San Francisco - February 26th 1999, 11:50am

I spent almost a week in Auckland mostly resting and waiting to feel better (flu?). I looked around Auckland and went to the Hero parade and a classic car show. I looked into renting a motorcycle to ride around the south island which was my original plan. I also looked into my finances and it became obvious that I could not afford to rent a motorcycle. After much thought I decided to leave New Zealand and fly to LA. I was also ready to take a break from constantly moving from one place to the next. I spent a week in LA with an old friend doing nothing in particular. I am now in SF. Tomorrow there is a Chinese New Year's parade here. I will look around for a few days and then go and see a friend in San Jose for a few days. I think it will take a while for all I have experienced to sink in. Some things have become much clearer. For me the best travelling I did was in places that are very different to the 'western' world. I also love adventure which gives a trip more of a focus and allows you to share an activity you enjoy with others of like mind. Next on the list (it may be a while!) is Africa and South America. Mike Ferris is now running a motorcycle tour in Turkey, now that's tempting :) Rupert