T-R3xx
3rd December 2005, 02:40 AM
(Note: the following comments are the author’s and in no way reflect the opinions of this group or its members.) Sorry – I just had to say that. But, the comments do reflect the opinions of both me and the OH.
We spent 10 days exploring, checking things out, and generally getting a ‘feel’ for the place. This includes traipsing about Wellington and Auckland, as well as their surrounding areas, visiting a primary school, doing some shopping at a grocery store, meeting with job recruiters and other local business types, hitting a gym, hiking, and talking to a lot of people. We also went horse trekking, exploring a cave, took a helicopter ride up the coast, and generally had a fabulous time. We did not get to do everything we wanted to do, however, because some of the things we did do (particularly the business / job dealings) led into other meetings (oh, while you’re here, you just have to meet…). Oh well, next time!
Auckland – nice place, some redeeming features, but just another big city. The graffiti was bad. Reminded us of downtown LA, in a sad sort of way. While walking through Albert Park after a run, we noticed a gal sitting under a tree with a plastic sack. We were checking out the trees, but she thought we were looking at her. She announced to us that she was sniffing glue. Yuck. We had a good time, but were glad to leave. We gave it the thumbs-down.
Wellington – WOW! What a city! Seemed to have everything we like and appreciate. Active life-style, lots of arts, nice mix of everything. Certainly one of the most beautiful cities we have seen. We visited a school, and the Principal was all too glad to give us a tour and answer all our questions. While there, some of the kids were in a class doing a Maori dance routine that included a haka. One of the little girls was an American transplant. It was wonderful. We were very impressed with the entire visit. Wellington gets the thumbs-up, big time.
Both places - The people in general were exceedingly friendly, even more so than we expected. Examples – after our horse trek, the folks who owned the place invited us into their house for a bite to eat, dried our clothes for us (got wet during the ride down the river and a bit of rain), and made us feel like relatives. Another example – after eating breakfast at the Chocolate Fish, one of the employees insisted on giving us a ride rather than us take a cab or wait for the bus, as they were ‘going that way anyway’. Everyone we spoke to, especially in Wellington, loved where they lived and were too glad to be of assistance. In restaurants, the food and the service were always excellent. We tipped, anyway
Shopping – Pretty much as everyone else has described in this forum. Food seemed pretty much about the same – some things cheaper, some more expensive. Most of the stuff we eat we found, or found a reasonable substitute. We don’t eat a lot of meat, and have pretty simple food needs. We’ll work around the lack of the Boca-burgers, etc.
Employment opportunities – Since we are both in IT, it is not an issue. (We sent out CV’s ahead of time.) Everyone we spoke with just wanted to know when we will be there to stay.
The Verdict: Wellington, or a suburb is for us. Now it’s time to get busy!
We spent 10 days exploring, checking things out, and generally getting a ‘feel’ for the place. This includes traipsing about Wellington and Auckland, as well as their surrounding areas, visiting a primary school, doing some shopping at a grocery store, meeting with job recruiters and other local business types, hitting a gym, hiking, and talking to a lot of people. We also went horse trekking, exploring a cave, took a helicopter ride up the coast, and generally had a fabulous time. We did not get to do everything we wanted to do, however, because some of the things we did do (particularly the business / job dealings) led into other meetings (oh, while you’re here, you just have to meet…). Oh well, next time!
Auckland – nice place, some redeeming features, but just another big city. The graffiti was bad. Reminded us of downtown LA, in a sad sort of way. While walking through Albert Park after a run, we noticed a gal sitting under a tree with a plastic sack. We were checking out the trees, but she thought we were looking at her. She announced to us that she was sniffing glue. Yuck. We had a good time, but were glad to leave. We gave it the thumbs-down.
Wellington – WOW! What a city! Seemed to have everything we like and appreciate. Active life-style, lots of arts, nice mix of everything. Certainly one of the most beautiful cities we have seen. We visited a school, and the Principal was all too glad to give us a tour and answer all our questions. While there, some of the kids were in a class doing a Maori dance routine that included a haka. One of the little girls was an American transplant. It was wonderful. We were very impressed with the entire visit. Wellington gets the thumbs-up, big time.
Both places - The people in general were exceedingly friendly, even more so than we expected. Examples – after our horse trek, the folks who owned the place invited us into their house for a bite to eat, dried our clothes for us (got wet during the ride down the river and a bit of rain), and made us feel like relatives. Another example – after eating breakfast at the Chocolate Fish, one of the employees insisted on giving us a ride rather than us take a cab or wait for the bus, as they were ‘going that way anyway’. Everyone we spoke to, especially in Wellington, loved where they lived and were too glad to be of assistance. In restaurants, the food and the service were always excellent. We tipped, anyway
Shopping – Pretty much as everyone else has described in this forum. Food seemed pretty much about the same – some things cheaper, some more expensive. Most of the stuff we eat we found, or found a reasonable substitute. We don’t eat a lot of meat, and have pretty simple food needs. We’ll work around the lack of the Boca-burgers, etc.
Employment opportunities – Since we are both in IT, it is not an issue. (We sent out CV’s ahead of time.) Everyone we spoke with just wanted to know when we will be there to stay.
The Verdict: Wellington, or a suburb is for us. Now it’s time to get busy!