It is strange to hear and sign Christmas carols in mid summer. There was a special carols and readings at church this morning. I think Christmas carols are for cold weather…..
The whole Christmas thing of trees, lights, reindeer, red Santa’s and commercialism goes on here too. It looks even more inappropriate here than in northern climes.
One surprising thing…. Wellington city has a cross in lights on a tower on one of the higher hills above the city. Someone here still knows the meaning of Christmas.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Friday 14th December – prize day – J’s school
I flew up from Wellington on the first flight to attend prize day at J’s school. He was top boy in his year and won a prize of $100. There are 285 boys in his year. Not bad for a new immigrant!!!! He did well.
Monday 10th December – return to Wellington
Flew back to Wellington this morning…. Still raining in Hawkes Bay… it is great to welcome the rain
Friday 7th December – drought continues / rain in Hawkes Bay
Arrived home to a rainy Hawkes Bay. It has started raining on Thursday but the rain will be needed for weeks to change the colours of the landscape. The hills are brown with little green anywhere. The rain will help a bit but I am sure the farmers here are really suffering.
2nd December - football
LA Galaxy beat Wellington Phoenix 4-1. D Beckham played the whole 90 minutes with a broken rib he sustained in a match earlier in the week in Australia.
1st December - a weekend in Wellington
David Beckham is in town this weekend with his team, the LA Galaxy. They play at the Westpac Stadium tomorrow. J & R drove down from Napier on Friday to stay the weekend. J & I have tickets for the game. It has been hyped up and will be the best attended football match ever in New Zealand… wow… I wonder if better footballers turned up would New Zealanders go to see them…
26th November - a hedgehog in our garden
We have a hedgehog in our garden. I spotted it on Friday afternoon as it was browsing through our flower bed. It progressed up through our vegetables and then disappeared. It did not seem to be nervous about seeing human company.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
26th November - another Northern Ireland link
While waiting at Wellington airport for the shuttle bus, a man heard my accent and asked where I came from He was a New Zealander and he had been to Northern Ireland a few times as his daughter was married to a Northern Irelander from Ardglass.
A small world.
A small world.
26th November - drought returns
The drought has returned to Hawkes Bay with no rain for weeks. I had noticed the paddocks and hills getting drier each Friday when I returned. The hills are slowly turning beige.
The vineyards and orchards are now being irrigated and the summer planted seed has not germinated so the farmers troubles continue here.
They reckon it will take at least 3 years for Hawkes Bay farmers to recover from the last drought which ended in June so hopefully we will get rain soon!
Our lawn has gone beige too so it will probably not be green again until after Easter. At least it saves on mowing and petrol!
The tomatoes keep growing....
The vineyards and orchards are now being irrigated and the summer planted seed has not germinated so the farmers troubles continue here.
They reckon it will take at least 3 years for Hawkes Bay farmers to recover from the last drought which ended in June so hopefully we will get rain soon!
Our lawn has gone beige too so it will probably not be green again until after Easter. At least it saves on mowing and petrol!
The tomatoes keep growing....
25th November - highland cattle
We have a herd of 4 highland cows and their calves in a paddock below our house. The calves are enjoying chasing the ducks and pukekos away from the burn.
The cows have their full length horns. I would not want to have to confront them!
I hope they stay in their paddock.
We are costing a cattle grid (called a cattle stop here) for our entrance. Hopefully we can progress that over the next few weeks. It is our next 'project'.
The cows have their full length horns. I would not want to have to confront them!
I hope they stay in their paddock.
We are costing a cattle grid (called a cattle stop here) for our entrance. Hopefully we can progress that over the next few weeks. It is our next 'project'.
25th November - school trip
J went of with his class this morning for a camping trip to the Kaweka mountain range for 2 nights. They have to sleep at least one night outdoors. A good job the daytime temperature in Hawkes Bay has been about 30 degrees for the past few days!
They do lots of team building exercises and I expect he will come home tired!
His final year exams were last week so he will get his results when he returns to school on Wednesday. They get their summer holidays on Friday, 14th December which is also school prize day.
They do lots of team building exercises and I expect he will come home tired!
His final year exams were last week so he will get his results when he returns to school on Wednesday. They get their summer holidays on Friday, 14th December which is also school prize day.
24th November - one year
We arrived in NZ one year ago about 7am on Friday 24th November.
So 24th is our anniversary day...
We have done and seen a lot in the past year....
So 24th is our anniversary day...
We have done and seen a lot in the past year....
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday 19th November - another Northern Irelander
On the shuttle bus in from Wellington airport this morning a man sitting behind me said about 3 words to the driver to give his destination and I recognised the accent. He was from Lurgan and had been in NZ for 24 years but still retained the strong Co. Armagh accent!!!!!
Monday, November 19, 2007
19th November - tomatoes
My tomatoes are about 2 feet tall now.... about 600 mm for the metrics.
They have survived the frosts and are starting to bear fruit.
The orchard owners are talking about 2 severe frosts this spring which have hit their prospects for this summer. It will affect the grapes too...
My tomatoes have done well!!!!!
For those in the northern hemisphere, the tomatoes have been planted outdoors.... not possible in a Northern Irelander summer until global warming really takes hold!!!!
They have survived the frosts and are starting to bear fruit.
The orchard owners are talking about 2 severe frosts this spring which have hit their prospects for this summer. It will affect the grapes too...
My tomatoes have done well!!!!!
For those in the northern hemisphere, the tomatoes have been planted outdoors.... not possible in a Northern Irelander summer until global warming really takes hold!!!!
15th November - a protest march in Wellington
The Tuhoe tribe marched round the centre of Wellington today. They are from North Eastern NZ where people were arrested as 'terrorists' about 4 weeks ago.
The front people were masked and carried clubs. They tried to look frightening. They marched down Lampton Quay and then to the Beehive - HQ of the New Zealander government.
Afterwards they marched up to the Police HQ to protest at the arrests for 'terrorism'. I happen to work in the same building and we were blocked in for about 20 minutes. They apparently let off some fireworks but we did not hear them. Then the tribe went home.
I was once blocked in an office building in Ballymoney from 4pm until about 8pm and then was only allowed out after the mayor of Ballymena negotiated that we be allowed to leave....
Not much of a march by Northern Irelander standards.... they have no stamina for protest here!!!!!
There was a cruise ship in Wellington Harbour with loads of Americans getting tours round Wellington... not a good look for New Zealand with that protest march!!!
The front people were masked and carried clubs. They tried to look frightening. They marched down Lampton Quay and then to the Beehive - HQ of the New Zealander government.
Afterwards they marched up to the Police HQ to protest at the arrests for 'terrorism'. I happen to work in the same building and we were blocked in for about 20 minutes. They apparently let off some fireworks but we did not hear them. Then the tribe went home.
I was once blocked in an office building in Ballymoney from 4pm until about 8pm and then was only allowed out after the mayor of Ballymena negotiated that we be allowed to leave....
Not much of a march by Northern Irelander standards.... they have no stamina for protest here!!!!!
There was a cruise ship in Wellington Harbour with loads of Americans getting tours round Wellington... not a good look for New Zealand with that protest march!!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Melbourne Cup luck
The Melbourne Cup is the biggest horse race in the southern hemisphere. The office had a draw to raise funds for the staff social fund. I happened to pick Efficient which just won the Cup. So I am $25 up on the deal! Better than the Rugby World Cup. I was holding England - not that I wanted them to win!!!!!
Friday, November 09, 2007
a 'burn' or a 'creek'
A friend in Australia got in touch to suggest, I should be talking about creeks rather than burns.
I'm afraid, the stream at the bottom of our hill is a burn....
I'm afraid, the stream at the bottom of our hill is a burn....
7th November - 2 earthquakes
Experienced 2 earthquakes this morning. When the first one hit, we all sat around and discussed whether it was a 4 or a 5. They agreed it was a 5, which it was. The second one was about 90 minutes later and was a 5 too.
Starting to get used to how nonchalant everyone is about earthquakes.
Starting to get used to how nonchalant everyone is about earthquakes.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
7th November - a year as rovers
Tomorrow (7th November) will be a year since we left Northern Ireland for out new life... lots has changed both in Northern Ireland and for us Northern Irelanders. I think we managed to cope very well having left with two suitcases each and surviving for most of the year with little else. I would not have been comfortable setting out to do that a year ago but now I would happily continue with that. Familiar possessions are good to have around but when we received our boxes in September we found it overwhelming after having been without them for so long.
Little is good.
Next time we do such a trip, the only change would be to take a laptop computer with us. It would be much easier to communicate. Although we have managed to find internet cafes everywhere we have been, composing messages is easier and cheaper offline.
Little is good.
Next time we do such a trip, the only change would be to take a laptop computer with us. It would be much easier to communicate. Although we have managed to find internet cafes everywhere we have been, composing messages is easier and cheaper offline.
November – wildlife in the burn
I should have told you earlier that we cross a stream (I call it a burn) on the way in to our property. We share a lane for about 50 yards with our neighbour. The burn crosses under that lane. In September when we moved in, the burn was part of the lake created by the July floods.
We spotted a pair of ducks with 10 ducklings in the lake in mid September and sometimes saw them from up on our deck looking down on the lake about 100 yards below. The lake has mostly dried up now and the ducks seem to have moved on.
There are no foxes in New Zealand so the ducklings will likely have survived. Is it not amazing for 10 duck eggs to hatch out from one nest?
There are heron which appear sometimes on the banks of the burn.
There are also plenty of pukekos which come out in wet weather. The pukeko is a New Zealand swamp bird unlike any bird in the British Isles. Google ‘pukeko’ to learn more.
