Monday, 26 February 2018 Crossing the rough Tasman Sea. We have been rocking and rolling since the middle of the night, and it will be this way until we reach Sydney tomorrow. Yesterday, was balmy and calm, despite being on the crossing from Bay of Islands to Sydney. I knew it couldn't last. This stretch of water has a reputation for being the most turbulent in the world. Right now, we have 45 knot winds, rough seas and a gray and overcast sky. Our friend, Terry, reports that Sydney promises good weather for our time there tomorrow and Wednesday. Fingers crossed!

When last we spoke, we were ready to arrive in Auckland, on Friday 23 February, our first stop in New Zealand. What a beautiful city! We took the Hop On/Hop Off Bus to get a feel for the city, and then hopped off several times. There were many parks and great use of the waterfront. Our Hop On/Hop Off ticket also provided a return ferry ticket to Devonport, an island off the coast of Auckland. Wow! What a charming little town. We wandered around and then stopped for a bit at the Esplanade Hotel. We dined outside with a beautiful view across the water to Auckland. We took some time to call Samantha and Ben to check in. All to soon, it was time to return to Auckland by ferry and out beautiful Queen Elizabeth.

Next stop in New Zealand, was Bay of Islands. Like our day in Auckland, the weather was gorgeous! Bay of Islands is an area of 144 islands with spectacular cliffs and hills, and a sub-tropical climate. We tendered into port, in a very expedited manner. There was a shuttle bus to the little town of Pahia and we took our seats for the short ride. Once in Pahia, we walked to a craft fare and watched a Maori dance show presented by local teenagers. Our plan was to take the ferry to the town of Russell, also known for its Victorian architecture. What a charming place! We returned by ferry and took a run to the supermarket to buy more tonic water and snacks for cabin parties. It's a nice way to have drinks before dinner, and we have been hosted twice by dear friends Randell and Bobby and dear friends, Lin and Bryon. We did a bit of gin tasting at Randell and Bobby's. We sampled one of the Cunard gins named for the ships. Each one is slightly different in spices and herbs. I liked the Queen Victoria one with a hint of citrus.

Everyone we came in contact with in New Zealand was lovely—cheerful, helpful, friendly! Perhaps this comes from living in such a beautiful country and a Trump-free land!

Sunday, 25 February, 2018. The loss of the day when we crossed the International Dateline has be very confused. We are Sunday, while all the folks at home are still Saturday! We have 2 days between Bay of Islands and Sydney. The highlight of today was a matinee performance by celebrity Anne Reid. Ms Reid and her musical director, Jason Carr presented an afternoon of songs and stories. Ms Reid has had a long career in films, stage and TV. She is most recently known for her starring role in “Last Tango in Halifax” which had rave reviews. It was one of our favorite series. She was delightful! Today, she followed up with an interview and Q and A. What a charming and talented woman!

Last night was the Black and White Ball—a long Cunard tradition. It's really very special to see everyone in tuxedos and gowns—people go all out! However, the many of the Aussies on board prefer the casual dining in the Lido. A dress code is maintained in the rest of the ship public areas. There are lots of themed balls, and we have had a Hawaiian Ball and a Cunard Ball so far. Informal nights are on port days, and a jacket and tie and dressy dress or pants outfit is expected for woman. Formal nights are every 3^rd or 4^th night with tuxedos or dinner jackets for the men and long gowns or dressy cocktail dresses for woman. It makes the evening feel very special.

Tomorrow is Sydney! We are so fortunate to have private guides for both days! Our dear friends Terry and Kerry will pick us up at the ship and takes us on a tour each day. In 2016, they were wonderful tour guides and took us all over Sydney and to the Blue Mountains. We also went to their home to meet their pups, Prince and Ranger. This time, we are doing the area south of Sydney and Wednesday we will be doing the zoo and other sights in Sydney proper. We're anxious to see them and catch up on all the news and have our usual great laughs!

Unfortunately, our friends Pam and Peggy are leaving our table and the ship in Sydney and flying home to the US. We will miss them very much! Fortunately, they visit Sarasota every year, so we will get to see them at home. Hopefully, the new couple joining our table will be a good fit, because we've had a wonderful time at dinner every evening with lots of laughs!

All for now, time to get ready for drinks with Lin and Bryon in the Cafe Carinthia. By the way, we've missed being winners in Trivia by one point the last two days!