[lockstock]

Last full day before I fly back tomorrow. I have contracted a rotten cold (I blame the person I sat next to on the flight out here) so my view of life at the moment is a bit jaded. I've been touring around looking for likely places to settle and, of course, everywhere looks lovely. I spent 2 days in Rororua being a true tourist but I'm afraid the smell in the Motel got to me in the end and I left early to come back up to Hamilton via Tirau.

I've had a lovely time. But are we making the right decision.......?

[Tia Maria]

You're probably jet-lagged, overloaded with information and a cold to add to it all. I would expect many people would question their choices on such a quick busy visit.

If I was you I would stop worrying about the big decisions until about 8 days after you have returned! Spend your last day either just being a tourist or taking lots of photos of things (good and bad) to aid your memory when you get back.

If you really can't turn your mind off from it all then break it down to smaller decisions like: "if we were to move what would our top 3 locations be?" or "is there one place in particular that I now know I really need to research in terms of jobs/houses/schools etc?".

That way when you have got over your trip the other end you can get down to the serious business of deciding if it beats what you are doing at the moment or any other options you have.

I think when people are picturing emigrating they have an idea of what their house might look like, or their nearest beach, or the commute to the office, then when you arrive you are faced with the reality of specifics rather than just a vague concept. The beach might be better than you imagined but the school might be on a main road and the house you like might be in an area you never considered before.

Feeling its 'nice, but is it nice enough?' is a very common 'stepping of the plane' feeling and for many its not until you get involved in schools, jobs and local life that you can really answer that question!

Have a good flight back. :D

Cheers

Tia

[Jules]

I spent 2 days in Rororua being a true tourist but I'm afraid the smell in the Motel got to me in the end and I left early to come back up to Hamilton via Tirau.

You do get used to it.............:yes

Jules

[swissmissdesigner]

I know that sounds silly, but I actually like the smell there...:laugh
Remind me on Switzerland.

[holland]

Lockstock,

I agree with Tia Marias comments, at the moment you don't feel 100% and so the way you are viewing things and mulling things over will be completely different.

What are the things that are making you think, 'Is it nice enough??', also, what is your view like of England at the minute, I don't doubt when I go to NZ I will probably be imagining UK is the best thing since sliced bread, when in reality it isnt.

Im sure when you get back to UK, you will be able to analyse everything, once you've had a couple of days tucked up in bed xxxx

J and G x

[lockstock]

I'm on the way back now - just refuelling in Sydney so get a couple of hours to stretch my legs until we have to get back on and head for Bangkok. A real global trot this has turned out to be. Everyone's words of wisdom have been a real boost. I was quite sad at leaving even though there was no-one there to say goodbye to (sniff).

Thankfully I'm back into making plans mode again - this time armed with eucalyptus impregnated tissues, panadol every few hours and a magnificient set of movies on this aircraft.

I have no idea how I'm going to drag myself through the school gates next Monday knowing what I do now.:o

[holland]

Have a safe flight back Lockstock, sending e- hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Keep us posted xx

J x

[thirtysomethings]

Hope the cold sorts itself out for you and let us know how you get on when back in old blightie !:)

[lockstock]

I finally arrived back into Birmingham at lunchtime today after what seemed like an interminable set of flights. Fortunately my OH showed his wonderful sensitive side and came to meet me at the airport. I had arranged to get the train back and was dreading having to battle through B'ham NewStreet and try to find the train times etc.

Well, all's apparently well back here - nothing seems lost broken or out of place. We've got loads of things to talk about and it looks like we're going ahead despite my 'wobbly' in Auckland when I had massive 'overload'.

As for Rotorua, I loved it - even the smell outside - it was the smell in the Motel (one of the budget variety along Fenton Street). The unit was on the upstairs floor and far too near a thermal vent pipe for comfort.

I'm going to sleep now. I may be some time...;)

[holland]

Ta for update!!

have a good sleep, sounds like you need it

J xx

[thirtysomethings]

When you awake from hibernation let us know your thoughts and plans :)
I see your ITA submittal mtaches our ITA succesful I hope its a good omen for you :)