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Adventure of a lifetime
Kiwi mum Jacqui Thomas has taken a year out to backpack round the world - with her 7-year-old daughter.

Goldbugs see no end to price rises
Gold investors have high hopes about price rises continuing in 2011.

NZ embassy in Rome on look out after explosions
Staff at the NZ Embassy in Rome have been told to be on the look out for suspicious packages after mail bombs exploded in the hands of employees at the Swiss and Chilean embassies in Rome on Thursday.

Rugby: Howlett arrested in Ireland - report
Former All Blacks star Doug Howlett was arrested by Irish police on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly at his Christmas party night out with his Munster teammates.

Spain's master of haute couture makes final bow
The grandfather of Spanish fashion, 81-year-old Elio Berhanyer, has become the latest victim of the country's ailing economy.

OMG - CIA sets up WTF
The American spy agency has created a panel to assess what damage may have been done by WikiLeaks.

EU delivers ultimatum to airports
The EU criticised airport operators yesterday for failing to deal adequately with the heavy snow and freezing weather.

Spain says 'adios' to smoky bars and cafes
Spain has become the latest country to pass an anti-smoking law for its eateries.

NZ choir spreads cheer at snowed-in Heathrow
Kiwi kids have spread a little Christmas cheer to those stranded at Heathrow Airport in London.

Air NZ flights take off for NZ from Heathrow
Two Air New Zealand flights have taken off from London's Heathrow Airport this morning.

Book Review: The Elephant's Journey
Alas, this this is the second-to-last novel from the Portuguese Nobel Prize winner from whom I have gained so much enjoyment and stimulus over the past few years.

Hope for Kiwis trapped in London
Hundreds of stranded New Zealanders might be able to make it home for the holidays after all with the news that London's Heathrow Airport is due to reopen on a limited basis this evening, New Zealand time.

Wintry weather strands travellers in UK, Europe
Heavy snow has caused chaos in Europe, stranding thousands of would-be holiday-makers.