..... and I have been invited out to dinner on Friday to meet the people Jon works with! Watch this space.
I went out to my new, local supermarket today, it opened last Thursday but I waited for the rush to die down as I was told it has been very busy. It is very nice indeed more like our UK supermarkets so I will look forward to doing my shopping there. Apart from the interior the thing that I liked most was the view across from the front doors, across the water and looking over to Welcome Bay hills, it is really pretty.
We have connected our wireless keyboard and put the laptop on a stand to lift it up but I think the desk needs to be higher as my neck still aches - maybe I should stop spending so much time on the computer!
It has been really warm again this afternoon and there is a lovely rosy sky at the moment. Jon will be home soon so time to get the dinner started.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Wednesday - normal day
It was pouring with rain when I got up this morning. I was really surprised as when I got back from Lions last night the temperature reading on Janice's car was 20 degrees at 9.00 so I had hoped we would be in for a nice day.
I enjoyed the Lions meeting last night, it is such a nice feeling to go in to a room and people know you and say hello so I feel quite at home with them. The dinner was OK but after such a big lunch yesterday I just had some fish and vegetables followed by fruit salad. They enrolled two new members and the speaker was a colour stylist. Personally, I didn't think she was very good and seemed more interested in trying to get us all to book a session with her and selling silk scarves for her daughter's Cambodian charity. She said she couldn't do a consultation as it was night time and the light not good enough but I feel she could have put a bit more effort into the talk but then I have been to one in UK and she was very good and that was night time.
I have managed to get my washing done today but most of it is hanging in the garage as we have had showers off and on until about 4.00 when the clouds cleared and we had blue sky, fingers crossed for tomorrow.
I seem to have spent most of the day on the computer catching up with my blog and uploading photos onto Facebook and Picasa. I am really glad I started my blog as I don't think I would remember half of what we have done without it! I am sure in years to come I will get a lot of pleasure reading over back posts.
I enjoyed the Lions meeting last night, it is such a nice feeling to go in to a room and people know you and say hello so I feel quite at home with them. The dinner was OK but after such a big lunch yesterday I just had some fish and vegetables followed by fruit salad. They enrolled two new members and the speaker was a colour stylist. Personally, I didn't think she was very good and seemed more interested in trying to get us all to book a session with her and selling silk scarves for her daughter's Cambodian charity. She said she couldn't do a consultation as it was night time and the light not good enough but I feel she could have put a bit more effort into the talk but then I have been to one in UK and she was very good and that was night time.
I have managed to get my washing done today but most of it is hanging in the garage as we have had showers off and on until about 4.00 when the clouds cleared and we had blue sky, fingers crossed for tomorrow.
I seem to have spent most of the day on the computer catching up with my blog and uploading photos onto Facebook and Picasa. I am really glad I started my blog as I don't think I would remember half of what we have done without it! I am sure in years to come I will get a lot of pleasure reading over back posts.
Monday & Tuesday in Napier
The weather was a bit miserable this morning when I took Totty for a walk before taking her to the kennels - Jon had to go into the office to collect something he had forgotten.
We set off expecting to have a wet journey and we were right. I had on a light kitted jumper as it was not looking good. The journey to Napier is quite a nice one passing through Rotorua and then Taupo. When we drove through Rotorua the smell of the sulphur was amazingly strong, must have been all the low cloud keeping the smell in. It must be a terrible place to live with that smell all the time. Driving along the main highway you get to see little areas puffing steam up from all the volcanic activity.
Taupo is a pretty place come rain or shine but it wasn't raining too hard by the time we got there although it was quite misty across the lake and we couldn't see the mountains beyond the laske. After Taupo there are no major towns until you reach Napier an hour and a half away. You drive through lots of pine forests and we saw lots of different stages of the logging process, being cut down, just cleared, left to rest and then tiny new trees just planted, I find it quite fascinating and really will look into it all one of these days. The natural forests are really different down there as there are no ferns but lots of really tall trees but as we didn't stop and look at the leaves I don't know what they are, kauri maybe? There are also more signs of autumn in this area with many trees having lost all their leaves and many turning all different shades of yellow and gold, quite beautiful.
We managed to find a small bar to stop for coffee and they had a lovely wood burning stove with a big cat sat in front of it, really cosy. The coffee wasn't the best we have ever had though.
When we got over the mountains the sun was shining and it looked really bright and the view of Hawke's Bay from the mountains was really good.
As soon as you get into the town you see the lovely Art Deco buildings which are beautiful. We found our hotel, a lovely Edwardian building with a 1920's interior. All the rooms are named after NZ birds and we were in the Whio (pronounced "feo") room which was lovely. Jon had to go straight off to his meeting so I unpacked and then set off to get some lunch which I did in an amazing little bar on the main street, you never feel "odd" eating in bars over here on your own, it is always friendly and they chat to you.
