Return to Middle Earth

Dream Over

2011-04-01T02:50:00.001+13:00

back in Manchester but escaping again soon.

Fishing

2011-03-03T13:11:00.001+13:00

went fishing at private fishing lake caught 1.9kg salmon had it smoked on site and ate it for lunch other half vacuumed packed for another day

Greg Tobin RIP

2011-02-25T21:43:00.001+13:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1360518/British-man-killed-New-Zealand-confessed-earthquake-fears-Facebook-hours-death.html

We met Greg a couple of times as he was a friend of our flatmates in urban rooms.

RIP

Just after the quake

2011-02-25T20:12:00.001+13:00

Not mine but a great pic to have.

Had a great day to done lots of tramping and caving too!!!

quake hits 6.3

2011-02-22T14:34:00.001+13:00

Big 6.3 hits Christchurch and deaths confirmed

We are safe on the west coast!

Flossies Place

2011-02-20T10:32:00.001+13:00

our new home for a few nights. We are house sitting and looking after the chucks,birds and 2 cats.

left franz

2011-02-17T10:50:00.001+13:00

We didn't last long we had too many ideas and were not allowed to have a brain and do things different.

We stayed at the most amazing hostel which was a old church on a river bank.

We met an aussie guy who runs a cafe from his house in Ross we were chatting and he said he was going away for a wedding and we could look after his house and cats!!!.

franz

2011-02-05T20:23:00.001+13:00

arrived safely after 6hrs drive

Good News

2011-02-02T20:00:00.001+13:00

our police certs and contracts have turned up in the post

Boxing Day Quake

2010-12-27T21:53:00.001+13:00

Lucky For us we missed the new quake 5km in the city. Www.stuff.co.nz

Sitting in front of nice warm log fire

2010-12-27T21:33:00.001+13:00

After another long day on the road we have ended up in Glenorchy for the night.

Last we stayed in Manoupouri and left for Bluff hoping to go to Stewart Island but the weather was bad so decided to head back up to Queenstown.

Today we have been to

Manoupouri

Lake houraka

Bluff

Invercargle

Queenstown

Glenorchy

Doubtful sound

2010-12-27T20:59:00.001+13:00

Today we decided to make a last minute trip on the sound. So have stayed another night in manapouri.

Was really good 8hr trip we went on 2 boats and coach and also visited the underground power station.

Now staying in a backpackers called Freestone

xmas day

2010-12-25T21:32:00.001+13:00

Today we left Lake Hawea and went to Queenstown via Wanaka and the condrona valley.

We stopped for coffee and starbucks in Queenstown and drove to Lake Te anau where we had a Christmas lunch of Trampers Breakfast and liz had baked potato cheese and beans.

After breakfast we booked us on the Glow worm cave trip across the other side of the lake.

We are now in Manapouri Backpackers which is a really small town.

Just had a quick Bonfire and some Christmas tarts and apple juice

Lake Hawea

2010-12-24T18:04:00.002+13:00

Well after driving for 6hrs we have decided to check into a camp site for the night.
It was good to see Ivory towers again and we will indeed miss fox

Ivory Towers

2010-12-23T23:24:00.001+13:00

We are staying the night at our old backpackers. Really been fun being back went to the lake and the glow worm dell (which they have ruined by putting in a cycle track).

Nice to see Ann and Dale again and lucky for us they haven't changed the wireless key for 2 years so FREE internet for tonight.

Got local price in pub too the lady remembered us!!

Road Trip

2010-12-23T23:12:00.000+13:00

after all the stress of trying to get jobs for work permits we are taking a well deserved road trip down to Stewart Island via Haast, Wanaka and Manipouri - photos to follow:-)

Back in Christchurch

2010-12-22T14:30:00.000+13:00

Well we are now back in Christchurch as the job did not work out a long story but basically they were in partnership and the other partner still had to sign the agreement and move all her stuff out the flat which we couldnt use for fear of her family coming round so always had to eat out and stay in pokey motel unit! Kate's mum and backup came round and started emptying the flat and giving Kevin grief and Pam was bossing me around and acting like she owned the place when it was in reality her daughter who did. We had a bad feeling when we first took the job something like this would happen when it was half sold - lucky we got a room back in same house and I got my job back! Mark has too but only on temp contract

Arrived @ new job

2010-12-18T19:37:00.001+13:00

Well we have just come back from a quick stroll around a stream.

