooh you're a good girl') Reba got a wetsuit from the surf shop. Once back at the house I started cooking and whipping the cream. Cream is stupid in this country. They only have it in a plastic bottle like milk and only one type, no double, single, whipping malarky. So I had to get that, along with two very tiny little whisks and attempt to whip my cream. It took me about half an hour in the morning and another half hour in the evening to finally get it reasonably thick. I had the dedication though, I do like my whipped cream. And it was darn good. The first batch of scones lasted about 2 seconds because Cam came home and turns out he rather likes his scones. While all this was going on we found out that Wes, JD and Mark the Shark had been ganged up on by 6 Maori guys right outside the sushi place (in the town centre, in broad daylight) who claimed that Mark had stolen one of the Maori guys aunts purse. He then proceeded to hit Mark a few times until he was knocked out. The police turned up (their station being literally across the road) and urged them to prosecute but due to them being locals and too afraid (rightly so) that the Maoris would get them if they did, they decided not to. This kind of thing happens reasonably often, Cam said some guy once hit him in a park and then just walked away, without saying a word. And they get away with it most of the time because people are too scared to stand up to it and have no protection. I hadn't realised the gang culture in N.Z was so big but it really is. So after that Reba and me went to get Nashy and headed to the beach. The waves were flatttttt. So they went out for a paddle on their boards just to look the part while I made a sandcastle. Shortly followed by a whole load of little feet trampling it down. I got a message from Colin confirming he was home and not happy that I had made scones and not saved one for him so once home I started on my second batch, with double mixture this time. Ollie came round for a bit and played frisbee with Colin meanwhile. After that we went into town to get stuff for chicken curry but found that there was no chicken! So that plan went down the drain. Lots of people started turning up at the house and we had a bit of a party and a few drinks for Rommy and Gypsy leaving. Gypsy made an ammmmazing potato pie thing, wish I'd got the reciepe off her, it was sooo good. All in all a really nice evening.

Saturday was very amusing. Colin left at about 4am to go get Justin from Auckland airport with Mike. I woke up at about 11 and went to get my phone from the living room and found I had a missed call and 3 messages... all from Colin. The first saying, 'gutted, he doesn't arrive until tomorrow.' I called him and told him he was verrrry silly. Honestly can't believe they managed to do that, Colin had gone online the day before specifically to check the date. So they planned to stay in Auckland over night and not come home. I got Nashy at home and Reba at the lodge, informing Reba what had happened (Mike lost his phone) and we had a very good laugh at their expense. Anyway, we all headed into Hamilton with Colins car and went to see Step Up 2 which was so cheesy it just made you cringe the whole way through. Once back in Raglan Nash and me went to keep Reba company on night duty before dropping Nash off back home and going back to Tahuna where I told Cam, Phil and Alex about Mike and Colin and we all had more laughter at their expense. I had a bit of dinner before going to the room where I found a praying mantis on the wall. I was going to get Cam to come and get it but decided to just be brave and deal with it myself. So I got a box and pushed it against the wall until the mantis fell inside and then ran into the 'ballroom' (big empty area outside the room) and chucked it on the floor and then shut the door. I was very chuffed with myself.

Sunday I got Nashy at 11 having woken up early at 9 for some reason. We went to the lodge and Nash scraped the wax off her board and reapplied it while Reba was cleaning rooms. Then we went into town and I bought my bucket and spade which I'd been harking on about. The man in the shop was verry funny. He came up to us and said very seriously, 'here we have authentic New Zealand made buckets, and spades here. These buckets and spades come with shape cut outs and are slightly more expensive at $6.50...' I was going to laugh at him because I thought he was taking the piss but I realised he wasn't so just said thank you. Very wierd. Anyway, I got the slightly more expensive one and took it to the beach. We met Carmen and Dean down there, Dean said my bucket and spade was actually pretty cool (oh yeah) and we all proceeded to use it. Nash and Reba went for a surf and I went in the sea for a swim but it was so darn cold I got out shortly after. Once home I made more scones, and felt faint whilst doing so. Its wierd because when I made scones at home ages ago the same thing happened, so I wonder if the feeling of the dough makes me go all quesy. Very strange, anyway, went for a lie down before continuing making them. Reba is now living at the house with Mike as shes taken the week off working at the lodge and saves her paying for accomodation, also because we might be going away. So we took some scones, curry sauce, rice and whippy cream and went round for Nashs where I carved a chicken! And we made chicken curry with it. We were all VERY full afterwards, so much so that I lay on the ground unable to move. After that had gone down we had hot choccie with cream and marshmallows. All while watching quality TV such as The Simpsons, My Name is Earl and Greys Anatomy. Nice night. Reba and me then went home and finally saw Colin and Mike, after having avoided them all day, haha.

Yesterday I met Justin, who was very friendly and gave me a hug. It was a really sunny morning so we took the boat and with Mike and Reba went to JDs ranch which is across the bay, so quicker to get to by boat than car. I met Summer, JDs dog who is the same colour as Mona, the kitten. Summer reminded me loads of Beech just because she would roll over onto her back immediatly when you started stroking her. Reba and me went for a walk up the track to the sheep, and climbed on some rocks near a waterfall. Justin told us about his plans for opening a luxury outdoor adventure place in the South Island. He says hes got the best chef in LA coming over to join him and hes already lined up investors in the US. Its going to have heli-skiing, rafting, surfing etc all year round as well as a spa. He said we'll have to come over with Mike and Colin when its finished in 3 years time, haha, that would be nice! News came over that the waves back on the otherside were 5/6 foot high and so we went back via Sarah Corbo/JDs where Justin is staying (and more importantly where Mona lives) to get Justins board. While I had a cuddle with Mona. Ooooh shes just so lovely. When we were leaving Sarah came out and was like, just checking you're not stealing the cat... I'm very tempted. Dropped by the house to get Colins board and saw Wes cleaning the bathroom ! ! ! ! The bathroom was rediculously dirty. Every time I was in the shower I just wanted to scrub the black dirt from the bath but it looked like it wouldn't budge, it was just that dirty. Its a good thing I'm pretty resiliant to these kind of things because I don't think I woulda gone in it otherwise. Anyway, Wes had decided that he hadn't done any cleaning so got out a pair of rubber gloves and some hardcore cleaning spray and now the sink which looked a funny yellow colour under the black and grey grime has turned out a light grey colour! Who would have thought! Anyway, on our way we saw Nash hitching so picked her up and once Colin and Justin got out at Whale Bay, I drove Nash up to the lodge so she could go online quickly. We then went back down to Whale and watched the sunset and took loooots of pictures, it was a really huge big red circle setting over the grey blue green sea. Colin got out after about an hour or so, said that the waves were too big, which they were, really crazy. He tried to drop in on 3 and just got smashed up in them. Once Justin got out we went in to meet Tim Mac and Sooze (they own the backpackers in town) in their amazing house next to Whale Bay. Its all wooden on the inside and cozy warm. Then we headed back to town and got dinner at the Harbour View, I treated Nash to a burger. Oh and a funny thing happened, I forgot my ID and the barmaid asked Colin if I was getting a drink and he said no because I'd forgotten my ID, and she said, oh its okay, I remember her, but I don't remember the blonde girl. And I was like, thats funny because she lives here and I've only been here a few weeks. She kind of laughed and apologized. She did offer Nash a beer in the end but she just wanted water. Anyway, we had amazing veggie burgers, and then Debs turned up and shared a boysenberry and apple pie with me which was looovely. After all that we dropped Nashy off home and went round to watch TV with Corbo for a bit at Justins. We played with Mona and her little ball of tin foil. She turned nasty though when Colin was stroking her, she put her ears back and wrapped her claws round him and tried to bite his hand. He had his palm flat though so she couldn't but she had a good time trying. Aww she is so gorgeous, I'm so glad Justins staying there because now I have an excuse to go see her, haha. The Mighty Boosh was on for a bit too and I'd been telling Colin about it, he didn't really get it though, he thinks we British people have a funny sense of humour.

Today has been chilled, its pretty sunny although a massive grey cloud is looming. I've booked my places to stay in Sydney which I leave for on the 15th for 3 days so thats all sorted. Oh, today I found out that Wes's brother is a model, hes in Colins Rolling Stone magazines and GQ advertising for Hugo Boss and Cavalli! Its really funny, he looks a bit like Wes and there he is in these huge international magazines. Reba and me just came online to check the weather and we've just planned the road trip. Leaving tomorrow to stay in a place at Henderson Bay near the very top of N.Z. Weather looks good so can't wait.

