THE LONGEST DAY

TUESDAY 31st MAY

  What a day! What a day! I had to check out at 10.00am and then adjourned to the lounge with my computer and whiled away the time until 2.00pm when the hotel van took me to the airport.  I went to see where I needed to check in but there was no Qantas flight to Santiago and no flight at 4.40pm to Santiago.  Mild panic stations setting in.  I went to information and enquired, "Ah! it's a code shared flight you want LAN 800", the man replied.  All well and good but that was taking off half an hour earlier than the time my Trailfinders ininerary indicated and presumably landing half an hour earlier than the time I had asked the hotel for a pick-up at the airport.  Well there was nothing I could do about it but check-in.  The nice young lady at the check-in told me my bag was overweight, although it had passed muster on all previous flights, but in the end she said she would let me off this time and pass it through. She also gave me an aisle seat in row 39 which turned out to be right at the back.  It was surprising that the case was so heavy as I had endeavoured to put all heavy items in my shoulder bag which was positively bulging.  As I headed for passport control another lady was standing by a pair of scales asking everybody to weight their hand luggage.  No way would mine have passed this scrutiny.  I waited until she was calling back another passenger who hadn't stopped, and nipped forward with alacrity.  I could hear her voice behind me but whether it was directed at me or someone else I did not stop to enquire but kept looking straight ahead and moving in the same direction!  I got through!  Once airside I changed my remaining NZ dollars into US dollars and Chilean pesos.

  My back was giving me real hell, and things didn't improve much on the plane although there was nobody on the window seat inside me.  The flight was 10 hours 40 mins long and included an evening meal and breakfast.  I got through passport control fairly quickly and went down to the baggage collect area, but couldn't see a carousel with LAN 800 indicated, but as I got to the last carousel there was my suitcase standing next to it.  I grabbed it and went in search of a sign stating "Adam Komorowski" but failed to find one.  An English speaking gent came forward and asked me what my problem was and I explained.  He asked if I had the hotel phone number so I gave it to him, and then he dialled it and passed the phone over to me.  I spoke in English and the guy said that they had ordered a cab for 2.00pm, and went on to say to just catch a cab from the airport.  It struck me of course that the chap may not have phoned the hotel but simply an accomplice who set me up.  This fear was very much confirmed when he led me down to some taxis and said this was his boss, I would negotiate the price with him.  He asked for 80 pesos, but all my notes were from 1000 up to 50,000.  I thought that's cheap, but when I offered the 1000 note he said that was one peso, in other words they knock the thousands off.  I very quickly tried to work out what that would be in sterling, converting the pesos into NZ dollars and those back into sterling.  By my calculations it was about £70.  I asked how long the journey would take and he told me about half an hour.  I told him that was far too much, so he said "For you special  price 60 pesos.  I offered him 30 he stuck out for 40.  I had to get to the hotel, and despite being fairly sure I was being ripped off I decided to go for it.

  We got to the Infinity by Ameristar appartments which are very close to the town centre.  My appartment has a bedroom, living/kitchenette area and yes, a bathroom with a bath!  I'm on the seventh floor with a balcony, with not a very enticing view, but you can see the mountains in the background.

  I unpacked my computer and then realised that none of my adaptors fitted Chilean plugs.  However I had more in the suitcase, so I got out my keys to unlock my suitcase, only to discover it wasn't my suitcase at all but a virtually identical one!  I must admit this was a pretty low point.  I gathered myself and went in search of the young man who had checked me in, and tried to explain to him what had happened.  I asked him if he could ring the airport and give my flight details and the flight number on the case I had.  He successfully did this and said that the other man at the airport was very angry!  Least of my troubles I thought.  I told him I needed to go to an ATM as the taxi fare had swallowed the bulk of my Chilean pesos.  I eventually found one, but all the instructions were in Spanish, and although I tried twice nothing happened.  I went to another ATM and it looked identical to the previous one, but then I spotted right at the bottom a line with "Foreign Cards" to click on.   Thankfully this worked, and once more cash rich I hastened back to the hotel.  I asked the lad if he could order me a cab, ask it to wait for me and bring me back, and confirm the price.  The return journey worked out a fraction under what I had paid for a single leg, which conformed the rip off!  My man Louis (he pronounced it "Lewis") got me to the airport, parked, then caught up with me, took the case over from me - I must admit my mouth was dry and I was puffing.  He went into the office explained everything to the girl, all I had to do was sign a book and show my baggage slip, and I had my case back!  Never had to meet with the unlucky and angry owner of the case I had walked off with. What a relief!

