Bulletin – February 6th 2010
	After a very busy and productive time in Fiji last September/October, we decided to break the journey home and fly from Seoul to Beijing for a few days. We were prepared for a dramatic drop in temperature after the stifling heat of Fiji, but in fact we enjoyed some unseasonably warm and pleasant weather the whole time we were there. Of course, we did all the touristy things, such as Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium and the impressive Great Wall, but also branched out on our own and spent time with locals (most of whom could speak no English!)

	As soon as we returned home there was a mountain of correspondence and record keeping to catch up on and all the usual feedback to give to our supporters. Just as we were beginning to get on top of this, we were able to ease off again and spend a few relaxing days in Tenerife. The temperatures there were higher than normal for December and we were able to do some walking, as well as spend time with Zoe and Finley. Zoe continues to do very well at school and now qualifies for a smart new uniform (beige culottes, white t-shirt and burgundy sweater and socks). Finley is as lively as ever!
	On our return from Tenerife, we were straight into the throes of Christmas. In a mad moment we'd issued an open invitation to spend all or part of the Christmas period with us ..... so that meant buying and trimming a tree, putting up decorations, buying enough food and starting on baking!! It made a pleasant change to stay in the village over Christmas and be able to join in the local festivities, such as carol singing outside the Fox and Hounds. Everything went to plan and we had a brilliant time. Ella and Jade were delighted to be able to play with their cousins, James and Stephanie - and it was good to have so many family members together for a change (even if it was a bit of a squash in our tiny bungalow!)
		Once we'd waved good-bye to our last guest, we had to turn our attention to packing again, this time for New Year in Lithuania. Having read that temperatures were set to drop to -22 degrees, we dashed into Dorchester to buy ourselves some thermals! We arrived in Vilnius to thick snow. Unfortunately, our luggage didn't arrive in Vilnius - It was still in Helsinki!! We managed that night, but next morning went shopping for basic toiletries, underwear and warm sweaters. The luggage finally caught up with us and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Lithuania's capital - a fascinating mix of old and new. One day we visited a fairy-tale castle in the middle of a lake. It was so cold that the lake had frozen solid and we were able to 'walk on water' to reach the castle!

We returned home to more cold weather. Unfortunately, our luggage didn't return home! It was in Helsinki again! (Disappeared into Finnair!!). One rucksack was returned after a couple of days - the other one took a week to catch up with us!

Now we are preparing for our next visit to Fiji. Boxes are almost packed and ready to take to Heathrow on Friday. Then we have a few days to finish off our own packing and head for the heat of the Pacific. No doubt there will be a few adventures to report on our return - there should also be a new grandchild to get to know!