Much love,

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This morning we headed out to the lookout bit above the beach so Colin could scout the waves and then stick his nose up at them, haha. Then headed up to the lodge so he could call Justin on a landline and I got introduced to some guy who was covered in tattoos from head to toe. I hung out with Nash and Reba until they left for the town run. Shortly after Colin stayed at the Sweet As at the bottom of the hill to chat with Mike and his mum while I went into town and met Nash, Reba and Amy. We sat on a bench near the bay for a little while eating chocolate coconut things which were goood. I was really craving an egg sandwich but the bakery didn't have any so was mucho dissappointed. Reba left to take the van back and Nash and Amy chummed me to Foursquare to get milk and bread before going home too. I walked back to the car and tried to turn the key and it wouldn't work because it was locked. Strangly just at that moment Colin text asking if everything was okay and I sent him a message explaining the key thing and then Mikes car rolled around the corner and Colin came and started it for me, which was good timing. I then headed back to the house and made pasta salad and chatted to Phil and his girlfriend Gypsy. Thats not her real name but thats what shes known as. I then went out for a run around the block and by the bay before having a nap and then meeting Colin up at the lodge where I am now. So there we go, such an exciting day in Raglan!

ciao for now,

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I arrived in Raglan on Wednesday last week safe and sound. I met Nashy at the bus stop in Hamilton which was cool. I got off the bus at hers before Colin came round and picked us both up and took us to Tongue and Groove where we met Mike and Reba. Was a really nice sunny day and Tongue and Groove is so nice, the curly fries are amazing. So that was all fab. Then once we dropped Nashy off back home I went back to 10 Tahuna Road where I'm now staying avec Colin. The house is really cool, just because of the people who are in it. Theres Alex - its his cousin who owns the house - who spends half his time studying up in Auckland and comes back down for surf, I'm told hes a very good surfer. Cam is the same, hes studying in Auckland, some environmental course and so he splits his time, hes really cool and chatty. Phil is German although hes lived in N.Z for 2 years now so has a very strange kiwi/German accent. Hes working on a big thesis and has bits of paper all over the place. Wes I haven't seen much of but he's British and a surfer. Not sure what hes doing over here other than surfing, but hes been away at a music festival the last few days and isn't always at the house. Debs has been staying for the last few nights but recently moved to another friends house while she finds her own. Shes really lovely and made pumpkin soup from scratch one night she stayed which was soo yummy. She is one of the surf instructors full time at the beach too. Mike lives in the garage (hes just made it into his own house) and hes best friends with Colin, they're both from Long Beach, California. Reba occasionally comes to stay, I've mentioned her before, shes staying at the lodge otherwise. And at the moment theres Rommy, whos German and is staying with Alex. So there we go, I have now explained all of the charecters in my story so I don't have to keep explaning as I go!

On Thursday Mikes mum arrived so Colin went for breakfast with her and Mike while I took his car to go visit Nashy at her house and chilled out for a bit. Then Colin and me went over to Bridal Veil falls just outside Raglan. It was reallly scary standing on the platform over looking the 55m drop, the view from the bottom of the waterfall was significantly better as far as I was concerned. It was really pretty with the rock gorged away in stripes. We were debating how the rock got shaped like that because it was really stripey but we just guessed it was some form of glacier... Once we headed back to Tahuna we went out for ice cream with Mike and Reba to the takeaway on the corner of our road and then went back to the house, or the garage, and chilled out in the hammock which was cool. Then went out for amazing fish and chips (my first fish and chips since being away!) and although it didn't have chippy brown sauce on it and wasn't as greasy in that lovely Scottish way, it was pretty damn good. We then headed up to the lodge as Colin was on night duty up there (basically just watching over things and giving people change and helping out). I went back over to see Nashy and watched ER with her before Amy got home and then went back over to catch the end of a poker game and had a quick lesson, although most of it went over my head.

On Friday Colin and me went on this crazy little dirt road to get to a beach round the otherside of the Karioi. We stopped off at Blood Gorge or something or other and again I had to stand on a platform over looking a big drop, but the view was really nice as it was green and lovely and then looked out onto the ocean and was a gorgeous hot day. We drove a bit further round and got to the beach where it was pretty quiet, not surprising considering the road you have to use to get to it! Colin brought his board (one of his 3, I'm still learning why he needs 3, infact he wants to buy a fourth which is just crazy) but when we got there most people were getting out and he used a whole load of surfy terms to explain why this was but that went over my head too, haha. Nah I'm slowly learning what all these words mean so its not like talking in another language every time we go to the beach! So anyway, we just lay in the lovely sun which is still so hot. After we drove home we headed up to the lodge again as Colin was 'working' and chilled out with Reba, Peter (Swedish), Ollie (British, friends with Nash) and Liam (British, friends with Ollie) which was cool. Once Mike turned up and it hit 11 so Colin could leave, we headed to a barn party just down the road. It was a bit like Cammys old parties except with a proper DJ and lots of hippies everywhere. I got introduced to just about the whole of Raglan and have given up remembering most peoples names now, bar the essentials! Met a very drunk and pretty Nashy who had her hair down and looked very nice. We were there til late and then Colin drove Amy and Nash home before we headed back to Tahuna.

Saturday was the day Lynsey arrived in Raggers. Colin went out for a surf at Manu Bay with some of the guys and I nabbed the car again to go over to Nashs to visit her and Lynsey. We all hung out for a while and then I can't remember what else I did because I didn't write it down in my diary, haha. I would guess though that me and Colin went to the bakery for some food because I do seem to spend half of my life in the bakery with him because he loves it and it is actually really good. That evening we went to the Yot Club, which is the only place to be in Raglan at night. A band called Sola Rosa were playing and because we were with the whole Tahuna household plus Zennor and his girlfriend Sophie (Zennor is one of N.Zs top surfers, hes been pointed out to me in the many surf magazines kicking about in the living room, so I feel cool cos I know him) Alex managed to get us discounted tickets, haha. It was a really really cool night and I haven't had so much fun and been so happy for ages. Lots and lots of dancing to the very good music until it was late and we all headed home for an after party. We had candles lit in the living room and had lots more dancing until we were all tired and it was very late/early.

On Sunday we helped Mike and his mum get Mikes boat into the water at Lorenzen Bay. This involved meeting Mona, the cutest little kitten in THE WORLD. Colins known her since she was very very little and he loves cats and so she loves him and when he picked her up she just stretched out in his hand and kind of hung of his hand, shes such a poser. Shes so soft and tiny and cute though, I have actually fallen in love with her and am trying to convince Colin to join me in stealing her one night. Anyway, we chatted to Sarah, who owns Mona, and Colin showed me their cool garden behind the house (while Mona followed us meowing and pouncing on things and just generally being gorgeous) before Mike turned up and was ready to go. They rolled the boat down the hill and into the water and all was merry. Mike and his mum were going over to JDs to stay at his ranch over there, I'm pressuming its easier to get to by boat. We had to drive Mikes car back to the house though, and Colin asked if I would like to drive it and I said no because he has a rather nice Subaru and I really did not want to put myself in the position of denting it, haha. So I drove the blueberry back instead. Colin then grabbed his board and we went to Manu Bay and he had a surf, which was actually the first time I saw him surf, needless to say hes pretty good, haha. It was cool watching him just get this wave all the way along for ages, and he does it in this really chilled out easy peasy kind of way that just makes it look so much fun. After all that we got curly fries at T&G before going up to the lodge to see Lynsey, Nash, Bess, Amy, Betsy etc and chilled out there for the evening.

On Monday we went down to the bay around the corner (a different bay, there are rather a lot of them kicking about round here) to help Mike get the boat out of the water. I sat and chatted to his mum while Mike, Colin and Cam sorted everything out. Mike doesn't have a tow and so instead had two very tiny wheels which are meant to be used for canoes and kayaks and put these under the boat. He then got Cam to sit on the back of his car and hold the boat while he drove around the corner to the house. It was so very funny, using Cam as a human tow. Once we got back Mike cleaned down the engine with the hose and the back window on Colins car which I was very pleased about as it was so filthy from going on that dirt track that you could hardly see out the back. Its still pretty dirty because all the grime is just stuck to it and needs scrubing, haha. That evening we went to the pub for some burgers which were sooo good before going for a walk in the moonlight (the moons been uber bright these last few nights) along Lorenzen Bay, which was very muddy and sandy and finally finished off my slowly dying flip flops.

Tuesday morning we headed into town and got breakfast at Aqua Velvet (another cafe opposite T&G). I got homemade beans on toast which were soo good and a pot of tea. We then went to the surf shop and while Colin drooled over boards I got myself a new pair of jandals, as they call them here. They are uber comfy. After all that we hit the beach with Lynsey, Nash and Reba. Reba went out far with Colin and he gave her a few pointers while Nashy went out pretty far too and did some v good surfing and me and Lynsey paddled in the shallow end. Haha, no Lynsey was out of practice so we chilled just at the shore, me jumping in the very big waves and swimming about and Lynsey catching a load of them too. She offered me her board for a bit and so I gave it a shot. First we had to figure what leg to put the leash thing on, and then I lay on the board... and rolled off the otherside, it was very funny. So once I managed to actually lie on the board still I paddled and bit for the wave and then I went shooting forwards and the board stayed backwards and that didn't work either. But after a good few shots I actually paddled and caught a wave and then stood up, whoo! Was very cool, did it a couple times and then gave Lynz her board back. It was a really nice fun morning. We went back to town and Colin dropped us all off to get some fish and chips while he went over to see JD breifly. Once all that was done we met Amy and Colin came back and we headed to the pub for a drink. Then drove Reba and Lynsey back to the lodge and on the way back saw a LIVE possom! I'd been harking on about wanting to see one all week and Colin kept pointing out the dead ones on the side of the road (of which there are many) which wasn't very nice, and then finally one ran out infront of us! It was like a racoon with a big bushy tail except brown, and it kind of jumped when it ran and was really cute. Luckily it just missed Colins wheels. So I was very content after that. Once home we chilled out with Debs, Cam and Rommy in the living room, just listening to some tunes.