  On the way back Louis discovered that I was going to Easter Island in eight days and I promised I would book him for the trip to the airport.  He insisted on bringing my case into the hotel for me, having noticed that I was still suffering with my back.  I decided to give him a tip, he had proved to be a real trouper.

  After unpacking I found an adapter that fitted Chilean plugs and connected the computer.  Almost immediately Alex came through on Skype.  (I might add that Alan came through on my last night in Auckland, but as I had had a lengthy chat with Mark just before, my internet time ran out shortly after Alan phoned so that curtailed that!). Alex has suggested meeting me in the main bus station in Quito and is e-mailing me all the details.  Not long afterwards Peter came through on Skype.  He told me of his trip to Krasyczyn, Lwow and Swirz with his sister Jenny, husband Chris and friend.  Chris remembered he had left his passport in Warsaw upon arriving in Krasyczyn, so Peter drove back to Warsaw to get it - I'm guessing a round trip of 500-600 miles.  It turns out Peter played a blues harmonica concert in Lwow backed by Ukranian blues musicians, a little surprise a Ukrainian friend had arranged for him!

  I intend to have a long hot soak tonight and see if I can find somewhere to eat.  It is coming up to 6pm and dusk is falling.  Boy has it been a long day!

WORKING AWAY

MONDAY 30th MAY

  I woke up about 5.00am and caught the last 15 minutes of the Test Match before going back to sleep. Got up about 8.00am and had the continental breakfast, before driving the car round to the Ace Rentals depot.  The girl didn't even ask for my sketch with previous damage marked on it.  I was a bit concerned as I appear to have acquired orange scrape marks on the rear mudguard and either side of it.  However the girl came back and said everything was fine and asked me if I would like a lift anywhere.  So I didn't need to order a cab to get me back to the hotel.

  I discovered that the hotel had a computer with a printer attached for public use so I was able to print off my voucher for Machu Pichu which arrived by e-mail a few days ago.  After that I worked on stuff for Charly, before walking down the road for lunch.  I had fish and chips and also bought stamps and posted

cards to all the grandchildren.  Note to Robert:  I sent Nick's to the Eastwood address as I didn't have the Epping address - hopefully it will reach him in due course. Had a couple of e-mails from the Saddler fraternity giving me the latest.  My back was bad this afternoon so I took some pain killers and it eased somewhat towards evening.  I have packed except for essentials, and my flight is about 4.00pm tomorrow.  I need to check out of my room at 10.00am so I guess I'll take my book and computer into the lounge.  South America here I come!

FINAL LEG - HAMILTON TO AUCKLAND

  SUNDAY 29th MAY

  I got up about 8ish and after a wash and shave (only a shower again) and a cup of coffee I did an hour or so for Charly, then packed up my bags, and set off for Auckland, some 120Km away.  The sun was shining brightly although I encountered cloud enroute.  First time I came across an Expressway with dual carriageway and two lanes in each direction.  A very easy drive compared to many of the previous legs.  I arrived at the Kiwi Airport Hotel about 11.30am, checked that I was booked in and said I'd come back in an hour or so.  The hotel has a giant kiwi bird perched on the roof, but all the staff I have seen so far are

Indian!  This is actualkly a hotel not a motel as have been all my previous stop overs.  It doesn't have a sink nor a microwave, but does have a restuarant and bar and a complimentary continental breakfast and is only $79 a night.  I have two nights here before heading for Santiago on Tuesday.

  I drove off to have a late breakfast in a cafe just down the road, before returning to the hotel, checking in and unloading all my baggage from the car for the first time in a week.  I then drove off and found the Ace Rentals offices where I need to get the car to before 9.00am tomorrow.  I topped the car up with petrol on the way, and bought a couple of beers on the way back to watch the cricket highlights at 3.30pm and then rugby league.  Then an early night in readiness  for action tomorrow.

