Dave Hi Guys, i guess your back home, sometimes you don't realise just how lucky you are, believe me New Zealand is one hell of a place. I just fell in love with everything, mind blowing scenery, great food, surprisingly good 'reds', awesome activities but above all - GREAT PEOPLE. I just love the whole way of life. I will be back and i'll look you guys up. Loved the blogs Great to have spent some time with you both at the begining of my trip Sweet as.........Dave

Richard & Helen Wow - nothing has changed in Thailand bus services over nearly 30 years! Your bus trip reminded us of our own 'el-cheapo' de-luxe delight from Bangkok to Phuket in 1981. We arrived intact but many others had been robbed over-night by conspirators getting on and off the bus during the long night at the numerous stops. On arrival in Phuket we were promptly warned about the pirates doing beach raids - another story!!! See you home soon - for a 'detox' wethinks!!!

amanda tubing sounds absoloutely wicked, i am so jealous of you at the mo, you sound like you are having the experience of a lifetime :) the visa thing sucks though in thailand, i hope they put it back soon, that is defintely a place that you want to spend more than two weeks in... the full moon party looked incredible and omg you look so brown!! i guess two months over there will do that for you...

Timbo Hey guys, I hope you are doing well, I've been looking at your photos and they are really small, like the size of postage stamps. Have you got your cameras on the right resolution? Or is it just slow internet connections?

Timbo Happy New Years to you both! I have been away from a computer since xmas day when we caught up on skype, it was great to 'see' you guys! Could you email me your skype details so we can catch up again some time. I left Auckland early on the 27th to chch where I caught up with old school and uni mates. It was bloody hot the entire time I was down there, (except for a proper thunder and lightning storm which rained out the cricket) easily high twenties and thirties. I was having cold showers which I have never needed in Welly. I had an awesome time, went tramping in Arthur's pass up Hawdon valley, then over to Akaroa to stay at a mate's bach (fully original) then chch for new years where i checked out sol square which is a new development down there. The last few days were spent relaxing, so much so I now have a cold! Keep the posts coming, I'm really enjoying reading them!

Arron and Nicky Hey everyone thanks heaps for all your posts so far. Good to get feedback from you all. Hope everyone has had a great xmas and new year...keep the comments coming!!

Warren & Viv Hi Guys, I hope you have enjoyed your New Year, We had any early night as we are still working through. I know that you will be ap for a big party night. Good luck and stay safe Happy New Year to all

amanda england merry christmas guys... hope laos is treating you well :)

Helen and Richard Merry Christmas everyone!!

fiona davies (nee Mcdonald!!) Hi Guys, Great blog! I hear you are heading to Vang Vieng for New Years Eve(maybe??). Guy and I spend New Years there about 7 years ago - i'm sure things haven't changed much. Make sure you check out the buddha caves and lagoons. And make sure you take out loads of cash in Luang Prabang, and don't get stuck without any cash in the middle of Laos - like we did! thank god for our the generous and trusting new travel buddies. x

Helen Vaughan What a fantastic sounding trip. So much sun, beaches, great food... Lucky you. Meanwhile over here (Vancouver) we need to go out twice a day to clear away the snow. I look forward to your Chan Mai blog. We were there 27 years ago and loved it. Happy travels. Keep well and safe.

Tash I thought I had better write now as I am officially ob term break so will be busy relaxing and drinking in the sun as you are and I plan on using little technology over this time lol!!! Although in saying that I will be slotting in some study but not quite thinking about that yet. Anyway it sounds like yu have seen some rather interesting things and met some crazy people.....theres a whole other world out there and you two are right amoungst it. I imagine seeing some of the things you mention in your latest blog would have been tough but yet amazing, great detail Nik love your journal entries. Anyway I hope this finds you both happy and well, where are you going to be for the festive season. I am never sure where to write, here, facebook or email....I can always do all three. Better hit the hay anyway its been a long last day of term. Much love xx

Timbo I'm sorry it has been so long since I have posted here, no excuse really! The motorbike adventure certainly sounded a little crazy, would you do it again? It is funny how once you hand over the money they go from being nice to grumpy and rude (suit guys too). You might remember nicki that I got a shirt taylor made in Phuket, to this day it is my best/favourite shirt. It is more comfortable and better looking than all my more expensive ones from 'western' shops. Assuming that those taylors are as good as the ones in Phuket, you won't regret buying those suits/shirts and dresses! A shame about the gluten incident, it must be tough trying to steer clear of wheat. I am starting to see 'gluten' free isles at the new world supermarkets over here! It's awesome you met up with your friends again in Nha Trang, being in a larger group will certainly help negotiate prices down and give you a better sense of security and control of your surroundings! Party time!

Miki whats up intrepid travellers!! looks like you're enjoying the cruisey life with no work and all play, its wicked aye! i'd love to see a pic with some frog legs hanging out of azzas mouth. good to see youve got the do bro shirt.......represent!

Tash Hey team!!!! Lastest blog is great, such detail Nik I can tell Aza is not the one documenting the trip lol....no in all seriousness this is a great way to keep track of your latest and greatest adventures. Anyway if you go back to Ho Chi Min you need to try the 'Rex' hotel which has a restaurant on the roof top. My masters supervisor was telling me he is heading over for a month and the place is meant to be amazing....this may be useless information for you now though. Anyway we are rolling into the wknd here and off course it's rainibg in good old Dunedin city, at least you guys are amoungst the good weather. Just checking in anyway and Aza it's time for a FB message.....I see you have met loads of people as you are tagged in all these random peoples photos! Hope all is well and your looking after one another. Much love Tash xoxo