I have just returned from four glorious weeks in Crete, Turkey and Dubai and I have to say it has been difficult adjusting to the cold temperatures back here in Christchurch.

While I was away the  temperatures ranged from 30 to as high as 45 degress and everyday was just the same – HOT! The food in Crete was fantastic and very cheap, each night we dined at a different taverna and averaged twelve Euros per head including wine ( the local but still drinkable)

We then ventured to Turkey and spent 7  days on a Gulet which is a traditional Turkish sailing boat, sailing up and down the coast stopping at various coves.  It was a very relaxing trip with nothing to do but swim off the boat in warm and clear water, sun yourself on the deck,  and eat and drink – what more could you ask for.

After the Gulet we drove up to Istanbul via Gallipoli, a very moving experience for Kiwis as it makes you appreciate the sacrifice people have made for their country. We finished with three days in Dubai,  one of the shopping malls had an indoor skifield – talk about over the top.  Have to say the shopping was fantastic though.