Morocco and Portugal, here I come!

In a few hours I will get on a big silver bird to fly to Auckland and then after a few hours of fannying about at Auckland Airport, will do the first 17 hour leg to Dubai where I'll have a shower (thank you, god of airport lounges) and then a couple of hours later do the 8.5 hour schlep to Casablanca

I'll be doing a seven night tour of Morocco for a story and then flying to Porto for a five night river cruise, also for a story. Thank you Emirates Airlines for taking pity on a poor journalist and bumping me up to business class. I truly heart you.

See you on the other side.

(Images of Morocco and Porto c/o Google Images)

       

Ultimate Act

Here's my second story from this month's NZ House & Garden Magazine, this time featuring a disused chocolate factory in the Wairarapa which award-winning Wellington hairdresser Derek Elvy cleverly turned in a stunning home.

The fact that Derek is suffering from terminal cancer, and organised much of the renovation from his hospice bed, speaks volumes about the creativity and tenacity of this amazing man (click here to read).

     

How stupidly beautiful is this part of the world?

Spent two days in Queenstown eating and drinking my way around it for a story. And spending the rest of my time picking my jaw up off the floor at the stunning vistas. If you've been there before you'll know what I mean and if you haven't then what the bejesus are you waiting for?!

(The first two images are from the balcony of my hotel, the sumptuous, brand new QT Queenstown).

     

Queenstown

Oh Queenstown, you seductress. It's been a fair few years since I headed to the adventure playground of New Zealand (the birthplace of bungy jumping, in case you didn't know) but tomorrow I fly down for a couple of days for a story.

Thankfully, the only activities I'll be doing that raise my blood pressure are eating and drinking at the city's newest cafes and bars. Now if the weather would just co-operate...

(Pic credit: Google Images) 

   

A beautiful Mt Victoria house

My story about this amazing reno which, handily, happens to be just around the corner from my house, is the cover story of this month's NZ House & Garden Magazine, one of two stories I have in this issue (click here to read it).

   

Scenes from a ruggedly beautiful coast

Here are a few visuals from the three-day, three night Tora Coastal Walk I did for a story Sunday-Wednesday this week. Apart from the first rain-lashed day, the approx 47km walk was a lot of fun and I'd definitely recommend it if you're in the hood.

Now I just have to write the bleeding story....

Swipe right for risk

My story about the dodgier side of online dating is published in today's Your Weekend Magazine (click here to read the online version).