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Before touching down in NZ we spent the last leg of our South America trip in Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. Our first taster was the witches market, an area of cobbled streets where old hags tried to sell various lotions, potions and good luck charms (which even included llama foetus....nice). Having sampled these local delights we then took the tourist option and jumped on an open top bus to view the city from its highest point (4,900m) and also to visit the scenic Moon Valley, a rugged, rustic mountain range.
Our next Bolivian stop was Uyuni, where we began our 3 day salt lake tour. This included some of the most amazing sights we had seen; multi-coloured lagoons, spurting geysers, snowy mountains and hot water springs. The breath-taking Salar de Uyuni itself - a salt pan the size of Switzerland - was another open-mouthed Iguassu Falls moment!! All in all it was a fantastic trip, made even better by the company of 3 crazy Japanese guys whose Village People karaoke renditions made the long car trips hysterical and memorable.
With 9 weeks complete in South America we were now ready to hit New Zealand and settle into the home
comforts of hot showers, Sunday roasts and cat stroking at Chez Thompson.
Our week in Auckland with Mads and Richard started with a bang, finding out the news that they are expecting their first child in October. Major congrats guys!!
For the rest of the time we walked and horse rode on many a beautiful beach around Auckland and generally soaked up the laid-back, outdoor lifestyle that the Kiwis lead. We also took a weekend trip out to the Coromandel where we spent time digging our own hot baths on the imaginatively titled Hot Water Beach and strolling up to the picturesque Cathedral Cove.
On our final night in 'The City of Sails' we hit the bright lights: taking in a British comedy show and eating oysters on the harbour. (We have since found out that the comedian, Stephen K Amos, we saw has been round to Chez Thompson for dinner - only Dickie could pull this one off).
That's all for now. The next update will come from Sydney where you will get all the details on the quality of Auntie Rose and Uncle Ken’s Barbie’s.
Until then, be safe, look both ways before
crossing busy streets, take caution when eating apple pies from MacDonalds and keep off the grass. Lots and lots of love Nate & Anna. XXXXXXXXX
p.s. Happy Birthday Joe for the 25th May - we've sent you a special something from Peru in the post......
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Lo & Co.
non-member comment
I've found the new John Travolta!
Nathan, all that was missing was your 30th Birthday outfit!! You almost convinced me it was John Travolta especially with the wacky hair do! I love it really - never seen you with your hair so long! It's great news about the new baby on the way! Congratulations to your sister and her hubby! Anna, you look so relaxed in that self built jacuzzi!! - I would do anything to be able to join you and so wish I was there with you especially now at Aunty Rose's..... Enjoy the bbq's! The japanese guys are exactly what I imagined - can just hear them now singing the YMCA and forever repeating 'It's hotttttt!!' all night long! All is well this end. Kids and Joe are well. Think of us along with 15,000 other on Saturday night as it's the Moonwalk night..... Will send you photo of us in our bright sun flower bra's! Mum is well and is missing you - she often wonders what you're up to and where you are and I think is secretly counting the days till your return..... Can't wait to get the next Travel blog with all your news from Australia. Take care and speak over w/end. Love you and miss you... Lo, Joe, Elisa and Fabio xxxxxxxx