Lately we have heard frogs croaking by the burn. J heard them first one evening in early October but they can be heard at any time of day now.
We spotted a pair of ducks with 10 ducklings in the lake in mid September and sometimes saw them from up on our deck looking down on the lake about 100 yards below. The lake has mostly dried up now and the ducks seem to have moved on.
There are no foxes in New Zealand so the ducklings will likely have survived. Is it not amazing for 10 duck eggs to hatch out from one nest?
There are heron which appear sometimes on the banks of the burn.
There are also plenty of pukekos which come out in wet weather. The pukeko is a New Zealand swamp bird unlike any bird in the British Isles. Google ‘pukeko’ to learn more.
Lately we have heard frogs croaking by the burn. J heard them first one evening in early October but they can be heard at any time of day now.
5th November – fireworks night
Fireworks are on sale in NZ for only 4 days, 2nd to 5th November.
New Zealanders celebrate Guy Fawkes night with fireworks too!
We went to the Napier beach at the weekend to see the public display. There were lots of private fireworks too. Families light bonfires on the beach and set off their own fireworks. There were about 100 bonfires stretching for about a mile along the beach….
....very medieval looking!!!!!
New Zealanders celebrate Guy Fawkes night with fireworks too!
We went to the Napier beach at the weekend to see the public display. There were lots of private fireworks too. Families light bonfires on the beach and set off their own fireworks. There were about 100 bonfires stretching for about a mile along the beach….
....very medieval looking!!!!!
5th November – a warmer morning
When we left to go to the airport this morning at 6am, the temperature in the car displayed at 22 degrees – that’s 20 degrees more than last Monday!!!!
An amazing change in one week!!!!
No helicopters up and not even any dew!!!!
I think my tomatoes will be safe now. They are about 18 inches tall and starting to flower.
An amazing change in one week!!!!
No helicopters up and not even any dew!!!!
I think my tomatoes will be safe now. They are about 18 inches tall and starting to flower.
3rd November – a sporting week
In the last week, J has:
- Played tennis 5 times
- Played 9 holes of golf
- Played cricket twice
- Been at the local archery club with his friends
- Gone kayaking with a friend….
…. And been at school 5 days….
3rd November - a year on the road....
It's a year today since we left Connor Road, Parkgate....
a lot has changed....
a lot has changed....
2nd November – meeting a neighbour
When we were in Hawkes Bay in January, I broke a tooth and had to get an emergency appointment with a dentist. That was not easy to arrange as most dentists went on holiday at the same time. Anyway, I eventually found a dentist and he fixed my tooth. He turned out to be Scottish and had spent some of his youth in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
His office wrote to me a couple of weeks ago to arrange an appointment for a check-up. I phoned on Friday to cancel the appointment as I am away in Wellington most weekdays and spoke to his wife, who comes from Edinburgh. When I told her our new address, I discovered that they were neighbours living along our road!!!!
His office wrote to me a couple of weeks ago to arrange an appointment for a check-up. I phoned on Friday to cancel the appointment as I am away in Wellington most weekdays and spoke to his wife, who comes from Edinburgh. When I told her our new address, I discovered that they were neighbours living along our road!!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
29th October – a chilly morning
There was ice on the car this morning at 6am. The moon was still up, the sky was totally clear and there was no wind.
The helicopters were out and the wind machines were working too.
My tomatoes still do not have an air machine. Hope they survive!
I have a cucumber plant but I have not put it out yet. Maybe next weekend.
The helicopters were out and the wind machines were working too.
My tomatoes still do not have an air machine. Hope they survive!
I have a cucumber plant but I have not put it out yet. Maybe next weekend.
28th October – a fire in Ballyhome
Phoned this evening and learned that there had been an early morning (1am) fire at my parents’ house on Saturday. One room has been badly damaged but everyone escaped safely. It could have been much worse....
.... not a good time to be so far from home.
.... not a good time to be so far from home.
28th October – 24th wedding anniversary
We went out for a lovely lunch at a restaurant in the Clearview Vineyard on the way to Cape Kidnappers. If any of you readers come to visit, we may take you there!!!!
26th October – Spring evening in Napier
I arrived home about 8pm to the sun setting over the western ranges with the full moon rising out of the Pacific to the east. The skylarks were still singing and the crickets were out. A warm evening! Much better weather than Wellington!
26th October - politicians in harmony
It was interesting to read about Northern Irelander politicians in harmony in the Assembly. I see they are thinking of freezing rates. They will have to freeze them for about 25 years to bring them down to New Zealander levels. Our rates for a 4 bedroom house with lots of space outside is less than $1,000… that is about 370 UK pounds at current rate. We have much less officialdom here. Our rates bill is itemised to price each service we are provided including bin emptying and a recycling service.
Talking of politicians in harmony, an NZ government minister punched an MP from the opposition outside the parliamentary chamber this week. He is probably going to lose his job in the Cabinet reshuffle next week.
They could learn something from the Assembly after all!!!!
Talking of politicians in harmony, an NZ government minister punched an MP from the opposition outside the parliamentary chamber this week. He is probably going to lose his job in the Cabinet reshuffle next week.
They could learn something from the Assembly after all!!!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
25th October – California on fire
Looking at the news of California burning takes us back to our road trip down the coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles last November.
California was very dry even then.
California was very dry even then.
Wednesday 24th October - the Causeway story/saga
I am following the Causeway visitor centre story on the BBC website. I remember hearing the early morning news of the fire which burnt down the previous visitor centre. It would have been easy for Moyle Council to rebuild a similar building within a year … end of story…. NOT!
It is amazing that the saga continues and is now involving the reverent doctor and his son!
Why not build the new visitor centre in Bushmills – maybe on the McNaughton estate and transport people to the Causeway from there? This would provide an income for the locals and not spoil the coastline.
Another option is Portrush and then they could build a tramway to the Causeway. What about that? Three tourist attractions in one!
The story continues about an Irish giant and his son....
Will the final story be as believable as the one about Finn McCool?
It is amazing that the saga continues and is now involving the reverent doctor and his son!
Why not build the new visitor centre in Bushmills – maybe on the McNaughton estate and transport people to the Causeway from there? This would provide an income for the locals and not spoil the coastline.
Another option is Portrush and then they could build a tramway to the Causeway. What about that? Three tourist attractions in one!
The story continues about an Irish giant and his son....
Will the final story be as believable as the one about Finn McCool?
Monday 22nd October – Labour holiday
J went off golfing with three of his friends today. He got new (man-size) golf clubs for his birthday and is keen to try them out.
R and I went on a garden tour of the locality. Villages in Hawkes Bay have weekends with open gardens for charity at this time of year and it was the turn of Puketapu, 2 miles away from our home. Some of the gardens were spectacular and covered more space than our paddock. The owners must spend all their time gardening! The gardens were doubly surprising because Puketapu was right in the centre of the rain bomb which hit in mid-July, mentioned below. The gardeners had been very busy in the last 3 months!
I did not achieve as much as I wanted this weekend but it was more relaxing having the extra day!.
We still have lots of boxes to empty.
R has still to find her salt and pepper set
R and I went on a garden tour of the locality. Villages in Hawkes Bay have weekends with open gardens for charity at this time of year and it was the turn of Puketapu, 2 miles away from our home. Some of the gardens were spectacular and covered more space than our paddock. The owners must spend all their time gardening! The gardens were doubly surprising because Puketapu was right in the centre of the rain bomb which hit in mid-July, mentioned below. The gardeners had been very busy in the last 3 months!
I did not achieve as much as I wanted this weekend but it was more relaxing having the extra day!.
We still have lots of boxes to empty.
R has still to find her salt and pepper set
Saturday 20th October – a new painting
Aunt Jean presented us with a painting she had done from a photograph I had given her in July. The photograph appears on my blog for mid –June. (See below)
I had taken photographs of the snow covered Kaweka range in mid-June as they looked spectacular and so out of place in warm Hawkes Bay.
Little did I know then that we would have a similar view of the Kawekas from the garden of our new home!!!
So the painting is doubly special!!!!!!
I had taken photographs of the snow covered Kaweka range in mid-June as they looked spectacular and so out of place in warm Hawkes Bay.
Little did I know then that we would have a similar view of the Kawekas from the garden of our new home!!!
So the painting is doubly special!!!!!!
Saturday 20th October – J’s birthday
J is growing fast. He is now taller than R and I notice him growing between weekends. He is 14, becoming a young man and will be able to drive a car on the New Zealand roads in a year if the law does not change. Changes are going through NZ parliament at the minute to try and up the driving age to 16. I hope they succeed before this time next year. More young people would be alive if the driving age was 18 or 19 or 20….
Because it was a longer weekend J and I decided to drive to Cambridge on Saturday and pick up the last of our stuff at Uncle Jim and Aunt Jean’s. We left after watching France lose to Argentina again and arrived in Karapiro for lunch. Cousin Jamie arrived in mid-afternoon, the first time we had seen him since we arrived in NZ last November. Jamie had his girls, Rose and Helena with him. Their mother is in Cyprus with her sister who is very ill.
Because it was a longer weekend J and I decided to drive to Cambridge on Saturday and pick up the last of our stuff at Uncle Jim and Aunt Jean’s. We left after watching France lose to Argentina again and arrived in Karapiro for lunch. Cousin Jamie arrived in mid-afternoon, the first time we had seen him since we arrived in NZ last November. Jamie had his girls, Rose and Helena with him. Their mother is in Cyprus with her sister who is very ill.
Friday 19th October – Labour weekend.