Wednesday Colin dropped me at the beach while he went in search of some good waves. I had a nice chill out on the beach listening to music until he turned up again having found none on any of the points. It was a really gorgeous blue sky day. I went in the sea and had a swim around after watching Colin surf further out for a bit. Reba turned up too and we chilled. Some guy who was friends with Zennor stole Zennors board while he was busy stretching and was hiding it behind us, once Zennor realised his board was gone he was looking about all over the place while we were all teeheeing away at him. They both then headed out to surf with Colin who was about to come out after surfing for atleast an hour already but went back to join them. Once we got back to Tahuna we fell asleep and had a nap for probably about 2 hours, haha. Woke up just in time for Colin to go to work at the lodge. We took a whole load of food up too and Team Reba, Colin and me made sausages (Colin on the BBQ), pasta and sauce (me in upstairs kitchen) and salad and brownies (Reba in the downstairs kitchen). It was a realllly good meal and a nice night.

Thursday I drove Reba and me to Hamilton for a touch of shopping, only a touch. We both got a pair of jeans and then went and did a bit of food shopping. Reba is super cook, as is Mike, and so she needed supplies for some corgette bread she was going to make. We both tried to get a bottle of red wine but both got turned down. I didn't even think about ID until she asked and I remembered it was in Colins wallet. She wouldn't accept Rebas health card either since shed lost her driving license so we were both left feeling a bit silly. Over here you always get IDd in the pubs, instead of challenge 21 its challenge 30, which is crazy. Anyway, once we got home we chilled at Tahuna before going out to Salt Rock (another cafe) to see Smokey (another person who visits the house) and Wes play at the open mic. They were called Smokey and the Weasel. They were pretty good, and there was a whole load of us there, I had a chat to Zennor who said he thought Nash was a really cool girl (I was sitting there like, wait til I tell Nashy that, she'll be chuffed) and that was fun. I got really rather drunk coutesy of 3 glasses of red (I'd eaten loads so not sure why) and just had a very nice time. This amazing woman sang after they played too, she sounded like a mermaid, soo good. Kind of like folk singing, with such a flawless voice, some poeple had been chatting during most other acts but when she started singing the whole place fell quiet, was crazy. Walking back to the car Reba and Colin were doing Irish kicks in the air which was funny. Once we got home I had the munchies realllly bad due to my drunkeness and so Team Reba, Colin and me made fried egg, cheese and tomato on toast which was just so amazing. Oh and then a bowl of cereal too, haha.

Yesterday was a very lazy day, was a bit cloudy and so Colin and me just read for hours and I finished my book. It was actually a really rubbish book and I was glad to finish it. Mike and his mum got back from their road trip (I forgot to mention that, they left on Monday or something and went South a bit) and so we joined them for some wine, bread, crackers and cheese which was nice. Went up to the lodge again for Colin working. I met Nashy up there and we went into town for some pizza and chips which we ate back at hers while watching two funny programmes on telly. Stayed there until about 10 before going back to the lodge. I hate driving along the road to the lodge because its very windy and dark and scary. Then I had to walk up the drive on my own and that was even more scary. Luckily my new phone has a torch on the front which is a life saver! I went online breifly to check mail and then chilled with Mike, Reba and Colin. Then almost the whole of Tahuna household turned up and we had some beer and banter. Got back to the house about 12ish and Cam chatted about politics and books to Colin and me until about 1am.

So today I had a lovely call from my parents and have just come on here. Colins off with Mike and his mum to JDs again to help build a jacuzzi so I'm off to the beach even though the weather isn't all that great. I want to stay on top of this blog a bit more, so hopefully will write soon, doing week loads takes ages! Colin and me are hopefully going on a road trip soon though, up North. Maybe with Mike and Reba, and maybe with Justin, Colin and Mikes friend from the states whos been in Africa for the last few months. Colin doesn't want to be away when he arrives so we just need to figure around that, I will keep you all posted.

For now much love and adios,

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she sells sea shells on the sea shore remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Thursday was pretty similar during the day, another day of chilling and beach trip. Colin came round in the evening and hung out with Nashy and me, until Amy came home and Nash and her played hacky sack. Hacky sack is apparently big in the US as well as N.Z. Basically its a small ball filled with rice which you have to kick up with your feet, kicking it to the other person whenever. Its really really addictive.

On Friday Colin drove me up to Auckland. Think we arrived about 3ish and had a wander about. Went into this huuge music store which was cool, it even had tapes for Colins car, haha. We found a book on Bansky as well, who Colin saw an exhibition on in California (as did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, I read that in one of the trashy magazines) which I'm mucho jealous about. I only discovered Bansky a few months ago. -- There is a really annoying woman sitting behind me who is talking out loud to the computer and is driving me crazy ahhhhh -- Then we went up to K street (it actually has proper name but I can't remember it because its a long Maori name and its just known as K) where Colin knew a good Indian place where we got this combo thing which was soo good. Then we went to Base and I checked in and we chilled out watching Sky (thats another thing parents which I'd like to come home to...) for a bit before heading out to a Mexican place for some fahitas. Then Colin left me and drove back to Raglan.

Saturday I got my bus up to Paihia. The first time I didn't book anywhere to stay and I can't find a room anywhere. Anyway I'd spoken to Lynsey (friend from home) and she said there was a room in their dorm thing and so I went back to Base Pipi Patch (where she is staying and working) and got a bed there. I walked into the room and Lynsey was sitting on the bed and was quite surprised to see me, haha. I had mentioned I would probably be up but due to lack of internet and phone I never confirmed, so that was cool. I met her friends from working there; Tom, John, Lou, Anna and some other nice girl whose name I don't know. Lynz showed me the bar and I had a beer while she cooked a BBQ for some people who stay.

Ahh I just wrote up til Monday and it went and deleted from here til then! Ahhggg.

Sunday I wandered into town early. Paihia is smaller than I thought, but really touristy. Theres a beach which runs along the main road, and then a small pier where all the tour boats leave from out to the islands, a few of which you can see from the shore, dotted about in the sea. Took a few snaps and then headed back to the room. I went online and catch up with home and my junk mail and managed to write that previous bit of blog. By that point Lynsey was finished work (cleaning the rooms for her board) and so her, me, Anna and the nice girl went for really good burgers at this bar just down the road. After that Lynz and me got an ice cream and Snickers at the store and went for a walk, chat and catch up along the beach which was nice. Once it started to get dark we headed back because Lynsey was working on the bar that night. I went to the room and watched Greys Anatomy with Lou and Anna.

Monday I caught my bus back down to Auckland. Saying bye to Lynsey wasn't too bad because shes coming down to Raglan on Saturday, so that'll be really good.Its a four hour drive from the Bay of Islands to Auckland so had a nice time listening to my pod. Shame to be sitting on a bus when its so sunny outside but never mind. Had a little cry when Whitney Houston's (cringe) 'I wanna dance with somebody' came on because Kate and me had done our gymnastics show to it all the years ago. I also saw the black and white cows which reminded me of when she told me when she was really little she thought that everywhere she went her black and white cows from the field next to her house followed her, when they were just different cows. And then I remembered when we were chased across a field by a load of sheep while pulling a sledge (it wasn't even snowy) with a tub of frogspawn on it, which was quickly abandoned so we could escape over the fence. I smiled though, because I'll always have the happy memories. I arrived in Auckland around 6 and was keen to check into my room. After waiting in a que for what seemed like ages with my heavy bag on my shoulders I was told that I needed the print of copy of my booking with Expedia, so had to lose my place and go on the computers to get it. I then waited again, and then finally got my key. Got to the room and it hadn't been cleaned! Really angry. I went to reception and told them before going out for a wander to see if any phone stores were open but they weren't. It was 7 by the time I got back but the room was still uncleaned. Went to reception and got some brochures and newspapers and read them on the sofas. It was about 8.30 by the time my room was cleaned. Really annoyed about it, Base is pretty good but thats the second time its happened now and 8.30PM is just taking the piss.

Today I went and got my phone from Vodafone. My number is 02*02918437 (just realised this is a public site, but to those who know me the missing number is the month I was born in) for any who may want it. I've got $15 free credit on it which is nice! Got a few purchases in shops, including another couple hours in Borders where I got two books, which are bloody expensive over here! I paid $26 for a book which is 6.99 quid in the UK! Then bought my bus ticket to Hamilton. Due to my lack of contactability I had to email Nash to tell her and Colin I would be back on Wednesday. Colin had written his email and number on my bus ticket bit of paper but then the driver took it instead of the other ticket and I didn't realise until I was halfway to Paihia, so handily don't have his number. Luckily Nash did check her emails so they know I'm coming. Then went and got lunch in this really nice salad bar just round the corner from Base. You can pick and mix salads and get it in a little cardboard box thing, like for noodles. Since then just wandered a bit more, been online and watched a touch of TV.

Such a relief to be fully up to date again, although going back to Raglan means I probably will fall behind again.

Thanks all for the comments, I will get round to replying at some point but I'm just about cross eyed after all this typing and staring at a PC screen which keeps turning purple (I'm pretty sure thats the screen not my eye sight)! I am now off for some Burger King chips. I know its unhealthy and disgusting but its just over the road and I need to save pennies now I'm here another month or so!

