The last time the Rugby World Cup came to New Zealand I was at school, and was completely caught up in the excitement. I became a walking encyclopedia of all things rugby, and was even lucky enough to go to one of the games with my father and brothers. This time, the build up seemed to go on for ever, and about three weeks ago I thought I was over it before it began. But then finally it was game week, and the atmosphere and excitement in Auckland was catching. By Friday I was completely caught up in it again. Auckland welcomed the world with a stunningly beautiful day - no clouds, no wind, just a gorgeous sunny spring day. There was real buzz in the city which had been building all week. This party was ... read more

It was a beautiful morning yesterday, so I headed off to the Coast, specifically to the port city of Valparaiso. On the way there however, I stumbled across the Changing of the Guard, at La Moneda, the Presidential Palace. I had forgotten that this happens every other day at 10.00 am, and as I was heading towards the Metro station at La Moneda I heard a brass band and followed the noise. Considering that this happens every other day it's quite a spectacle, and lasts for at least half an hour. Or put another way, after half an hour it was still going on, when I realised that I'd better get cracking and headed off to the Metro for my connection to Valparaiso. Valparaiso, also known as Valpo, seemed to me to be the flip side ... read more

It has been a very rushed visit to Ecuador, and it feels like I only got to nibble on the peanuts while everyone else enjoyed the fillet steak. I want to come back for the main meal! From the brief glimpse I have had, it is a stunningly beautiful country and I would love to see more of it. After getting back to Quito from the rainforest yesterday afternoon, I met up with Jackie who had been in my group in the rainforest, and we did a whirlwind tour of Quito Old Town. Unfortunately the weather was not great and not long into our excursion it started to rain. The irony of having been in a rainforest fully prepared for rain, which never truly eventuated and what short bursts of rain we had never lasted for ... read more

I arrived in Quito on Sunday afternoon, checked into my gorgeous little hotel, La Rabida and decided to go for a short walk. I asked the friendly guy at reception where to wander and he gave me a little map and pointed me in the right direction. Then I asked if it was safe - I had heard that Quito was in parts quite dangerous. He responded that it was perfectly safe, but as an afterthought added that I shouldn't take my camera or more money than I think I would need. So not really then! Anyhow Sunday afternoons in most Latin American countries from what I can tell is completely dead, however I wandered around the neighbourhood in the area that I am staying, Mariscal. It was only on my return that found a guidebook ... read more

I arrived in Armenia on Sunday, one of the three main towns in Colombia's coffee region and was immediately enveloped in the famous Colombian hospitality. I had arranged a trip to the region through an agency, so basically I didn't have to think too much in the coming days....except in Spanish. I was too cheap to spring for an English speaking guide and I thought it would be better for my Spanish practice. Well that's my story anyhow. I was picked up by Yicel, the local agent here who had organised my time in the region. She whisked me off to have lunch with her parents to celebrate Mother's Day. Like most Colombians I have met they were fascinated that I was travelling alone. Colombians usually travel with their families, which was proven true when I ... read more