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Civilisation!!
Finally, the day I've been waiting for - civilisation (even though it was just Auckland!). Once settled into my hostel (went for a private ensuite room though), first things first I went for a Burger King. Shameful I know but when you've been living off rice, sweet potatoes and no flavour for a month, you start to crave fastfood crap! Decided to treat myself to a slap up dinner so meandered on down to the marina and waterfront. Wish I'd discovered this area of Auckland last time as it was really quite pleasant - and kicking! Saturday night is the night for tarts in Auckland it seems! Skintight sequin-covered, belt-length skirts and boob tubes. Miaow! I felt really out of place in my denim skirt and flip flops (pretty much my smartest outfit! Note to self: must buy a nice dress for such occasions!). Found a nice place to eat that was off the main drag so more comfy for that dining alone experience. Sat down, ordered my wine and then something happened that in all my years of business travel and eating alone, has never ever happened. A guy came over and asked if I wanted company as he was also dining alone. A Brit, my age and in my industry, I could finally have a normal conversation! Absolutely no offence to all you 20-odd year olds I've been hanging out with over the last 2 months but sometimes you just need someone from your own era so you don't feel like such an old fart granny! Carried on to a bar and a lot of champagne later (thanks Paul!) staggered home! I feel almost human again. Having not drunk for a month, yesterday I felt decidedly worse for wear and had to sit on a bus for the best part of 4 hours dosing in and out of consciousness til I finally arrived in Tauranga to stay again with Jeanette and Matt for a few days. Planning to have a few beauty treatments (and of course get rid of this horrendous barnet I've developed) before heading out to Santiago on Christmas Eve where I arrive even before I've set off!
I've uploaded all Vanuatu photos here: www.picasaweb.google.com/lindylou73. I haven't sorted through them or put them in order so apologies for the mammoth folders but it'll keep you occupied if you get bored over the holidays or send you to sleep if you're struggling!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas wherever you are (I'll be flying all day Santiago-Panama-Havana - 3 countries in one day, not bad eh!) and I'll be back with more news once I reach Cuba (can't wait for those mojitos!).
Linda xxx
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