Welcome to the Sub-Tropics

good morning all.

yes i know it is not morning but i like it as a greeting. last time we spoke we were still in Sydney. it may have felt like an afternote on that blog but that is because being in Sydney is indescribable so we spent a lot of time in awe rather than doing stuff. while we were there we were given several amazing tours by Dan and Craig, did very touristy things, visited Bondi Beach (whoop whoop) and, as ever, had fish and chips on the beach. well, technically it was in a park on the wharf but still. as i said indescribable and absolutely incredible.

after a far too short time in Sydney we flew to Melbourne, arrived at 9 in the evening and left at 8 in the morning. really long stay. as our plane was leaving at 8 we thought we would aim to be at the airport at 6. we had a half hour bus journey and about 15 minute walk so we planned on getting up at 4.30 (yeesh but gotta be done). i woke up at 5.40 to discover that my alarm had not gone off and sarah's phone was still on Queensland time so an hour ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Panic ensued so we got ready at light speed, practically ran to the bus (up a hill with 17kgs on our backs. not fun) and just made it to the bus on time. we got through security and went to our gate with plenty of time only to wait for boarding to start for half an hour. so not impressed.

however, we arrived in New Zealand absolutely fine and were picked up by Fran and Sam. we have spent the last few days discovering Auckland which has been lovely and being practically waited on. i really liked that. last night we arrived in (sarah thinks) Whangarei to stay with Bill and Irene. it is lovely here. you look out the window and right there is the sea and its blue and warm and (apart from the cold wind) perfect. this morning we went for a walk and paddled in the sea and found a lookout and a lovely little bay. gorgeous.

lots of love
Amy and Sarah
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p.s. the reason we have stopped adding photos is because while attempting to add some in Sydney Sarah's memory card got wiped. Dan, being the amazing man he is, managed to recover them but we aren't risking it again as we have nowhere toback them up to. you will just have to wait until we come home and start flaunting them..... i mean ........showing them.......
xxxxx