From North of the Bombay Hills........

My week was spilt between mediation, on-going personal development training and input into a Departmental scoping project. As previously indicated it was necessary to travel to Auckland to fulfil the last two requirements.

I am in a position to confirm that the Centra Auckland Airport at Airport Oaks is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by an Industrial Park with absolutely no external distractions. On the return journey to the airport I discovered the Bendon factory shop was in the general vicinity and in the interim heavy rain had on Friday prevented walking across to the perfumery clearance shop that was not too distant but that was the total extent of the pleasures available.

My main achievement for the week was being appointed the official dog walker for the blind facilitators guide dog. Digby became excited every time I entered a room on the basis there was a good chance he and I would escape at least for a period of time. We quickly made friends with the Mobile Coffee Guys who had van that dispensed long blacks for me and 'smacko's" for Digby. It was also interesting to note that when the House Bar closed and we were ushered out there were 3 from Christchurch and 1 from Wellington with the rest of New Zealand perhaps predictably absent!!

An inability to understand the intricacies of the 24 hour clock meant that I left Auckland at the time I had envisaged arriving home and therefore missed Friday night drinks - well at least I didn't miss the plane - which perhaps was not the best start to the weekend!