Exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud

Last night we decided to sample some of the night life here. It's about a two minute drive into town (it was rainy yesterday so we didn't walk!) and everything is within a 6-8 block stretch in the central area. We started at the bingo club which is at the decidedly more upscale pub in town. It was super busy and we barely got seats but we stuck around for one round of bingo. They give out free drinks, t-shirts, CDs and a bar tab of $20 is the big prize for a full card. I don't know, once we got there I started feeling totally lonely since everyone was out with groups of friends. At least they serve what both Dustin and I would probably agree is the best beer in New Zealand. It's called Monteith's and last time we were here we went to the brewery for a tour. It's delicious and they serve at least 6 or so of their beers! I tried the Golden Lager and Dustin went for the Original Ale. After we left there we walked a block to this Celtic style pub where they had musi...

Another week of progress and getting our details sorted out. We applied for tax numbers, got a bank account and yesterday we bought a car! We've been doing so much walking over the last week and a bit. It's 20 minutes to the grocery store and we seem to go every other day almost. On Wednesday we walked into a couple employment agencies (they are very popular here) and one of them starting salivating when we said Dustin was a ticketed carpenter. So after filling out some forms and giving them his CV he is at work today! We had to get tools and some other work clothes for him. It was great because the guy he's working for gave him his contact at the hardware store so Dustin got all his basics for about $150 because the guy discounted everything he got. Not too bad considering tools here are easily a few times the price of tools at home. I think the cheapest hammer we found was about $30 but it was also not going to last. So to get the hammer he had at home was about $70! I ...

Part of the walkway

Our bedroom with cozy flannel sheets! The kitchen which is bigger than it looks. The lounge room and dining room. Our bedroom is the doorway at the back on the left. The spare room with the bunk beds. Toilets are usually in their own room in houses here. The left is the shower, sink, linen closet and washer. Our sunroom which is behind the dining area.

Waiting to board our flight at YVR Repacking the tent in Auckland International Airport The View from the bus window As the sun sets

Well after the relative whirlwind of last week I guess it's only fitting that we've taken it fairly easy the last couple days. I stayed on the couch sleeping and resting yesterday almost all day until Dustin got me out and we walked down to the coastal walkway they have along the ocean here. It was gorgeously sunny and had to be 16-18 degrees out but with a wind. Dustin had been out for a few hours wandering around earlier in the day. This coastal walkway runs about 7km I think. When we are better we are going to rent some bikes and check it out further. When we followed a street that runs down to the walkway from near our place, we found that it takes you right to a surf break. But it's kind of a cliff you have to make your way down so we'll have to walk down closer to see if it's easily accessible or if you have to paddle to it. There were a couple guys out yesterday. It's also right near the port so there were a few big ships coming and going. Today we doze...

Better grab a cuppa, there's lots to catch up on! On Monday we got out on the road around 3pm. For our flight to LA we were lucky enough to have the exit row - I could nearly stretch my legs out completely! We shared the row with a racquetball referee heading to Korea for the world championships with Team Canada. After arriving to a cool evening in LA we had a bite to eat at a Mexican place. It was great because we didn't have to check our bags back in, they were transferred for us. Huge bonus because we have 3 large bags and a surfboard and when you have to walk to another terminal at LAX, it's a long way. At first when we checked in for the Qantas flight we weren't sitting together but after asking at the gate, we eventually got seats together. The flight was around 3 hours long and the seating was fairly cramped. If we were any taller it would be really uncomfortable. Both flights I was sitting beside large men and I don't know how they manage because even th...

Friday was a day of goodbyes for us. Both us of finished up work and then we moved out of our apartment. For Dustin, his send off was pizza and beers and for me, everyone at work contributed to a potluck lunch with lots of goodies - complete with a postcard-shaped cake! Unlike Dustin, I definitely shed a couple tears upon leaving. Just kind of mixed emotions - I'm absolutely excited that we've made this decision and that we're going and then of course sometimes moving on has its tough spots. After a quick sushi dinner in the Heights we got to the task of packing up the final bits and cleaning the apartment. The man that helps out our building manager was kind enough to do the carpet cleaning for us! It was very lucky we took an extra trip on Thursday night because the vehicle was packed to the gills! Even with all the things we've gotten rid of, it's amazing the amount of "stuff" people amass. I really have liked the fact that traveling like this has kep...