I travelled home early today as it is Labour Weekend, with a Monday bank holiday. I got home in daylight in time to see the snow on the near hills. There had been a cool southerly blowing on Thursday night and it had snowed on the hills about 10 miles inland, the first time I had seen snow on them since July.
It was noisy on Friday night as the air was still and cold so the local orchards and vineyard managers had helicopters up to keep the air moving. If frost hits their fruit or grapes in spring it will impact their earnings for the year. Some orchards have wind machines and these are turned on too. So cold nights in Hawkes Bay can be noisy! This process can go on right through summer until the fruit is picked!
We will need to buy a fan for the tomatoes.
It was noisy on Friday night as the air was still and cold so the local orchards and vineyard managers had helicopters up to keep the air moving. If frost hits their fruit or grapes in spring it will impact their earnings for the year. Some orchards have wind machines and these are turned on too. So cold nights in Hawkes Bay can be noisy! This process can go on right through summer until the fruit is picked!
We will need to buy a fan for the tomatoes.
17th October - terrorism arrives in NZ
This week NZ police arrested about 20 people on the pretext that they were about to start an IRA-style terrorist campaign with guns and bombs.
Most of the arrests were in the north east of the North Island between Whakatane and Gisborne where a maori tribe wants to set up a separate state.
Terrorism in the north east of an island.... sounds familiar!
Most of the arrests were in the north east of the North Island between Whakatane and Gisborne where a maori tribe wants to set up a separate state.
Terrorism in the north east of an island.... sounds familiar!
16th October - first Christmas trees
I saw Christmas trees this evening in a shop window on Lambdon Quay ( Wellington's main shopping street ). 16th October is a bit early for Christmas, but the weather in Wellington is entirely appropriate for seeing Christmas trees... cold, wet and windy.
16th October - Water Quality
Our water is pumped from a bore in the paddock. It passes through a filter system before going to the taps in the house but we think it is not being cleaned properly. Tea and coffee tastes wrong.
Our first renovation project this week has been to get an engineer to replace the filter system with one more suited to the house size. He also installed a purification system under the kitchen sink to provide clean drinking water.
Now tea and coffee are better
Our first renovation project this week has been to get an engineer to replace the filter system with one more suited to the house size. He also installed a purification system under the kitchen sink to provide clean drinking water.
Now tea and coffee are better
Eden Park
The discussion on where the Rugby World Cup 2011 final will be played has been going on since we arrived in NZ last November. Outsiders would have assumed that this would have been sorted before New Zealand was awarded the opportunity to hold the RWC in 2011. Apparently not. And the rugby bigwigs expect Auckland Council and the Government to stump up for the improvements required to their main ground at Eden Park in Auckland.
They need to sort out soon what they will do as 2011 is not that far away… and Wembley took ages to finish!
They need to sort out soon what they will do as 2011 is not that far away… and Wembley took ages to finish!
15th October - elections voting & results
Voting for the local councils finished this weekend. Voting is by post and lasts for a 3 week period. We did not know we could have registered to vote until we received voter registration forms last Friday. I thought we would have had to have citizenship to vote here. Funnily we also received our registration forms for overseas voting in Northern Ireland on Friday… so we will have votes in the elections of 2 countries on opposite sides of the world!
Voter turnout is about 40%... so poor interest in local elections. Voters get to choose councillors, mayors and district health board (DHB) representatives. The mayor sits for the term of the council and cannot be removed by the councillors.
There are 21 DHB’s in New Zealand – that averages one for each 200,000 people. Each DHB looks after all health care and is funded centrally by the Ministry of Health. Because of the sparse population outside of the main centres some DHB’s cover huge geographic areas. There are arguments here just like in Northern Ireland about hospitals closing, lack of doctors,nurses & specialists and the waste on administration. I expect the number of DHB’s will be reduced in the near future.
The new mayor of Auckland has said immediately that he is not going to spend council money on the extension of Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup in 4 years opening up the possibility of the final being played in Wellington or Christchurch. Mayors have more power here!
Voter turnout is about 40%... so poor interest in local elections. Voters get to choose councillors, mayors and district health board (DHB) representatives. The mayor sits for the term of the council and cannot be removed by the councillors.
There are 21 DHB’s in New Zealand – that averages one for each 200,000 people. Each DHB looks after all health care and is funded centrally by the Ministry of Health. Because of the sparse population outside of the main centres some DHB’s cover huge geographic areas. There are arguments here just like in Northern Ireland about hospitals closing, lack of doctors,nurses & specialists and the waste on administration. I expect the number of DHB’s will be reduced in the near future.
The new mayor of Auckland has said immediately that he is not going to spend council money on the extension of Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup in 4 years opening up the possibility of the final being played in Wellington or Christchurch. Mayors have more power here!
13th October – second cut of grass
The grass is growing rapidly in our paddock. The shock of the first cut last week was not enough to slow it down. J and I took about 3 hours to tidy it up…much easier. We are looking forward to the dry season after Christmas when growth slows down!
I planted some tomatoes and R planted some corn in the vegetable patch. The tomatoes are just planted out in the garden and hopefully it is warm enough at night for them to survive.
As I dug the vegetable patch, I found small peach trees growing from seed so we possibly have at least one peach tree alongside the vegetables. We also have lemons and limes growing alongside the vegetable patch. There is another citrus tree which may be oranges.
It was 29 degrees in Hastings & Napier today…. Nearly too hot to be gardening!!!!
I planted some tomatoes and R planted some corn in the vegetable patch. The tomatoes are just planted out in the garden and hopefully it is warm enough at night for them to survive.
As I dug the vegetable patch, I found small peach trees growing from seed so we possibly have at least one peach tree alongside the vegetables. We also have lemons and limes growing alongside the vegetable patch. There is another citrus tree which may be oranges.
It was 29 degrees in Hastings & Napier today…. Nearly too hot to be gardening!!!!
7th – 12th October - Rugby World Cup despair
When NZ lost the match to France in Cardiff the entire populace went into national mourning. They had been let to expect that the RWC would be coming back with their team on 21st October! A good week not to be a New Zealander!!!!! On the 7th there was blanket coverage in the news…. usually the first 15 minutes devoted to the loss. Each conversation has to involve talk about the loss. They certainly have things out of perspective here!
J had his leg pulled way back in February by some of his teachers about Ireland having no chance in the RWC especially as they could meet NZ in the Cardiff match. He certainly enjoyed going in on Monday and mentioning the match to those teachers!!!!!
At the start of 2007, NZers expected to be winning the Americas Cup and the Rugby World Cup. Now they have neither.
J had his leg pulled way back in February by some of his teachers about Ireland having no chance in the RWC especially as they could meet NZ in the Cardiff match. He certainly enjoyed going in on Monday and mentioning the match to those teachers!!!!!
At the start of 2007, NZers expected to be winning the Americas Cup and the Rugby World Cup. Now they have neither.
Saturday 6th October – new lawn-mower
We bought a new ride-on mower last weekend. It was delivered on Monday and J had been impatiently waiting all week for me to return from Wellington to try it out. We spent the most of Saturday in our paddock taming the grass. Hopefully in future we will spend less time mowing!!!! J certainly enjoyed the experience… it is his first ‘car’. I could not have done the work on my own. It needs the two of us to manage the property!!!
The paddock is about 2.5 acres in size. It is bordered on one side by 200 small Christmas trees which the previous owners (POs) planted as a cash crop. I think J will have to manage the selling of these in his early school summer holidays in the two weeks before Christmas!
We also have 24 pine trees in the paddock. They were planted by the POs to harvest the pine-nuts to sell to health food shops. Before they ripen we will need to research how to deal with pine-nuts!!!!! …. something to Google!!!!
We also have fruit trees on the house side of the paddock… they may be apples or pears or peaches. They are in bloom at the moment but no leaves out yet. I expect we will have to wait until fruit appears before we know what we have!
So in the middle we have about 2 acres of grass… J is keen to keep sheep or goats or calves or alpacas or pigs but they all require time and management… I would prefer to plant the area in fruit trees instead but somewhere along the way we will have to compromise. One of his friends is a boy from Birmingham, England. That family are keeping sheep in their paddock so there is a lot of pressure to replicate that situation!
The paddock is about 2.5 acres in size. It is bordered on one side by 200 small Christmas trees which the previous owners (POs) planted as a cash crop. I think J will have to manage the selling of these in his early school summer holidays in the two weeks before Christmas!
We also have 24 pine trees in the paddock. They were planted by the POs to harvest the pine-nuts to sell to health food shops. Before they ripen we will need to research how to deal with pine-nuts!!!!! …. something to Google!!!!
We also have fruit trees on the house side of the paddock… they may be apples or pears or peaches. They are in bloom at the moment but no leaves out yet. I expect we will have to wait until fruit appears before we know what we have!
So in the middle we have about 2 acres of grass… J is keen to keep sheep or goats or calves or alpacas or pigs but they all require time and management… I would prefer to plant the area in fruit trees instead but somewhere along the way we will have to compromise. One of his friends is a boy from Birmingham, England. That family are keeping sheep in their paddock so there is a lot of pressure to replicate that situation!
September / October – weather
Most days in Hawkes Bay range in temperatures from 20 to 30degrees. Very fine spring weather! The apple trees are now coming into bloom and the grape vines into leaf. There are organised coach tours of the orchards in springtime to see the apple blossom… much like the tours of County Armagh apple country but with good weather!
Unfortunately the grass in our paddock is growing rapidly and we need a lawnmower soon!!!!!!
Unfortunately the grass in our paddock is growing rapidly and we need a lawnmower soon!!!!!!
