Autumn is here!

It was a glorious but very brief summer. When it was hot, it was killingly so, with dangerouly high UV radiation levels and the temperature touching 30C in the Hutt. This being the equivalent of about 40 C in Chennai, it was extremely uncomfortable. But that's long gone now.

There were a few perfect days in-between though and we did enjoy them, doing all the walking and sight-seeing then.

Today's the first day of autumn. In three weeks' time, we end daylight saving. It will really seem like winter then, as it gets dark by 6.30 - 7 pm.

Never mind, Autrmn has started with a bang. Off to Auckland tomorrow via Taupo, Rotorua and Waitomo.

There's a huge lake in Taupo _ one of the largest inland lakes in the world. Its the size of Singapore and was created by the largest volcanic explosion in history.

Then, we'll do all the boiling mudpools, volcanoes, geysers and Maori art and culture in Rotorua.

Waitomo has glow worm caves. We'll go boating into the caves. At least, that is my expectation.

From there, upto to Auckland. Will see the Sky Tower there (tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere) and then will farewell Periamma and Periappa, as they leave for India from Akl.

We'll be back after spending a day with cousins there.

Nice.

Gets nicer still. Trip to Aussie for Easter (March 25). Melbourne and maybe Sydney, and will do all the touristy things there too!

Will probably be the most evenful autumn I have had in NZ. Back on Monday from Akl.