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Published: February 15th 2008
Fireworks over Auckland Harbour
To celebrate Auckland Anniversary Day, we were treated to 3 nights in a row of fireworks. Lucky for us, we could see them from the comfort of our own balcony. On the left you can just make out a row of lights above the ref Vodafone sign. That's the harbour bridge!It seems like a long time now since the last blog entry but that could be down to the fact that life is just plodding on without the major exciting news we're hoping for. Glynn has had 3 interviews and I've had one. We've lots more lined up so we're naturally keeping everything crossed that things will turn out positive for us soon.
The good news is that we still love being here. The people are laid back, the sun has been shining almost every day (only 3 overcast/rainy days since we arrived!) In fact, it was raining yesterday when Liz and Allard took us to the open air Miranda thermal pools, and we got mega sunburnt. How do you figure that works?!!! I'm actually feeling very tender in all the areas my swimsuit didn't cover as a result and Glynn is just glowing pink, bless him.
We've had some fun over the weeks too, including meeting the dad and extended family of our friend Michelle from Christchurch. We were invited round to dinner and had a fab night. I don't think I've ever been to dinner at someone's house who I didn't know, so it was great that
New Kiwi Friends
Our newest Kiwi friends; l-r - Glynn, Sharlene, Steve (Michelle's dad) and Steve (not Michelle's dad!). we all hit it off so well. Hope to see you all again, Steve, Steve and Sharlene!
We've also been out and about enjoying some special local events. A couple of weeks ago it was Auckland's anniversary day and there were fireworks by the harbour 3 nights in a row which we delightedly got to watch from our balcony. We went down to a big party area on one of the days with a fun fair, lots of street performers and live music. There was a fly-by of some military planes doing loop-the-loop and an aeronautical display team followed by a demonstration of tug-boat dancing. It might not sound exciting but it was pretty impressive manoeuvering and not something you get to see much of in Birmingham or Swindon!!
Last Wednesday was Waitangi Day, another public holiday although this time to commemorate the signing of NZ's founding treaty between the Maori and British settlers. We walked a very long way along the sea front to Okahu Bay to join the free party. It was heaving with locals dancing to live reggae bands and there were stalls and amusements in abundance. My favourite bit had to be Old McDonald's
S&M Bear
Jish gets some grown-up advice from his new chums, the Bondage Bears. travelling farm which allowed the city kids a chance to feed and touch real farm animals. Glynn also bought me a giant cowboy hat from one stand although I'm not convinced that it really suits me. You be the judge.
Finally, I would like to introduce you all to the newest member of the Harris clan. A few days ago, Glynn spotted an unusual insect perching on our clothes horse on the balcony. On closer inspection, we discovered it was a tiny little praying mantis! We quickly fashioned him a new home from a jam jar and have christened him Harold. He's already shed his skin once and grown about a third bigger but he's still just a small thing and I can barely feel him when I hold him. Glynn won't touch him though, the scaredy-cat!
Harold also has a companion in the shape of Tom the caterpillar who we found in amongst our broccoli on Saturday. I don't think Tom will be around for long though as he's attached himself to a leaf and is undergoing metamorphosis! Maybe we'll have a wee butterfly in the next few days!!
Well, that's about it for the moment
Auckland Harbour Fly-by
A military plane zooms past the harbour on Auckland Anniversary Day. but I do have one request - please send us your emails and let us know what's going on in your life. We miss you all 'heaps' (that's how New Zealanders say 'loads') and love to hear your stories too. Leave a message on the blog if you need either of our private email addresses. Thanks everyone. Speak to you all again soon!
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Ann, Nige and tribe
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Love your stories
Hi to you both we are enjoyingyour blogs it seems you are loving the life out there. We would love to do what you are doing but it is hard when you have so many commitments, especially eldery relly's. It is particularly hard when you are the only one like me. Hope you get fixed up with a job soon. Today the sun is shining really bright but it is cold and frosty. UK does not seem too bad on days like this. Dom is off to karate soon he has the English championships coming up in April and he needs to sharpen up his fighting. Alex is off to the Adephi club tonite to see a band and we are off to visit his top three uni choices in the next month. Keep talkin! Love us all