30th September – Ireland and Rugby World Cup
Ireland are out of the Rugby World Cup. They did not really look like a team that believed they could win. Argentina really wants to prove a point to the Southern hemisphere teams. Ireland have missed their best chance in many years to impress. Next time in New Zealand will be much more difficult! I think Ireland always expected to be playing New Zealand in Cardiff and the team though that they did not have any hope of advancing beyond that so just gave up.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
16th September - Uncle Robert 50 years
Uncle Robert and Aunt Margaret are celebrating 50 years of their family in New Zealand.
They arrived in September 1957.
We had been hoping to go up to Thames for the party but it was too far (a 10 hour round trip) considering how exhausted we were with organising the house.
They arrived in September 1957.
We had been hoping to go up to Thames for the party but it was too far (a 10 hour round trip) considering how exhausted we were with organising the house.
14th, 15th September - emptying boxes
Returned home on Friday evening and spent all of Saturday organising boxes….
Only opened a few… trying to find necessities.
It will take months to find and organise everything again….
Next time we travel/move it will be with much less!!!!!
Only opened a few… trying to find necessities.
It will take months to find and organise everything again….
Next time we travel/move it will be with much less!!!!!
7th September - new HOME
R picked up the new house keys from the solicitor on Friday morning. She moved some boxes from the Apartment during the day.
I took an early flight home from Wellington in the afternoon and helped move some boxes but we stayed a final night in the apartment as our beds were being delivered on Saturday morning.
J & I went over early to take delivery of the beds but they had already been delivered and were stacked up at the front of the house!
Over the remainder of Saturday, we moved the rest of the boxes. We had arrived in New Zealand and Napier with 2 suitcases each but we had accumulated much more since then.
First night sleeping in new home was Saturday night. We woke to huge volume of sound from the birdsong in the surrounding trees and shrubs. Some of the shrubs obviously suit nectar feeders as we have several varieties of nectar feeding birds including tuis!
Monday was spent organising the rooms before delivery of all our furniture, clothes and other stuff on Tuesday.
The delivery truck arrived about 8.45am and they were unloaded by 3pm!!! Much faster than the loading process in Parkgate!!!!!
Our garage is full of at least 60 white boxes all vaguely labelled. The process of unpacking is very daunting at this stage! When you travel this far and exist on the contents of 2 suitcases plus some extras for just under a year, it is a big change to be faced with the responsibility for the remainder of your possessions again!
Most stuff was undamaged… my golf clubs were lost during the cleaning process in Auckland and never found. Some of the furniture was dented but it was mostly ok. Two of my woodworking machines were damaged and I will have to get replacement bits from the manufacturer in Switzerland. Some of the kitchenware, like the coffee-maker seem to be bleached by heat/light. Possibly the container was cooked as it crossed the equator. Maybe it was on top of the boat!! !
All in all not too bad for travelling so far and being in storage in Auckland for 9 months.
Unfortunately I had to return to work on Wednesday 12th. Very frustrating when there is so much to unpack!
I took an early flight home from Wellington in the afternoon and helped move some boxes but we stayed a final night in the apartment as our beds were being delivered on Saturday morning.
J & I went over early to take delivery of the beds but they had already been delivered and were stacked up at the front of the house!
Over the remainder of Saturday, we moved the rest of the boxes. We had arrived in New Zealand and Napier with 2 suitcases each but we had accumulated much more since then.
First night sleeping in new home was Saturday night. We woke to huge volume of sound from the birdsong in the surrounding trees and shrubs. Some of the shrubs obviously suit nectar feeders as we have several varieties of nectar feeding birds including tuis!
Monday was spent organising the rooms before delivery of all our furniture, clothes and other stuff on Tuesday.
The delivery truck arrived about 8.45am and they were unloaded by 3pm!!! Much faster than the loading process in Parkgate!!!!!
Our garage is full of at least 60 white boxes all vaguely labelled. The process of unpacking is very daunting at this stage! When you travel this far and exist on the contents of 2 suitcases plus some extras for just under a year, it is a big change to be faced with the responsibility for the remainder of your possessions again!
Most stuff was undamaged… my golf clubs were lost during the cleaning process in Auckland and never found. Some of the furniture was dented but it was mostly ok. Two of my woodworking machines were damaged and I will have to get replacement bits from the manufacturer in Switzerland. Some of the kitchenware, like the coffee-maker seem to be bleached by heat/light. Possibly the container was cooked as it crossed the equator. Maybe it was on top of the boat!! !
All in all not too bad for travelling so far and being in storage in Auckland for 9 months.
Unfortunately I had to return to work on Wednesday 12th. Very frustrating when there is so much to unpack!
10,11 August - cousin John in Napier
I flew up from Wellington on last flight on Friday evening. I did not realise that my cousin, John, was on same flight seated at back of the plane. He had seen me but was not sure I was his cousin.
Anyway he phoned us on Saturday morning to say that he was in Napier with wife Jo and their 2 younger daughters for a regional gymnastics event over the weekend. The girls had driven down from Auckland.
We met up with them for a meal in Napier on the Saturday evening…. Another family reunion!
Hopefully we will recognise each other next time we share a flight!
Anyway he phoned us on Saturday morning to say that he was in Napier with wife Jo and their 2 younger daughters for a regional gymnastics event over the weekend. The girls had driven down from Auckland.
We met up with them for a meal in Napier on the Saturday evening…. Another family reunion!
Hopefully we will recognise each other next time we share a flight!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
August - early springtime in Hawkes Bay
Spring comes early in Hawkes Bay.
For us it is strange to see daffodils and cherry blossom in August. This part of New Zealand has a very early spring. Wellington is definitely much colder and probably about 6 weeks behind Hawkes Bay.
In Hawkes Bay, most deciduous trees are not yet in leaf but the weeping willows are showing a hint of green.
The pink almond blossom is lovely too. The first time I have ever seen it. We have 2 almond trees at our new house and they are just covered in pink.
For us it is strange to see daffodils and cherry blossom in August. This part of New Zealand has a very early spring. Wellington is definitely much colder and probably about 6 weeks behind Hawkes Bay.
In Hawkes Bay, most deciduous trees are not yet in leaf but the weeping willows are showing a hint of green.
The pink almond blossom is lovely too. The first time I have ever seen it. We have 2 almond trees at our new house and they are just covered in pink.
August and a house agreed for purchase
We finally agree with vendor on a purchase price for a lifestyle property on northern side of Napier. It is less than 10 minutes from Napier and J's school. The school bus stop is 5 minutes from the house.
The property is 1.5 hectares or 3.5 acres. It sits atop a hill and has about 1 acre planted in trees and shrubs. The remainder is grass which J wants to use to keep sheep! The present owner keeps the grass cut short and it has a parkland feel. It is a lot of lawnmowing though!
We have 3 weeks to get all our surveys done and finalise contract.
Possession date is 7th September.
The property is 1.5 hectares or 3.5 acres. It sits atop a hill and has about 1 acre planted in trees and shrubs. The remainder is grass which J wants to use to keep sheep! The present owner keeps the grass cut short and it has a parkland feel. It is a lot of lawnmowing though!
We have 3 weeks to get all our surveys done and finalise contract.
Possession date is 7th September.
Winter weather - July
Hawkes Bay was hit by a rain bomb on 17th July. Some areas has 4-5 inches of rain in a couple of hours. It caused extensive flooding out near Puketapu where we are looking at a possible house to buy.
We drove out to see the area and view the water levels at their highest. Fortunately out potential house was still accessible... so good sign for future. It did have a huge new lake just below it though, so plenty of space for ducks and other waterfowl!
The wet weather had killed lots of lambs and sheep. The new born lambs had not survived the cold and the hillsides were spotted with white dots of the dead. Probably hundreds of lambs and sheep died as a result of the 'rain bomb'.
Some farmers are in despair after suffering the long drought to have been hit with this tragedy within a month of the drought ending.
We drove out to see the area and view the water levels at their highest. Fortunately out potential house was still accessible... so good sign for future. It did have a huge new lake just below it though, so plenty of space for ducks and other waterfowl!
The wet weather had killed lots of lambs and sheep. The new born lambs had not survived the cold and the hillsides were spotted with white dots of the dead. Probably hundreds of lambs and sheep died as a result of the 'rain bomb'.
Some farmers are in despair after suffering the long drought to have been hit with this tragedy within a month of the drought ending.
23rd July - new job
Flew down to Wellington from Napier to start new job.
I am taking over from contractor who is leaving on Friday. So busy week making sure I get as much information from him.
I am taking over from contractor who is leaving on Friday. So busy week making sure I get as much information from him.
20th July - NZ basketball
J & I went along on Friday evening to local sports arena in Taradale to see NZ play Venezuela at basketball. First time we had seen a basketball match.
J enjoyed the evening and wants to take it up at school next year.
NZ won by about 15 points.
J enjoyed the evening and wants to take it up at school next year.
NZ won by about 15 points.
12-14th July NZ Schools Orienteering in Christchurch
I travelled with J's school as a parent supervisor to Christchurch for the NZ schools orienteering champs. We flew from Palmerston North to Christchurch on Thurs morning.
Arrived in Christchurch on lovely sunny afternoon. Bit cold for 12th July and did not see any parades!
We stayed in lodge in holiday village.
On Friday was inividuals competition. J came a close second in his event. Not bad for first year in event, coming second in New Zealand!
Saturday was the team event. The team of 3 run different routes and the shorted time for full team is winner. J's team won that event and J's school was top boys school in New Zealand.
Cousin Kate and second cousin Lucy came along to meet us at the event on Saturday. A family reunion!
