Bits and Bobs

Whilst it's easy to post things of interest, sometimes you can take pictures of non-specific events and not know if others really want to know about them. So here is a collection of pictures that we've taken over the past few weeks that give a sense of our adventure without any specific reference.

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Whose eye is this?



Does anybody know what this flower is called?



You may have wondering how we've been getting about in Auckland. Fortunatley Hanafiah and Matthew have been very kind in lending us their car. It's a Toyota Camary automatic. Everyone here drive auto's so I think we're about to join the crowd when we finally get our wheels.



Bobby was born in Jamaica and is a former boxer. He tells me he spent time in the ring with Henry Cooper and was a model. I wasn't about to argue. He's been living in NZ for nearly twenty years. I've got a feeling we'll be seeing more of Bobby.



This is a fish made from shells the kids found on Kohimarama beach just outside our apartment.



Yasmin and Roger playing kites on top of Mount Wellington.



We originally looked for a place 'out west' and nearly became 'westies' and as part of our research we attended a fund raising event for the local kindergarten in Waitekere Township. It was a bit like a spring fair in the UK. On this occasion the kids took a ride in a fire engine.Theo looking rather apprehensive - perhaps he thinks he's going to put out a real fire.



Yasmin feeling confident as the fire engine gets ready to depart.



If we had decided to move to Waitakere township Roger would have become a volunteer firefighter. He wouldn't have lasted long with his asthma.

What a suprise!

There are some things that you have to put down to fate. When we were last in NZ over two years ago we spent a few days on Waiheke Island. During one of those days we met a family (Paul, Sue, Tuan and Yen) on the beach and played some games. It was a great day, the children loved it and our pictures were a fond reminder of that special day.

Two weeks after our arrival in Auckland we go to Okahu park and Roger spots a face in the playground he thinks he recognises. Paul also sees a face he's seen before and the two men approach each other with increasing recognition. It's only when the children point at each other that everything falls into place. Paul and his family have only been to Waiheke Island once and met us there, they have only been to Okahu park once and again we meet. Some things were just meant to be. Obviously we couldn't believe it and soon arranged to hang out together,whilst Yas is still puzzled by the saying 'it's a small world'.

We had a great day and thanks to Paul and Sue for a fantastic lunch, great company and kind generosity. The children had a fantastic time, the start of great friendships. Keep an eye out for more posts featuring all the family.



Paul, Roger, Sue and George with Yen in front. Despite the two year gap, it felt like we'd all known each other for years.



'If the shoe fits...' Timmy the cat was quite at home taking a nap inside Theo's shoe. Yes he really has put both paws inside.



Theo getting all camera shy as Yen looks on.



Tuan just chilling before lunch.



Roger takes his guard as he faces an onslaught from Paul's off spin - he was dismissed for four runs.



Yen is head over heels with joy as Yasmin gives her tummy a tickle.



Tuan leading the way in the impromtu long jump competition.



Yasmin takes one giant leap and beats her personal best.

Ordinary Day

One of the objectives of this blog is to give you an idea of what an 'ordinary' day is like for us in Auckland. Set out below is just a few random shots from the odd day when we did very little of interest.



Shopping is a past time none of us particulary enjoy, but it's a necessary activity. Here, some of us are getting down to some serious purchases.



The Urban Cowbow - Roger models his new Jacaru hat to help keep the sun at bay.



During a boring grown up meeting, the kids found the boardroom and set about reorganising the company structure - fortunately all the Directors agreed these targets were achievable, particulary more smiling faces.



Theo, the wannabe prince, sits watching his extra large TV, (no not the plug in radiator, the TV is just off camera).

Kiwi People

A country is not only know by its landscape, but also by the people that inhabit it. We've been very lucky to have family on hand to help us settle and get to grips with all the new information and challenges that NZ has to throw at us. A big thank you to them and also those friends that have been so welcoming and hospitable. Roger has already had an inviation to go fishing, play soccer, cricket golf and take up saling. The kids have made friends with some local children and are keen to establish more routine in their play. We're confident that warmth of the Kiwi welcome will continue and we'll be able to extend our hospitality when we find our feet.



Hanafiah on her birthday opens a present designed and made by Yasmin.



Matthew is very relaxed having just recently retired and now has plenty of time to improve his golf swing and embrace his love of swimming.



George with her half neice Hassanah who will be marrying Simon next year.



Young Max (Hassanah's son) trying his Mozart impersonation, but hasn't quite managed it yet.



Simon is doing a fine Kiwi job in helping us to learn more about culture especially the wine.



