Auckland , General info:
9/10

Often callled the city of sails due to the many boats in its harbor. Auckland has over 50 volcanos and Range Toto - a volcanic Island in the center of the harbour is only 600 years old. Fott prints preserved in ash show that the native population actually watched this volcanic Island form. The rocks on the Island are still warm to the touch.

Auckland , Cheap stuff:
7/10

Visit One Tree Hill (although the tree was chopped down by a Mauri activist recently) for a beautiful view of the city. Also visit the Albert museum, which also has a spectacular view.

Chiang Mai , General info:
9/10

To those that have visited Chiang Mai, Thailand they love it and thousands of foreigners have made this their home in retirement. But yet many still have not heard of Chiang Mai which is Thailand\'s 2nd largest city at only 300k population (city but outlying areas).

Chiang Mai is located about 1 hr north of Bangkok by plane and is cooler, cleaner, less traffic, less pollution and lower priced than Bangkok or Pattaya or Puket.

Chiang Mai , Different stuff:
7/10

If you are not from these parts some of the fruits and food you will not be accustomed to and we suggest sampling as much as you can and only watch out for foods with hot peppers as you have to develop a tolerance for the types and amount of peppers to add.

Chiang Mai , Food:
10/10

One of the best things about Chiang Mai and Thailand are the foods and fruits most of which are grown locally including strawberries.

So many different types of fruits that after living here for several years I have still not tasted them all.

The food is delicious and cheap.

Chiang Mai , Hotels:
10/10