Blogs from Devonport, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 2

Carla: We have been so lucky with the wonderful hospitality we’ve had ‘down under’, Sam & Bill continued the trend of top class, warm, friendly and energetic hosting when we arrived in Auckland. They once lived very near us in North London and have been lucky enough to de-camp to Devonport – a perfect peninsula just across the harbour from downtown Auckland – and have this gorgeous lifestyle of white clapboard houses, picket fences, organic delis, beaches and beautiful views in all directions. They are honest about the downsides of living in such a small suburb (the total population of Auckland is only 1.4million and Devonport has about 6000 people); they told us how “everyone knows everyone” and so you’ve got to make sure you remain discrete and careful when chatting to neighbours and parents in ... read more

203 days is what we have until we leave these fine shores for adventure. I met with a friend yesterday who flys on the same day with her family for their 3 month trip of a lifetime. We met to compare notes. She has booked accommodatian and transport for the whole of their trip. I on the other hand have managed to book 3 nights in Kuala Lumpur in a hostel I've since discovered is over a brothel. I felt somewhat inadecuate! The major detail holding up any major planning is that we are still unsure of what the work situation i and whether a sabbatical will be possible. I'm hoping by T-180 we'll know what we're doing and them we'll start to make progress! ... read more

Well we've done it! After a couple of years thinking, dreaming and talking about it the decision has been made and we've booked tickets. D-day is December 1st flying with Air Asia X from Chch to Kuala Lumpur. So many questions, will the plane fall from the sky? (actually that's more my paranioa than an actual question) How will the children handle the travel? Will Murray miss work? Will I miss work? (actually I know the answer to that one already, NO). Who should we get travel insurance through? How many vaccinations will we need? We also have a list as long as my arm of things to do before we go. Packing up our lives is a daunting prospect but the excitiement at the thought of spending a year together as a family exploring the ... read more

Ellie and I slept again until 11am. Finally I feel like our "jetlag" has worn off. Grabbed a strong frothy skinny latte on the way to the bus station at St Helliers shops, then watched a guy windsurfing in the sea while we waited for the bus to arrive. He did really well and we could see how difficult it must be to do this sport. Headed downtown, then boarded another bus to Devenport, a historic seaside village on Auckland's North Shore that is also home to the New Zealand Navy base. We had lunch in a lovely indoor cafe with potted plants, and birds flying around. I was so engrossed in my book that I couldn’t even look up to eat my toasie until I'd finished it - anyone that knows me well would tell ... read more

We were invited to John's 70th and what a great night it was. The food was lovely, and it was great meeting up with people that we had not seen for a long time. Graham met up with a fellow, who was in the same class as Graham at Wellington College many years ago. John said that 'he was now officially classed as old'. As we all know you are only as old as you feel!!!! It was the most beautiful evening. Looking out over the Waitamata Harbour with a full moon on a clear night is a very special experience.... read more