I then set off using my Lonely Planet Guide for a tour of all the main Art Deco buildings. Napier was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.8 back in 1931 when 261 people were killed. The main centre was flattened and destroyed by the fires caused by the quake. The city was re built in the style of the day, Art Deco and now has the biggest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. They are all lovely pastel shades and all very well kept. The whole place has a really friendly atmosphere with lots of street cafes. I really wished I had a T shirt on as it was so warm and sunny.
My walk took me down onto the Marine Parade and the beach, which isn't the nicest beach in the world as it is all stones. Along the front are many wooden housed that survived the quake and are really quaint. There is the statue of Pania of the Reef who in Maori folklore was the girlfriend of a warrior who was lured out to see and never came back. I walked for miles! The cathedral was particularly nice, very modern with beautiful windows and lots of Maori workmanship incorporated into the design. I was the only person in there and it was really peaceful. There are two pink, sandstone crosses made of stone from Liverpool Cathedral the Archbishop at the time of dedication had begun his ministry in Liverpool Cathedral. Amazing the things you learn.
I had been given a complimentary wine tasting by the hotel a which was just across the road so I made that my last visit of the afternoon and enjoyed the tasting very much - I was the only one there! It was then back to the hotel for a rest!!
In the evening we met up with the chap Jon had come to see and his wife and they took us to a Thai restaurant which served dishes called "Cheeky Chicken", "The 3 Alcoholics" and "Sexy Little Duck".The strengh of spices was measured by being not spicy through to med, hot and bloody hot. This chap started in a caravan at the roadside and now has a hugely popular, big restaurant which I later saw is mentioned in the Lonely Planet. The food was lovely and so were Carol and Trevor and they have invited us to stay with them when next we go to Napier.
Tuesday was another lovely day (I was so glad I had packed a T shirt at the last minute or I would have had to go and buy one) and after breakfast Jon left for his meeting. I had a wander around the town and took more pictures and went into the Art Deco Shop where I watched a film about the earthquake and the re building of Napier. The lady who worked in the shop is originally from Slough but has been in NZ for many years. Now that I knew all the finer points of Art Deco I had to go out and look at the buildings again to see them!
I then went to the museum where I watched another film which was stories from survivors and really moving. While I was there Jon called to say he was back at the hotel so I met him and we went for coffee. We took a quick photo of each other in the street before getting our cases and heading back to Tauranga.
I loved everything about Napier. It is the first city I have been to that I feel I didn't have enough time to see it all and I need to go and visit again. It felt very strange being in a city that had once been destroyed by an earthquake and still have many earthquakes but not big ones but as Trevor said "You have to hang on to your pint until is passes"!
The journey back up into the hills was lovely and I could not believe the weather it was well up in the high 20s. As we crossed over the mountains the weather changed and you could see lots of cloud and obviously rain but looking back to the Bay it was clear blue sky, very weird.
We stopped at a glass factory just outside Rotorua for lunch. It had the most beautiful pieces of glass for sale, not that we could afford them at nearly £1,000. They were pretty colours and were more matt than glossy. You could watch the blowing but we didn't have time. Lunch was a focaccia sandwich filled with salami, gherkin, blue cheese and rocket and toasted and was sooo good. I couldn't eat it all so picked out the filling and left some of the bread. The lady saw and said I could have had a doggy bag to take it home with me. We have eaten in some amazing places and the choice of food is incredible and so good.
The rain wasn't too bad but it was very misty. We got back to the kennels in time to collect Totty and I had just enough time to get ready to go out to the Lions meeting.
We set off expecting to have a wet journey and we were right. I had on a light kitted jumper as it was not looking good. The journey to Napier is quite a nice one passing through Rotorua and then Taupo. When we drove through Rotorua the smell of the sulphur was amazingly strong, must have been all the low cloud keeping the smell in. It must be a terrible place to live with that smell all the time. Driving along the main highway you get to see little areas puffing steam up from all the volcanic activity.
Taupo is a pretty place come rain or shine but it wasn't raining too hard by the time we got there although it was quite misty across the lake and we couldn't see the mountains beyond the laske. After Taupo there are no major towns until you reach Napier an hour and a half away. You drive through lots of pine forests and we saw lots of different stages of the logging process, being cut down, just cleared, left to rest and then tiny new trees just planted, I find it quite fascinating and really will look into it all one of these days. The natural forests are really different down there as there are no ferns but lots of really tall trees but as we didn't stop and look at the leaves I don't know what they are, kauri maybe? There are also more signs of autumn in this area with many trees having lost all their leaves and many turning all different shades of yellow and gold, quite beautiful.
We managed to find a small bar to stop for coffee and they had a lovely wood burning stove with a big cat sat in front of it, really cosy. The coffee wasn't the best we have ever had though.
