The JaYmes Escape

It was the hangover from hell for a three and a half hour flight on a deserted 767 and then the first new country I’ve seen for five months. Maybe it’s Kings Cross, Paddington and Hyde Park or maybe it’s the filth, hoodlums and grumpy people, but my first impression of Sydney is that it reminds me of London. Is this a good or bad thing? Only time will tell.

My last few days in Auckland are a bit of a blur. After coming back from my Coromandel trip I watched the Lions suffer a humiliating defeat by the All Blacks. I never really liked rugby anyway. Then I just seem to remember a lot of card games and NZ alcohol of various forms, a quiz night at the Dogs Bollix and a big game of Poker with monopoly money.

Some things I’ll remember from my time in New Zealand – Flying ‘Supaman’ across the Buller Gorge, Climbing through ice holes on the Franz Josef Glacier, Serving drinks at The Tap Room in Christchurch, Losing my hat on the TranzAlpine, Running around naked on a beach near Takaka, Parliament from the public gallery in Wellington, Watching the sun rise at the East Cape lighthouse, Walking around a volcano at White Island and hanging out and working in Auckland.

Thanks to everyone who participated. I’m not going to make a long list of names. You know who you are.