Christmas in Auckland

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  Auckland, New Zealand
Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Merry Christmas to you all,
We have been in Auckland since Wednesday and are having a great time.  It is the first big city I have been in since leaving Ecuador in February and its such an amazing contrast from the South Pacific islands I have spent the last year sailing between.  Downtown Auckland isn't anywhere near as busy as a similar sized city in England and there is a lot less of a Christmas marketing feel, which is a refreshing experience.
We arrived from the Bay of Islands on Wednesday afternoon, after spending a great 3 days sailing, stopping in some beautifully sheltered anchorages.  It seems that although we are in the North Island, which is significantly more populated than the apparently more wild and beautiful South Island, the scenery has been stunning, with many islands to stop off and explore, many with Department of Conservation tracks and paths to tramp on

2 Toms for Christmas

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I can't believe that it is almost a year ago since I left England.  In some ways it seems like only yesterday and I can vividly remember saying goodbye to everyone.  In another way it feels like years ago that I was in the beautifully warm, clear waters of French Polynesia, swimming in bath temperature lagoons in the shade of a coconut tree.
My next plan after Christmas is to head off in a couple of days with Tom, hopefully meet up with Claire and Tim in their van, and head off into the wilderness to explore and discover this amazing and beautiful country.  Tom and I are planning on going as far south as we can (definitely into the South Island so if there is anyone there at the moment, please let me know so we can meet up in the New Year).  before heading back to Auckland for the 18th, when Tom flies back to England and I'm planning on heading back up to the Bay of Islands for a couple of weeks to stay with Beccy, who I met a month ago, is a lovely lass from Dublin, used to live with Clare and Tim, works on a beautiful catamaran that takes people out for day sails to spot dolphins in the bay and who has taken me head over heels!
I will keep you posted on the forthcoming ramble across the country and will try to capture some of the beauty on camera to share with you all.
All my love to you on Christmas Day and i wish you lots of love for the New Year.
Tom xxx

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Christmas Lunch on the Balcony

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