South India 2006 has become New Zealand 2006. I'm just packing my bags for the next solo trip, this time to New Zealand to meet the family and friends of our future son-in-law, Steve. His parents live on Waiheke island where I will start the trip, but look forward to some sightseeing on the North Island and, after family festivities, we fly to the South Island. Sadly Chris, my husband, has health problems and at the last moment was not able to come. Off now to buy dvt socks - I'm not looking forward to 24 hours in the air! This journal is intended primarily for family and friends.

This will be my first significant solo trip for nearly 40 years! The idea started three years ago, when I watched a slideshow given by an 80-year-old in our village, back from his annual trip to India. His photos of temples, forts and people were mind-blowingly beautiful and I felt that I HAD to share that experience. So, I will be joining the - presumably small - number of 60+ year olds with two false hips to make this pilgrimage. (It has to be said I am somewhat anxious if there is any expectation that I sit cross-legged on the ground, as my getting there is a somewhat stiff and ungainly sight!). First stage was to dip into 'Rough Guide' and 'Lonely Planet' , and more recently, 'Le Guide du Routard'. The next was the difficult one of picking an area. For what I hope is the first of several trips to India I have chosen the well-trodden route of Delhi-Rajasthan-Agra-Khajuraho-Varanasi. It will be strange and not entirely comfortable taking part in mass tourism in a developing country, but I couldn't resist the chance to see all these amazing sites. I'm also looking forward to meeting lots of Indian people. Meanwhile, Chris, my husband, will be at home, in France, looking after our geriatric dog. And it is for him and our two daughters, Kate and Jude, that I am writing - plus those of our friends who want to follow the trail. Désolée, mes chers amis français - je n'écrirais qu'en anglais. Mais j'espère vous allez apprécier les photos. NOTE: MY WEBSITE IS NOT WORKING. WILL FIX IT TOWARDS END OF FEBRUARY, WHEN I GET HOME