Arrived in Christchurch on lovely sunny afternoon. Bit cold for 12th July and did not see any parades!
We stayed in lodge in holiday village.
On Friday was inividuals competition. J came a close second in his event. Not bad for first year in event, coming second in New Zealand!
Saturday was the team event. The team of 3 run different routes and the shorted time for full team is winner. J's team won that event and J's school was top boys school in New Zealand.
Cousin Kate and second cousin Lucy came along to meet us at the event on Saturday. A family reunion!
10,11 July - Mt Ruapehu in winter
We drove over from Napier to Mt Ruapehu. on morning of 10th.
J wanted to see the ski fields on the mountain and possibly try skiing. Unfortunately when we got there the ski fields were closed. There was a southerly gale blowing. We drove up the mountain as far as we could but when we got out of the car could hardly stand up in the strong wind. First snow we had been close to in a long time! Better luck next time.
We stayed overnight in Ohakune ('carrot town' because home of NZ carrots) and drove back to Napier through Taupo on 11th.
J wanted to see the ski fields on the mountain and possibly try skiing. Unfortunately when we got there the ski fields were closed. There was a southerly gale blowing. We drove up the mountain as far as we could but when we got out of the car could hardly stand up in the strong wind. First snow we had been close to in a long time! Better luck next time.
We stayed overnight in Ohakune ('carrot town' because home of NZ carrots) and drove back to Napier through Taupo on 11th.
a job offer - 3rd July
I had a telephone interview today by a government department in Wellington. It lasted 40 minutes. They phoned me back 2 hours later and offered me a job....
WOW!!!
WOW!!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
chilly for June!!!!
The weather forecast for the weekend said there would be snow down to 500m. This morning we woke to lovely clear skies and snow on the nearby hills.
It is dry and sunny here but cool. It is good to look at snow from a distance!
It is dry and sunny here but cool. It is good to look at snow from a distance!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
another broken hand
J has sustained another broken bone in his right hand as a result of falling awkwardly at rugby training!
This is the third broken hand in 18 months!
It probably happened as a result of the Hawkes Bay drought... the playing fields are like concrete!
It is very unfortunate timing as this is exam week at school and his right arm is in plaster! He is able to write very slowly with his left hand and the school is encouraging him to attempt the papers!
Hopefully it is only a minor fracture and the plaster will be off in 2 weeks.
He is more concerned about missing competing in the schools orienteering relays next week but I think he will be able to run with the plastered arm.
This is the third broken hand in 18 months!
It probably happened as a result of the Hawkes Bay drought... the playing fields are like concrete!
It is very unfortunate timing as this is exam week at school and his right arm is in plaster! He is able to write very slowly with his left hand and the school is encouraging him to attempt the papers!
Hopefully it is only a minor fracture and the plaster will be off in 2 weeks.
He is more concerned about missing competing in the schools orienteering relays next week but I think he will be able to run with the plastered arm.
rain at last
It finally started raining in Hawkes Bay at the weekend while we were in Wellington. It rained steadily for about 48 hours. It should cheer the farmers up a bit.... but it came too late to make the grass grow. They are selling off their cattle and sheep as they have no fodder to carry them through the winter and there is no spare fodder in the region.
Wellington at weekend
We went down to Wellington last weekend for the New Zealand - France rugby game. New Zealand sports events put on an excellent show before the matches or games - the pre-match show at the Westpac Stadium was a bit like the opening of the Commonwealth Games! The Westpac Stadium would be a good model for the future Northern Ireland stadium!
The AB's were too good for the third rate French team but some of the New Zealanders kep getting injured and may not make the World Cup team!
The weather in Wellington was lovely for a change... much better than the summer weather when we were there in December and January!
The AB's were too good for the third rate French team but some of the New Zealanders kep getting injured and may not make the World Cup team!
The weather in Wellington was lovely for a change... much better than the summer weather when we were there in December and January!
Queens Birthday weekend
Both Australia and New Zealand celebrate the Queens Birthday in June will long weekend holidays. I expect the UK does not need another bank holiday in the springtime!
J went away with the Hawkes Bay orienteering group to compete down in Wellington region. You can find more on the HB orienteering on http://www.hborienteering.com
They put all their competition results on the website.
J went away with the Hawkes Bay orienteering group to compete down in Wellington region. You can find more on the HB orienteering on http://www.hborienteering.com
They put all their competition results on the website.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Justice New Zealand style
Recently, there has been a lot of doubts about the whole system of Justice here.
Firstly, members of the police force have been prosecuted through a series of high profile cases. It would seem that from the early 1980's some parts of the police force seemed to think they were above the law. This has now extended to the Police Commissioner according to reports in the newspapers over the last 3/4 days.
Secondly, the prison service (or some prisons) seems to be controlled by the inmates rather than the prison officers.
Thirdly, and most recently the case of David Bain, has provided evidence of weakness in the courts system here. He was released after 13 years in jail, by the Privy Council in London. It appears that the police may not have provided all the evidence they had at his original trial. David Bain is becoming a celebrity here and has been followed by a media circus since his release 2 days ago. (Google 'David Bain' to find out more)
I think they will have to relaunch the Police Service here, a bit like they have done in Northern Ireland. Time will tell.
Firstly, members of the police force have been prosecuted through a series of high profile cases. It would seem that from the early 1980's some parts of the police force seemed to think they were above the law. This has now extended to the Police Commissioner according to reports in the newspapers over the last 3/4 days.
Secondly, the prison service (or some prisons) seems to be controlled by the inmates rather than the prison officers.
Thirdly, and most recently the case of David Bain, has provided evidence of weakness in the courts system here. He was released after 13 years in jail, by the Privy Council in London. It appears that the police may not have provided all the evidence they had at his original trial. David Bain is becoming a celebrity here and has been followed by a media circus since his release 2 days ago. (Google 'David Bain' to find out more)
I think they will have to relaunch the Police Service here, a bit like they have done in Northern Ireland. Time will tell.
New Zealander in (London)Derry
The local afternoon paper, Hawkes Bay Today has been publishing a series of articles by a former Hawkes Bay lady now living in Stroke City.
She has reported on the recent history from about 1969 to the present day. My impression is that she has gained a good understanding of the history and been Northern Irelandised. She ended up by saying that she was hopeful about the future but did not really comment on the new Assembly.
It is interesting to note that Northern Ireland is not unique in history being relevant to everyday events. New Zealand politics and social concerns are dominated by history. No New Zealander needs to go to Northern Ireland to lecture anyone on history!
The Waitangi Treaty dominates huge aspects of life here, even influencing purchases of property. It was signed in 1860 between the Maori and the Crown. A bit like the Good Friday Agreement, it means different things to different factions. Will northern irelanders still be debating the GFA in 150 years?
I was wondering, if the Belfast Telegraph would offer a similar space for the views of a northern irelander living in Hawkes Bay!!!!
She has reported on the recent history from about 1969 to the present day. My impression is that she has gained a good understanding of the history and been Northern Irelandised. She ended up by saying that she was hopeful about the future but did not really comment on the new Assembly.
It is interesting to note that Northern Ireland is not unique in history being relevant to everyday events. New Zealand politics and social concerns are dominated by history. No New Zealander needs to go to Northern Ireland to lecture anyone on history!
The Waitangi Treaty dominates huge aspects of life here, even influencing purchases of property. It was signed in 1860 between the Maori and the Crown. A bit like the Good Friday Agreement, it means different things to different factions. Will northern irelanders still be debating the GFA in 150 years?
I was wondering, if the Belfast Telegraph would offer a similar space for the views of a northern irelander living in Hawkes Bay!!!!
No more smacking
The NZ Parliament yesterday outlawed smacking. This has been a source of political debate for over 2 years. The Green Party proposed the bill to ban smacking as there is evidence of domestic violence in some communities and the existing laws were ineffectual in prosecuting the offenders. The debate involved the Christian community with churches arguing against each other publicly.
I am cynical about the whole exercise. Young people are allowed to drive here at age 15 and parents seem to be very lax about managing their children from about 14. There is a high level of death among young drivers. I think the driving age should be increased to 17 or 18 if the politicians really cared for children.
I am cynical about the whole exercise. Young people are allowed to drive here at age 15 and parents seem to be very lax about managing their children from about 14. There is a high level of death among young drivers. I think the driving age should be increased to 17 or 18 if the politicians really cared for children.
Drought in Hawkes Bay
They have really started worrying about the lack of rain here. It is seriously affecting the farming community. It has probably rained less than 10 days this year. Normally the first 2 weeks of May are rainy in Hawkes Bay and that sets the grass growing for the winter here. But it has not rained for weeks. So the farmers are in dire straits.
They do not have enough fodder to carry them through this drought. Cattle are always outdoors grazing all winter. The grass is not growing and they are unable to source fodder from elsewhere in NZ and thus having to sell off much of their stock at low prices.
Also, Hawkes Bay is used by farmers outside the area as a location for wintering their stock. As there is no fodder, farmers locally are losing incomes 0f $30k - $60k. This will probably have a longer term impact on the whole region.
This is apparently the driest year for 30 years. In some ways we are fortunate to have happened on the good weather, but it is not great for others!
They do not have enough fodder to carry them through this drought. Cattle are always outdoors grazing all winter. The grass is not growing and they are unable to source fodder from elsewhere in NZ and thus having to sell off much of their stock at low prices.
Also, Hawkes Bay is used by farmers outside the area as a location for wintering their stock. As there is no fodder, farmers locally are losing incomes 0f $30k - $60k. This will probably have a longer term impact on the whole region.