Liz’s book turned up and luckily my New Zealand driving licence turned up as well!! officially a kiwi well almost

New Job

2010-12-09T19:37:00.002+13:00

Well we have ourselves a job in Hanmer Springs - I just met with our Consultant and we will pay the Sign on fee tonight and send him JD's for him to pick the best Title. He is thinking Housekeeping Manager - apparently Assistant Manager is no good! Only one of us needs the Title the other can come in under Partnership. So we going over to Hanmer on the weekend to meet the Owners and to arrange a start date:-)

Christchurch Santa Parade

2010-12-05T17:44:00.001+13:00

Today was the Santa parade went from 2-3:30pm was pretty good

Road trip to Tekapo

2010-11-28T14:13:00.000+13:00

We left for Lake Tekapo yesterday at 9:30 stopping off in Geraldine to pick up sandwich and latte which kept us going on to Tekapo. We arrived at 12:45 and after taking some pics headed to the Backpackers where we parked up and found Pete at the Reception of the Motels for our interview. We got there early so hung around for half an hour before the Interview.

The Interview went well and we then spent the afternoon chilling with a beer at Pete's daughters Monteiths bar before heading to Pukaki and taking photos. Came back had tea in Unit. Then had lattes and wedges at Monteiths bar then relaxed on deck of unit we stayed for free for the night:-)

Met the guy this morning at 9:20 before heading back to Christchurch where we arrived at 1:30. should find out if have job by this Friday:-)

Camping

2010-11-14T11:33:00.000+13:00

Yesterday we went to Rakaia Gorge to a Campsite there overlooking the Gorge - we chatted to a couple of French Canadians from Quebec and they gave us some wine and tea. Was strong winds all night so I got no sleep, Mark got 3 hrs sleep. Stopped in Darfield on way for tea and on way back for breakfast:-)

Going Camping

2010-11-13T14:29:00.001+13:00

Ha we bought a tent with $50 voucher I got from work so taking liz to a camp site tonight wish me luck!

only £7 for the night so a cheap way to get away.

Purau Bay and Port Levy

2010-11-07T16:58:00.000+13:00

Today was so sunny we made the most of it by heading to Purau Bay having coffee and toasties bought from Diamond Harbour before heading to Port Levy and spending an hour or so there soaking up the sun and generally relaxing. Some poor dudes couldn't start their boat for ages and eventually set off on only their small engine back to Lyttleton.

Wet Weekend

2010-11-06T23:16:00.000+13:00

Rainy and cloudy day but we went out for breakfast then later had a coffee at Starbucks. Went to an event being held against Whaling but wasn't much going on so came home. Went bowling for 20 minutes before having coffee at C4 our fave kinda coffee, better weather due tomorrow and will make the most of it:-)

Market and Gardens

2010-10-31T19:46:00.002+13:00

Today we went to Riccarton Market had a coffee and some lunch then went to the Gardens and chilled out with a raspberry and lemonade drink watching the usual guy doing tricks with glass balls:-)

Back to Square One

2010-10-25T21:20:00.000+13:00

Well to cut a long story short we are not taking the job in Fox and now only applying for Motel/Backpacker Managers or Mark an ICT Technician job - so fingers crossed something comes up soon:-)

Little River

2010-10-24T17:53:00.001+13:00

Today we went to little river to have lunch and a walk.

We paid $5 each to go in to little river campground so we could access some of the private walkways. at the top they had these comfy armchairs to chill on.

We then went over to birdlings flat to see if we could find some gem stones. We went to visit the fossil and gem stone museum.

New Job

2010-10-24T09:29:00.000+13:00

Well we have officially landed ourselves a job now that will all being well enable us to obtain Work Permits. We will be working in Fox Glacier again one of our fave places in NZ and on the West Coast our fave coast!:-)

We will be Assistant Managers at Lake Matheson Motel - our coach driver Bernie (from 2007 coach tour) used to stay there apparently . The owners seem real friendly as do our Managers. We will share a 3 bedroom house with them and their son and another lady who is 32 and been cycling round NZ

Cant wait to be on the West Coast again and in Fox:-)

Lewis Pass and the West Coast

2010-10-17T15:46:00.001+13:00

We had a great short break this weekend over on the Lewis Pass and the West Coast:-)

We left early Saturday morning and arrived at Lewis Pass Motel for 10:15 where we unpacked then set off for Maruia Springs hot pools. We spent an hour in the rock pools there before heading to Springs Junction for a coffee:-) was superb weather.

