Vacationing Down Under
I have just returned from vacationing in Australia and New Zealand. I certainly picked a good January to head South with all the snow we've had this year! As well, the exchange rate in New Zealand was a 25% bonus!!
I spent lots of time sailing, kayaking and swimming. Miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.
Temperatures were in the mid to high 20's ... so very comfortable.
Went on a trip inland to the wine country near Wellington. Lots of very good wines to taste.
Felt like I was in the Okanagan AND the wines in New Zealand are just as good as our BC wines.
Their fruits and vegetables are taste sensational. Every morning I had fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. So many grapefruit trees growing there!
Also visited the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit in Wellington. Over the years, I have seen this exhibit on other occasions BUT this was the best as they had an actor dressed in full renaissance regalia 
telling stories of Leonardo which I felt greatly enhanced my understanding of this man's life.
All in all GREAT 4 weeks vacationing and exploring the north island.
Next time I will visit the south island. It is suppoesed to be even more interesting .... if that is possible!!