This is apparently the driest year for 30 years. In some ways we are fortunate to have happened on the good weather, but it is not great for others!
Friday, May 11, 2007
AWESOME
The picture of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness standing and sitting together in Stormont are amazing. It is hard to believe the change particularly with Ian Paisley. The pictures of Ian Paisley and Gerry Adams a few weeks ago were interesting. They were both sitting in a corner rather than side by side. Tony Blair's great achievement was to finally push them both into the same corner.
When the history of the last 10 weeks is written, we will find out the reasons for what has happened;
When the history of the last 10 weeks is written, we will find out the reasons for what has happened;
- why has Ian Paisley changed? Is he really thinking about his legacy?
- what leverage did Tony Blair have over Paisley and Adams?
- what financial bribe did Gordon Brown provide to sweeten the deal?
People in New Zealand are commenting that the pictures of Ian Paisley actually sitting down to work in government are incredible.... they are much more so for northern irelander exlies!
Anyway, it will be fascinating to see if the 'love-in' at Stormont continues!
The TVNZ TV One 'Breakfast' show on Wednesday morning showed the pictures of everyone coming down the steps of Stormont together. Unfortunately a junior presentor, Paul Henry chose to ridicule those taking part in the musical performance that was part of the celebration. At least one northern irelander in New Zealand complained to TVNZ and Henry was forced to make a grovelling apology live on Thursday morning.
Monday, April 30, 2007
beautiful autumn
Autumn in Hawkes Bay is stunning with the trees in their foliage of reds, golds, bronzes, oranges nd yellows...
There are red oaks, maples, poplars from the northern hemisphere which retain their leaves much longer than they would in their native environment and have slowly changed their colours over the last few weeks.
I have started an evening class in 'learning more about trees in Hawkes Bay' held at Havelock North High School. The course is very interesting. It covers not only the NZ natives but also those imported from all over the world.
There are red oaks, maples, poplars from the northern hemisphere which retain their leaves much longer than they would in their native environment and have slowly changed their colours over the last few weeks.
I have started an evening class in 'learning more about trees in Hawkes Bay' held at Havelock North High School. The course is very interesting. It covers not only the NZ natives but also those imported from all over the world.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
first earthquake
We experienced our first earthquake at 2.40am this morning.
It was 4.5 on the richter scale and centred about 30km south of Hastings.
It shook our building waking us up but no damage done.
It was 4.5 on the richter scale and centred about 30km south of Hastings.
It shook our building waking us up but no damage done.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
a trip to Gisborne
While J was away with school in New Plymouth on orienteering competition, R & I drove up to Gisborne last Friday.
It was lovely day and interesting drive... took over 3 hours but well worth the trip.
We have discovered a lovely restaurant on road near Wairoa which is just about halfway along road to Gisborne. Stopped on way there and back.
It was lovely day and interesting drive... took over 3 hours but well worth the trip.
We have discovered a lovely restaurant on road near Wairoa which is just about halfway along road to Gisborne. Stopped on way there and back.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
a trip to Tauranga
We went to Tauranga yesterday as I had an interview for a Project Manager opportunity.
A long day driving - 600km round trip!!!!
Drove through Taupo ( one of our favourite towns in NZ) , Rotorua on way there.
Interview took 2 hours 20 mins which is an all time record!!!! Will hear in 2 weeks - a long wait.
A long day driving - 600km round trip!!!!
Drove through Taupo ( one of our favourite towns in NZ) , Rotorua on way there.
Interview took 2 hours 20 mins which is an all time record!!!! Will hear in 2 weeks - a long wait.
a trip to Cambridge
We went up to Cambridge last Wednesday to stay 2 nights with J&J. It was much colder over that way... left Napier wearing shorts but nut not shorts weather there!!!
Bridget called in twice but we missed her both times. Called over with M&A on Thursday morning... Elders and Rosses there... J had plenty of cousins to play with. J stayed night.
Were back at McI's on Friday for Ian's 40th party. All children and some adults had a water fight which they will remember for a long time!!!!
Drove back to Napier on Friday evening.
Bridget called in twice but we missed her both times. Called over with M&A on Thursday morning... Elders and Rosses there... J had plenty of cousins to play with. J stayed night.
Were back at McI's on Friday for Ian's 40th party. All children and some adults had a water fight which they will remember for a long time!!!!
Drove back to Napier on Friday evening.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
the Great Destroyer
It is amazing that the Great Destroyer has finally been made to compromise.... a pity he could not have reached that position 40 years ago.... so much would not have been lost.
football result
Northern Ireland did well on Saturday.... better than Ulster Rugby!!!! ..... and lots better than England football team!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 19, 2007
The Lahar - 18th March
The crater lake on Mount Ruapehu overflowed yesterday and over one million litres of water and mud came crashing down. The surge took a lot of trees in its path but no bridges.
New Zealanders have been waiting all summer for this to happen - it happens every 10 years or so as the water builds up in the lake. The overflow is called a LAHAR - javanese for 'lava'. In 1953 it overflowed at night and took out a railway bridge. A train crashed and 151 people were killed in the accident.
Fortunately yesterday, no one was injured but several roads and the railway line were closed for a while. The TV news companies had been waiting for all summer for the Lahar and they managed to get some good picures but it was windy and wet and they could not get up to the top of Ruapehu to see if the lake has emptied.
New Zealanders have been waiting all summer for this to happen - it happens every 10 years or so as the water builds up in the lake. The overflow is called a LAHAR - javanese for 'lava'. In 1953 it overflowed at night and took out a railway bridge. A train crashed and 151 people were killed in the accident.
Fortunately yesterday, no one was injured but several roads and the railway line were closed for a while. The TV news companies had been waiting for all summer for the Lahar and they managed to get some good picures but it was windy and wet and they could not get up to the top of Ruapehu to see if the lake has emptied.
Time change
New Zealand have now put theiur clocks back one hour for winter-time.... more than a bit early we think!!!! We could do with more summertime!
That means we are now 12 hours time difference from the UK.
Well done Ireland cricket team for beating Pakistan. A pity Ireland rugby team let in that last try..... better luck in the World Cup!!!!
That means we are now 12 hours time difference from the UK.
Well done Ireland cricket team for beating Pakistan. A pity Ireland rugby team let in that last try..... better luck in the World Cup!!!!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Horse of the Year Show - 16th March
The Horse of the Year Show in the Hawkes Bay Agricultural Showgrounds at Hastings is the largest equestrian event in the southern hemisphere.. running from 15th to 18th March.
We went on Friday evening to see the family show. Again thousands of people attending and very family oriented.
Highlight of the evening was a New Zealand rider and horse clearing a fence 6feet 10inches high.... not something you see every day.
There was a pony racing event with 4 teams representing, North Island, South Island, Australia and Northern Ireland!!!!!! The Northern Irelander team did well in some races, winning one, but overall came third. Not bad considering they were riding borrowed ponies!!!! Australia was last! - also on borrowed ponies.
This was another evening to see thousands of New Zealanders out after 9pm!
Well done the the Irish cricket team in the World Cup.... the tie was an exciting finish! I hope the rugby team go one better and win the 6 Nations today!
We went on Friday evening to see the family show. Again thousands of people attending and very family oriented.
Highlight of the evening was a New Zealand rider and horse clearing a fence 6feet 10inches high.... not something you see every day.
There was a pony racing event with 4 teams representing, North Island, South Island, Australia and Northern Ireland!!!!!! The Northern Irelander team did well in some races, winning one, but overall came third. Not bad considering they were riding borrowed ponies!!!! Australia was last! - also on borrowed ponies.
This was another evening to see thousands of New Zealanders out after 9pm!
Well done the the Irish cricket team in the World Cup.... the tie was an exciting finish! I hope the rugby team go one better and win the 6 Nations today!
Hawkes Bay Speedway - 10th March
Went to see the Speedway at Meeanee on Saturday evening... oval circuit racing for stock cars and motorbikes.
It was much better organised than Aghadowey or Nutts Corner... and lots more family oriented too.
It was strange to see thousands of New Zealanders out after 9pm in the evening too!
It was much better organised than Aghadowey or Nutts Corner... and lots more family oriented too.
It was strange to see thousands of New Zealanders out after 9pm in the evening too!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
no Boys Brigade in Hawkes Bay
J was very disappointed to discover there is no Boys Brigade company in the district. In fact it seems like the Boys Brigade has collapsed in New Zealand with very few companies left.
We are searching to see what other organisations he can join....
We are searching to see what other organisations he can join....
Travelling for 4 months
We have now been on the road and in temporary accommodation for 4 months since leaving Ballyhome. We have been in a rented apartment in Napier since the start of February but it is strange surviving with what we carried in to Aldergrove in November!
We have almost got to the stage of forgetting what we had... all our furniture, books, etc are in storage in Auckland awaiting us finding permanent accommodation here. I expect when it all arrives it will be like Christmas. I think J has done really well to live without a Playstation for over 4 months! He probably never expected to not have it for so long!!!!
It has been interesting in a way to see how we can survive on so little... with only a limited amount of clothes... Possibly when winter comes we will be looking for warmer clothes!
We seem to be living in the warmest part of New Zealand though. Winter seems to be very short here... The locals are talking about it getting cold but it is still sunny and over 25 degrees every day! Not bad for the equivalent of mid-September in the northern hemisphere!
We have almost got to the stage of forgetting what we had... all our furniture, books, etc are in storage in Auckland awaiting us finding permanent accommodation here. I expect when it all arrives it will be like Christmas. I think J has done really well to live without a Playstation for over 4 months! He probably never expected to not have it for so long!!!!