Then we went to St James walkway and enjoyed the view and also had lunch there

We then chilled out for the rest of the afternoon in the Motel room all fully self contained with superb views of the surrounding farmland and Mountains and two very friendly dogs, very relaxing place to stay and to escape the city:-)

Today we checked out at 8:30 and headed for Reefton a small township inland on the West Coast where we had a coffee and cake and made friends with the resident cat also chatted to bearded dudes at the Miners Hut
weather was rainy and windy so were glad to have got the hot pools out of the way when the weather was good! Found Sylvia Flats natural hot pools nestled off the highway near a rest area:-)

Stopped off in Culverden for lunch, chips and chicken and a coffee then spent a bit at Waikuka beach en route to Christchurch and home:-)

No Help

2010-10-11T17:44:00.001+13:00

Well met with Immigration Consultant basically said Mark's current job is no good for applying for work permits - he would have to change to ICT Technician, failing that we get Hostel job that will sponsor us- back to square one looking for jobs to stay here - conscious of time limit now!! Dont wanna return to UK, would hate it!!:(

Quiet Weekend

2010-10-10T15:01:00.000+13:00

This weekend we stayed around town so as to save money for our next trips away over the next two weekends.
Yesterday we went to Westfield Riccarton and had a coffee and look round the shops and today we went to the Arts Centre market had some lunch and a coffee then went round the Museum before heading to the Tap Room for a beer:-)

Spencer Park

2010-10-03T17:29:00.000+13:00

Today we went to Spencer Park had a Steak sandwich using gas cooker then went to Seafield Park over the road and looked round Animal Park before walking round Brooklands Lagoon. We then went to the beach which had a sign saying sea contaminated due to sewage being pumped into it from Brooklands - No human contact advised!! On the way back to Christchurch we accidentally went through Brooklands and earthquake damage was evident especially in the road where parts were raised - we went to the Bre Moon Brewery which was expensive and had 2 lattes not very good ones and a custard slice and brownie to share $33 in total!! Then we went to Liethfield beach before heading home. Back in Christchurch we walked around the CBD and had another coffee at coffee corner again not very good! We turning into coffee connoisseurs:-)

another great weekend

2010-10-02T21:04:00.001+13:00

well another sunny weekend. We went to sumner beach where we watched some scallies have a good fight (typical kiwi drunken hoons).

Later we went for a coffee and we are still getting pre GST rise prices oh yeah

Riccarton Market

2010-09-26T14:32:00.000+13:00

Today was another lovely hot spring day so we went to Riccarton Market for 2 hours and had lunch and a coffee there and browsed the stalls - I bought some incense sticks 3 for $2!! Then back in ChCh we went to the gardens and chilled for a while before heading home:-)

4.1

2010-09-25T21:19:00.001+12:00

bloody hell just had 3 big aftershocks of 4.1 only 5km away from the city shook the house really bad felt worse than the 7.1 because so near got out pretty quick went for walk to calm down.

Chilling out on the Banks Peninsula

2010-09-25T17:12:00.002+12:00

Today was a really hot sunny day so we made the most of it!! We left at 10:30 and drove to Diamond Harbour and bought some toasties and two lattes which we took to the purau beach and ate at the picnic tables along with crisps and raisins and nuts. Then we took the blanket onto the beach and sat near the sea to chill out for a while. Mark paddled in the sea!! We then drove back to Diamond Harbour and got two ice creams , 2 scoops for $2.50!! took them to the beach and sat there for a bit reading the paper. On the way back to Christchurch we stopped in at the She Chocolate Cafe I had a Dark Moccachino and Mark a Iced Mocha they both came with edible chocolate spoons:-)

On returning to our Urban Room we went to the Tap Room where Mark had a Monteiths Original I had a Grand Margarita Cocktail:-)

Riccarton Market

2010-09-19T15:41:00.003+12:00

Today we spent an hour at Riccarton Farmers Market. We had a coffee there and looked round before heading back to the city. We had a whitebait sandwich at the Arts Centre Market and a coffee and sat outside the Museum soaking the sun for a bit before heading home:-)

Relaxing Day

2010-09-18T18:24:00.000+12:00

Today Mark worked in the morning then dropped the car off and picked up courtesy car till Monday. We drove to Sumner had lunch out then went to the warehouse but couldn't find jumpers I wanted for work. Went to Westfield Riccarton still didn't find anything. We then drove to Sign of the Takahe before driving home and going out for coffee. Tonight we go to the Bard an English pub just down the road for some drinks to celebrate Taylor's birthday:-)

