Sylvia's trip home to New Zealand

While Mark was enjoying le skiing, I was on four very long flights back to the land of NZ for a full month. It was an amazing whirlwind of family and friends and the best holiday I've had. It was a great combination of relaxing at my parents' house in Rangiora, outdoor activities and catching up with people.

I arrived late on Christmas Day, after joining up with Helen Bones for my last two flights from Hong Kong to Christchurch. My family kindly delayed Christmas dinner so at least I got to celebrate part of it.

I was very lucky and the weather was gorgeous and hot for pretty much the entire time of my stay. Therefore, I made the most of it, swimming at every beach, pool and river I could find. I also managed to get quite a tan.

Highlights included Ruth & Jerry's and Rebecca & Damian's weddings. I was really disappointed that Jo & Bill were to get married on the same day as the latter so I couldn't attend their ceremony but hope to get a second go in a few months here in Britain!

Another highlight was a much-anticipated Milford Track with my Mum & Dad. Although I've always thought great walks were for tourists rather than serious trampers the Milford really was amazing and I'd definitely recommend it. I was also surprised how physical it was - although I haven't carried a pack for about two years so maybe it was just me!

In saying that, clearly not energtic enough though, as right afterwards Andreas and I headed up to Picton to meet Julia and walk the Queen Charlotte Track. We did use the free pack transfers every day, which allowed us to 'carry' ridiculously heavy things.

Unfortunately part of the track was closed (due to some pigs) so we did the three longer days and came out a day early, camped out at Marfells beach and walked/ran into Sawcut Gorge instead.

I also spent a lot of time catching up with lots of my good friends in Christchurch at various cafes, for bruch, for BBQs or for dinner. I played a game of touch with my old team and went for a swim at Jelly Park Pool in the outdoor 50m pool. I organised a little gathering at the Dux as well, where I realised that a disproportionate number of my friends are redheads. Good taste, obviously.