It has been interesting in a way to see how we can survive on so little... with only a limited amount of clothes... Possibly when winter comes we will be looking for warmer clothes!
We seem to be living in the warmest part of New Zealand though. Winter seems to be very short here... The locals are talking about it getting cold but it is still sunny and over 25 degrees every day! Not bad for the equivalent of mid-September in the northern hemisphere!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Northern Ireland elections
WOW - what happened in South Antrim??????
Will Mitchel be a new supporter of the Parkgate Quarries campaign???
The whole situation seems to be more polarised.
It is interesting to hear the news reports here where the reporting is generally very balanced. The reporters are very reasonable and give both sides the opportunities to have their say.
The DUPers in the form of Dr Ian P come across as the strange ones whereas SFers and Martin McG come across as very balanced and sensible. The DUPers will definitely deserve the blame if nothing comes of this election.
Will Mitchel be a new supporter of the Parkgate Quarries campaign???
The whole situation seems to be more polarised.
It is interesting to hear the news reports here where the reporting is generally very balanced. The reporters are very reasonable and give both sides the opportunities to have their say.
The DUPers in the form of Dr Ian P come across as the strange ones whereas SFers and Martin McG come across as very balanced and sensible. The DUPers will definitely deserve the blame if nothing comes of this election.
Friday, March 02, 2007
A rugby tour in 2010
J has heard from a friend in BHS that his friends are being given the opportunity to take part in a school rugby tour of New Zealand in July 2010 when they reach year 12!!!!
Great Excitement!
Great Excitement!
A second property auction - 1st March
We went to a second property auction last night in Napier. This second auction was run by another estate agency. There were 6 properties up for auction but there was not ONE bid!!!!
So we are totally confused as to what is happening with property here. It looks like there is a lack of buyers and prices ought to drop from what seems to be high levels here!
We have looked at sections this week and are considering building. A new house can be constructed in 3 to 4 months and we would have the house the way we want it.
So we are totally confused as to what is happening with property here. It looks like there is a lack of buyers and prices ought to drop from what seems to be high levels here!
We have looked at sections this week and are considering building. A new house can be constructed in 3 to 4 months and we would have the house the way we want it.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
A Property Auction - 23rd February
We went to a property auction in Napier on Friday afternoon. A lot of houses are sold by agents through priivate negotiation so it is diffiecult to know what the real price of houses is and if they are selling for the asking price or less.
Our feeling is that the property market is not rising but people are still placing houses on the market at high prices. So we thoutht the auction would show the real picture.
There were 7 houses up for auction. We had seen 3 of them and could have bought one of them if confident enough about the process. All 7 of the properties did not sell! None made the reserve price. Only 3 of the properties had bidders and that was one bidder for each property. So obviously that told us that demand was not as great as told to us by estate agents or that buying at auction is not that popular!
Anyway there is another auction on Thursday, 1st March and we have seen one house on that list so we will see if buyers behave any differently!
Our feeling is that the property market is not rising but people are still placing houses on the market at high prices. So we thoutht the auction would show the real picture.
There were 7 houses up for auction. We had seen 3 of them and could have bought one of them if confident enough about the process. All 7 of the properties did not sell! None made the reserve price. Only 3 of the properties had bidders and that was one bidder for each property. So obviously that told us that demand was not as great as told to us by estate agents or that buying at auction is not that popular!
Anyway there is another auction on Thursday, 1st March and we have seen one house on that list so we will see if buyers behave any differently!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Art Deco weekend - 16th to 19th February
The Hawkes Bay area was hit by 2 very large earthquakes on one day in February 1931. As a result the towns of Napier and Hastings had to be rebuilt and this was done in the Art Deco style of the 1920's.
The Hawkes Bay area now has an Art Deco weekend where a lot of the towns people and visitors dress up in styles of the 20's and 30's for the weekend. There are loads of events organised but the biggest is a vintage car parade with probably about 500 vintage cars in the Napier over the weekend.
It is an odd sight to see all there people dressed up in fancy garb. I find it very strange and I am sure the people of the 1930's would also find the sight very odd!! They probably could not have afforded to dress as well!!!
Anyway the townspeople seemed to have lots of fun and it brought a lot of visitors to the area. We are just glad we had accomodation sorted and did not need a motel for the weekend!!
The Hawkes Bay area now has an Art Deco weekend where a lot of the towns people and visitors dress up in styles of the 20's and 30's for the weekend. There are loads of events organised but the biggest is a vintage car parade with probably about 500 vintage cars in the Napier over the weekend.
It is an odd sight to see all there people dressed up in fancy garb. I find it very strange and I am sure the people of the 1930's would also find the sight very odd!! They probably could not have afforded to dress as well!!!
Anyway the townspeople seemed to have lots of fun and it brought a lot of visitors to the area. We are just glad we had accomodation sorted and did not need a motel for the weekend!!
A 60th Birthday party - 10th February
On Saturday afternoon went over to Taupo for Tom's 60th party, organised by Morag, Inez and Prue.
Hessie and Edwin arrived for the evening. So more Northern Irelander accents to hear! Twice in a weekend!
J managed to get in some tennis with the girls and Tom before it got too dark.
We stayed the night and next morning went over to Lake Taupo for a picnic lunch at the shore in Kinloch. It was a lovely sunny day. I went out on the lake on a double canoe with Tom. We saw some wild birds (which Tom had not seen before) building a floating nest in near the shoreline. J managed to get out on the lake on a kayak which was a first. He wants us to get a kayak as soon as we are settled! That is in addition to the dog and cat and....
Drove back to Napier in the afternoon.
Hessie and Edwin arrived for the evening. So more Northern Irelander accents to hear! Twice in a weekend!
J managed to get in some tennis with the girls and Tom before it got too dark.
We stayed the night and next morning went over to Lake Taupo for a picnic lunch at the shore in Kinloch. It was a lovely sunny day. I went out on the lake on a double canoe with Tom. We saw some wild birds (which Tom had not seen before) building a floating nest in near the shoreline. J managed to get out on the lake on a kayak which was a first. He wants us to get a kayak as soon as we are settled! That is in addition to the dog and cat and....
Drove back to Napier in the afternoon.
Meeting Northern Ireland visitors
Ian (ex-Parity, Antrim) and his wife Caroline are in NZ for a months holiday during February. They have already toured a lot of the North Island and are in Hawkes Bay for a few days. After leaving HB they head south to Wellington and then on to the South Island.
Ian and Caroline took us out for evening meal on Friday. It was good to hear Northern Irelander accents again and to catch up with some news.
I think Ian may well travel as many kilometers as us before they leave New Zealand. I hope they take time to stop and absorb some of the NZ culture.
Ian and Caroline took us out for evening meal on Friday. It was good to hear Northern Irelander accents again and to catch up with some news.
I think Ian may well travel as many kilometers as us before they leave New Zealand. I hope they take time to stop and absorb some of the NZ culture.
A drive to Wellington - 9th February
Dropped J off at school and then drove to Wellington for a job interview at 2pm. Did not stop for long and arrived in Wellington about 12.30pm.
For a change it was a lovely sunny day in Wellington but the wind was still blowing!
Grabbed a quick lunch and got to the interview with about 20 minutes to spare. Interview was by a panel of 3, all dressed in casual clothes. It is hard to know how to appear at interviews but I would not have been comfartable to be as casual as them. Interview went well and will possibly hear back next week.
Then had long drive back - decided to drive through Upper Hutt and Wararapa on way back for a change but was a mistake as traffic accident on road slowed all the traffic down. A car had driven off the road and stopped just before going into a river. All occupants were out and seemed to be ok.
Got back to Napier about 8.30pm.
In space of 3 days I had driven about 1800km. Aunt Mary says I am now more kiwi than a lot of New Zealanders!!!!
Will be resting before setting out on more long journeys!
For a change it was a lovely sunny day in Wellington but the wind was still blowing!
Grabbed a quick lunch and got to the interview with about 20 minutes to spare. Interview was by a panel of 3, all dressed in casual clothes. It is hard to know how to appear at interviews but I would not have been comfartable to be as casual as them. Interview went well and will possibly hear back next week.
Then had long drive back - decided to drive through Upper Hutt and Wararapa on way back for a change but was a mistake as traffic accident on road slowed all the traffic down. A car had driven off the road and stopped just before going into a river. All occupants were out and seemed to be ok.
Got back to Napier about 8.30pm.
In space of 3 days I had driven about 1800km. Aunt Mary says I am now more kiwi than a lot of New Zealanders!!!!
Will be resting before setting out on more long journeys!
A drive from Napier to Auckland 7th & 8th February
We had contacted the shipping company and asked for some things to be taken out of our shipment. These were mainly sporting equipmet that J wanted and our sets of golf equipment. The golf bags had been inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture and they had said that the bags needed cleaning. The golf bags had been sent away bit only one bag was returned to the shipper. So I needed to go to Auckland to check on the situation and pick up J's equipment.
J had his first morning at school... an easy start with a half day! He is in the top class and will be doing accelerated options in some subjects. That means his class will be doing NCEA exams a year earlier than most of his age group.
Set off after lunch to drive to Cambridge. Arrived there for tea with Jim & Jean, picked up mail and then drove on for another 2 hours to arrive in Auckland about 9pm. Stopped the night with Elizabeth McK and next morning left at 7.15am for meeting with shipper at 8am.
Most people in Auckland drive to work in their own car rather than taking the bus or sharing lifts so there is tremendous traffic jams.I am glad we did not decide to settle there!
Arrived at the shippers on time and saw where our property was stored. They had set aside the pieces I had asked for including J's golf clubs but mine were missing!!!!
