A world away

Well, we finally made it to New Zealand...after 24 hours in car / flights...we made it without much difficulty at all.  The girls were great, we received many compliments on the flights from fellow passengers.  Not one tantrum from one child, no messes to change clothes and all slept rather well.  Zoe of course loved the free drinks of apple juice and visited the tiny little bathroom at least 10 times!  As people have said, Air New Zealand was absolutely wonderful, everyone friendly and helpful.  In tow with us was 6 large suitcases, 5 carry on suitcases, 5 personal bags, 3 car seats and a stroller.  The car we bought was waiting for us at the airport, I laughed when I saw it (small Mercedes SUV) and how we would fit our only belongings in it.  Luckily I have the best packer / genius for a husband...he crammed everything in that car plus the 5 of us :)  Attempting to get to our hotel from airport was slightly difficult due to no phone / GPS...we got lost only once, we got our first tour of the north shore.   My first impressions of Auckland...absolutely beautiful.  On the outskirts of the city, it reminds me of a tropical island with clear water, green lush plants, palm trees and warm winds.  The city of Auckland is small, you can get anywhere in less than 20 minutes.  Its a busy little place, lots of foot traffic, but the streets are easy to navigate.  Lots of Asians!  They joke around here that the Asians are taking over.  There are lots of different cultures, very odd styles of clothing, everyone smokes, and there is a kabob / chinese restaurant on every corner.  We stayed in a nice apartment / hotel for about a week until we got our apartment set up. 

Auckland City

We moved into a 3 bedroom flat in Mt. Albert, about 10 minutes from Auckland City Hospital.  Its a great area, lots of shopping, parks and restaurants near by.  The flat is very modern with a pool, gym, etc.  The girls are sharing one room, bunk beds for the big girls, Jazz is in a pack n play...in the closet again :)  There is no bathtub...had to improvise on that!  Our outdoor porch is my favorite place, big sliding door from the living room, girls can go out and play anytime.  Our flat is backed up to a reserve, walking trails and Mt. Albert is right behind us.  

Everything here is expensive...from food, utilities  clothes to petrol.  Our first grocery shopping experience left us speechless...spending $400 on necessities.  It costs $130 to fill the gas tank to one car.  It has made me more conscience of what I buy, how we eat, how we live.  I reuse plastic ziplock bags, kids do not eat as many snacks, wash gets hung outside to dry, we walk most places instead of driving.  It makes me feel better to live this way, it makes you think about the environment.  

The sun...oh so intense here!  I read that the ozone is thinner...no pollution...and this part of the earth is closer to the sun.  Even if the temperature is only 72 degrees...when that sun is out, it is hot.  Everyone keeps their strollers covered up, kids wear hats / long sleeves to the playground and sun block is a must at all times.  Everyone knows I'm an american when out and about...the kids running around with tank tops and no hats....but we did just come over here after summer.  I enjoy working on my tan again!  The days are long...sun up at 5am, sun down at 930pm.  

The beaches are amazing...just how I pictured.  Beautiful water with green mountains.  The water is cool but nice on a hot day.  Sand is different at each beach, shells are beautiful.  

Driving...still working on it.  Driving on the left side of the road with steering wheel on right side.  Not really any aggressive drivers here...no one runs red lights...speeding not a huge thing here.  

The girls are adjusting well.  I got Zoe enrolled into Primary school, she starts in February.  Jazz starting walking, she is allover the place.  Skye and Zoe and loving the BIG playgrounds here, they are so different that anything they experienced in the states.  Its not just slides and swings...but zip lines, tire swings, climbing walls, ropes and bridges.  

What do I miss about the states...family and friends :), dryer sheets, cheap tampons, morning star burgers, snow at Christmas, and having money!  

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from us Kiwi's!  Maybe we will be out on the beach when Santa flies by!