HEADING FOR HAMILTON

SATURDAY 28th MAY

  Probably the easiest leg of the journey, a bare 106Km to Hamilton. I exchaned messages with Alex who is currently in Columbia and briefly had access to WiFi.  We made arrangement for our meeting in Quito.  I partook of the continental breakfast on offer at the motel, and then drove down to the Polynesian Spa about 9.45am.  I bought a ticket for the Priest's Spa.  In fact when you go through there are seven pools.  After some enquiries I elicited the fact that there were three new Priest's Spas opened in 2003.  One is at 38 degrees, one at 41 and the third at 42.  These are acidic and are good for arthritis, back pains and muscular pains.  The good Father Mahoney as I mentioned previously discovered that when he dipped his arthritic hand (he was a chronic arthritis sufferer) in the waters it cured his affliction.  This was in 1878, and by the early '80s baths were opened to cater for the public.  In 1931 tiled baths were built.  They are no longer used and lie in the middle of the complex and

remain for historic interest.  The new Priest Spas were opened in 2003. On the right hand side are the alkali spas, again three of them - I tried them briefly but as their role is enchancing the skin, I didn't think they would do much for me and spent the bulk of my time in the 42 degree acidic spa, which lies closest to the lake.  Steam can be seen rising from parts of it.

So in the bulk of these spa baths you are actually sitting out in the open air.  Just as well it didn't rain!

 Above is the coolest of the acidic spas, whilst below a quick dip in the alkali bath to complete the session.

  I set off for Hamilton about 12.30pm, certainly feeling nice and warm.  Whether it has done my back any good only time will tell.  It was a pretty easy run, the road was much better than on previous stretches and I arrived at the Colonial City Motel before 2.00pm.  The building is an impressive historic homestead.

  The large LED TV screen is set up to be viewed from bed, so I laid back to watch the cricket highlights from yesterday, and then nodded off for about half an hour.  The room folder made mention of a variety of restaurants in Victoria Street.  I had a choice of five directions to head in, but followed my nose straight to Victoria Street.  After a beer in a bar I opted for an Indian Rstaurant.  It was a good choice and the food was excellent and the portion massive - I only just managed to finish it.  Then it was back to the motel for Saturday night sport and a bit of work for Charly.

SUNSHINE & ROTORUA

FRIDAY 27th MAY

  Woke up this morning to something I haven't seen for a while, sunshine!  Set off from Napier for Rotorua about 9.30am.  Not quite such a long journey today, somewhere around 250Km.  I missed a petrol station driving out of Napier and some time later I saw a sign that stated next petrol 130Km!  My theory about roads, rivers railway lines and mountains seemed to hold again on this leg.  However the first half of the journey was all twists and turns, ne'er a straight bit of road.  This does of course slow progress down a bit but gives one a chances to look at the scenery.  As can be seen the weather changed from blue skies to grey

 and back again.  There was only the occasional squall but no persistent downpours like yesterday.

 I then came to Taupo which lies on the lake of the same name. It looks by far and away the biggest lake on the North Island and my road ran along what I think was called the Two Mile Shore.  I grabbed a breath of

fresh before carrying on with my journey.  Although there were tempting cafes, I decided not to eat until I got to Rotorua.  Not far outside Taupo in Wairakei I saw a sign for the "Craters Of The Moon" 1.7KM.  I decided to follow the signs and finally arrived at the entrance to this area of thermal activity.  It cost $6 (£3) to get a ticket to walk around this unique area and view the spouting steam coming out of the ground, the bubbling mud, and a crater where there was last an erruption in 1983.  The circular walk took about 45 minutes and was well worth taking the time out to do.

 The pathways were set out with raised planking with strict instructions not to stray from the path as serious burns could result, and had resulted in the past when people ignored the warnings!

                                 The bubbling, boiling mud pool.

 The vegetation has to adapt to survive in the hot acidic earth that comprise these bubbling fields.

A very interesting visit.  I purchased a postcard at the office to add to my collection and set off to cover the remaining 90 or so Km to Rotorua.  I arrived at the Accoldae Motel around 2.30pm and chatted to the owener and signed up for the Maori night tonight which includes dinner.  He also gave me direction for the Polynesian Spa.  I went down there and ascertained that they open at 8.00am, the prices and the fact that it was a Father Mahoney who discovered the curative properties of the spa water.  I will give it a go tomorrow.

                                That's my white Subaru outside no6!

The bus duly picked me up at 5.45pm and took me to the Mitai Maori Village. It is run by an extended Maori family who keep ap all the Maori traditions and turned their 12 acre property into a true tribal village.  We were all seated in the dinning area whilst our Maori host attempted to discover how many different nationalities were present.  He made it twelve with New Zealanders, Aussies, English, Americans, Dutch, Polish, Russian, South Korean, Hong Kong, Japanese being amongst those there.  I've got to give it to him he managed a word or two in all twelve languages and held a conversation in some!  He then took us out to see how our Hangi dinner was being cooked in the traditional manner under ground.

                               Our grub is uncovered for us to see.

