Trip update from Ms Hood

HI EVERYONE

I am writing this from England where we arrived today from Venice, Italy.  I have posted a picture of the canals there.  It is an amazing place but apparently it is sinking!!  22 Million tourists visit Venice each year!  There are loads of shops but they all sell the same thing ie Italian Leather handbags and shoes!
We finished the Rallye with some sprint races last Saturday.  The race was a fantastic experience, tiring and hot but a really unique way to see the French countryside!  My crew finished 14th out of 30 which we were really pleased about because we had the goal of doing the best we could but not going flat out trying to win.  On one of the afternoons which was a non-timed stage we swapped around our crews and I ended up rowing with a Dutch crew.  They were giants!  They spoke excellent English and at the end of the race they were given all the NZ rowing vests.

Hope that you are all having a good time and working hard!  I can't believe that I am on the last leg of the trip. I am looking forward to seeing you all!