As we were only 500 metres from the zoo it seemed a shame to miss it out. The animals appeared content and they were in pairs with large enclosures. As it was 28C outside, the African animals probably felt quite cool by comarison. The zoo is located in a large park with many plants and huge banyan trees.... read more

This time we are downtown Honolulu in a shopping mall when we come upon a local dance troup performing a show on stage. The mall perports to be the largest outdoor shopping area in the world and after 4 hours in there I can believe it (the Hawaiian shirt may appear in subsequent blogs).... read more

We became younger today as we crossed the international date line on route to Hawaii. Whilst we may have gained a day, we lost an evenings sleep, since with a 01.00hrs departure from Fiji it was impossible to sleep on the plane. People coughing, sneezing incessantly and babies wailing would have posssible to cope with ordinarily but my noise reducing headphones had packed up (grumpy old man!). A small confession for family back home. We said this year that because of the trip, Christmas was cancelled for us. Well actually we landed on Christmas Island on route to Hawaii so I supose Christmas happened early for us. In fairness we were turfed off the plane with our hand luggage to wait on the tarmac for 1 hour at 06.30 whilst the aircraft was refuelled. Seen from ... read more

Arrived Tuesday evening and the resort is fine but miles from anywhere so we are just relaxing by the beach during the day and by night we make friends at the bar then have dinner. We have had heavy rain in the evenings but sunshine by day. It is 31C and very humid. We have palled up with a nice couple from Bedford, Tom & Sue. We share many common interests so this means the conversation never dries up. I will post a few photos but really nothing much more to report until we get to Hawaii.... read more

No reports from Plamerston North. Just a town for a stop over, same can be said of Turangi, although as the trout capital of the world I did want to wet a line. Had a nice meal (overpriced) in the fishing lodge restaurant. We did not stay here as the rate is $400 per night (£220 for a bed only). Next day was caving in Waitomo which is famous for limestone caves, glow worms and stalagmites /ctites. 3 caves and each one different which we covered over two days. 2 were very commercial but still enjoyable and the third was our own private tour, well there were actually 3 of us and a guide.... read more