[Sam B]

Well, here I am 3 months in, and feeling quite a lot better than I did after 1 month. Everything seems a lot more familiar now and I almost think of my rental as home sometimes. I've lost that tight knot of anxiety that seemed to be permanently ensconced in my tummy for the first few weeks, and I actually feel more relaxed than I have in a while.

Work is much better, and I think that's a major thing. I'm not so freaked out about all the cultural stuff now, every family I work with is different, regardless of their background, and I'm starting to pick up the odd word of Te Reo, my pronounciation is a little better. My colleagues are lovely, and my manager is very supportive. My confidence is ebbing back, and I am getting used to the ways of the Minestry of Education!

I love the countryside, and we have been busy exploring as much as we can. We have loved everywhere we've seen, especially the Coromandel and Abel Tasman. We love the birds and their songs, and I can recognise lots of the songs now. They sound so exotic.

We've sold our house in Cornwall, and we are in the process of buying land. That's not all going so smoothly, but that's another story. We are really excited about the thought of owning a few acres in the countryside and having a house built. Probably will still be in rental for a while, as this is not a quick option.

The more Kiwis I meet, the more I realise they are all different, just like us. I am relieved that they seem to find my sense of humour funny and the majority are not aloof at all (as I had sometimes heard reported). I am starting to make friends, I am going to a bookclub formed from mums from one of my daughter's class, and they are all really nice. They changed the fortnightly coffee morning to a friday so I could come.

I just don't feel so lost. It's a relief, because the first 6 weeks were difficult. Sometimes my mind starts to think about some of the things I've left behind, and whether I've made the right decision, but I stop myself. It's too early to go there. I do still really miss my friends, but I email them lots and Skype my best friend, and that works well.

I have even learned the right hand turning rule!

[kanatakiwi]

Thanks for an honest and thoughtful post. Sounds like your attitude will make for a a successful transition to NZ life.

Also its worth mentioning, you are one of the few to touch upon something that surely is a major culture shock for new residents....maori life and customs. There is much to be enjoyed in the maori culture but no one comments on that, or talks about learning te reo, or getting their kids involved in kapa haka. Maybe this is not such a big thing for folks on the south island, but here in auckland it is really integrated into the school system and I wonder how the expat families are adjusting to this. I think its all part of adjusting to life in NZ

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

[Carey]

Yes good to read your honest thougths and feelings; its still relatively early days so not surprising if you didn't have a few "Oh my goodness what have we done?" moments. You sound very positive and determined, so this will probably help you in the weeks ahead.
Interested in your comments re Maori customs; we just spent 2 weeks in Northland near Kaikohe, which has a high percentage of Maori families and were very aware when shopping , going to parks etc of the differences. All very friendly but we felt slightly out of place and yet it was an awkward subject to discuss with people living there who were not Maori. We heard conflicting views from different people (between those living in the N. Island to those in the South) and there was some racism. Made us consider how we would be able to fit in if we did live there; coming from a very 'white, middle class" area...which I hate saying but it's how it is here. Any thoughts from anyone else?

[gil]

Really pleased to hear you sounding so relaxed Sam. Glad things are going well for you. Look forwrad to seeing you on May 19th!

Gil
x

[marcia]

What a good honest update - sounds as though things are settling into a routine for you now, which all helps to feel 'normal'. Good luck with the next six months!:)

[Ana&Steve]

Glad you've found some peace with your new life, you deserve it!
Ana

[Kim39]

Hi Sam, glad to read all is starting to become familier for you. I remember that phone call just after you had arrived and how totally lost you felt. Well its seems as if that is in the distant past now. Things do become a little easier over time, but thats no consolation when you do feel lost. Just hope the next 3 months will make things a hell of a lot easier and you'll feel that the last 6 were just a blip.

Must meet up for that coffee soon lass.


Kim

[Lupin]

Really interesting, honest first three months here post Sam :) Glad you're settling and happy.

[KerryS]

Great to hear you're feeling more settled now Sam. Hopefully the next 3 months will be a breeze and you'll be onto your 6 month post!

[zardell]

So glad to hear that you are feeling more settled and more familiar with your surroundings.

This immigration lark is not easy and people do struggle at times.

I'm really pleased that your initial settling-in struggle is over and I hope that you and yours continue to blossom.

Take care,

Julie

xx

[thezorbster]

I'm so glad you are starting to feel settled, I have been following your progress and you sounded so lonely to begin with. I'm so glad you're beginning to meet people and feel settled at work, it's really positive, in fact your post was really positive and lovely to read. We'll be in your position soon so it's just nice to hear things are coming together for you now!

[jen]

Great post again Sam, glad to hear things are looking better - sometimes I forget what a very short time 6 months is in the big scheme of things; we've been here a whopping 4 months so why I expect to understand how everything works in NZ already, I don't know.

And yes, that right-hand turn rule is good to know ;) As a U.S. expat I just wish I could stop getting in the wrong side of the car one of these days!

Jen