The Mount!

Hi all! I know it's been a while, but we've been so busy working!

So, here's the update. We came to a place called the Bay of Plenty... which is north in the North island... for a couple reasons:
1) it's warmer
2) it's known for Kiwi picking work and we thought it easier to find a job
3) it's warmer

So, we arrived to Mt. Maunganui... which is just outside of Tauranga, got here and stayed at a campsite for a while which was really nice, but then we realized, it's not warmer here. In light of me finding a job at a restaurant (7 nights a week), we knew we had to find a comfy place...

So, we decided to go couch surfing and met a guy and stayed with him for a few nights. While hunting for a room to rent, he offered to let us stay there for super cheap and we agreed. It was a tiny room kind of like a cement cellar, but it was cheap and it was a room... with a shower, kitchen, etc. I found a second job waitressing at a cafe during the day and they hired Gary as a kitchen hand doing food prep and dishes. It's a great place with loads of nice people... however, well... those of you from Rochester can compare the mount to the inner most parts of Brighton or Pitssford (no offense anyone... as I know that's a generalization). Let's just say that most of our customers are middle-aged, wealthy women coming in for coffee, a sip of wine and some expensive food on a weekday. Although comfortable at our first place, after a couple weeks, needless to say, it was time to move on.

And... then, after 2 weeks at the night job working with COMPLETE ass holes, I walked out. It's VERY refreshing being able to do that. I've never really been able to quit a job! :)

Pam arrived here just a couple days before we moved out and she took our room instead! So, she's staying there while she preps for her NEW JOB in Auckland! Congrats Pam!

So we quickly started apartment hunting and found the BEST place... we loved the location as it was right down the street from our first one. The apartment is on the beach. Just walk outside, across the street and onto the sand. Kathryn & Eduardo are the most amazing people. They are so down-to-earth, friendly, generous and considerate. Such a change from the previous! Lani is the other roommate and we just go about our days, chattin' to each other and working. It's a WONDERFUL place with an amazing vibe. Oh shit! Can't forget Matey! Matey is the best dog... he is the same type as Gary's dog, Sparkey, and has the colorings and many mannerisms of my dog, Timber! It's awesome to have a dog around. We all love cooking and we're all pretty quiet so we get lots of rest when needed from work.

So, we have finalized our plans. On August 5 we will fly to Australia and keep going from there. For the next 5 weeks we will continue to work our buts off to save money.

I would love to have said, it's sunny here EVERY day and it's amazing! But, just yesterday, it turned rainy. But, generally, it's sunny! Walking to work on the beach is an absolute treat!

Oh, Miss Sally will be sold soon as we try to eliminate most of our belongings in preparation for Australia.

Oh... probably the most important news of all... I resigned from my position at home and will not be returning to Rochester. I have decided to sell everything I own at home and have hired a family friend to work with my mother and Charlie in doing so. It's been a project, but well worth the effort.

If you know anyone looking for ANYTHING, please send this web address on!
www.jessrk.com/sale.htm

Thanks a million.
So, I hope all of you are well.

Smiles!
Jess (& Gary too!)

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