Beijing bound

Just back from a work trip to Beijing - was over for an asianpacific lotteries conference. The place is just amazing - wish I could have stayed much longer to fully appreciate the sights, food, people and the shopping. Managed to see some key sights including the Great Wall. I am now a 'real man' as apparently in China you are only a true man after you have completed a climb on the wall. Food ranged from the v tasty (dumplings galore) to stuff I really could not try (ducks tongues!). The markets were overwhelming, rows and rows of ceramics, statues, handbags or paintings and jewellery ... very tempting. I want to go back!! K

Ohakune trip

We had a great weekend up the mountain in early September. Only the kids second time on the slopes and they got right back into the groove (or glide?) after a reminder lesson. We stayed at our friend's great little ski lodge that they had built themselves after relocating an old dairy from Wellington - their place had a fabulous view of the moutain from their front door.