[FRIDAY] I awoke at 4:30am to the alarm. Knowing there was no chance of going back to sleep I litterally crawled out of bed and headed straight to the fridge to consume my last Cherry Ripe which I'd purchased during check-in (good breakfast 'ey !) I had a shower, and got ready before hanging around until 5:20am. A courtesy bus by the name of 'Red Baron' was due to pick me up at that time which would take me to the International Airport. The bus pulled up and I boarded it to which there was one seat left. We stopped off at the domestic airport first before proceeding to the International. Myself along with the other travellers walked off, collected our luggage and walked into the Terminal. This was my first time entering the Brisbane International, so of course just walked around until I found what I needed: to check-in!No word of a lie, there were 3 chock-a-block lines of people travelling on my very flight. To think about it now, I can't believe all those people were even on the plane.After about half an hour in the line, I finally cleared by luggage, before heading to the currency exchange to get some NZ dollars.I immediately headed downstairs, to which I had to fill out a green form, basically asking my details, and then where I'm going, for what purpose and how long I'm going for. I then joined around 100 other people in line to go through customs. After having that sorted, I asked about getting some electronics forms signed, to which they could not do, so after being asked to step aside to talk to 'the right person' about that, I complained bitterly. Basically, I had to get a form signed by Customs, that the electronics I had with me were mine and were leaving the country and would be returning with me. Details on the form asked for a description, and serial number, however because most of it was in my checked luggage (which was already heading to the plane) I could only get signed off what I actually had on me. I told the lady I was not impressed and it was crap filling in the form otherwise. If I get charged the tax for those unsigned items when I come, I will completely do my nut!! Anway... after that I proceed throught Customs and had a quick look throught the Duty Free shops, but after that headed down to Gate 84 and waited about 20 minutes for my flight.We started heading onto the plane at 8:15am as per schedule. Once again, I got my requested window seat - right down the very back. I wasn't too fussed, but it grew on me. I took nearly an hour before we finally took off for Palmerston North in New Zealand's North Island.During the trip, we hit a fair bit of turbulance for around 10 constant minutes for which seatbelts were a must. However things got back to normal. They played a movie while travelling, and the scenery was just great - lots and lots and lots of water, as we flew over the Tasman sea.The plane started it's decent not long after flying over land. Everything I saw out the window was just green green green. We touched down on the runway at 3:14pm local time, and the plane made a stop just infront of the airport. While waiting for the passenger to disembark of the plane, I had a chat with one of the flight attendants about my holiday. She was a local and was quite a stunner too!! I headed into the airport and most people were lined up for customs, while others did their duty free shopping.Finally buy the time I'd had my passport stamped, and luggage scanned and made my way to the main lounge, it was a little after 4pm. Gordon met me in the lounge and got a small amount of footage on his video camera, but then stopped to shake my hand on my arrival.Gordon and I left the airport, stopping in town before driving the 15km's back to Pahiatua - where Gordon and Liz live.After viewing Gordon's house on Google Earth some time ago, it was easy enough to pinpoint the direction of his house.We offloaded my stuff and I got the grand tour of their little house, which would seem quite cosy in the winter time.Gordon and I caught up in the lounge for about an hour just talking about little things. Liz was at work, New World, a supermarket which closes around 10pm every night - and sells a small selection of grog! She would not be home until around 8:00pm.Gordon and I then drove to his son's house, Dean, along with his wife Catherine, and daughters, Cheyenne, Savannah, and SkylaAs timing would have it, they were just sitting down to dinner, so Gordon and I sat in the lounge, talking and discussing different topics. Dean came and sat in the lounge when he'd finished. 1997 was the last time I saw Dean, and apart from having short hair, he's not changed. Just older and hopefully a little wiser! Cheyenne was on around 7 months old when we were in Zimbabwe in 1996, so obviously she did not remember me, but although she's a shy girl, she's a sweet girl as well. Savannah and Skyla certainly were not shy around me, but I guess as most kids their age, they do tend to show off around guests. It was then time for the entire household (including the rest of the country) to sit down and watch the season finally of Shortland Street, my guess would be the NZ alternative to Neighbours. I sat and watched it anyway. Apparently it's "the" program in New Zealand.Around 8:30pm, Gordon and I headed home, and although it was not even close to dark, Gordon and I went back to his place, where I caught up with Liz, before we went down to the take-a-way shop and got fish and chips for tea. Liz didn't have tea, but we all sat in the lounge until just after midnight talking and catching up. Liz had work early the next morning so we all hit the beds.[END OF DAY 2]