Hi from Rotorua, New Zealand. Spent the last couple of nights in Auckland, but not a whole lot to report. Didn't climb or jump off of anything and not planning to either. NZ is definitely a place for adventure seekers. Activities include bunging jumping, white water rafting, kayaking, and sky diving to mention a few. The weather is rainy, but the predictions look promising. I've been so spoiled since I left the states with nothing but sunny skies and warm weather that 70 degrees feels cold. I'll have a shocker when I return to Chicago. I can see why so many Irish and Scottish settled here whether is was their own choice or after serving a sentence imposed by the British. The landscape looks so much like Ireland except not as beautiful.......of course, I'm bias. Lots of green fields minus the rock walls. The fields are dotted with either cattle or sheep. Took a coach from Auckland to Rotorua stopping along the way at a couple sites and small towns. One stop was the Waitomo Caves filled with glowworms. Sounds strange, but really cool. We took a boat through the cave. Arrived in Rotorua earlier this afternoon. The entire area consists of geothermal mineral hot springs and mud pools. Going out tomorrow to see some of the sights and have booked a white water rafting trip for the afternoon.

Stay tuned.