Week 2 - Wellington NZ

What we've been up to...

Hahaha - well yes, Andre couldn't resist "training" the kids to chop wood - under

supervision, of course. Wellington has beautiful summer days (like today) and then

some windy, rainy, cold, mesirable days! And the kids just love getting involved, so... why not ;-). 

Me, I don't like chopping wood (sounds like Grumpy Smurf??)

Ingrid's turn first.

Then Ben. 

This is what we do when the sun is out!

Ingrid's Christmas sing-a-long at school.

The way to the kids tree-house.
I made the steps!

The kids put up some notices ;-) 

Another route to the tree-house... the
bush way. All still in our garden!

At least the tree-house has a "sort of" a
floor and a foot-swing - hehe

Our First Visit...

... to Wellington!

We travelled to Wellington in early October. Andre had an interview in Timaru (South Island), but his flight was from Wellington.

And, of course, we went along on the road-trip! We saw all these cute little towns on the way, with many second hand stores, antique shops and coffee shops etc. 

It took us the whole day to drive to Wellington, from Hawkes Bay (where my parents live), eventhough it's only 4hrs away :-). 

Waipapa - one of the towns we stopped so I could look at
some antiques. 

Wellington - My first thought was:
"Tunnels in earthquake country!!!" 

"No Way - another one!!!"

Wellington at dusk.

Te Papa Museum - Wow, what an experience! You need
at least 2x full days to really see everything. 

Te Papa - everything designed with kids in mind. 

Te Papa - Maori traditional Meeting House.
Very decorative and attention to detail 

Te Papa Museum - View of Wellington. 

"The Beehive"
Parlament Buidling, Wellington.

Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand. Our new home.

It's been a while... 

It's been about 2.5 months since we've left South Africa. And it's been a week since we've moved into our rented house in Tawa, Porirua City,Wellington. This house was meant for us, because we had one day to find a place to stay and it was pure luck (and help from above) that we found this one!! Close to everywhere, but away from the noise! So lucky!!

An interesting, challenging, sad and happy experience. Sad, because we left our BFF behind, but also happy, because now our kids can get to know my parents.

Andre started his new job on 1 Dec. and the kids went off to school. They all seem to be very happy with everything! It's like a great, big adventure :-).
Me... I'm just starting to catch up with the last couple of months!!

So, to "click off" my first post from NZ, here are some photo's of our first outing...

First days in NZ - Manukau City (Auckland). We stayed in
Cockle Bay. Awesome view!

Ben with Oupa. We last saw Oupa and Ouma in 2010.

Pekapeka. This area is a natural Wetland, but was used
as a dumping area in the past. NZ is now all about
conservation and all the Wetlands are protected areas.

Pekapeka - with a walk-way.
I love this photo!!

Pekapeka - Some of the scrap metal and building rubble
can still be seen at the site.

Pekapeka - Andre and the kids on the walk-way.

Pekapeka - and then I must pose for a photo too ;-) 

Phew!

I am starting to think that my "impulsive" nature isn't always such a bad thing! Now, at least, I can share my experiences - and advice - regarding some life matters ;-). 
For instance: When you decide to move to another town, city or country - try and do it as quick and impulsive as possible!! 
Flip, if you can move and sell the house and furniture later - even better!!

On a more serious note.
Relocating to another country is a big, big step. You always hear people say that it is, but until you experience it yourself.... well, we are starting to feel it! 
What to take with - What to sell.
Sell the house = many, many show houses.
Cancel this...
Make a list of that...
Read, read, read.... 
Family and friends that stay behind...
Leaving your country.

For us, it's been a long process... no impulsive behaviour! Step by step. BUT, we know why we are doing it and we are not alone.

Tickets to the Rugby - SA vs Scotland

Die Springbokke.

At the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Hello

Welcome to my first post on my new blogspot...

The Louw Shuffle

This is us... Andre, Elaine, Benjamin and Ingrid.

Join us as we strive to have a life filled with new experiences, adventure and some shuffle ;-)