Asked the company to keep looking for the golf clubs. If they do not turn up will probably need to involve the police as they have obviously been stolen by an employee somewhere along the way.
Drove back to Cambridge for lunch with J&J. Hessie and Edwin arrived from Thames just before I left and I saw them for about 20 minutes. Arrived back in Napier about 5pm.
J had his first morning at school... an easy start with a half day! He is in the top class and will be doing accelerated options in some subjects. That means his class will be doing NCEA exams a year earlier than most of his age group.
Set off after lunch to drive to Cambridge. Arrived there for tea with Jim & Jean, picked up mail and then drove on for another 2 hours to arrive in Auckland about 9pm. Stopped the night with Elizabeth McK and next morning left at 7.15am for meeting with shipper at 8am.
Most people in Auckland drive to work in their own car rather than taking the bus or sharing lifts so there is tremendous traffic jams.I am glad we did not decide to settle there!
Arrived at the shippers on time and saw where our property was stored. They had set aside the pieces I had asked for including J's golf clubs but mine were missing!!!!
Asked the company to keep looking for the golf clubs. If they do not turn up will probably need to involve the police as they have obviously been stolen by an employee somewhere along the way.
Drove back to Cambridge for lunch with J&J. Hessie and Edwin arrived from Thames just before I left and I saw them for about 20 minutes. Arrived back in Napier about 5pm.
Second journey Taupo & Napier
Set out for Taupo firstly to stop with Tom & Ruth and then go on to Hawkes Bay.
Arrived in Taupo on sunny morning.... R's first visit to Taupo and she liked the town. Went for ride on Huka jet boat which was fun! Then went to see Huka Falls. Drove out to Tom's farm for tea. J was really looking forward to this part of the trip. Went for a walk over the farm and Tom showed us site where he is planning to build new house. J played tennis with Tom.
Left Tom's farm to drive to Napier. Found accomodation in motel near sea-front, Marine Parade. Next morning went to council offices and found information on possible employers and schools. We visited Taradale High School and Napier Boys High. We had tours of them both but Napier Boys High headmaster spent an hour with us and showed us round. Also met with estate agents and were taken round a few houses to get idea of local houses and prices.
Had meeting with local furniture maker and saw round factory.... impressive operation!
After few days we left Napier and drove over to Palmerston North to stop with Joanna & Andrew
Arrived in Taupo on sunny morning.... R's first visit to Taupo and she liked the town. Went for ride on Huka jet boat which was fun! Then went to see Huka Falls. Drove out to Tom's farm for tea. J was really looking forward to this part of the trip. Went for a walk over the farm and Tom showed us site where he is planning to build new house. J played tennis with Tom.
Left Tom's farm to drive to Napier. Found accomodation in motel near sea-front, Marine Parade. Next morning went to council offices and found information on possible employers and schools. We visited Taradale High School and Napier Boys High. We had tours of them both but Napier Boys High headmaster spent an hour with us and showed us round. Also met with estate agents and were taken round a few houses to get idea of local houses and prices.
Had meeting with local furniture maker and saw round factory.... impressive operation!
After few days we left Napier and drove over to Palmerston North to stop with Joanna & Andrew
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Day 2 - new car - first steps to independence
J McK had take us on Friday afternoon to look at some cars but we set out to Hamilton on Saturday to tour the car lots and find our new car. The Ford garage had a good selection of 1 year old hire cars. We picked a gold Mondeo with 32k kilometers on the clock and seemed to be running well.
The insurance was sorted out with a phonecall to the NZ AA.
Our money was not yet in our NZ bank account but the car dealer took us on trust and let us drive off without paying! We had the car a week before the money actually got into the account and we were able to pay. I could not see any large car dealer in the UK being so generous!!!!
So we were mobile on day 2 and getting our first steps towards independence and the start of a search for our new home.
The insurance was sorted out with a phonecall to the NZ AA.
Our money was not yet in our NZ bank account but the car dealer took us on trust and let us drive off without paying! We had the car a week before the money actually got into the account and we were able to pay. I could not see any large car dealer in the UK being so generous!!!!
So we were mobile on day 2 and getting our first steps towards independence and the start of a search for our new home.
Arrival in New Zealand
Due to the smaller steps we took on our travels through USA, we were only 4 hours of time difference between LA and Auckland and therefore not much jet-lagged. Flight arrived on time and we were met in the arrivals lounge by M&A and J&J - a GREAT New Zealand welcome!
It was a sunny spring day as we travelled south to Cambridge, stopping at .... for a mid morning coffee.
BACK in NORTHERN IRELAND... this was the day the politicians were to finally sort out their issues... but NI made the world headlines when a terrorist tried to blow up Parliament Buildings at Stormont... I expect this will be new Guy Fawkes Day for Northern Irelanders... and fireworks will be let off until 25th November every year... sensation was shortlived in NZ as New Zealanders more interested in where the Rugby World Cup final wll be played in 2011.... a new stadium or an updated stadium.
It was a sunny spring day as we travelled south to Cambridge, stopping at .... for a mid morning coffee.
BACK in NORTHERN IRELAND... this was the day the politicians were to finally sort out their issues... but NI made the world headlines when a terrorist tried to blow up Parliament Buildings at Stormont... I expect this will be new Guy Fawkes Day for Northern Irelanders... and fireworks will be let off until 25th November every year... sensation was shortlived in NZ as New Zealanders more interested in where the Rugby World Cup final wll be played in 2011.... a new stadium or an updated stadium.
Stage 4 - Los Angeles
The roads into LA were amazing.... just cars and more cars. America is surely the country of the automobile!
Stage 3 - Big Sur
We left San Francisco driving south to join the coastal highway to Los Angeles. This road mostly follows the coastline and is much slower that the inland route to LA.
Stage 2 - San Francisco
The welcome in San Francisco was much more friendly and relaxed compared to New York. We took taxi from Airport and arrived at our hotel about 9pm. We were staying at Fisherman's Wharf which is central tourist area for city.
We took a tour of the city on our first day to get our bearings. We went out to Golden Gate Bridge and up to the hills to get view over the city. Finished off with a tour of the city centre.
On second day went over to Alcatraz... could not help wondering as we walked around that someday American tourists may be walking around The Maze and seeing similar prison cells which are likely to be much more comfortable that Alcatraz.
J and I hired bikes and cycled along the shoreline to the Golden Gate Bridgea and over the bridge to Sausalito. It was a lovely sunny October day... probably much warmer than our average summer days. We met R at Sausalito for lunch and caught the ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf. The cycle trip is recommended by us!
We hired car and drove up to Muir Woods and then on to Napa Valley. Muir Woods has preserved some of the huge Californian Redwoods. They have been there for hundreds of years. While walking in the woods, met a group of people who had been in Northern Ireland and knew David Trimble and John Hume.... possibly connected to Bill Clinton!
We took a tour of the city on our first day to get our bearings. We went out to Golden Gate Bridge and up to the hills to get view over the city. Finished off with a tour of the city centre.
On second day went over to Alcatraz... could not help wondering as we walked around that someday American tourists may be walking around The Maze and seeing similar prison cells which are likely to be much more comfortable that Alcatraz.
J and I hired bikes and cycled along the shoreline to the Golden Gate Bridgea and over the bridge to Sausalito. It was a lovely sunny October day... probably much warmer than our average summer days. We met R at Sausalito for lunch and caught the ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf. The cycle trip is recommended by us!
We hired car and drove up to Muir Woods and then on to Napa Valley. Muir Woods has preserved some of the huge Californian Redwoods. They have been there for hundreds of years. While walking in the woods, met a group of people who had been in Northern Ireland and knew David Trimble and John Hume.... possibly connected to Bill Clinton!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
the journey begins...
We departed Aldergrove on a dark November morning on board Continental Airlines flight to New York.
Flying in over New York and New Jersey was great as we could see the lovely autumn foliage in the forests and parkland. We also caught our first glimpse of Manhattan Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Security checks in the airport, as expected, were extremely unfriendly.
We chose to travel from Newark Airport to the city centre by train.... a mistake as we discovered after struggling with our bags along corridors and up and down lifts to and from the train. A taxi would have been much quicker!
New York and Manhattan is like a scene from a film set with everyone rushing around, yellow taxis everywhere and all the tall buildings....
We walked up to Time Square, visited the Natural History Museum, travelled over to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Also visited the hole in the ground which is all that is left of the Twin Towers.... awsome. One evening we went to the top of the Empire State Building. It was a great time to go as we could see all the buildings and bridges lit up in the night sky.
On last morning we went over to Central Park and walked around part of it. It was lovely in the warm autumn sunshine.
We went back to Newark airport by taxi.... a much less hassle free journey!
Flying in over New York and New Jersey was great as we could see the lovely autumn foliage in the forests and parkland. We also caught our first glimpse of Manhattan Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Security checks in the airport, as expected, were extremely unfriendly.
We chose to travel from Newark Airport to the city centre by train.... a mistake as we discovered after struggling with our bags along corridors and up and down lifts to and from the train. A taxi would have been much quicker!
New York and Manhattan is like a scene from a film set with everyone rushing around, yellow taxis everywhere and all the tall buildings....
We walked up to Time Square, visited the Natural History Museum, travelled over to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Also visited the hole in the ground which is all that is left of the Twin Towers.... awsome. One evening we went to the top of the Empire State Building. It was a great time to go as we could see all the buildings and bridges lit up in the night sky.
On last morning we went over to Central Park and walked around part of it. It was lovely in the warm autumn sunshine.
We went back to Newark airport by taxi.... a much less hassle free journey!
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