In case you haven’t noticed my messages are so interesting, well written, hilarious and gererally great that I blog them three times.
The blog thing wasn’t working yesterday and earlier today it said error every time I tried – except it still sent it.
I may attempt to blog from Malta….

When in Malta, check out the ‘sledge’ tracks in the rocky hills. Most mystifying …

Granny rang to say thanks for the t shirt which fits a treat and the silk scarf from Laos. She is full of admiration for your postcard writing prowess and would like to write to you but has no address.

Greetings Minions!

I think it is high time I went off on holiday somewhere nice with a babe so… Sasha and I are going to Malta for a week. On Saturday.

We got breakfast and dinner in a hotel with transfers and flights for £170. Not bad really.

Adios!

Jul,

I say old chap If you want us to meet you in Bangkok then you’d better chivy along and get there by the 26th June, as our visas run out on 29th and we wouldn’t mind seeing a bit of Malaysia.

G: sent on behalf of big sister!!

I took the Rough Guide to NZ out of the library and it says under ‘cars’ be sure whatever you buy has its warrenty of fitness certificate, valid for up to six months. This needs renewing every six months so you don’t want only a couple of weeks validity left. Also, check it’s been registered recently. Registration costs $110 every six months. You can get an AA vehicle inspection for $100 or so, if you’re worried you might be buying a lemon; but for $750, it’s hardly worth it. The Rough Guide says reasonable cars start at $1500 …! Also, if you’re buying privately, they suggest calling Autocheck debt check on 0800 658 934 to make sure the seller doesn’t owe money as you the buyer will become liable to it!
Well, that’s as maybe.
Personally, I’d suggest checking the tyres to make sure they have some decent tread on them – ie, not shiny and bald – and asking the seller to show you where the jack is and demonstrate where to put it under the vehicle to jack it up (specially strengthened places). Also, find the spare tyre and give it a prod to see if it’s not flat.
Ah, the joys of car purchase!

A NZ rule Annika might not be familiar with (apart from driving on the left) is you’re expected to give way to traffic crossing or coming from your right. So, for example, if you’re pootling along and about to turn left into another road and a car coming towards you wants to turn right into the same road, he rather than you gets to go first.