[Lara Croft]

I was asked at work today (2nd day in my new job) how long I'd been in NZ. I started to reply "just over a week" and then realised... it's 2 weeks today :)

So how has it been so far?

There have been a multitude of first impressions:

- the warmth & humidity coming out of the airport at Auckland! I'd come from wet and windy Manchester and was still clutching my thick winter coat!

- the sheer child-like delight as I flew into Wellington, and caught the first glimpses of my new home city... so much water! And so blue!

- my first view of the stunningly beautiful road from Pukerua Bay up to Paraparaumu... the railway line hugs the mountainside, and the road is just feet from the sea edge... I don't think I will ever tire of this awesome view

- gazing at a lemon tree in the garden next door to my motel... absolutely stuffed with lemons

- how windy it really is in Wellington - and how hilly! When it rained yesterday, the rain was warm!

- I've come out ahead of hubby and little'un - they will be here soon :) - and the panicky feelings of anxiety at being totally alone in a strange country, followed by tentative steps to get out there and meet people

- the friendliness and unending support of the other forum members - thanks everyone

- jet-lag; it really wrecked my sleeping patterns for the best part of a week!

- being scared by my first encounter with a Hoon in a high powered car :uhoh

- jogging on an almost deserted beach the other day; it was a public holiday, in the middle of summer, gorgeous 24 degrees of sunshine, and there was just a handful of people on this fantastic beach - coastline stretching as far as you could see in both directions...

- the ease with which I opened bank accounts, and the friendliness of the banking staff; quickly followed by the tedious delays by my UK bank to actually transfer any money across (started the process 10 days ago... still waiting... Grrrrr)

So, a mixed bag of emotions, mostly positive. I fully expected to have some wobbly moments - and I think there will be more yet - but at the moment I still feel like pinching myself to check it is all for real :)

Jane

[jenelopy]

I'm glad that your first two weeks have been mostly good.

If I am honest it makes me a little less scared! My visa arrived yesterday, so I will be in a similar position to you soon, I am flying out to Wellington this weekend and starting work on Monday, but my partner wont be coming out for another 2.5 weeks.

It was really interesting to read about your first impressions, and to think in excitement what mine will be!

I hope that your job is going well.

[Mels]

Great post Jane

I'm still in need of the 'anti wobble juice' by the bucket load, esp after whats happening with the housing market aaahhhhhh

So it's great to hear ow well your getting on.

Which motel are you staying in, would it be suitable for us with two boys (10 and 13)?

[Lara Croft]

hi Mels - I'll PM you!

Jane

[allchange]

Hi Jane, great post thanks. Our EOI is now in (we'll be waiting ages its under the magic 140 points!) Lovely to hear about your first weeks (respect due for starting alone before the family arrive). Lots of luck for good times as you settle in.

[shakyle2906]

Hi Jane

Glad to hear things are going well!!

Yes, i know how overwhelming things are when you first get out here. SOunds like you have got a lot organised already!

Glad to hear job going well.

Keep us posted on how things go! When do your family come out ??

Sharon
xx

[Smiler]

Hi Jane

It's good to hear your first impressions. I think Wellington's a beautiful place too.

The view as you come down the Gorge and alongside the water gets me every time, as well as the Pukerua Bay road. Stunning! :nice1

Hope little un and hubby arrive soon and you can enjoy Wellington together. :raebanana

[Perksy]

Brave of you to be out there without your family Jane - good on you. Glad to hear it's going well. We are hopefully heading for Kapiti in Sept so good to hear it's been a positive experience so far. Kim

[Lara Croft]

Hello everyone, thanks for you comments.

I think the Kapiti Coast is stunning. It reminds me a lot of remote west coast of Scotland, or places like Arran. Even on a not so good day, the scenery is enough to lift my spirits.

Hubby and son arrive in 27 days! Not that I'm counting or anything... :)

Jane

[holland]

Hi Jane,

Glad things are going well for you...the time will fly by and you'll soon be with your family again!!

J and G xx

[Sam B]

Great post Jane. We arrived at the same time last year, and I remember noticing many of the same things - especially the warm air and the lemon trees.

[Familyofmonkeys]

Sounds like you are off to a good start :nice1
And what is it with those lemon trees....they were one of the first things we noticed too :)