Much love,
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I left Auckland at 12.30 on Friday, after buying an AMAZING roll in a shop round the corner from me. It had ham, cheese, egg and salad in it and was just amazing. Bus journey to Hamilton was nice, jus watching N.Z go by listening to music. I waited in Hamilton for half an hour before the bus turned up and a whole load of kids got on. At first I thought it was the school bus so ignored it but then a guy with a surf board got on and so I figured... luckily! The drive down to Raglan was so nice. Perfect blue skies and the N.Z scenery, I've totally fallen in love with it again. Its so up and down and rolling hills everywhere. Although this was not so great in a very very old bus whose brakes I didn't entirely trust! A few of the little girls on the bus chatted away to me, telling me what I can do in Raglan, 'umm you can play with your friends, or surf or... umm...' Arrived in Raglan niavely thinking that there would be one bus stop when infact there were about 10. Went all the way to the otherside of the bay without seeing Nash so stayed on until I got back into town and got off there. I was just talking to some guy who was asking if I needed a lift because I looked lost when I saw someone walking towards me and it was Nash! So that was lucky! We then walked back to her house which is about 15 mins away. Her house is so cool! She shares it with Amy who is really nice too so it was all fab.

The next day Amy and me sunbathed on the deck, the weather here is great. Nash got back from work at about 1ish, and shortly after recieved a call from Helen. Helen told us that Kate had just committed suicide, through many tears. Nash and me were really shocked, and it didn't seem real at all. Its been really hard to get a grip on reality and the fact that it has happened when you're so far away from the greif and sadness back home. I think I can speak for Nash too when I say we thought about Kate a lot in those next few days. Having her as one of my best friends I remembered all the happy memories from growing up with her in primary school. I'm really glad that I was here with Nash when we found out, because we've been able to share our thoughts and everything. Over here it really still hasn't sunk in because we're so detached, and you catch yourself having fun and being happy and then remember what has happened and the dread sweeps over you again. Kate was friends with so many people and just such a unique person that so many people will be affected. She will always be remembered. So after finding that out we went down to the pub, Nash and me sitting there fairly silent, just brewing. We were joined by Bess and Brendon, an American couple who work at the lodge were Nash used to stay and works. It was a nice chilled evening in the sun, with a lot of thinking and sharing.

On Monday it was Nashs birthday, although the mood wasn't really set for celebrating. Once she got home from work her boss Erin drove us to the beach and Nash went surfing. I met some more people from the lodge, Carmen, Matt, Reba and Amy. Also got some snaps of Nash in the water. After that Erin drove us all back to town to the Tongue and Groove - one of the many amazing little cafes in the tiny town centre. She bought platters of food which the chef cooked up especially for her, as well as 6 bottles of champagne to celebrate Nashs birthday. Once we were almost done with all that she asked Nash what her fravourite drink was and I mentioned that Nash used to drink Tennents and fanta back home so Erin dragged me off to the booze store next door and we bought Grolsch (no Tennents for some reason?? haha) and fanta, and then loads of bags of crisps and sweets. She said we were set up for a party then, and I was just amazed. I said she was really generous, and she said 'its nothing if it makes someone happy, if you give then you recieve' I just said still not enough people do it and it was a very nice thing to do. After dropping all that off back with everyone at the table she drove me back to her house near the lodge to get the 'flimsonator' - her small old car. She said I could drive Nash back home and then drive her to work the next day so she wouldn't have to get up too early! Amazing person. So then Nash, Amy (a different Amy who was staying at the lodge) and me went back to the house. After chatting to Amy for a bit I found out that she went to Oxford Brookes to do business! Crazy, so had a good chat to her about that. Later on Bess, Brendon, Matt, Carmen, Amy and Travis all turned up and we had a pretty good night.

Nash woke me up at 7 the next day to go to work with her. We got in the car and it wouldn't start, just turning over. Erin had said it just needs warming up in the morning so we kept trying but it wasn't working, and a man came out of his house in the opposite gully and was looking about for where the noise was coming from so Nash went into the house to get Amy, who magically got it to start. Turns out you need to press the gas when you turn it on. The lodge is up on the hill, 'the sleeping lady' or Karioi. It was like a jungle tree house with all the rooms kind of in the rock and stuff, really cool. Later on Nash and me played pool and I won!! Whoo, haha. I also got filmed by some reality TV crew who were there whilst watching Spongebob Square Pants with two little kids... hmm bit embarresing... After work we sat in the Tongue and Groove having curly fries and cake with Reba for hours! Colin and Mike (two other friends) turned up in between for a chat too. Eventually we dragged ourselves up and I bought a steak pie in the bakery (was craving) and Nash got a vegetable pie and we walked home. Even after sitting on our arses for so long we got back to Nashs and watched TV all evening until a scary film called Wolf Creek (about three backpackers who get lost/killed in the Oz outback, how appropriate...) came on and we chickened out and Reba left. Nash and me then made pasta with veggies and sauce plus the magic ingredient of smiley faces.

love like you've never been hurt remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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photos... remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Today I went to Auckland Art Gallery and saw really quite a good exhibition by Laurence Aberhart. Lots of silver gelatin prints which I loooove. They're so spooky and brooding and magical at the same time. Then took a wander down to the harbour and walked miles out of town in search of the luxury yachts, to no avail. But I did take some nice photos. AND I CAN UPLOAD THEM! Whoo! Gonna do that now, theres 529 so I don't think they're all gona go up, depends how longs its gona take me. Although the internet is blissfully cheap and fast here! I like Auckland though, and today it was sunny and its such a nice temperature; not sticky and humid but still warm and sunny. It smells nice too, of summer evenings.

much love
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oh I do like to be beside the seaside remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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So on Thursday I took my car back, which was a bit of a shame but never mind. I also made friends with the little boy staying in the pool unit, he must be 7 or 8 I guess. He has a toy called Venom (from Spiderman 3) who unfortunatly got left in Banana Court in town. He also asked about my piercing (hes not very shy) and I had to explain what it was, which was interesting, haha. My piercing is, for those of you who thought I should have taken it out, thriving in the sea salt water and sunshine.

Got up at 6am on Friday (the earliest morning yet!) and got driven to the airport by a London taxi driver. In Rarotonga. What are the chances? He said how he much prefers it here because everyone is friendly and when he goes back to London noone has the time of day to talk to each other in shops. Anyway, I then checked in and was given the advice of 'watch out for the Aitutaki boys, they are animals' by the check in guy. I boarded my plane and arrived in Aitutaki 45 minutes later, to their very cute tiny little hut which equates to the airport. The guy from the bungalows was late in picking me up 'the car has broken down and I had to find my grandmother who had the rental car keys and then I cut my foot...' so I was standing about in this little airport just wondering what was going on. Anyway, I got my flowery necklace and was taken to my LOVELY wooden bungalow on stilts on the beach. I dropped my stuff off and then Solo took me round to the 'town', I asked him why all the houses (or most of them) are on stilts and he explained it was because its cheaper than getting loads of concrete in for foundations. Interesting! Haha, anyway he took me round to the harbour where I got put on a boat with; one New Zealand couple celebrating their 10 year anniversary, one New Zealand honeymoon couple, one swiss couple, one British couple from London and one very eccentric old German woman who was dating the Captain - Captain Fantastic (as he called himself). So we sped across the HUGE lagoon, with crystal clear water showing all the coral. We stopped briefly at the ship wreck from 1930 where there are a load of Model T Fords kicking about. Then we went a bit further out and snorkelled. Saw loads of huge clams with pretty purple and white patterns inside them as well as multicoloured little fish which were really pretty. Also, a Parrotfish, which is kind of whitey silver with purple looking dots on it. It saw around me and then I saw a load of them headless on the back of the boat which Captain Fantastic had just caught for lunch. We stopped on Honeymoon Island which is where couples on their honeymoon are meant to find coconuts and plant them on the beach, so it is covered in loads of baby coconut trees. So two of the couples did that. Then we had lunch in a little hut on the beach. We had the Parrotfish which was really really nice, with bread and butter as well as a million different types of fruit. I also got my passport stamped here for One Foot Island and Honeymoon Island! Then we got back on the boat and stopped off on One Foot and then Shark Island from Shipwrecked! The tables were still there and it was wierd, like walking on a TV set! Could see Tiger Island opposite. I duno how they made them look like they were in the middle of nowhere because they're both surrounded by all the other little motus! So after my little cruise I was driven back to my bungalow where I had an AMAZING shower in my nice clean, modern bathroom, haha. After that I went down to Pacific Resort for a meal and island night show. Was a bit pricey... to say the least! I had chicken spring rolls with vegetables to start which was fab, and then a HUGE bit of steak on really creamy garlic mash with salad which was the best thing I have eaten in agges, been craving steak big time! I had a pinot noir with that which turned out to be a bad decision because it was a bit sharp for my liking but it was bareable! For pudding I had chocolate mud cake and homemade ice cream which was bliss but I nearly didn't finish it because I was so full! Crazy!! The dancing at this island night was wayy better than on Rarotonga. And the drumming and singing was live and so much better, there was this huge old woman (who reminded me a bit of the grandmother from Belleville Rendez Vous) beating a drum made from what looked like an overturned barrel. I then got dragged up to dance (I was planning on saying no but I got asked by this little 8 year old boy who I couldn't really refuse) which involved me having to attempt to hula dance with the little boy in the centre on my own while everyone watched!! Its good that by this point I had had a few drinks!! It was fun though, and lots of other people had to too so that eased the embarresment, haha. I kept occasionally feeling guilty for spending so much for that night (it was $87 in total)or whenever I treat myself but then I remember I have worked my arse off and I'd rather spend the money over here on things I like and will enjoy so there, justified! So afterwards I went to reception so they could call Solo and he came and picked me up, and while we were leaving the resort gates he asked, 'Lizzie you drive?' and I said, 'yes...' and then he turned the wrong way down the road, and I was thinking, what is going on, where is he taking me? After a while we pulled into a petrol station and he pulled up and said, 'okay Lizzie if you could just drive the van back so I can take my moped back up, just follow behind me.' and I was like, whattttttttttt. Anyway, I climbed into the van (the size of a people carrier, nothing like my little fiesty or micra!) and stuck it into drive and followed him 10 minutes back along the road, whilst still slightly tipsy! But I don't imagine these things really matter much on Aitutaki; no insurance, drink driving...

