Starting out in Edinburgh a quick visit down to Twickenham, London UK between Christmas and New Year. This was more of a social visit to see my family. So lovely to see my wee niece who at the time was almost walking, but not quite. Just a few weeks later and she is moving around showing early signs of being a great runner, like her mother, one day. What did this 1 year old get for Christmas from her father? No more than her own plaque at Twickenham! Wow I am so jealous.
Then, on the 3rd of January Glasgow to Dubai – that ever changing city. Who knows if building work will ever finish, but its amazing every time I visit it looks like a different place.
4th January Dubai to my favourite city in the world, Sydney. What an amazing visit. Managed to catch up with accountants we have assisted find positions there. Some contacts at companies we work with and even an ex member of my team. On top of this managed to take in some shows at the Sydney Festival including these two amazing acts Le Grand Cirque at the Opera house and Ashes from Australia for the first time in 24 years! The atmosphere and celebrations with the Barmy Army was great.
19th January Sydney to Wellington NZ. Juggling working with a mini tour of New Zealand is achievable, but challenging because of the many stunning distractions. Wellington is a lovely city, but very windy! After a few days there, including a trip 1 hour out of town into the hills, I boarded a ferry and sailed to Picton. I have done this trip a couple times before, but always forget how stunning the scenery is as you sail through the Marlborough Sounds. It is described as probably one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world.
From Picton we drop to Blenheim where the most obvious thing to do is go on a wine tour of Marlborough wines! My favourite white wines have always been Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. So you can imagine I was in my element. My favourite winery for flavour, venue and hospitality that I visited was Top House Bar and B&B. It has the smallest bar in New Zealand, an amazing view, a lovely B&B. The Barman is an amazing story teller and they even have their own ghost.
31st January Nelson to Auckland. Visited a number of companies we have assisted in recruiting accountants to join and refreshed my memories of the city. The Viaduct area has always been my favourite with great restaurants overlooking the marina and yet right in the heart of the city where people carry out business. Not a bad place to spend your lunch break.
1st February Auckland to Sydney. A couple of days to catch up with exercise, work and friends before flying back to New Zealand.
3rd February Sydney to Wellington for 3 days off work.. it was the Wellington