Job Update

2010-09-14T13:05:00.000+12:00

I am now registered with Adecco and all being well starting work tomorrow for EQC Earthquake Commission as Claims Administrator got to have two days training first though at Commodore Hotel near the airport. $15 per hour for 6 months. Of course if we got the hostel job we would leave these jobs and take that as is full time and permanent and offering sponsorship plus we love working in hostels:-)

Job Update

2010-09-13T22:09:00.000+12:00

We just received email from Janet at Foley Towers reg job we applied for a while back are we still interested of course I said YES - it is for Backpacker Accommodation Managers full time and permanent 5 days a week live in accommodation. Plus they will offer sponsorship for the right couple:-)

Relaxing Sunday

2010-09-12T13:49:00.001+12:00

We had a lie in then went for a walk round cbd. Had a coffee and shared banoffee pie at Dux delux. Sat in Victoria Square for an hour then had beer and onion rings with shoestring fries at The Tap Room. Saw Kimberley Crossman of Shortland Street with a guy there didnt say anything didnt have camera or pen, bummer:P

Because cathedral closed to public the service was held in the square which was pretty cool:-)

The trams are running again too!

Plans for Weekend

2010-09-10T16:46:00.000+12:00

Ultimately the plans for this weekend will be to relax. Tonight we will go out for coffee to Pronto on New Regent Street. Tomorrow Mark is working 9-1 then we go for $2 rice then a trip hopefully to Sumner depending on state of roads. Go food shopping then relax for evening. Hopefully on Sunday if we feel like it we will go to Hanmer Hot Pools as they have deal on for Canterbury/Christchurch Residents - just need proof of address:-)

Just a couple of biggish aftershocks today not been too bad!

Declared Safe

2010-09-08T18:22:00.001+12:00

house been inspected safe for now but our wall needs a builder to sort it out!!

both still a bit nervous about it

Bad aftershock

2010-09-08T08:53:00.001+12:00

just has a 5.2 from near diamond harbour which has totalled our wall in room. Got out with all our stuff waiting for landlord to access if safe to live in.

not in work today!!

Fault awakens after 16,000 yrs!!

2010-09-07T14:19:00.002+12:00

Scientists believe it is at least 16,000 years since the last rupture of the hidden fault that caused Saturday's magnitude 7.1 earthquake and generated the strongest ground-shaking ever recorded in New Zealand.
By last night more than 90 significant aftershocks had rattled Canterbury since the shock that produced major damage to parts of Christchurch and the region.
Yesterday's frequent quakes were generally between four and five in magnitude. Some were felt as sharp jolts because they were as shallow as 4km below the surface and only 10km from the centre of Christchurc

another restless night

2010-09-07T00:20:00.001+12:00

this is a video of a store near Sumner http://www.stuff.co.nz/4101660/Quake-shakes-supermarket

its 12amTuesday morning and we have been awoken by a 5.2 followed by a 4 then we got walloped by a 5.4 2 minutes after. Got a bag together ready to leave the house both feeling really uneasy tonight. hopefully we wont get the 6.1 but it feels like we will soon

Video

2010-09-06T20:21:00.001+12:00

I know the guy who owns the camping shop bought stuff there also served him a lot at work just spoken to him today.

We walk past these stores almost daily going to be weird walking down there now.

Aftermath

2010-09-06T15:58:00.000+12:00

Well Mark has managed to work all today which is good as we need the money - don't think I will be working till at least Thursday as state of emergency has been extended to Wednesday and early childcare centres closed till Wednesday.
Tracking today's events as they happen on Day Three of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.
3.54pm
Police have moved the cordons in central Christchurch, which are now bounded by Cambridge, Gloucester, Madras and St Asaph Streets.
Checkpoints to gain entry to the city centre are at the corner of Gloucester and Colombo and St Asaph and Colombo. A cordon remains in place on the Cranford and Westminster Street area.
3.50pm
The 12-storey Radio Network building in Worcester St was evacuated after the 12.35pm aftershock.
According to Newstalk ZB, which broadcasts from the building, it had sustained some damage during Saturday's quake and the aftershock made some of the cracks worse.
Radio Network stations will continue to broadcast from back-up facilities.

We live ten mins from CBD and five mins from Radio Network!

looking back!

2010-09-05T21:46:00.001+12:00

The really worrying thing was being in the dark looking for your clothes and things you know should be there where you left them but have been shook all over the place. Knew if I could find my car keys we would ok as we had food and water and blankets in the car.

