Santa, sunshine, fishing and starting yatch races...

Q. What do you call a line of rabbits walking backwards?
A. A receding hairline

Magali found this joke (weirdly in a pack of suasages). Reminded me about crap Xmas jokes. About the only thing that’s made us feel Christmassy. 30 degree sunshine, beaches and blue skies are things not really associated with it! However the Kiwi’s still dress some poor bugger up in a full Santa’s outfit (including the beard) at Xmas fetes up & down the country.

Is the penultimate day in NZ. A month here has gone in the blink of an eye. Thinking about it, been gone 2 months and it seems like 2 mins. We know we’ve been crap with updating this thing. Wish could come up with a decent excuse. Can’t.

Spent 2 weeks in the south island. Magali loved Queenstown. Went fishing (with Capt. Lou). Persuaded Magali to come & wish I didn’t. We caught 2 fish - Magali caught both. Still not heard the last of that. Bizarrely afterwards were invited to start a yacht race & made the local rag. Found out that Capt. Lou (a 65 yr old) is the oldest swinger in town. Ended up having beers with him and 2 of his “lady friends”. Weird dynamic. One was a livewire / manic airhead, the other a cast iron battleaxe. Fearing Magali was next on his wish list, we left before he could slip rohypnol in her wine… (Gutted, I had my eye on the battleaxe).

Next place of note was Picton. Really nice relaxed sleepy town with cool bars / cafes. If only there were enough people to fill them! The Marlborough sounds are amazing. Considered buying a boat for £100,000 (was half price and a real boys dream). Realised several practical implications and refrained. Good to dream.

Spent the last 2 weeks with Mr & Mrs Abbot (and my really cool godson ‘lil James!). Many thanks guys! Took full advantage of their benevolence (free accommodation, food and booze!). Especially the nightly BBQ - heaven. Think we’re suffering form protein poisoning. Think may just be able to endure the little lamb, pork and beef ensemble planned for ce soir… Can't think why Mike's nickname at Uni was "Mixed Grill"...

My favourite place has been Paihia in the bay of Islands. Just great all round; scenery, vibe, bars, cafes, people. Went swimming with dolphins. Could swear I saw flipper. Also went fishing. Didn’t let Magali come, but did catch some fish. Honestly…