By my calculations, the difference between 40,000rp and 50,000rp is around 80p. Still, it’s as if the train to London stopped and the driver appeared saying it was further than he thought …

I just watched Johnny English again. Great stuff.

Are you sure you went to the right Nusa? There’s Nusa Penida, which is a huge lump of barren rock; and there’s Nusa Lambangon, which is some sort of idyll, with azure seas lapping on white sand beaches.

That’s about the size of it, yes. Good luck with the Turdmobile.

I couldn’t find much about insurance, apart from this:

Comprehensive or third party property motor vehicle insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand however it is strongly recommended that all vehicle owners obtain such insurance cover. Personal injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation on a no fault basis. See www.acc.co.nz for more information.

The Accident Compensation Act makes partial provision for visitors to be covered for compensation and medical treatment for personal injury and death following an accident whether on the road or elsewhere. Although benefits are additional to payments from personal sickness and/or accident insurance policies, visitors should ensure that they are covered with adequate travel insurance.

The Accident Compensation Act abolishes the right to bring any action for damages in respect of injury or death in any court in New Zealand. Visitors are protected from any claims for their negligence resulting in personal injury or death to third parties.

Although insurance is not compulsory, most residents take out sufficient property damage insurance to safeguard themselves against any property liability should they be involved in an accident. Tourists wishing to purchase vehicles, and acquire property damage insurance should bring with them a “Letter of No Claims Bonus Entitlement,” so that they are able to obtain insurance at more favourable terms.”

So, it appears you would not have to worry about injuring any person, but you would be liable for damage to property or other vehicles. Maybe you can manage without insurance, then.

There was also something here, about buying cars in general. A bit more comprehensive than what I said.

www.backpackerboard.co.nz/articles/buying_car_nz.htm

Cherries seem to be in Otago, at the bottom of South Island. I’m not sure when, but probably around November-December. As an experienced cherry picker, I don’t reckon it’s any easier than any other fruit. You hang a massive container around your neck, which sits on your chest, and you climb up a tottery ladder and start plucking. There’s no time to eat any of the cherries, even if you wanted to.

Did you register for Wwoof or shall I send the booklet?

Good to speak to you, C’rot, albeit at 6.30 am!

However, having slid back in between the cosy sheets, it was a mite perturbing to have to climb out again to check another incoming text message, this one wishing me happy slumbers!!!!!!!!!

Granny said cheers for the mini pewter platypus, which is keeping her silver Mull otter company.

She apparently sent two letters to Auckland. As you say, mine obviously got lost in the post.