So sorry everyone I am now back home and trying to get settled back into home flow (which after a month away is taking some time that is fa shure!)

So did anyone work out where in the world I was for a month???

Drum roll pluh-eese.

Only one of my new favourite places in the entire world!

NEW ZEALAND

Queenstown

Christchurch

Auckland

Waiheke Island

Now you know why I was DRINKING the woine (Aussie for wine!). I was in one of the world’s greatest wine regions.

Yeah aren’t I lucky? I had only been there once before around 10 years ago and had only visited the North Island however I had always been regretful I had never made it to the South Island. So my adventure began in Queenstown for one lonely night. I wish I had of had more of a chance to get to see the pretty place. It was the last week of ski season, and everything just looked so picturesque from every window, including the flight in and out.

Next stop was Christchurch! Which is where I actually want to retire (can I retire now?) Man, everyone there is just soooo in tune with health and nutrition. And even if you are not, there is still plenty to do and see. I miss my gym buddies in Christchurch at Les Mills! They really looked after me, both during workout time and play time. Hi guys! Hope I get to see you guys again soon So if you are in the area, you should so go and check out their new gym facilities and the staff rock. The instructors make a point to get to know your name and won’t feel shy about calling it out during a set to make sure you are doing it right. I kinda like that.

We were expecting to stay in Christchurch the whole month, but when we had to move it was back up to the North Island to Auckland. So my bro didn’t get to see Christchurch however, we had some time to explore Auckland. I think my mind was made up that Christchurch would have my heart and not it’s northern capital. Auckland was ok, but I really wish I had of been able to show him what I had seen in Christchurch. The gym was less friendly (same chain but bigger city), Auckland was less pretty and basically I had seen it all before on my holiday 10 years ago. The only wholefoods store I could find was now not in walking distance from my hotel but out in the burbs so I didn’t venture out there unfortunately, however I think I had more than enough food supplies to keep me going.

Those pringles and wine belong the the minibar…not me!

My little ‘big bro’ had to have his fix of ‘fush & chups’ on the beach (Devonport – across the water by ferry from the city of Auckland) so I indulged in a very naughty potato cake, but was pleased that the ‘Fush & Chup’ shop used some kinda of healthier oil (can’t remember which one).

So I got back home on Wednesday night and had a ball to goto in Bahrain on Thursday night (talk about JET LAG), but I made sure I was in fine form, opting to have a nanna nap pre party, whilst all my pals were getting juiced up in the pub before getting dressed up in their finest. I had decided that the ball was going to be my last little party before I got back on track with my healthy regime as I had been enjoying in some great local treats back in NZ but it was time to get back on track.

Don’t you just love the combination of colours?

The ball was a blasty as I had not caught up with some people for over a month and it was a load of fun. It was in aid of our yacht club and they have it once a year, so I was lucky to snag the night off for some dinner and dancing

On another exciting note, since my trip to Italy, I have lost 8kgs/17.5lbs and I am feeling great. I miss my regular classes of Body Pump and RPM (spin) that I was doing in NZ but it has got me in a healthy habit of doing some form of exercise every day. On my Auckland leg of the trip, one of the pilots and I got into the habit of doing ‘an hour of power’ each day, which usually was a jog on the treadmill, and as long as we had done that, we could enjoy a lovely dinner out or a wine or 2 in the business lounge, so going away for a month for work has really done my exercise momentum some good. Since I have been home I have committed to a 6km walk/jog everyday with the puppy, and I have already done a boot camp style circuit class (another one is coming up on Monday night) and am toying with the idea of a starter triathlon in December so watch this space. Next week there is a 3km walk/run on the compound, so thats a start

So much more to tell ya, so TO BE CONTINUED…..

Glad to be back. Now I am off to catch up on all ye bloggies

Edit: Wellington is the Capital of New Zealand, not Auckland. My bad???

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