Even in NZ!!

Flags are everywhere! On the road down to Napier, I passed some signs..."Go Ireland"..."Scotland the Brave"...all alongside All Black flags, of course!
I love the way this country has absolutely and wholeheartedly got behind so many of the Rugby World Cup teams and are delighting in the whole buzz. It's infectious!
Here I am on the roadside down to Napier...

Those are tyres in the middle of a big field....that's serious commitment to supporting!

Scots v English tonight.

South to Napier

I jumped into my car on Thursday morning, picked up a coffee on my way through Thames and then headed south, driving down long straight roads under big skies, following the weaving curves over the Kaweka Ranges (stunning!) before descending down into Hawkes Bay and Napier.

My car and I have fully bonded and I knew the joy of the open road, having time to meander, think, pray and enjoy the blue skies and beautiful scenery. Being in some space has been good for my soul...

Napier has been a time of rich conversations, quiet processing (lots of this happening in my soul and mind as I assimilate and adjust and think forwards) and pitching in with life here. 

My thoughts are increasingly turning towards jobs and possibilities re places to settle. With my application for registration finally in the post and away, I am getting my cv up to date and doing some research regarding different cities...particularly Tauranga, Auckland, Cambridge and Napier. I'm asking questions, listening to people and paying attention...

Thinking...

Sunshine!

After 2 weeks of much rain and general chilliness, the sun made an appearance today! Dad, Mum and I went for a wee walk this afternoon and I took a few shots.
Beautiful, isn't it?

Heading towards the sea...

...I turned around and took a piccie of Dad and Mum's house. I know...it's THAT close!!

The view along the coast towards Thames...just stunning!

Haircut

I know it shouldn't really be a 'thing'...but it definitely felt a significant step of courage, or something close to it, to walk into a hair salon and sit in the chair today! My first cut in NZ...it made me feel a bit vulnerable...would she cut it in the way I like...do the ways in which I describe what I want translate...?Different country, different culture...eeek!

The result..?

A Car

Yay! I am now a car-owner-down-under!
Having researched on TradeMe (the NZ equivalent of Ebay), I ventured out with a prayer and SatNav into the depths of Auckland to find a car. Definitely not my favourite thing to do on my own, hence the prayer...!
So, I arrived eventually at a yard that seemed to hold some good cars and wandered in to have a look. The sales guy came out and said hi. I heard the accent and immediately asked him where he was from... 'Glasgow, hen!' he said....and I almost hugged the man...but instead bought a car from him.
A beautiful Golf GTi turbo, silver with clean interior, great alloys and a real kick when put my foot down.
I picked it up from William today...and I have to say, it's a whole pile of fun to drive!

Buy a car - check!

Day 4

The past few days now feel a bit blurry to me as I look back. I feel like I'm here...I think.
I've made steps forward in very practical things and, I reckon, these are helping to settle me into the reality of being here.
Open bank accounts - check
Find coffee shop - check
Register with Doc - check
Join the Library - check
Apply for NZ Driver's Licence - check
Register with Inland Revenue - check
Apply for Police Check - check

Not bad for 4 days in... Am enjoying the feeling of productivity and savouring my unusual efficiency. Lorna, once again, you'd be proud!!

Now I'm searching for a car and waiting for my police check to come through so that I can apply to the Teaching Council... If successful with them, I can finally begin applying for jobs.

It's been pouring with rain pretty much since I arrived - which is somehow ok, strangely! Similarity with the UK is easing the transition I think. Being with family is really good - have popped in to see my sister everyday so far - just cos I can!
Poppableness is a good thing!

New Zealand

I'm here! I've arrived! Tired but well. Aware of the beginning of something new...aware of pretty big stuff happening...aware of the unexpected normality of these first few moments...aware of thoughts circling around a sleep-deprived mind...
I'm here.

I'll blog again tomorrow after some shut-eye...bed, here I come...

I'm here!!

Mum, me and Aunty Shirley