(the following is an excerpt from the diary of Rufus the Diabetes Bear. Rufus is traveling around the world visiting children with diabetes and promoting diabetes awareness. To read more about Rufus' travels see the whole story at Children With Diabetes)

8/31/01 The Clarke Family

n Friday 31st August 2001 Rufus and I set out on our journey to Auckland (North Island of New Zealand) to present Bob Elliott with a grant check on behalf of the CWD Foundation. The flight took about an hour and I think Rufus enjoyed traveling in the plane rather than in his 'travelling box'. We arrived in Auckland at about 10.10am and taxied to Diatranz. After meeting Bob and having a bit of a chat we put on 'surgical' type caps, gowns and slippers for a tour of the facilities (thankfully the photographer Jonathon was no where in sight!!). Bob explained that their facilities are up to the minute technology and of the highest scientific standards.

Bob is a very nice man doing great work that sounds very promising. Rufus and I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to him. Thank you Sonia and Laura. After the tour Jonathan took some photos of us. We had a great time there and were made to feel very welcome and it was interesting to talk to Bob on the subject of diabetes and the related research and such like.

Jonathan was then kind enough to take Rufus and I out to lunch. After that we had a bit of time to 'explore' a shopping centre then we met Jonathan again who drove us to the airport. We had a good flight home.

We had a great day - a real adventure for me, I felt like a real globe trotter. I guess Rufus is used to it now!!