Travelling

A very very long trip begining with the south islanders squeezing out of Queenstown just as the snow began and arriving in Auckland just as the huge winds predicted for the North island arrived. We were treated to hail storms and lightening all night and woke to a clear and sunny winters day in Auckland. The north islanders met us at the airport and the loading of the boats with the Emirates staff was smooth and stress free.

The flight Brisbane and on to Dubai was long but we were supplied with great food and endless movies to help those of us who couldnt sleep pass the 20 hours of travelling. Landing in Dubai in the very early morning  saw us all really pleased to get off the plane and stretch. The huge new international transit area at Dubai has the biggest duty free shopping in the world - however two coffees at Starbucks cost Dale nz$17.50 and the paddlers weren't keen to part with any of their spending money. Back on board a new plane - for the 6hr trip through to Munich. This was an A380 and had more room on it than the 777 and once again the Emirate team looked after us brilliantly - so much so that as we arrived in Munich an announcement was made to the entire plane that the NZ junior slalom squad had travelled from NZ with Emirates and they all wished the team the very best of luck. The New Zealand rugby 7's team also on board didnt get a mention and also wished our guys luck.

We were met in Munich by Aaron who whisked off Anna and Malcolm, and Martin and Pavel were parked at the front with two beautiful vans and a trailer courtesy of the Czech rafting team. Boats were loaded and we headed off on the 7hr drive to Solkan in Slovenia. The kids were exhausted but the four countries they passed through on this trip, and the scenery of alps, castles, tunnels, bridges and tiny villages blew them away. Settled into the Hotel Sabotin for well earned showers and sleep.