Once out the house it hit me how quiet everywhere was (no alarms going off etc) and the amount of stars we could see in the sky we could even see the milky way.

Once outside it was so dark as our street was hit by the power cut.

Hokitika

2010-09-05T20:12:00.001+12:00

Looking at this you would not think we had just survived the worst earthquake in the history of Christchurch just hours before but since this was my only weekend of for while I was not letting nature stop us.

We had fun we went to lake Kineare near Hokitika and had lunch then went to the Hokitika Gorge and had a quick walk. We then went round the town had a coffee went back to the holiday park for tea then watched the sunset with wine on the beach then got the key to the spa which we had booked then we went to the glow worms across the road which was cool

House Damage and Christchurch

2010-09-05T20:06:00.001+12:00

View Full Album

Eventful weekend

2010-09-05T13:47:00.001+12:00

Well what a eventful weekend we have had so far. Firstly we were awoke not by alarm clock but by noise and shaking of the house. Mark was up, down, flying out of bed asking what is it, whre’s my whatever – I was sitting in the bed and looking out of the window thinking someone was throwing stuff at the car – then I said wait it’s an earthquake. Then it stopped and then it started again even worse then we knew we should get out of the house. Our housemate Felicity was shouting is everyone alright, we need to get out of the house. I opened the door and said yeak just getting dressed. It seemed vto take forever to get dressed and not properly I didnt button my shirt up right and later found out my knickers were inside out and the wrong way round, lol:-)

We eventually were all out of the house standing on the street surveying the damage which for our house was bricks all over the place fropm the chimney some of which had totalled housemates car.

In the house was not so bad no smashed plates, glasses etc just opened drawers – stuff on floor and our desk had moved about a foot from the wall! Also the power and water was off.

Luckily we had packed food supplies etc in the car for our road trip and done the food shopping and filled up petrol the day before and we had gas burner and water and torch and first aid kit in the car.

Funnily enough we watched Surviving disaster a couple of weeks ago on surviving earthquakes, lol:-)

When the light came up we had a cup of tea using camp stove and kettle before braving going back inside the house to collect rest of stuff and heading off for the west coast luckily avoiding seeing much damage apart from roof cave in just down road from us.

Found out was 7.1 and 10 miles deep and curfew in CBD about 5 mins walk from us between 7pm – 7am!! We were glad to escape the drama of the city. Luckily power came on around 3pm in our house but still no water

Now city will have to rebuilt in cost of 2 billion dollars!! Tomorrow will be hit by gusty winds + some people we know in fox have died in skydiving plane crash 9 people, 6 nz, 1 english, 1 irish and one other

So in all a very eventful, sad day for all nz as as far as Hamilton on the north island felt tremors!

Enjoying our time in Hokitika and already had lunch at nice lake, gone to gorge and had coffee out, wine on beach watching sunset and now heading off for spa:-)

quiet weekend

2010-08-28T17:29:00.001+12:00

Having a quiet weekend been working today so really tired. Hopefully going on a road trip next weekend to Hokitika on the west coast. Since I work 3 out of 4 Saturdays we have decided to go road trips each weekend I am free.

Funny the other day our housemate adeline left her lights on her car so I had to help her jump start her car obviously I have never done this before so i held the torch and made her attach the jumper leads following some dodgy instructions from the web on how to do it!! LOL worked though

2010-08-27T15:31:00.000+12:00

Well it has been a quiet week on the work front for me no work at all this week. Next week I am on a 2 day trial for part time shop job Mon/Tues and registering with Madison Recruitment on Wednesday at 10am. Going to have a quiet weekend as Mark working tomorrow 9 -1 will prob just go out for a coffee and do usual food shop then Mark colouring my hair on Sunday:-)

Trial

2010-08-24T22:07:00.001+12:00

Good news next week I have a two day trial at Souvenirs @ The Square on Monday and Tuesday from 3 to 5pm:-)

Change of plans

2010-08-24T16:39:00.002+12:00

Well after compiling 3 quotes for Residency we realise at present we cannot afford to apply so we going take it year by year and apply for Work Permits until we can afford Residency - one thing for sure we ain't going home we wanna live here:-)

Day Out

2010-08-22T16:02:00.001+12:00

Today we made most of Sun and went first to Sumner where we had a 2 for 1 coffee at The Rock. Had to wait half an hour as the Jaguar club members were there 50 of them!! Then we went to Gondola and had free ride to top where we had another coffee abd some chips and talked with Marks ex co workers for a while then had little walk and admired views before heading back to Christchurch and to Market and Gardens then back home:-)

Work

2010-08-20T19:54:00.003+12:00

Got a days work from Randstad today at EduKids Styx Mill from 9:30 - 6pm:-)

Immigration Update

2010-08-19T14:17:00.000+12:00

We are now in touch with an Immigration Consultant in Rangiora - he states atm we cant apply for Residency unless Mark can get the Title of ICT Sales Representative so he will talk with the Boss and see if they will name him that then we will apply:-)

Kaikoura

2010-08-15T15:10:00.001+12:00

Yesterday we left early at 7:00 for Kaikoura .We stopped in Cheviot en route for breakfast, we got to Kaikoura for 10:30.

