Cate in NZ Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 I've been threatening to write a little about our time in NZ so far, but I managed to break my camera on the journey over (dropped it ) so was unable to take pics, and also, quite honestly I haven't had time. But today my wonderful hubby bought me a new camera as an early birthday present and then took me for breakfast at Okere Falls, and now, after a barbecue at home this evening I'm relaxing with a glass of wine , so thought I'd post a few pics. Anyway, so far NZ is brilliant, beautiful country, friendly people . There are difficult moments, it can be hard being a long way from my extended family and trusted friends, and routines etc are different here, not better, nor worse, just done differently, and because I'm out of work still I've not yet re-established my routines. But the children are both settled in schools, although they're both half way through their 2 week midwinter break, back to school a week on Monday. Hubby has been working out here since Feb, so is well established and very happy in his job. I've found a job that I want, in for interview etc next week, *fingers crossed* I just hope that they like me. So, no regrets this far.....but it is only 3 weeks Very busy weekends so far, people have been very generous with their invitations and we've been out and about socialising a lot. Last weekend some friends came to stay with us and we went up the Skyline Gondola (these photos courtesy of my daughter): View of Rotorua from the top.....note the snow on the surrounding hill tops Hubby & I at the top of the Gondola Today at Okere Falls: Okere Falls again (brilliant organic cafe in the background....where we had breakfast!) Me: View of Lake Rotorua from my front drive: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 It looks lovely Kate, and so glad to hear you are settling in and that people are friendly - that makes all the difference doesn't it! The view from your drive is lovely - that sky looks huge! (if you know what I mean) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Wow Kate, what gorgeous pics LOVE the view from your drive The Okere Falls are breath taking Glad you are settling in well and enjoying yourself Do keep the pics coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 I was wondering how you were getting on. Great to hear from you and see the photos. Good luck with the job interview. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 How lovely. It looks a beautiful place. Your winter looks very similar to our summer! I wouldn't mind that view from my front drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa33 Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 It looks Beautiful there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellekatz Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Looks gorgeous! We ( Hubby and I ) were in Rotorua nearly 19 years ago on a whistle stop tour of New Zealand - it is a fantastic place and I remember Okere falls as well. Brings back so many memories NZ is the one place we would have loved to move to so I envy you. Glad to hear the children have settled in and that OH enjoys his job - Good Luck with the interview next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Thanks for posting the pics. Kate it is so nice to hear how you are going on the area looks fantastic, I hope the interview goes well next week..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Love the pictures, I'm glad your settling in well and good luck with the interview. Mind you, it seems so weird that it's winter over there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 Kate, I am so happy for you. It's lovely to see the pictures, especially of you and your DH - brought tears to my eyes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 It looks wonderful there, Kate . So nice to see you looking so happy with hubby again. Lovely view from your drive too!! You are so lucky!! Good luck with the interview. It's the perfect job for you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 WOW!!! What a place to live, it looks so beautiful, fantastic view from your home of the lake! Oh just to sit at that organic cafe have have breakfast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 It all looks so beautiful . I'm so glad it's going well for you and the family. Good luck with the interview! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 it looks fab we are thriled that you are enjoying it over there cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phonix Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 wow gorgeous view from your drive! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 now that is a lovely view to look out at every day! smashing! looks fab Kate and as Paola says please keep the pictures coming, we want to see everything!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riane Posted July 13, 2008 Share Posted July 13, 2008 looks so fab. What a wonderful view. Friends of mine have settled in Aukland and every email has postcard type photos...so jelous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 So pleased to hear that it is going well Kate - and good luck with the job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 It looks stunning and you look so happy Really pleased for you all Kate Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Thanks all . I am trying not to bore you all too much with my new life, but I'm having a real ball right now and it's been such a big life change (and such an agonising decision and then wait before we actually arrived) that I'm bursting to share it all with you Today I went into town, needed to register with the Inland Revenue in anticipation of getting a job and to the library, had a few other boring chores to get through too, but couldn't resist a wander around Government Gardens, a real tourist destination but beautiful nonetheless and also well used as a park by the locals. So another photo follows ... (will be a familiar sight to anyone who has ever visited Rotorua I'm sure ) and one of those thermal pools that just pop up all over the place....this is Rachel's pool in Government Gardens, the water in here is apparently 212 degrees, but the sign didn't specify degrees C or F. Either way I'd suggest a little too warm for paddling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlass Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Looks Amazing!! So please your all happy with your new life......Good luck with that job interview. I'd love to see more pics when you get time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..lay a little egg for me Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Oooh I'm so jealous of you Kate...I spent 6 weeks in NZ back in 1988/9 and just loved the place. I have particularly strong memories of Rotorua. I loved the parks that looked so amazingly English until you go around a corner and there's a steaming pit of mud...quite surreal! We went on a tramp over Xmas and were bathing in the hot springs near the first hut on the trail on Christmas eve...it was really great (and then there was a mini earthquake that night)! Have still got some pumice stone in the bathroom that I picked up on that tramp! I'd be out there to join you like a shot if it wasn't for all the family committments back home! Do keep posting the pics I'm really enjoying them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
