We went to Puerto Iguazu with the aim of seeing the Iguazu Falls. Two days later we have seen the falls from almost every conceivable angle......from above by helicopter, from below in a jet boat, from Brazil, and from Argentina. The weirdest thing about it is that every single time you see them you are still taken aback at just how awe inspiring they are and how amazing it is. So in the last two days I have taken about a zillion photos and next time you come for dinner you too can experience the majesty and beauty of the Falls as I show you the pictures. No don't worry, I'll only do that to people who are overstaying their welcome. And the really good news is that I didn't buy the DVD of the helicopter ... read more

It's just one day but thanks to the date line I managed to finish up my packing, figure out my storage, have a leisurely lunch with my parents in Auckland before flying to Santiago then on to Buenos Aires all well before the cocktail hour. That's the Argentinian cocktail hour anyway. About half an hour out of Santiago the skies were a stunning blue and you could see the mountain ranges all around - you couldn't see where a city might fit! I had several hours in Santiago airport and now know every inch of it. It is surprisingly scuzzy. It looks like a team of home handymen had been in and then given up for happy hour with half finished areas dotted all about and tools lying about. The rest of it wasn't much better! ... read more

The Easter Holiday road trip along the Great Ocean Road began with us starting to drive in the opposite direction. It was, I hasten to add, all part of the plan. We drove down the Mornington Peninsula, popping and out of the little seaside towns until we got to Sorrento. We stopped for lunch, and I bought a slice of the "famous vanilla slice" which was kind of like a giant custard slice. Large enough to feed Cam, me and a fair size helping left over for Ralph. From Sorrento we took the ferry to Queenscliff - and then we began the Great Ocean Road proper. First stop was Bells Beach, where the Easter Rip Curl Surfing competition was in full swing. The place was packed. We then meandered through many gorgeous little towns, stopping where ... read more

As always, we've had a great day. This will be a short entry, given I've given you a fuller update this morning. The day was action packed! Breakfast for a couple of hours in the Secret Garden, followed by a facial. Wonderful! I couldn't get a massage as I have gotten a bit sunburnt. But even this has its uses - we went snorkelling the other day with a couple from the States, at Laughing Bird Caye. I was wearing a yellow bikini, and was keeping close to our guide Gerald (part man part fish as you may recall). They thought it was very helpful that my yellow and red striped bum made such a great beacon!! Anyhow, later this afternoon Lucy and I biked to the nearby village of Seine Bight, only about 3 miles ... read more

I thought it was hell that was supposed to be hot, but I'm truly in heaven and it's damn hot. I'm not complaining, don't get me wrong, but it's very hot indeed. I spent most of the morning in the water, and anyone who knows me will tell you how unusual that is. Hot and gorgeous here - here being Placencia, in the south of Belize. Yesterday morning Lucy and I flew from Caye Caulker to Belize. For people who are interested in such things, we flew in a 208B Grand Caravan, which seats 12 passengers. Lucy and I shamelessly threw ourselves to the front of the queue in order to ensure a good seat for the views, but this unladylike behaviour was definitely worth it. It was a beautiful day, and we got excellent views ... read more