 We then went to see a traditional Maori warriors canoe come by, but the lighting wasn't good enough to get a really good shot.  We then went for a performance by the whole extended Maori family that lasted               well over half an hour, showing their dances, songs, weapons, training, traditions and greetings culminating with their famous HaKa.  I managed to catch it all on video, didn't even try photos.

We then returned to the dinning area for the meal.  It was help your self to as much as you want with chicken and lamb, potatoes, sweet potatoes, salads, rice, cauliflower, creamed potatoes, and gravy.  It was dee-lish-cious.  There was then a choice of three puddings!  After that it was over to the adjoining Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park.  There I saw my first Kiwis running around behind fencing.  Photos were not allowed and we were asked to keep quiet not to stress the birds.  In fact kiwi birds can be scientifically be considered to be mamals as they have two ovaries, have marrow in their bones and a body temperature of 38 degrees.  We also saw glow worms, eels, trout, tuataras as well all the native vegitation.  Got home about 10.00pm at which point I immediately set about updating the blog!

RAINING ALL THE WAY TO NAPIER

THURSDAY 26th MAY

  Got up just after 8.00am and went down stgairs to pay the bill.  It was still raining!  I went down Cuba Street, where I found a very tasty curry last night, as I had spotted some shops in my travels.  Two excellent record shops in one street.  However Real Groovy were closing down and selling off their CDs at $5 and $10 each.  I'm afraid I was tempted!

 Slow Boat Records had a wonderful choice with a large 50s/60s section, but I managed to resist teptation here and istead went for breakfast, before returning to the motel.

I managed to get my New Zealand cutie's voice back on the satnav and set it for Napier, a distance of over 350Km.  It rained all the way, and times ferociously.  The sky was uniformly grey and the cloud low.  I drove through Featherstone, Masterton, Mangatainoka, Woodville, Dannevirke, Waipukurau and Hastings but stopped at none of them.  The journey kind of confirmed to me that all roads in New Zealand either run alongside a railway track or river path or both and there are usually mountains involved!

  I got to the motel in Napier before 3.00pm in all it took me just under 5 hours for the journey.  The owners of the motel are away on their farm and a friend is looking after it.  Not only is it $75 a night but the wifi is completely free.  I also got a card for the local RSL Club that got me a free glass of wine.  It was a self

service roast, I had about eight slices of excellent beef, roast potatoes, peas, beans and corn as well as a couple of puddings topped off with a coffee - all for a tenner!  It was still raining!  Back at the ranch Sky was showing the opening session of the England v Sri Lanka Test Match at Cardiff, and guess what, it was raining!

WELLINGTON BOUND

WEDNESDAY 25th MAY

  Woke up this morning to pouring rain, low cloud and bad visibility.  After a cup of coffee I checked out and headed for Picton. I didn't make a good choice in wearing sandals and socks, but my boots were in the car boot.  I got to the departure terminal in Picton about 10.30am and purchased a ferry ticket for self and the car.  The lady in the warm dry office asked me if I was a senior and offered me a discount when I confirmed that I was.  Car plus passenger set me back about 80 quid.  I set off to have a look around Picton as I had over 2 hours until boarding time.  I took a walk up the main street avoiding most of the rain under the canopies, and found a second hand book and record shop.  I invested in a David Baldacci book and a Johnny Cash double CD that amazingly I didn't have.  The combined cost was a tenner.  I went into a Subway cafe and read my book accompanied by a coffee and a beef roll.

                                A wet Picton!

                                Leaving the South Island behind.

    I didn't take any more photos as the conditions were so appalling.  I had some fish and chips, read my book, and worked on checking out the captions for photos in my father's book, this time for Lisa now that Deborah has left Frontline - hopefully it will all be put to bed in the next few days.  The crossing took about 3 hours plus, and it was dark by the time we arrived, having left Picton at 1.45pm.  I set the satnav for Thompson Street and it came up with a page telling me that I would need to use a ferry!  I then realised it still thought it was in Picton!  When I got out of the boat it came up with a map, but remained mutely silent in terms of directions.  Somehow I must have turned the volume down.  I had to try and read the map everytime we stopped at lights, holding my glasses at the ready in anticipation of the next stop.  I managed to work out all the turns and duly got to the Capitol View Motel about 6.30pm.  I have just e-mailed Lisa with all my corrections and I'm about to take a stroll down to the restaurant area down the road.  It doesn't seem to be raining anymore, but it's pretty blowy.  I'm told it's about a 4 hour drive to Napier, my destination for tomorrow.