New Zealand – 20th Dec 2008 - Day 58

After a good nights sleep, we woke, had breakfast, packed, paid our bill and checked for replies from Richard and Kerry, who we were planning to meet so we could give them back the borrowed camera and phone. We were concerned to find no such reply. We had also left a message on their phones.

We drove back to Sydney stopping off at Bondi Beach. Nice place, but the weather was a tad cloudy and windy. We had a cup of coffee and cake on the beach front before driving to Richard and Kerry’s house. We rang the door but no one was in. John managed to find a good spot to leave the camera and phone and a bottle of “thanks very much” wine.

We drove to the Airport and checked in. Whilst queuing, we was Quentin and his kids checking into first class. Before we could say hi, they were off. We made our way to our lounge via a few shops where Fiona purchased Mazi, a very large stuffed Kangaroo toy. Nice memento.

John wanted to say hi to Quentin, so he managed to sweet talk his way into the First Class lounge. Very nice! Quentin was pleased to see him and they chatted for a while. They were off to meet his wife who was already in Dublin, where they were staying with family for Christmas.

Our plane left on time. The journey home ,via Singapore, went on for an eternity. Unlike BA flights, the beds in Quantas business do not go fully flat, so they were not so comfy.

We arrived back in the UK to quite mild weather. We caught a cab to Fiona’s Company car park, picked up the car and drove to John’s parents to pick up or dog, Heather.

We were back home now. It was all over. New Zealand has been great as had Australia. On hindsight, we would only have spent 4 weeks in New Zealand and would recommend others to go in January and February when the weather is better. Back to reality now!!

We have enjoyed our year off. It is an event that will stay with us both for ever. We have met some great people, some of whom we hope to keep in touch with. Its impossible to single out any exceptional aspects of our trip. All have been excellent and all have been very different.

Thanks to every one who has read our blog and who have sent us messages. We have loved all of them.