We wish everyone an amazing 2011.
Not sure how we’ll top 2010 but we’re going to give it our best shot 🙂

[Gold Coast, Australia] With me as a walking zombie our concern at getting into Australia shifted from the possibility of mud specs on our shoes to the thought of me being quarantined for carrying some bizarre disease. V propped me up and I put on the best possible face for immigration. Phew. No problems and they were incredibly pleasant and polite. The quarantine officials just asked us what we wanted to declare – some instant tea sachets, chopsticks (wood) and some marie biscuits – no problem, they waved us through without the hassle of emptying our packs. Another relief but after all that effort cleaning our shoes they could have checked 🙂

It was great to be back in the world of toasted ham and cheese sarmies, fresh milk and taps that dispense free water that you can drink, but I was still completely out of it. We (I tried) to have a little nibble for breakfast. R140 for two toasted sarmies – yikes ! That’s the first world we know. With 10 hours to wait for our next flight we found some empty benches and made ourselves at home. Immaculate ablutions (hot and cold running water) were yet another good sign. The soft toys we had got for Ingrid’s kids (V’s buddy in Christchurch) proved to be excellent pillows and we both had a chance to catch up on a little sleep.

I always pictured that the Auzzies were all slim and athletic but looks like ‘the good life’ is getting the better of them. With miserable weather outside and me now with aches and fever we decided against taking the 10 minute walk to the beach. We just sat it out as V took excellent care of me. Not the ideal way to spend New Year’s day. Don’t worry Oz. We’ll be back.

Our Air New Zealand flight in the evening was excellent. Wonderful staff. Tasty (apparently) Food. Snazzy and comfortable new plane with tonnes of entertainment. Pity I was still writhing in a ball. It was a short hop to Christchurch (3 hours) and getting in to New Zealand proved to be as easy as Australia, although we were asked if we had a tent in our packs -um… How on earth would that fit ?!

V’s friends had offered to collect us at the airport…at midnight on New Years Day! Now that’s hospitality. “Hellos”, a cup of tea and I was tucked into bed as V spent some time catching up with Ingrid and John. It was a VERY long and painful trip to get to Middle Earth. Good thing it’s over, now just to get well and get out on our quest to return that pesky Ring. Hang on. That’s not right. We’re just exploring 🙂

[Pictures: Mmm chocolate milk at Gold Coast Airport]

– Posted from my iPhone via 3G