Chris's Section Las Vegas, what can I say? I thought I knew what to expect, but seeing slot machines in the airport was the first of many surprises. We later saw them in shops - even a pharmacy. This is a crazy place, designed and built to separate people from their money. It does this very well too! Our hotel, The Luxor was really nice. It's massive, like all the casino hotels. Another surprise was indoor smoking. It's been banned so long in the UK it came as a shock to see people smoking all around. As a consequence air freshener is pumped throughout the hotels and casinos. We kinda got sick of the artificial smell, but I'm sure it was better than smoke and the smell of people! Our first night on the strip ... read more

Chris's Section This may be our last blog from New Zealand. We only have a couple of weeks left before we head off to the USA. We'll be back in the UK in about 6 weeks - March 2nd to be precise. We have mixed feelings about it all. We are a little sad to be on the homeward leg of the trip, but we are pretty travel weary and we're looking forward to getting home. Plus, the US leg of the trip is pretty exciting. Once we're home we just have to worry about finding jobs, some place to live and all the other stressful shit – like our rapidly depleting funds! 275 days gone, 34 to go! Anyway, for the past couple of weeks we've been touring the South Island. The word 'wow' has ... read more

Chris's Section We're loving New Zealand so far. Our first stop was Auckland. Although we only spent a day here (we'll be returning before we fly to the US) we like what we saw. We headed to Rotorua to stay with Lou's family. It was so nice to have a few home comforts – thanks guys for being so welcoming. The main challenge here was to buy a car for under $2000 (£1000), which we'd been told would be difficult. I think we were lucky as we found a good car for $1600 and so far it's been a little star! Rotorua is a really nice place. It's famous for its thermal mud pools and ever-present sulphurous odour. The place stinks of rotten eggs. You kinda get used to it after a while. Rotorua is also ... read more

Louise's Section This may be the first time we are actually writing the blog as we go rather than all on one day so bear with us if it seems we're leaping about a bit. Sunday: “errrm is this Surfers Paradise, it looks like Blackpool on steroids, but without the lights, shall we keep going?” answer from Chris “Yes!” Hope we haven't offended too many Aussies , but it's not as picturesque as we thought. Coolangatta was nicer, even with a cockroach infested bathroom and pool that had been closed owing to high electricity levels (if someone can explain this, please do, as electricity is surely bad in a swimming pool whatever the level!!). We hit Brisbane and after a stressed out drive in through the city centre we arrived at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Chris ... read more

Louise's Section Ahh sitting in the sunshine, with a cool breeze and contemplating a glass of wine...this is the life. We are now midway between Sydney and Brisbane in a place called Harrington. We haven't done much apart from strolling about and looking at the local sights except going on a dolphin/whale watching cruse. It was nice to get out but my god the weather was shit!! I got to see the back of a dolphin and a baby whale and 3 fur seals, all for $60!! I know they cannot guarantee good sightings but I was still a bit disappointed. Oh well, hopefully more whales to come in New Zealand. I have further clarified to myself that I do not like Pelicans, they have evil eyes (see picture to demonstrate said evilness). We had a ... read more