So on Saturday I had a rather rubbish day as it rained lots and lots and lots. It passed by about 4 so I went to lie on my beach but it was a bit of a dissapointing day. Was taken to the airport at about half 6 where I met the 10year NZ couple at the airport, Vanessa and Tim. They were with a very posh London couple who they introduced me too and I had a brief convo with them, the husband yaaing away about his son living in Edinburgh and then moving to NZ but how he would move back to Edinburgh if he ever came back. I had a really nice long chat with Vanessa in the airport though, shes really nice, they mustn't be very old, I reckon mid 30s or so.

On Sunday I met Matt (who arrived very late Sat night) who is a medical student studying at Oxford and is doing a bit of work at the hospital here as part of a 10 week work thing the uni lets them do, hes already been working in Sydney. Hes really interesting and we had very long conversation last night, v friendly n funny so thats been good company. Also gave me lots of Oxford tips, and said that theres a 24 hour bus to and from London for 8 quid return, which rocks! So thats all been cool.

Today I've not done much; walked into town and bought postcards and stamps and met Tim and Vanessa who were sitting in a cafe with another woman having a 'business meeting' as Tim called it, because he works in some kind of importing exporting thing from NZ to here. So that was nice, I've bumped into them so many times I'm half expecting to see them when I'm in Auckland too! After I left them I had a wander around all the pearl stores (of which there are many) and then finally settled on a very thin silver band with a small grey/green/purple pearl on it which is lovely.

Just finished packing, much to the amusement of Matt. Lucky for me my bag seems to be rather stretchy and so I've just about crammed everything into it. Just. No more shopping for moi! So I'm all packed, ready to be taken by my London cabbie to the airport at 2am tomorrow morning ( Tuesday the 4th and I arrive in Auckland on Wednesday the 5th because of the date line, I think this may confuse me a little) so I don't think I'll bother going to sleep, just stay up and read. I've got two days in Auckland and then on Friday I'm gona get a bus down to Raglan to see Nash! Very exciting.

Much love,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

morality for beautiful girls remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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So Tuesday I did very little of interest, I did some food shopping and sorted my New Zealand flight and Aitutaki flight out at the airport. I then went round to Aroa beach again and had a chill out there, then came back to the house for some lunch. I had planned on having some cold pasta and sweetcorn which I'd made the night before for tea and left in the fridge, however the fridge is so bloomin cold that it basically froze my concuction into a nice big lump of solid pastasweetcorn. It was not to be, so I had some toast and fruit weetabix. Fruity weetabix really is an indulgence, its $8!!!! Such a rip off. Anyway. I found out that Apollo 11, 12 and 13 had landed in the sea near Rarotonga, seems to be a favourite parking space of NASA. So long as they don't plan on dumping whatever that bit of space rubbish thats kicking about (or was, last time I saw anything resembling the news) near me then it is a nice coincidence. So yes, yesterday was rather dull, oh, except I decided to try and make roast potatoes having so much free time on my hands as I do, and it was quite lucky I do because they took about 2 hours to cook. I'm not sure I did it entirely correct in the first place, I boiled them, put some oil on a tray and whacked them in the gas oven. And waited forever. It could have been my crap oven which was to blame but I'm not too sure... Anyway, they were perfectly edible when they did eventually cook.

Today I drove in a circle around the island, as its my last full day with the car, sob sniff. I love driving here (just that tiny bit more than anywhere else) because the sun is shining and the breeze blows in the window while I just slowly cruise around enjoying the scenery and listening to Louis Armstrong, Stereophonics, Belle and Sebastian, Sinatra, to name a few. Went to Aroa Beach, another gorgeous beach I found by accident which was almost deserted as well, although not so good for snorkelling due to the water being mucho foggy. So after a while there (I didn't spend long as I had to park under a coconut tree and I read my terms of hire on the car and it says I have to pay for damage by coconuts!! Bummer, cos theres quite a lot of them around here.) Moved onto Muri beach which was lovely as ever. Did a bit more snorkelling but it was all the same fish, and lots of sea cucumbers which are disgusting. They're long a black like giant slugs and apparently some of the locals pick them up and rip them open. The insides look a bit like spaghetti apparently and they eat it raw, then chuck it back in the sea where the same one regrows itself to be eaten again! Eugh!! Anyway, I had a lovely lie in the sun. Its crazy, everytime I open my eyes and see the coconut trees and the turquoise blue water lapping on the nice clean white sand I can't beleive that I'm actually here in this amazingly gorgeous place. My only regret is that noone will ever fully know how pretty it is here and share it. I'm now onto my 6th book, getting trashier as I go. Looking forward to Auckland and a book shop. So then I got back to the house again. I shared my shower with a rather large (for my liking, if they get bigger than 1cm then its not cool) moth. But he happily stayed at eye level where I could see him and I managed to deal with it without screaming. So thats good! A family have arrived to stay in the units too so I'm not all alone here so much anymore. Looking forward to my bungalow on Aitutaki, and just Aitutaki in general. This evening I drove round to Muri beach while the sun was setting. Whilst on my way I stopped to take some pictures of the mountain/hills and misjudged in the semi-darkness the height of a rock and hit my knee of it which hurt like a rude word. And then my camera decided it would start to run out of battery. So all in all not very good. Got round to Muri beach and it was nice just watching the light slowly fade away behind the motus. Got a few snaps but not the ones I wanted. I realised though walking back along the beach that its not really right being here alone. Theres so many things that are different here that I want other people to know about and share with but there isn't anyone, and that really does suck. Anyway now I'm going to watch a bit of telly, hopefully something good will be on!

Love as always,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

the gecko and the cockroach remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Firstly, I'd bought Weetabix with fruity bits in and it was sooo yummy for breakfast. Its wierd, I'm actually eating breakfast in this country. Then I drove round to Varas to pick Carolyn up, saying a breif hi to her new friends. We then went round to the Rarotongan (I'll map it out for you, the island is a circle, Tiare Village where I stay is North, Varas is East and the Rarotongan is South) and went to the spa and managed to be squeezed in then and there despite no booking. The massage was ammmazing, although I think I could also use the word 'crushing' at some points too. She asked how old I was and when I said 19 she looked shocked and said I had verry tense shoulders for someone so young! Anyway after that Carolyn and me headed to the resort beach, Carolyn decided to chance it and went up to the resort hire place where they give hotel guests free flippers etc and asked if we could have some and apparently got a rather hostile reply and told we needed a day pass to use the resort despite our 'spa day' as we called it. So we ran away to the beach and into the sea before they could kick us off! We had our own snorkel gear so it was all okay. There were so many cool fish in the sea, there was this huge blue silvery fish that swam in the shallow bit near the shore, then I saw this dark blue one with gold/yellow hennaish pattern around its eyes, it was gorgeous. Also some pointy long fish things. And then a guy was pointing under the water at me to what I though was a big rock until I took a closer look and it was a HUGE giant clam! It was like 2 foot big! So my waterproof camera came in handy, although being the idiot that I am I forgot my memory card so only had space for like 9 photos. So anyway, then we lazed on the beach, I'm going a lovely golden brown colour now - no more pasty skin, whoo! Then about 5ish I dropped Carolyn off and headed 'home' and made tea and sat on my varandah eating it. I then watched the Oscars, which were frequently interrupted by Cook Island adverts which are very funny and quiant but after you see the same one 5 times it gets a bit annoying. Went to my room about 10sih after watching Studio 60 and listened to music, drank a lovely cool Diet Coke and read, was rather nice.

Today I went round to Aroa beach, which is near the Rarotongan. Whilst driving over I noticed something on the dashboard and realised I had a little gecko sitting there, it then proceeded to crawl all over my dash, luckily in the opposite direction from me, otherwise I may have crashed trying to avoid it crawling onto me. I don't know where it is now, I had both the windows down so it could have fallen out. Anyway, wasn't on the beach v long because it was cloudy and then it started raining hard so I had to make a dash for the car. Came home and made lunch. Went into town and bought Alice a imperfect tahitian pearly. Ooh and popping chocolate! Cadburys! Why do we not have this in the UK??? Then had a dip in the pool and watched TV. Its now 8PM so think I'll settle down for another night in. Getting a bit bored, and now the whole place is deserted, noone in the pool units either now.