Our neighbour Barbara invited us to meet some of the other neighbours, Lillian and Rami.

Where are we now?

We're currently renting a furnished apartment on Tamaki Drive in the Eastern Bays. It has good access to the city, the parks and beaches. We've been lucky to find a fabulous space, but we're treating it more like a holiday apartment. Real life will kick in when our furniture finally arrives (we've recently learnt it's already been delayed) and we rent unfurnished. You'll see that everything looks very pleasant and it is. However, the first week we were in Auckland was cold, wet and windy so it was a bit depressing, but spring is here and everyone is happier.



Our first morning and Yasmin is very excited at discovering our apartment has a superb view.



The balcony has great views out to sea.



We're all going bananas!



The kids point at the boats at low tide shortly after breakfast.



This is the view direct from our balcony.



Yasmin at ease in the park on Mission Bay which over looks the beach.

Sunday on Waiheke

This is our first 'day off' since we arrived in Auckland. We have spent most of the first couple of weeks looking for the right area to live in. That means somewhere close enough for George to get to work, where the kids can go to a good school and with enough parks and space for walking. Sounds easy until you start driving around and see the size of Auckland city. It's geographically the size of Greater London. An undulating urban sprawl with beaches, rain forest, rural wine regions and of course, traditional suburbs. Having explored all options we are currently heading for the suburbs of the Eastern Bays. It has the best mix for us at this present time so we'll have to see how things develop.

Waiheke Island is a 30 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and has some fantastic beaches and walks. It's also a fun place to check out the wonderful array of beach houses that peep over the clifftops with their spectacular sea views.



The Skytower dominates the Auckland skyline and is now a famous landmark in the city.



The kids loved watching the spray churned up by the ferry as we got further from the Auckland skyline.



When we were last in Auckland two and half years ago, we stayed on Waiheke Island and Yasmin swung naked on this tyre. Now she's far too self aware, but she still took great delight in showing Theo how much fun you can have with simple improvisation.



This is the scene as you walk towards Oneroa Beach from the village.



Here is Oneroa Beach on a busy Sunday afternoon during the spring half term. I think there's someone else out there.





One side of Palm Beach. On the other is a beach for those who are keen naturists, as we discovered. Boy, did we blush!



This is a clifftop view of Palm Beach.

Singapore - Pictures

Singapore was a great break before we arrived in NZ. For the first time in months, we had nothing to think about, nothing to do and absolutley no worries.



Hotel rooftop pool where the girls get cool from the Singapore heat.



It didn't take Yasmin long to get the hang of getting waiters to run after her every need.



What do you think of the butterfly tattoo?



Theo is acutally asleep here. His arm would drop, his head lolled and he'd jerk himself awake which gave everyone a laugh.



Roger and Theo watching musicians after his little nap.

Back online

We're back online after the first couple of weeks here in Auckland. So over the coming days we will provide an update on how we've got on since our arrival and post some recent pictures.



Roger with a full stomach. He looks like he should really take a run on the black sands of Bethel's Beach (Te Henga).

Yasmin's message to friends

To Oscar and William. I have missed you a lot. I have also been having a good time. Just to let you know that I will be sending you another message and with that message there will be a picture. I do wish you could come to NZ or I could go to see you. I hope you are having a good time being in class 8 and are having some fun with Isla.

To Cristian, Nikhil, Haya, Isabelle and Catorina. I have been doing some boring stuff and also having some good fun on the beach and eating ice cream. I have been looking at houses and seen lots that I like and I just can't decide which one I like best. I hope I will be going to school soon. I'll let you know what it's like when I start.

Love Yasmin.

At the airport...

We're at the airport where we have free access to the internet - how cool is that! The kids are a bit hyper, but that could be because they're tired and hungry. We miss everybody. It's the strangest experience ever because it feels just like we're on holiday. It's only when we wake up in the middle of the night that we feel the full impact of what we're doing. Yasmin says - I miss you all and hope you can all come out to see us and I hope I can return soon to see you and
I hope you have a happy time when you go back to school.

Look out for more photo's soon - especially Theo's pizza experience and his new songs.

Singapore

Our flight to Singapore was good, given the children were kept entertained by the in-flight film TV offerings, the food was edible and the cabin crew kept giving us plenty of drinks. Singapore has been a welcome break with hot sunshine and a lovely pool to enjoy during our stay at the SwissCourt hotel. Add a bit of retail therapy and you quickly get the picture - loads of chilling. We fly out tonight to our final destination and 'home' in Auckland. We'll give you an update when we arrive. No photo's this post.