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Christmas Eve ... we are now in Taupo having driven up from Rotorua this morning.
Our day in Rotorua yesterday was lovely. Spent an interesting morning in Hells Gate, an area rich in thermal activity, with many pools bubbling away in excess of 100c . We took advantage of the warm mud bath rich in natural minerals, ironically this was the first bath I have seen in over 4 months and it was a mud one!!!! Then we washed off and tried to relax in the sulpher hot water spa's. I say 'tried' because the sulpher got into our eyes and the whole thing became quite an unpleasant experience .... the sulpher stays in you skin for 24 hours too so we are not able to wear jewellry until it clears - we smell a bit too!!!
After lunch we went up the mountain via cable car to look out over Rotorua and the lake. We were lucky with the weather it was a beautiful clear blue sky day. The view was amazing. Had a go at the luge go cart track and then rounded it off with 'the skyswing'. Skyswing was something we opted for before having seen it... probably wouldn't have done it had we of known. You sit in a seat within a big frame bit like a ball and get hoisted up VERY high to an angle of 90degrees before pulling the rope and swinging down .... surfice to say we got the dvd because it was so funny.
In the evening we did the very touristy Maui Village Experience. A Maui warrior mock village where we were entertained and informed about some of the Maui ways, and evening made better by the driver of the bus, really quite funny.
So here we are. Christmas Eve in New Zealand. Our hostel is family run and I have travelled a bit with the daughter who is about Katie's age. They have given us a 6 bed dorm with en-suite all to ourselves and we are probably going to take advantage of the Christmas dinner they are offering tomorrow. All the trimmings a glass of bubbly and a keg of beer for just $25 each (about 12 pounds). There will be about 25 other there too so it should be a good atmosphere.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE ..... Cheers from New Zealand
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- comments
Rach Will raise a glass to you tomorrow Anne!!! Merry Christmas!! Hic! Rachxxxx
Rose Hi Anne, Have a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well. Didn't like the sound of that Skyswing thing, but then I am a great big wimp when it comes to things like that. See you next year. Rose x
sarah Hi Anne Glad to see your taking care of Katie and not leading her into any of your mad anitics!!! Sounds like you having a fab time and have this picure in my mind of you both in the skyswing which sounds just up your street. I hope you have a fab Christmas and fantastic New Year just try to remember it instead of being legless under the tables xxx Take care and I speak soon