Haven't been feeling very home sick lately but now as I came online it kind of washed over me. But theres not much I can do about that being where I am! I'm looking forward to N.Z and seeing Nash and also getting away from these FUCKING MOSQITOS! They LOVE my legs which is not good at all cos they've made them all polka dotty. I've stopped using the mosi stuff cos after the first 3 days of being bitten alive I've figured they are attracted to the smell and still bite me. So now I'm going without, not sure if they're still biting or all the same bites are itchy but it is so very annoying. I haven't even seen a single one either so I can't take my anger out of them, they're invisable! Oh, was also gutted to realise that I don't have anywhere near half of my music on my ipod! I was craving a bit of Alanis last night and I only have 2 tracks, not the whole album! Not a happy bunny. I don't have any Nerina Pallot either and I really wanted to listen to her too. But never mind!

Anyway, sorry for the rather boring comment, there isn't much going on atm.
Lots of love,
xxxxxxxxxxxx

fake plastic trees remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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So today it is Saturday, yesterday Carolyn and me drove up Hospital Hill. Why they decided to put their hospital at the top of this massively steep hill (I was a bit concerned about the little micra making it up but it was fine!) I don't know, especially when we saw the state of their 'ambulances'. Anyway, following the trusty lonely planet book we went on a 15minute walk up another very steep track to this opening in the trees where we could get a lovely view of the - ewww I just looked up and theres a gecko sitting on the wall next to me hitting a semi-dead fly against it, eugh - airport and beach and lagoons and stuff. Then we headed round to Muri Beach which is gorrrrrrrgeous. Its the lagoon with the 3 little 'motu's in (motus being little islands with trees on) which you can swin to. I however, was not feeling v adventurous and was enjoying the sun too much on the beach to go very far in the water, but there is plenty of time for that. Because its the low season atm, theres hardly anyone around, its so nice because you have this huge big beach and theres maybe 100 people just scattered about so it feels very personal. By this time it was about 4 so we went back to Tiare and had showers and got ready for the island night! We went to Staircase, which is Rarotongas idea of a club. We had a meal (all the local stuff, marinated beef, chicken wings, spinach in what I think was coconut, rice, potato salad (I am so chuffed they like potato salad, it is soo good) and star fruit. I couldn't eat much star fruit because it tasted too much like the smell of shampoo. The island night consisted of 3 people playing guitars (of all sizes) and singing local songs, which was nice until about the 20th song and they all began to sound a little bit similar... Then the warriors and dancers finally arrived. It was really good, their dress is kind of half Maori and half Hawaiian. So much banging of drums and foot stamping and dancing. After that was over we headed to Trader Jacks, this really nice big bar place next to the sea, so we got a couple of drinks and sat outside by the sea which was lit up by a light underwater, was mucho cool. Then we decided to try and find another bar... and failed! So we went back to Staircase to see if it had livened up (by now it was midnight and places shut at a reasonable 2am here on a Saturday, midnight every other day) but it hadn't and the music was a bit naff so we headed home, Carolyn driving because I'd had a drink or two more than her.

Today we got some food shopping in town and then I drove Carolyn over to Vara's on Muri beach where she is staying for the next week. Once we'd dropped all her stuff off we did a circle of the island dropping in at all the big resorts (I say all, I mean the 3 or 4 which are here) to get price lists for spas... We've decided on the Rarotongan which is probably the most expensive place to stay but all the spa things all cost the same so why not! We're planning on just hiding out on their private beach and pool and bar all day too as long as they don't notice...! They've apparently got octopuses (is that how you spell multiple octopus??? I don't think it is!) and giant clams and things so we're taking our snorkelling gear too. Shall be a rather nice day I think.

Since getting back to my rather empty quiet house (and mother before you rant I'm quite happy here and can't be bothered moving plus I've paid up til the 27th) I've just been reading and Adriennes popped round too. Made myself a dinner of potatoes, sweetcorn, tomatoes and corned beef with a little toast for good measure. So after this I think I shall retire to my room, coat myself in aftersun, have a little read and fall asleep. I've been sleeping so well here, the mattresses are soo soft.

I was thinking today about my trip in general, and having found it so much harder than I thought being away from home, and its made me quite gald that I did do it, because I think if I hadn't moving down to Oxford would have been a bit scary. But now, compared to being on the other side of the world on a tiny little island, I should find it that little bit easier.

Anyway, much love,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

chasing cars remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I began writing that two days ago and then ran outa time, its not Thursday so I'll fill in briefly the last 2 days...

Tuesday was when I was writing about ^^^ and after I got back from my walk I realised I was lovely and burnt in a nice v-neck t-shirt way. Helen you know what I'm like with my tan lines - I am not a happy bunny! I am STILL desperatly trying to get rid of the lines by carefully applying my suncream... So Tuesday I was still settling in, Fee I had a big bowl of our leftover lucky charms and then stupidly left them out (wrapped up with selotape sealing them) and the next day the pesky ants had wriggled their way inside and not being one for eating bugs I had to chuck them away, it was a sad moment! So Then it got to yesterday and I stayed sitting on the varandah reading most of the day, avoiding the rediculously hot sun, so that was mucho relaxing. Its so nice and quiet here. The Ozzie/New Zelanders asked me out to go for a meal but I'd exhausted my cash and had spaghetti on toast to eat so stayed in. They got back about 9ish and invited me down to the pool for some drinks. Nad poured me this hazelnut liquor with a slice of lime and soda, sounds mingin but it was really nice in a wierd way. I found out that Shayne and Sherry were getting married (on Saturday) at another resort and were just staying here a few nights (not in the dorm, they were all in the nice units down by the pool). So that was really good banter, did a bit of star spotting, they call Orion 'the bucket' and have all these other funny names. But it was really fun, was sad when they left this mornin. I've just realised I've mixed all the days up, I can't be bothered going back and changing it all, basically yesterday was actually the day before yesterday - doesn't time fly! So anyway, last night (in the correct time frame now!) Carolyn arrived. Shes 28 and from the UK, on the last leg of her working round the world trip. Shes mucho friendly. I'd had something to eat already but she cooked up this tinned beef, boiled potato, onion concuction and shared that, which was surprisingly good! Then we sat down with the only video outside of the office - the hunchback of notre dam. It was so cool, I felt so sorry for qouisiemodo when Esmarelda runs off with the captain. Anyway, we had chocolate and then watched Shark or something later on.

So now I'm up to today! Me and Carolyn got a lift into town with Adrienne (the manager) and got some cash out, bought postcards then went to the Rarotonga Police Station to pick up my cook islands driving license! Its so cool, its a proper laminated license! So that cost me $10, then we went to get my hire car, which is just so cool here but I would not be caught dead in it back home, so parents don't go getting any ideas! Its an old Nissan Micra (although, it does have electronic side mirror adjusters which is better than my manual ones on the fiesta!) kind of creamy yellow gold. Its so funky, Carolyns paid me $60 plus a bit of petrol money to drive her about while shes here the next 2 days. Its also an automatic, thank god Carolyn was there when I got in the car cos I was like, wheres the gearstick?? How do I work this thing?? So that was a learning curve! Its dead easy, although I much prefer manuals, I like changing gears. So we went for a drive around the island, listening to radio cook islands with all the local South Pacific music blaring. Was lots of fun. We stopped at a really nice cafe at Muri beach (which btw is paradise, its a huge lagoon like a swimming pool with another big green treey island opposite) and had paninis. Then stopped further up and watched the waves, which break off the coral (I think I've said this before) but they're masssssive there. Huge waves! So then we made our way back round (theres only two roads which go around the island, one slightly inland and one on the coast, so not much opportunity for getting lost) and picked up some shopping at the supermarket, so I've finally got some proper munch in the form of pasta, tuna, lettuce, sweetcorn, peppers, bread, fruit etc... Then we went and lazed by the pool for a couple hours in the sun and now I'm here. We've. got Pride and Prejudice out to watch tonight and some popcorn.

So all in all feeling a lot better about being here, and hopefully once Carolyn goes someone else will arrive. But I still plan to cut short the trip here, just because I will eventually get bored. And if I leave earlier I save money and can buy a black pearl. Hahahaha.

