Got back from Tauranga last night, went to stay with Gwendo's parents and see her home city. Really pretty place - it is lovely, there are surfing beaches and quiet beaches, rocks and some really nice coffee shops - althought didn't get the chance to go in! It was nice to see Gwendo's parents at home (have met them before in London), and also to see Gillian, Gwendo sister again - who also had to give me a 'tour' of the city, it was good to see her again.
On the Friday we went for a natural spa - its was lovely but its different..... We had our own spa pool which is like a small swimming pool/paddling pool and it is full of naturally hot mineral water, there is no roof over the pool, the must have been about 10 private ones and then a massive public pool, but you can't stay in it too long it is soooo hot, you are only allowed in it for 1/2 hour max and can't put your head under, but it is really relaxing and a nice treat. Around Tauranga and Rotorua they are really common, and the one we went to was cheap about 12 pounds for the 3 of us!
On Saturday went off to Rotorua one of the places I had heard about before I came, its where the geezers are, again really pretty and interesting. The place is also a Mouri village where the people cook their food using the heat from the ground and the hot pools around their village - the sweetcorn cooked in the hot pool was lovely!!
It was good to see a bit more of the country and the countryside and the numerous sheep and cows - and also to meet people...I am having a great time.