We checked into the Top 10 Holiday Park and then drove 20 mins out to look at the baby seals at the waterfall.

We relaxed in the cabin before heading into town for our tea – crayfish and fries.

Had a great nights sleep very quiet then set off back for Christchurch 9am this morning via inland scenic route 70 stopped at mt Lyford lodge for lunch and Hurunui hotel for coffee.

Arrived back to urban dream 2:20pm

Work

2010-08-13T15:33:00.000+12:00

I got two hours work today at ABC centre in St Albans round 20 minute walk from where we are living seems I get work every Friday at the moment. Mark has this weekend off then working two consecutive Saturdays so hope to go somewhere tomorrow just not sure where yet:-)

Ivory Towers

2010-08-03T20:53:00.002+12:00

Well its seems we have made peace with our old boss Ann.Things went a bit pear shaped for her to after we left currently trying to twist her arm in letting us work back there. Would jump at the chance to work back in Fox Glacier and would quit my job in a flash to work back in the tourism industry.
Not really enjoying the job its not really me sat behind a desk most of the day talking about computers I have no clue about (way out of touch with what’s out there and not really into geeky numbers and stuff) and targets and sales forecasts.

Willowbank

2010-08-01T13:23:00.000+12:00

Today we visited Willowbank Nature Reserve around 20 minute drive from City Centre. It was a nice day out fed the animals and had wedges and lattes:-)

Job Update

2010-07-30T19:37:00.001+12:00

Mark has got the job - CONGRATULATIONS:-)

Cinema

2010-07-27T15:50:00.000+12:00

Today Mark is beginning his four day paid trial at PCU here in Christchurch. Later at 8pm we will watch Inception at the Cinema:-)

Enjoying Christchurch

2010-07-23T14:51:00.000+12:00

This afternoon we decided to go to farmers market at the Arts Centre where we bought 3 avocados for $1.50, had a coffee(one free) then we went around the Museum saw the whiskey casket they found in Antarctica being thawed - over 100 yrs old should be great to drink:-)

Second interview for Mark

2010-07-23T08:24:00.003+12:00

Mark is attending a second interview at PCU in half an hour at 9am - hope he gets the job!!

Interview for Mark

2010-07-21T13:27:00.002+12:00

Today Mark is attending an interview in one hour at 2:30pm for a sales job at PCU a computer place on Moorhouse Avenue:-)

Cinema

2010-07-13T22:32:00.000+12:00

Today we went to watch Karate Kid at the cinema - awesome movie 8/10:-)

Also the other day Sir Ian McKellen was in Cathedral Square speaking to young fans of LOTR but we missed him, gutted - he is in a play here traveling NZ and at moment is in Christchurch promoting it!

Relaxing Day

2010-07-10T17:49:00.000+12:00

Woke up to a nice sunny day so we went for a walk around the central city and had a coffee before heading home for lunch. Later we drove to Sign of the Takahe then to Victoria Park - then we went food shopping:-)

Cinema

2010-07-06T18:56:00.001+12:00

Today I attended the Randstad How to be a Successful Reliever workshop from which I will get a certificate. Then after lunch we went to the cinema to watch Toy Story 3 now our fave of the 3:-)

Washpen Falls

2010-07-03T17:30:00.000+12:00

Today we made the most of the continuing sun and went to Washpen falls about one hours drive from Christchurch. It is on private land and there is an honesty box where you put $10 pp (if you have change had to go knocking on there door for some!!) in for track guide and walking sticks. Was a great walk with awesome views and a hidden gem at the end - a lake with dining area:-)

We also bought a jar of honey which they made from the local bees for $5

Day Out

2010-07-01T15:53:00.000+12:00

Today we made the most of the sun and drove to Ashley Gorge via Oxford and had a picnic before driving back to Oxford where we had a coffee and walk around town.

