A number of people have commented that we’re going back to many of the places we visited on our honeymoon. That’s true, but there are lots we’ve never visited before. Also, after a success like our honeymoon, why not go back to the original places? T disagrees and thinks we should never go anywhere we’ve been before. Unfortunately for him, I’m the boss and I make the travel plans. I am also drunk with power.

So, we’re starting in New Zealand. I have been to NZ before, but T has not. We’re going because it is 35 feet away and it seems ridiculous not to go when we’re so close by. Also, NZ rules. Not only do they do the HAKA OF LOVE, but it’s the only place I’ve ever been in my life (apart from Ireland) where complete strangers invited me to their homes, and not in a pervy way!

We’re going to the south island, because as pretty as the north island is, it looks just like Scotland and we’ve both done that. So instead, we’re renting a campervan and will drive ourselves around for 18 days, trying not to kill each other. If we survive, it will be a wonderful trip! I want to go skydiving again, but we might not be able to afford it, which means I might have to go…bungee jumping. The thought of bungee jumping almost makes my heart stop with fear, but it was invented in Queenstown, so it seems ridiculous not to try it once.

Seriously, the south island was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Last time I was there, it was winter, so this year should be a little different. I might even be able to go kayaking without dying of hypothermia.

Oh yeah, and here is our itinerary, more or less:

Nov 23-Dec 11: south island of NZ

Dec 11-15: Sydney

Dec 15-21: Bali

Dec 22-26: Shanghai

Dec 26-28: Chengdu

Dec 28-Jan 5: Yunnan

Jan 5-19: northeastern Thailand and Laos

Jan 19-31: Cambodia and Bangkok

Jan 31-Feb 3: KL

Feb 3-Mar 2: northern India

Mar 2-15: Kerala

Mar 15-Apr 26: Addis Ababa (after this, it’s a little vague)

Apr 26-May 3: Ethiopia

May 3-17: Uganda

May 17-31: England

May 31: Boston