Here at last!!

susanlin · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:40 am Post subject: Here at last!!

Hi everyone

Finally here in ChCh and it is great to be over here at last. Hectic at first week staying in B &B's and starting my new job but things are settling a bit now we are in our rental home. Have had a great lady help me move over here who has sorted everything out for me, schools, rental home, hire car, airport meet. Nicola has been marvellous and amazing value for money! She has given me loads of info on the local area etc all the kinds of things you need to know when you a new in a country - she even arranged a welcome party for me and my family 2 days after arrival!

Weather has been horrid last few days - so cold and wet but hey who cares..I am in NZ at last!! Just need to put a few extra layers on for those wild beach walks!

(Have been invited for residency which is great news - fingers crossed it all goes well).

bye for now

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 12:34 pm Post subject:

Hi Susan,

Welcome to NZ at last! I got here about 3 weeks ago! The weather is changing for sure....a bit warmer in AKL but not much. ChCh is a great place and was our second choice! When you need a job though you have to follow that first to get into the country!

I might have known the first thing another Brit would post would include a weather report....we're a nation obsessed by the weather...mainly because we normally get all the crap stuff eh?

I wish you well with your PR and in settling in which can be hard at first so it's nice to hear you have such good support!

Keep smiling Razz

Summer will so be here again cool

..until then enjoy the South Island ski fields cool

JCM · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:12 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear you've had a smooth migration Susan.

Hasn't the weather here been TERRIBLE. Yes

Never mind, it will get better again..........I hope. fingers crossed

susanlin · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 2:08 pm Post subject:

hi Guys

thanks very much for your good wishes! Can you believe I am missing the UK already!! Central heating - oh wouldn't that be lovely!

bye for now!

evelynne_r · I Like It Here Joined: 25 Jan 2004 Posts: 94

Yeah, central heating! Heck, I miss that!

NZ houses are definitely designed for summer rather than winter.

Evelynne

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 2:31 pm Post subject:

NEWS FLASH Eek

.......1000W OIL FILLED HEATERS AT FOODTOWN ON SPECIAL $28.99......GET EM WHILE THEY LAST........END OF REPORT Laughing

PS WE'VE BOUGHT TWO! Nutcase

JCM · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:10 pm Post subject:

Can't beat the old underfloor heating. Warms up on cheap rate at night and keeps you cosy all day. We must be in one of the few houses to have it here. (Along with double glazing.) cool

Heating has been switched on for the last two nights now. Hope we can switch it off again soon. fingers crossed

It must be said, heating in a lot of Kiwi houses is basic to say the least. They're a hardy breed down under. Razz

I just wish it would stop raining. Hmmm

JCM · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:12 pm Post subject:

dan-ish · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:08 pm Post subject: Signature

Hey Susan,

Congratulations on your succesful migration. Good stuff. Clapping

The only problem is that you should now change your signature! 'You have MOVED to Chch...' Wink

Well done.

Dan-ish Razz

Lauren · Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:33 am Post subject:

Hi Susan,

So glad to hear it is all going well. We are leaving the UK in 11 days for Ch Ch so its good to know it can go smoothly.

Please keep posting if you encounter any difficulties or find things out you hadn't anticipated.

Except the weather, I can't plan for that!

Thank You and Good Luck
L.

SoCal Gal · Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 7:27 am Post subject: Here at last!

What wonderful news for you, Susan, to have had a safe and happy landing! (Although I too worry about the chilly weather, as I am in California right now and we only run our heat at night for a few months of the year - but for the love of NZ, I'll happily adjust!) I was wondering....did you bring any pets over? I'm still looking for someone to tell me the particulars of their successful pet move.
Again, congratulations!
cool

pam owen · Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 12:25 am Post subject: Flights booked

Hi Susan

So glad to hear you arrived safely, Tina is missing you already. We have booked our flights 31/5/04 also got our PR visa granted last week.

take care
Pam

aurora · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:44 pm Post subject:

I must be living in a different Christchurch then ... the weather here's been superb.

It's been bright and sunny here almost every day since the beginning of March. Perfect autumn weather. The only mishap was a cold snap at the beginning of April which lasted about a week. But I guess that's what polar fleece tops are for! And it was kind of nice to drive down Harewood Rd with the snow covered southern alps forming a backdrop.

Or it could be that I live in my own warped fantasy. Either way, I'm living in paradise.

kiwi · Valued Member Joined: 02 Apr 2004 Posts: 126

Unfortunately that 'cold snap' was when she arrived!

Such a shame, as it really is ok here in the Autumn huh?

Nicola

aurora · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 7:55 pm Post subject:

Yes, it was rather harsh, I have to admit. My house doesn't have any insulation or heating (apart from a fireplace in the main living room), so it was pretty frigid. Best option was to get myself outside in the sun, digging up weeds and cutting up firewood.