On the way back we stopped at a gorge and took some pics then drove home- a good day out:-)

Sushi

2010-06-29T21:06:00.001+12:00

Today we had sushi and liz was almost sick after eating a whole chunk of wasabi.

Fish and Chips

2010-06-28T15:48:00.001+12:00

Just £3 for fish and chips (look at the size we shared it!!).

went to the airport last night took our flat mate Flick to pick up her boyfriend.

Lake Tekapo

2010-06-26T17:43:00.000+12:00

Today we got up at 6am and were on our way to Lake Tekapo at 6:45am we stopped in Geraldine around 8:30 for some breakfast and to stretch our legs. Then we were off again over the Burkes pass and on into Tekapo where it was totally full of snow and slightly cloudy but otherwise gorgeous weather. Waited in the shop for Noeline to arrive then had my interview around 11am which went well - she will let me know in a few days:-)

We decided before heading home to drop in on Lynda and John at the luxury lodge where we helped out in 2008 they were pleased to see us and to hear we may soon be living there - the sister in law and partner were over from the west coast so we all had some soup and bread and hot drink for lunch

Then we went for a drive up to the observatory and took lots of pics - great views before heading home arrived 5:15pm now having fish and chips for tea:-)

was a long drive but the car did good cost us £45 for 63ltrs of petrol and in total did around 496km and only used just over half a tank. Good old over drive!!

Job Updates

2010-06-25T16:23:00.001+12:00

Going for an interview tomorrow at 1pm for shop job in Tekapo - will leave around 7am so give ourselves plenty of time for 3 hr drive - have lunch there then after interview drive back. Had a quiet week on job front only got 3 hrs at nursery in St Albans. Next week Mark will hear if he has a job with Gen - I an IT/Telecom company here in Christchurch at the back of the i-site on Cathedral square so only 15 minute walk also the agency will ask if they can help with extending our current work permit:-)

Picnic

2010-06-24T16:00:00.001+12:00

Today we had a quick picnic at Halswell quarry then as soon as we got back Liz got a call to go to work so I gave her a lift and will pick up in 30min.

She as also been selected for interview in one of our favourite places Lake Tekapo so we might have to make a road trip soon down there

Bumblebee gone

2010-06-22T13:50:00.001+12:00

yeah we sold it

Escaping the City

2010-06-21T16:25:00.000+12:00

Today we needed to escape city life and realize the reason why we really want to live here. Drove to Springfield where we had a coffee and took some pics then we picked up a couple hitchhiking from Turkey who live in Sydney. They are traveling NZ for one week only so wanted to get to Greymouth,we dropped them off in Castle Hill village where we stopped and went for a walk and took some more pics - before heading back to Christchurch taking pic of lake (Lake Lyndon) on way:-) Decided not to take hostel job after careful consideration and looking long term and realizing wouldn't have any holidays or holiday pay - Mark got a few other jobs in pipeline so no worries as yet - something will come up it usually does

Decisions, Decisions

2010-06-21T10:30:00.000+12:00

We are taking today to mull over the pros & cons and what the hostel job entails and will make a decision on whether to take it or not by tomorrow morning - basically it comes to do we want to be stuck in Christchurch with no specific holidays to be able to travel further afield on not much much pay and sharing with duty manager or do we wait for a better job that is in the sticks, pays well and is a definite chance of sponsorship - looking long term the hostel job here would not be ideal where as a job in the sticks with lakes and mountains is more appealing to us:-)

New Job

2010-06-20T11:11:00.000+12:00

Today we had second interview for hostel job here in Christchurch we met with Barry the owner and he seemed pleased with us and said if we wanted it then that was fine. We are training for a couple hours a day over the next two weeks before we move into the flat around 3rd July:-)

Drive around

2010-06-19T15:45:00.000+12:00

Woke up with a sore throat this morning and felt tired all day. went to Sumner, took some pics, had a coffee before heading to governors bay then back to chch where we sat in the square and had a kebab:-)

Tomorrow at 9am we have our second interview with kiwi Barry at Rucksacker Backpacker Hostel!

Xmas

2010-06-16T20:04:00.001+12:00

arghhh they have just shown a Christmas advert on TV. But at least no interruption with the TV schedule from the world cup almost like it doesn't exist (well the matches are shown at night of course or is that early morning!?)

Interviews

2010-06-16T17:24:00.001+12:00

I mark have interview tomorrow at agency for desktop support job which is 9-1 mon-fri. Also me and liz have been offered second interview for the hostel job in Christchurch which is cool because if i get the IT one I can do both jobs.

