In Auckland

Hello all

I have now just about woken up since arriving in Auckland and am getting my bearings. Phileas is sitting and chatting with our new hosts and since it is now raining very hard is a good opportunity for me to 'Blog'. I mention the rain since I do not want you to think it is wall to wall sunshine. I have even got a jumper on! Phileas and I however braved the elements and went for a good walk round Devonport where we will be based for the next month. It is a delightful place. As a friend who lives on south island observed Devonport is very 'Anne of Green Gables'. Phileas's comment as we were walking round was that it is almost too good to be true. Very clean and healthy. It is a small place with a range of shops and good bars and restaurants. We have tried a couple already! The people are very friendly and helpful. The youth seem to be happy and there is very little crime. Unemployment is about 2%. There are two ways of getting here. Over a large road bridge situated some distance away from Devonport or over by the ferry. If a crime is committed here the police just close the bridge or wait for the ferry to dock. Of course boats could be used but they are not. The beaches are clean and safe and when the weather clears we will be down there with the locals swimming, although the pool at the house is great. Phileas has had a dip! The pool takes up most of the garden which has a border of trees and shrubs with a huge gas fired Bar-b-q in the corner. We had a Bar-b-q yesterday with our hosts Jim and Wendy and Wendy's children. Very pleasant indeed. Having just about recovered from jetlag we are now looking to go exploring further afield to the north of north island where there is wildlife in abundance to see. So Phileas and Fogg's big adventure is well underway. It seems a width of beach measuring a 'Chain' (22yards) (about 7 metres) known I think as the Queens chain goes all round both islands. It is 'owned' by our very own QE 2. It is a way of ensuring that people who have properties overlooking the beach here do not claim rights down to the waters edge and that beach use is available to all. Property here is lovely. Most are raised off the ground and a large storage space is created underneath. Cars are kept on an adjacent driveway. All houses have a ground floor outside terrace. Its the kind of terrace one sees on the films with 'old folks' sitting on in a slowly rocking 'rocking chair'. I must have a go! We saw a poster today for candle light carol singing on the 13th. We shall go to that and try a little to 'integrate' with the local community.
So, until the next Blog this is Fogg signing off . Thank you to those who are sending us emails. It is good to hear from you.
Fogg. x