Much love to all,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

in the summertime remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Anyway. Said bye to Fee on Saturday which sucked cos we had lots of fun and now I'm on my tod again. She headed off to Penn Station and I got the bus to JFK, where there was this couple and the guy was whisking his girlfriend away for the weekend as a surprise and she didn't know where they were going, all very sweet. Then I got the interrail to some other bit of JFK, then a shuttle to Days Inn. Days Inn was so lovely, I had my own bathroom and it was so clean and the shower was so hot and it was all lovely. Then I ordered pizza and sat and watched King of Queens and Hitch on my big TV while in bed. Fantastic. I think guys should watch Hitch, they could learn some very valuble leasons... The view out of my window was rather amusing (even if just to me and Fee) it was of hundreds of yellow school buses, must have been a depo. So anyway breaky the next day was fab too and then I headed to the airport and immediatly got a headache, I guess this must be some kind of reaction to airport cos it happens every time. Got my flight to L.A and began the 24 hour trip to the Cooks. Yknow something I noticed in N.Y and L.A airports, in N.Y there were annoucements not to accept taxi offers from unregistered companies all the time, and in L.A it changed to don't accept help from soliciters because they'e not sponsered by the airport. I'm nto sure why soliciters are hanging out in LAX but obviously there are too many of them. I met a girl while queing (the first of 3 very long ques, after my 7 hour flight across the US) and she said I was very brave and that she wouldn't be able to do it. Quite a lot of people have said that. They're probably right, I think I'm a bit stupid doing this on my own because it is a mega challenge. At the mo all I want to do is go home. I'm scheming... Anyway, then after waiting ages in LAX all over the shop, we boarded the 10 hour flight to the Cooks. Where I met a really nice girl who had studied law at Birmingham and was with 3 friends (although they were all seated elsewhere) travelling around the world on nearly the same ticket as me. So we had quite a long chat which was nice and I've got her email and number because they're staying over at Muri beach. They're only here for 5 days though. Anyway when not talking we slept so I had a reasonable sleep on the plane. Arrived at 7.30am Cook Island time today so I reaallllllly want to sleep but trying not to. Stepped outside and there was thunder and lightening and it started chucking it dwon with rain. I've not seem rain like it! Its cleared now though. I've met an Ozzie guy and his girlfriend who are staying here, hes really nice, although when he saw me with a Scotland rugby shirt on he said, 'eugh take that rag off', obviously not a fan... Haha, hes funny though, I'm now called Scotty or Scotland. He said I was a tough Scottish chick, I haven't broken it to him yet that technically I'm english, might keep that one quiet... They're both leaving tomorrow I think anyway. So anyway we all got a lift into 'town' with the owner/manager/employee of the hostel and I went and enquired about hiring mopeds or cars and then bought a beach towel and walked back. I think I'm gona hire a car because I don't trust myself on a moped, and cars are nicer. Even though they are twice as much. I think I'm gona cut short my trip and rearrange everything and just spend my hard earned cash in a more luxurious way (only slightly) than otherwise. I do feel really quite isolated and alone, and because most people are travelling with friends or partners its quite hard to tag on.

Anyway I need to have another look for my phone, although I have just about tipped everything out of my bag already. I'm so annoyed. I think I may have a nap too because I'm getting sleepy. Its 11.50pm at home right now! 1.50pm over here.
Anyway much love,
xxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S (I can split my internet time here so I'm on a bit later on) everyones gone out to bars, they asked me to go but I'm sooo knackered so just gona go to bed after this, but I've checked the whole of my bag and can't find my phone, I'm gona look in the van to see if I dropped it in there... so gutted. Its really quite dark in the living room where I'm sitting, quite scared! And a lizard on the wall just made a squeeling noise... god, don't know how much of this I can take!
I also just reread my last comment, I said amazing way too many times there, I do apologise.

the flowers remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Today we went to to the cafe down Broadway as usual for breaky. Then walked down to Victorias Secret and got my pyjamas after being repeatedly harrased by the sales staff. Fee thinks the boss guy was in and so they were all being uber helpful but it was verging on uber annoying. I got asked about 5 times when in the changing rooms if I was okay, and then at the cash desk I had to tell them who had helped me, 'was it Christina or Fatiya or Charlene...?' I just picked a name and made it up... So anyway, after that we headed over to the Guggenhiem. Bit of a let down because the gorgeous outside of it was under reconstruction and so completely covered in scaffolding! Inside was really good tho, fascinating exhibition by Cai Guo-Qiang. We've realised that while I'm interested in art with meanings and stories behind it, Fee prefers non-objective, more abstract stuff. So we covered it all. After that we walked down East to find somewhere to eat, which took a while as everywhere was really pretty pricey. Eventually we found this nice little place and had pizza and gatorade, whoo. After that it was back down 5th. We went into the Apple Store which was amazing. We had a play about with the MacBook Air which was amazing. I didn't think I wanted it or was that bothered by it but after typing on it and picking it up I HAVE TO HAVE IT. Haha, it was amazing though. I miss my maccy. After that we went into TIffany, we did it properly this time instead of chickening out in the lift after choosing the wrong floor and ending up in the wedding section, haha. We did every floor this time, it was AMAZING. The diamonds glitter like nothing else when you walk past, they're so gorgeous. We went to the engagement and wedding section and I found my 'Legacy' $70,000 engagement ring. Haha, I took a picture of it. Its sooooooooo cool. One day... So then we looked at the crystal and stuff and silverware and everything, all v nice and v expensive. Fee tried on a bracelet she liked but it was about 200 quid. I saw some really nice necklaces, silver chains with gemstone hearts. I think it was by Palma Picasso, in her style anyway. So after that we headed out rather dazed to Abercrombie. It was just as good as last time! Except I had a TONNE of stuff to carry coutesy of my sister. Tried on lots, bought rather a lot too... After that we went to MoMA as its free on friday nights. Was fab seeing things again, I was a happy bunny. Then headed down to another Victorias Secret (Alice you better be thankful, we walked miles!) to get Alice's bikini. Just got the subway back and into the room, where there are now 2 foriegn girls. Which sucks but never mind, last night!

I'd love to add some funny little stories from the day but I've got 1 minute left and no more $1 bills, so you're just getting the boring run down!

Night night!
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

we'll go dancing in the street remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Last night had the luxury of two blankets and two sheets which was almost like a duvet, so nice and cosy even without our working radiator. Reluctanctly crawled out of bed in the morning to have a boiling hot (it was almost TOO hot) shower. Then headed out to the cafe for breaky then down to downtown and Chambers Street. After much walking in circles around blocks (map reading wasn't going too well as it was so cold I was more inclined to keep my hands in my pockets than out with the map) we eventually found ground zero. It was wierd seeing it again, 5 years on. The cross which I took a picture of last time had been moved to up against a building, so got another snap of it. Then looked at the signs advetising what they were going to do with the site. Its still at ground level, clearing up and not much building work going on. We walked all the way around, it was quite eiree and still really moving. Its hard to believe towers so huge fell to the ground into nothing there and so many people lost their lives. Its also strange to find such a large flat space in downtown N.Y. Anyway, after that we walked around the coast to Battery Park and the globe again (the one which had been in between towers). Walked around to Brooklyn Bridge (stopping off breifly for me to indulge in a little bit of cake eating...) and walked across it. The view was fantastic, especially because the sky was so blue and clear; perfect day to walk across, so thanks Rachel for suggesting that one! Got lots of pictures of the N.Y skyline with the Empire State and Chrysler. Once that was done we headed into Chinatown (skirting slightly off track at one point) which was pretty cool, I couldn't resist buying some lanterns cos they looked so amazing, so they are now being added to the box to go home...! Oh and we saw this lobster shop place where the windows were glass and half filled with waters and all these alive lobsters stuck to the side. It was soo disgusting, the water was all green and minging, I don't know who would want to eat anything which had been swimming in there. So anyway, then we tried to find Little Italy, but failed. We also thought we walked through little India but it looked pretty normal so whatever. Then got to Soho. Alice I can see you quite happily moving here. So many boutique clothes shops and amazing cafes. We had a lovely lunch in Soho Cafe before heading down the road to Bloomingdale's MoMA store. Got my dad the coolest present. I'm so chuffed with myself for finding it. After that we headed round to 5th Avenue and a few shops down there, but mostly all the same, GAP, Vickys Secret, Sephora etc. By this point it was pretty dark and we could see the Empire State and it was all lit up - red and pink for Valentines Day. We've seen tonnnnes of people with flowers, and loads of guys buying them last minute from the multi flower shops lining the roads. We had a rather amusing moment when busy taking pics of E.S and another pretty lit up building when I turned round by chance and we realised we were standing infront of the Flatiron building, haha. So got some pictures of that. Then we got up to the Public Library and Grand Central and saw the Chrysler building - my favourite in N.Y - it looked so lovely all lit up, and guess what? My camera ran outa battery! Not amused, had my little one with me but its so shit, all the pictures were blurred even on the shake thing and so I'm in a mood with it. Then we walked across to Times Sq to get the subway.

Since getting back we've been out for food at Picnic, a nice restuarant literally next to the hostel. The set menu for Valentines day was $65, and we were about to leave when the woman said we could just pick and choose and not have the set menu. So being left with the wine menu we ordered, avec alcohol! Very chuffed they thought we were 21, haha. I had an amazing white wine which I wasn't allergic too, it was a dry German Reisling. (Thats for my own future reference, I don't expect anyone to care, haha) The food was amazing, so gooood. I had roast chicken with v creamy mashed potato and runner beans. Was gorgeous. And it came to $61 in the end! So thats like 15 quid each. Niiice.

Anyway 2 mins left, must dash!