First day at Work

2010-06-15T21:34:00.000+12:00

Well I survived my first afternoon at ABC Merivale - basically had to help to supervise the kids inside & outside
I'm sure I will get the hang of it over the next few days - is kinda like babysitting only much harder as more kids which equals more trouble - there is one kid in particular Jack who seems to be the naughty one - says no teacher when you try to tell him not to do something, LOL:-) There were 32 kids in total but think that counts the under 2's which were in a different room to one I was helping in

Work at Last!!

2010-06-15T09:41:00.000+12:00

The agency rang me this morning 7:15am - I have work today 1-5, tomorrow 1-5, Thursday, 1-5 and Friday 7:30-4:30 at ABC Centre, Merivale!! Will post a new update when done a couple of days work:-)

New Car

2010-06-14T18:45:00.000+12:00

We have just bought a new car a Nissan Cefiro very plush, auto headlights, electric seats, climate control, V6 2.4 engine and hell of a lot cheaper than my Polo:-)

Hostel Interview

2010-06-14T14:40:00.001+12:00

Today we had interview at Rucksacker Backpackers in Christchurch. We would be joint managers working 50hrs between us for a percentage of the earnings. wont be much money over winter but we would have a free flat plus can keep the laundry money and we would have a duty manager so we can have 2 days off together which is pretty cool plus the owner doesn't really interfere and you can basically do what you want!

Also just applied for a housekeeping job in Lake Coleridge working 35-40hrs for $14ph so would be better money.

Anyway have to wait and see what happens now.

Cookie time

2010-06-13T13:05:00.001+12:00

Well we said goodbye to the rental car :-( very nice would recommend them better drive than my good old polo.

Anyway we went to the cookie time outlet shop just out of town and bought big bag of broken biscuits and 2 T-shirts.

Took car back and guy said they were doing $15 relocation deals with unlimited km and 2 days to delivery.

Anyway hopefully Liz will get a call for work tomorrow as they are now satisfied with her references. I am still waiting for a few jobs to get back in touch.

Road Trip

2010-06-12T16:40:00.001+12:00

Today we got up early 7:30am to drive to Hanmer Springs but not to go to the hot pools but to do the waterfall track we missed last year.

On way back we had dinner in town and drove various places on the way back that took our interest.

Road Trip

2010-06-11T18:14:00.000+12:00

Today was a really nice day so we went and hired a Nissan Sunny which we will take back on Sunday at 2:30
We went first to Port Levy where we really wanted to go the second time we came to NZ in 2008. Some of the film 'Heavenly Creatures was filmed here:-)

Then we headed to Akaroa via Pigeon Bay on a gravel road, we wouldn't have got to Port Levy, let alone Akaroa in the Bumblebee unless we had a death wish!!(someone was looking after us when we got that puncture)

All in all a really good day & a chance to escape the city if only for a few hours:-)

The Bumblebee

2010-06-09T15:03:00.000+12:00

Well we have now dropped the Bumblebee to the Christchurch Car Market it should sell better from there:-)
Now looking buying a car ie Subaru, Toyota but not a camper van!

Registered with Randstad

2010-06-08T20:11:00.000+12:00

Well today I registered with Randstad Education, I got a name badge that I have to wear around my neck:-)
Hopefully they will ring me tomorrow morning and I will have some work - I will be helping in preschools/ABC centres etc.with 0-5 yr olds - should be fun & I will learn something new - the pay is $14 phr - will post again when I have had my first placement:-)

Funny Adverts

2010-06-07T17:51:00.001+12:00

Sunny Sumner

2010-06-04T15:51:00.002+12:00

Today was a lovely day we took the bus to sumner and had a bit of fun at the beach.

Sunny afternoon in Christchurch

2010-06-03T16:14:00.001+12:00

Today it started out cloudy but by 1pm the sun was out and the sky was blue so we headed into Cathedral square and soaked up the sun for two hours before heading home :-)

Still Sunny at 4pm! Took from our room window overlooking Barbadoes Street, Worcester St and beyond into the City Centre:-)

bit of glare from Sun

Fifth Interview for Liz

2010-06-02T16:35:00.000+12:00

Today I got an offer of a fifth Interview for FUSSY Cleaner at Flying Burrito Restaurant is on 10th June at 12pm

Trip to New Brighton

2010-05-31T14:56:00.002+12:00

Today we made the most of the bit of Sun and went to New Brighton Pier & beach :-)