The end of Aoteoroa....

Now officially I am out of NZ and have touched down in another country after so long. Currently I am sitting in Brunei Airport waiting for a tour to start, and am reflecting and looking back to a lot of things. Heres a little update for you to talk about the end of my trip, and my last taste of NZ! I struggle to keep this blog up to date, and theres so much I havent yet mentioned...!

So from Fox to Picton onto the Ferry to Wellington (yay!) then up to National Park where I did the Tongariro Crossing. That was one of the best days in NZ! It was a perfect day weather wise, and Im really happy that I made time on the walk to do the side trip up to the crater of Mt Tongariro....1967m :) Go me!

So, Auckland....again. sat and chatted to an English girl, and we made an unspoken agreement to watch over eachothers stuff whilst the other went off to get a drink/stretch legs etc, which was cool!- handy when youre travelling by yourself. I was however a bit overweight....(34 KG!!!! ARRRRG!!!!) on my suitcase and didnt even realise, so most of my clothes and my hiking boots (which were free anyway but I liked!) I threw away. Much cheaper to buy some new clothes than a new flight!!!!! Oh well, my airport antics!! After that was all good though. Royal Brunei are excellent to fly with- some good space, good movies and seat screens on economy! Ive watched 'Yes, Man' 'Quantum Of Solace' and 'Bedtime Stories' so far. They provide everything too from socks to sweets and hot towels....and I had none of that with Air NZ last time. Frequently bringing around soft drinks, and some nice meals. Although it is dry in the alcohol department, as is the country, although you are allowed to drink if you arent from here and you are over 17. The women often have to keep their heads covered, and I havent seen anything like this before, except for the exceptions back in England!! They do a funny praying video before take off also...haha!
So here I am, my first time out of NZ... and Ive bought a drink at a cafe and got free internet, so have decided to plonk myself here for a bit. We landed at 9.30 in the morning, and I have signed myself up for the complimentary city tour, which takes you to and from the airport within two hours. So although its a lot of time til my flight at 8 tonight, Im sure I will keep myself amused and the time will fly past! It still hasnt sunk in yet though that I've left NZ... I guess because the last time I was 'outside' anywhere was in Auckland,...that was a weird reminiscent occasion also! Im looking forward to this tour to experience a country like this for a little bit with no worries for money or safety, but after that I think I'll just be excited to be heading home. I'm continuously pondering if anything would have changed much or not, and have no idea what to expect!! I've changed heaps in many different ways and am also anxious about this too!!

Lots of love and hugs... but still to be continued....
Lorna xxxxx