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all you need is love remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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It CHUCKED it down with rain all of today, there was still piles of snow on the ground as well and massive puddles on the awfully tarmaced roads they have here (honestly you think pot holes in the UK are bad, one day here would change your mind) so walking about was a nightmare. Fee and me went to our cafe again for breaky and then got the subway down to Penn Station so Fee could buy her v expensive train ticket to Charlottesville. I got a Krispy Kreme donut - finally found where Krispy Kreme are hiding in N.Y! So anyway, very fulfilled we headed out into the rain again and walked to Times Square. We spent aggges in Roxy/Quiksilver and Fee got a top and I decided that something I must buy is some comfy 3/4 lengths for the sunshine... Another thing to add to the list. I'm majorly on budget though, I got 100 quid less than I was meant to in my budget of dollars, and I've got enough to cover the touristy things so I can actually sensibly have a splurge. So anyway, then we walked up through the bright lights to the Broadway ticket place which offered 50% off on tickets, expecting to get a deal on a mattinee show we were going to spend our afternoon there but this bubble was quickly burst as we were told the cheapest tickets were $66! Deciding it was a bit too expensive we headed sadly back into the rain. Popped into another few shops, I went into Sephora again to buy yellow eye shadow to match my gold eyeliner. I could spend hours in there. We had lunch in a v nice cafe place, and then walked back down Times Square and guess who we saw?? The Naked Cowboy!! He musta been darn cold! He just had a pair of pants and boots on with his guitar over his shoulder. He was giving an interview to a camera so couldn't get a good shot of him and Time Sq but got some side shots - bit pervy tho! Then we popped into Billabong for another search for 3/4s but to no avail. Then headed down into the subway again, having a slightly less successful trip and ending up on the north east end of Central Park on 110th Street! So had to walk allll the way back across, but it had atleast by this point stopped raining and meant we went past a post office. Nipped in there and a very helpful woman gave me a box to put all the clothes and books in to send home, she gave me the tip of 'fold and roll the clothes, thats what I do with my kids camp clothes' so yeahhh. Turns out the box is HUGE tho so its all good.

Just got in from the Texan Grill and had a v filling meal. And it was hot which was a nice change! It had a lovely poster on the wall detailing what to do if someone chokes... useful! Also had a massive bull sculpture which took up about half of the floor space. On the way back we stopped in a little store and picked up a New York Times - not to be clever and read the political section or anything, but to fill our boots with it to soak all the water up, haha. Our radiator still seems out of action so I think wet shoes tomorrow are a strong possability. Nothing worse in the world than wet shoes in the morning. I'm so rediculously tired now so think we're just going to head back to the room and chill/fall asleep.

Tomorrow we're planning on heading downtown where we've not been before; Chelsea, Greenwich, Little Italy, Chinatown, Nolita... all these weird districts which seem to have lots of nice little boutiques and resturants. Planning on seeing Ground Zero again and having a walk over Brooklyn Bridge (if its clear and there is a chance of actually seeing anything worth seeing from there). So that should be good, as long as its not wet like today...

Thats all for now, fairly dull report!
Love love,
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singing in the rain remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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We moved into our room and there are two Swiss girls who speak perfect English. I'm getting increasingly embarressed by the fact that we Brits don't speak other peoples languages... But anyway, they seem nice enough, and we all share the gripe that the radiator is a pain the ass. It hisses (its broken, the hot air which is meant to stay inside it is leaking out which makes the room boiling and humid) most of the night and starts again in the morning which wakes you up. Not cool, we've all complained, but to no avail. Fingers crossed they fix it later. I asked to get moved rooms but noone seems to really care. The managers in tomo morn apparently so maybe mention it to her.

Today me and Fee started walking down Broadway and had a v nice pain du chocolat and cupa tea in a nice cafe place, went into Victorias Secret again (I am majorly debating the pros and cons of this night dress which is gorgeous but a bit pricey) and then headed for a stroll through Central Park, from Dakota and Strawberry Fields on West to Alice in Wonderland on East. Got some cool snaps of us sitting on Alice's knee. Then headed down 5th Avenue and went into Abercrombie and Fitch, which was just plain cool. It was this huge building, and dark like it was club with amazing loud music. All the clothes were just on wooden shelves around the outside, but it was really really dark and cool. Three floors, first we went through and got all your stuff Alice. Some debates on sizes because it was all XS or S and stuff not 2 or 4. I've tried it all on tho and they all seem okay, except your trousers which are majorly flared at the bottom, so are you sure you want those? They had nice 3/4 length versions. The prices you put down in quid is how much they were in $$$s so v cheap. Give me a text asap cos I need to sort it out and post it. I've already decided I'm having my last shopping splurge there cos its so gorgeous. And it smells like Abercrombie and Fitch, it is just so sexy. Thinking of buying a guys stripy shirt for throwing over a bikini in the Cooks but can't decide... I have to sort out my priorities with PJs and shirts! Oh and Alice they had nicer shirts than the Jack Wills ones, more fitted, have a look at them, I might split with you if you get s ladies one, as well as if I get a guys one. Anyway, after that did the usual GAP, H&M, Sephora (little bit of money spent... I was reasonaly restrained!)... Wanted to go into Tiffany but felt a bit scruffy, maybe the last day we'll nip in. Anyway, it started really snowing by this point so me and Fee had some lunch in a Starbucks and then explored the subway! V scary, we managed to get a metro card but were v confused about which train to get, eventually figured it out n relieved to make it to 103rd st station! So less walking now thats sorted. Gona have some tea after here, and then chill out upstairs.

Tomo we're gona do Times Sq, Broadway and all down there. Only full 3 days left really, which is crazy. Its so nice having someone to talk to tho, so glad Fees here, made it all the more magical!

Another thing I've noticed (which I'd forgotten to mention but remembered today cos Fee kept laughing at it) is ALL the dogs have jackets on. Its so funny, some have little hoods with fur lining, I mean, why would a dog need a hood?? Incase its hair gets wet?? Also, can you imagine putting a woolly jumper on your dog before taking it out for a walk? Big dogs look the funniest in jumpers. I did actually see an old Chinese guy walking through C.P the other day with his Scotty dog and it had little shoes on. Thats just taking the piss!

Mum thanks for booking the hotel, forgot my notebook right now but I'll get the details tomo. Got my $20 refund for the last night so thats all sorted. Just need to book the shuttle bus.

Must dash as ever! Much love,

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the owl and the pussy cat went to sea remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Yesterday was pretty much the same as today, the Spanish (yes my Spanish is that good that when they spoke I thought they were Polish or something) (in my defence they do speak v quickly) got up early and buggered off all day. I did my morning ritual of going to starbucks and having a donut and cupa tea and read my book. Today I actually caught myself ordering my tea with an American accent which kinda sprung on me, hearing other people speaking it makes me think in American and then I blurt it out. Was rather funny, I didn't suit it, haha. I also found out me and Fee hadn't been moved into the same room together so was really v angry at the crap receptionist, finally sorted it out today, and I'm being moved to Fees room - 222. The 2nd floor, whoo! No more killing my legs and lungs climbing to the 7th! Anyway, did some doodling in my new Moleskine and bought another pen and more sequins... Wandered down Broadway, went to Upper East yesterday. Its totally different over there, the apartments are a lot lower, and its almost quiant. Fancy doors, doormen and cars down the streets and outside the cafes and shops there are signs saying 'we love animals but please do not bring your pets in' which is obviously a major problem with the small-dog-under-one-arm ladies of Upper East. Also walked past a rabble of young girls n guys who were all clad in UGG boots and designer jackets and v posh looking, Alice I imagine they are the people of the books you read. Its nice over there though, nice shops and cafes. Today I finished my two books so took a wander down to Barnes and Noble and managed to spend about 3 hours looking through the amazing collection of architecture, street art, travel and fiction books. Before settling on another A.M Holmes because she is amazing, reminds me a bit of Annie Proulx just because of the imagery. Was also v. tempted by a book called 'Hold Me Close Tony Danza' which was about lyrics and people mishearing them, flicked through it and actually laughed out loud at some of them, I'll get it another day. I also had a peek at all the N.Y travel books and got addresses for resturants and jazz bars which I'd forgotten to do. So that was nice. Quite a lot of shops down Broadway, went into a Victorias Secret too, its wierd how over here they have all the XS stuff laid out on top, in the UK you have to search to the back to find it all. No wonder theres more pressure to be thin over here. Anyway was v tempted by some really soft and cosy lookin P.Js but restrained... for now. Also went to the store and bought some pots of LUCKY CHARMS. Whos jealous? (Olly I remember Fee n me bringing back those for you last time we visited and being worried customs would catch us and lock us up, hahaha) Anyway, so saving them for when Fee arrives, although I am finding it hard to resist... She should be here in an hour or two tho, cannot wait. I'm getting serious needs for shopping, just walking down 5th Avenue the other day was so delicious. Oh also when I was walking back up Broadway today there was this shop with a 2m high giraffe in the window which you could buy! I can just imagine if I'd seen that when I was little and my room was jungle themed that would have been on my Xmas list for a few years running... It was so cool, I might take a picture of it.

Not much other news, not sure what the plan is for tomo, will play it as it comes. My lovely mother is booking me into a HOTEL for my last night in N.Y (Fee leaves on Saturday and I leave Sunday) which will be bliss, my own bathroom and a (reasonably) soft mattress. Then I'm off to the Cooks... sunshine here I come! I've had enough of this cold malarky here, I just about had ALL my clothes on today to stay warm. It snowed a bit yesterday but today was blue skies and chilliness.

Anyway best put the last few things into my bag so I'm ready to shift when Fee gets here.

Love,
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P.S Oh Rachel, the headings are just whatever pops into my head when I'm here. And tell Porridge I miss him and I'll be sending him a postcard. Will email you tomo or at somepoint when I remember and have time. xxx

dum de dah de dah (Gina G) remains copyright of the author lil0liz, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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