[Dinnaefash]

Hi, all! Here I am in NZ, in the inevitable internet cafe ;-) We've been here 3 weeks now, and all is sweet. Had a nice 2 day stop over in Hong Kong - slept a lot! Very clean and safe, we enjoyed it. Spent our first few days in Auckland; set up a bank account, got a new sim for the phone (works phoning home just fine, we didn't get it unlocked), and bought a nice vehicle. That done, couldn't WAIT to get out of Auckland (admitedly it was south Auckland, but it's just not for us - busy, mad drivers, spray paint tags all over the place, locking the doors when you're inside during the day etc etc!) Headed to Taranaki to chill for a week which was great - until we ended up critical witnesses in the Lucy's Gully murder case! We were there the same day the girl got killed and apparently saw the murder vehicle! So the cops have been following us around the country getting statements etc. Very exciting!

We're now in a furnished rental in Cambridge for a month, looking at property. Boy, it's tiring! Picked up our dogs from Auckland airport last week; they are fine and pleased to see us. Took maybe 1/2 an hour to do the paperwork etc. No instructions on keeping them indoors or whatever, though we are staying in the country and walking on quiet no exit roads. The horse arrives this week!! She's taken the whole thing in her stride so far apparently.

Shopping is interesting (anyone found veggie stock cubes??) but we're getting the hang of it I think. It's an adventure <g>.

Passed my driving theory test!! Just waiting for my licence to arrive.

Think that's it for now, will keep you posted!

[Diny]

Good God !!!!! I'm almost tempted to say how exciting (regarding the murder case) - but I guess I will be accused of being tactless if I did - but you know what I mean.

Sounds like you've had the usual mad time during your first weeks here. It takes it out of you doesn't it. We're 3 months in now and just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel ..... so much to do - and settling down and house hunting can be fun - but can be a nightmare too.

Good to hear the animals arrived safely. hope all continues to go well and look forward to your next installment.

Good luck - and welcome to NZ.

Diny

[Singel]

Welcome to New Zealand, glad that everything went well.

Enjoy your unpacking and do keep us posted of your progress.

:cheers

[jubjub]

what a first few weeks! you have been busy, bet you were worried when the police came looking for you though..... Sounds like you had a quicker experience than us collecting your dogs, glad they are OK.

Hmm stock cubes, they dont seem to exist over here, so I have been using the Maggi veg stock powder that comes in a small yellow tub, its not bad, but a bit different when you are used to the organic ones you get in the UK.

[kiwidebs]

Glad to hear all is well. Bet you can't wait for your horse to arrive and I'm glad your other 'babies' arrived safe and sound. Wow to being involved in a murder inquiry just days after arriving in the country - nothing like settling into Kiwi life (and death) as soon as possible.
As to stock cubes - I could swear I used to use OXO cubes at home in NZ (but it could've been the Maggi stock powder I guess). I really am suffering from CRAFTS (Can't Remember An F'n Thing Syndrome) these days. :laugh :laugh

Look forward to hearing about house hunting and so on once you have internet from home!

Debs

[Moorf]

Crikey - what a mad intro to NZ!! Should we be looking for you on the news :D

OXO cubes can be bought at Woolworths $2.15 for a 12 pack. :nice1