Barbara and Mike are having a wonderful time Down Under

Hi All

I can’t believe that we’re more than halfway through our trip. I had a wonderful reunion with Paul, Bel and the girls. I love Sydney, EXCEPT for the weather. The humidity would take some getting used to. The birdlife is stunning – Bel feeds magpies, cockatoos, lorikeets on her lawn every day. Everything works, there’s no litter around, no high fences and commuting by ferry is lots of fun. We visited many little coves where the rich moor their boats. It helps to have loads of money to make the most of living in Sydney!! What I’ve appreciated most is the liberating feeling of  feeling safe everywhere.

Mike and I have had a few days in New Zealand. We’re touring the South Island. The scenery is breathtaking. We flew in over the most majestic, snowcapped mountains. Mike just clicked away – he has been in his element. So far he’s taken 1 500 pictures!!

18 Feb.

Apologies for the disjointed email but we seem to have been on the go non stop.

A little more about the south island: The fiords, lakes and mountains are breathtaking – reminded me of the title of a poem God’s Grandeur. Highlights were a cruise on Milford Sound. At one point the catamaran took us so close to a waterfall that we all got soaked. Another was a trip up a mountain in a gondola from where we had the most stunning views.

We flew to Auckland on Tuesday. We’re staying with my friend Lorna whom I’ve known since I started high school. She took us up to Rotorua yesterday where we saw an active volcano still bubbling away, a number of geysers and thermal pools – certainly my first experience of this phenomenon. We then went to the Huka Falls which were absolutely magnificent. These falls supply NZ with 15 percent of its power.

Last night we went to a Maori village – enjoyed wonderful Maori hospitality and learnt all about the HAKA.

Tomorrow we’re seeing a bit of Auckland and having supper with friends who are now living in NZ (ex-South Africans).

On Saturday we’re off to Brisbane to see Lynne and Mark. Mike returns to SA on Monday and I’ll be spending another week with Paul and family in Sydney.

Love to you all

Barbara