John says: Je suis un Neo Zealandais

The White cliffs of Dover and John - Fast Ferry to Boulogne.

The White teeth of Anna and and an English coast line

Portobello Markets

Anna says "Je suis une Neo Zealandaise" otherwise known as; 'I am a New Zealander'. I am not 100% sure why we say it differently but this is a phrase Anna and I will make great use of in Chamonix as we try to distinguish ourselves from the English (who I'm told the French don't fancy much). Sara, Anna and I popped over to Boulogne for lunch on Tuesday. Yes, it was very pleasant, thank you. I ordered my salade in broken French but had to cheat alittle by pointing politely at my menu as I murmered and stuttered away.

Everyone should have the opportunity to go to another country where you cannot understand the language. It's great! It has a real sobering effect, and not just because you don't know how to order a beer. A shy, mute boy took over my body as I did not want anyone to talk to me, or god forbid ask me a question. Anna and I are now eager to learn French to a level of polite small talk and have bought a phrase book which will replace the London A-Z as our bible.

We are currently staying in Chichester with Richard, Anne and Matt Geffen. It is a rainy Sunday afternoon which re-confirms our decision to spend a winter in the snow. Next stop is Taunton to stay with Nicola and Keith.