When we got over the mountains the sun was shining and it looked really bright and the view of Hawke's Bay from the mountains was really good.
As soon as you get into the town you see the lovely Art Deco buildings which are beautiful. We found our hotel, a lovely Edwardian building with a 1920's interior. All the rooms are named after NZ birds and we were in the Whio (pronounced "feo") room which was lovely. Jon had to go straight off to his meeting so I unpacked and then set off to get some lunch which I did in an amazing little bar on the main street, you never feel "odd" eating in bars over here on your own, it is always friendly and they chat to you.
I then set off using my Lonely Planet Guide for a tour of all the main Art Deco buildings. Napier was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.8 back in 1931 when 261 people were killed. The main centre was flattened and destroyed by the fires caused by the quake. The city was re built in the style of the day, Art Deco and now has the biggest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. They are all lovely pastel shades and all very well kept. The whole place has a really friendly atmosphere with lots of street cafes. I really wished I had a T shirt on as it was so warm and sunny.
My walk took me down onto the Marine Parade and the beach, which isn't the nicest beach in the world as it is all stones. Along the front are many wooden housed that survived the quake and are really quaint. There is the statue of Pania of the Reef who in Maori folklore was the girlfriend of a warrior who was lured out to see and never came back. I walked for miles! The cathedral was particularly nice, very modern with beautiful windows and lots of Maori workmanship incorporated into the design. I was the only person in there and it was really peaceful. There are two pink, sandstone crosses made of stone from Liverpool Cathedral the Archbishop at the time of dedication had begun his ministry in Liverpool Cathedral. Amazing the things you learn.
I had been given a complimentary wine tasting by the hotel a which was just across the road so I made that my last visit of the afternoon and enjoyed the tasting very much - I was the only one there! It was then back to the hotel for a rest!!
In the evening we met up with the chap Jon had come to see and his wife and they took us to a Thai restaurant which served dishes called "Cheeky Chicken", "The 3 Alcoholics" and "Sexy Little Duck".The strengh of spices was measured by being not spicy through to med, hot and bloody hot. This chap started in a caravan at the roadside and now has a hugely popular, big restaurant which I later saw is mentioned in the Lonely Planet. The food was lovely and so were Carol and Trevor and they have invited us to stay with them when next we go to Napier.
Tuesday was another lovely day (I was so glad I had packed a T shirt at the last minute or I would have had to go and buy one) and after breakfast Jon left for his meeting. I had a wander around the town and took more pictures and went into the Art Deco Shop where I watched a film about the earthquake and the re building of Napier. The lady who worked in the shop is originally from Slough but has been in NZ for many years. Now that I knew all the finer points of Art Deco I had to go out and look at the buildings again to see them!
I then went to the museum where I watched another film which was stories from survivors and really moving. While I was there Jon called to say he was back at the hotel so I met him and we went for coffee. We took a quick photo of each other in the street before getting our cases and heading back to Tauranga.
I loved everything about Napier. It is the first city I have been to that I feel I didn't have enough time to see it all and I need to go and visit again. It felt very strange being in a city that had once been destroyed by an earthquake and still have many earthquakes but not big ones but as Trevor said "You have to hang on to your pint until is passes"!
The journey back up into the hills was lovely and I could not believe the weather it was well up in the high 20s. As we crossed over the mountains the weather changed and you could see lots of cloud and obviously rain but looking back to the Bay it was clear blue sky, very weird.
We stopped at a glass factory just outside Rotorua for lunch. It had the most beautiful pieces of glass for sale, not that we could afford them at nearly £1,000. They were pretty colours and were more matt than glossy. You could watch the blowing but we didn't have time. Lunch was a focaccia sandwich filled with salami, gherkin, blue cheese and rocket and toasted and was sooo good. I couldn't eat it all so picked out the filling and left some of the bread. The lady saw and said I could have had a doggy bag to take it home with me. We have eaten in some amazing places and the choice of food is incredible and so good.
The rain wasn't too bad but it was very misty. We got back to the kennels in time to collect Totty and I had just enough time to get ready to go out to the Lions meeting.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Saturday - Anzac Day and Sunday
We didn't plan to do too much today, just as well as it was raining. We went out to have coffee but all the shops were closed until 1.00 for Anzac Day.
After lunch we managed to get a dry spell and took Totty out for a walk. She is getting very brave now on our little beach, when the tide is out. She ran off a very long way out chasing the birds and there is no way she will come back until she is ready. It was really quite windy down there today.
Jon had booked tickets online for us to go and see a Cuban Dance show but when we got to the theatre to collect the tickets he noticed that they were booked for 24th and today was 25th. Oh dear what a waste of money. It was only on for one night. We decided to go and have a look what was on the cinema and booked to see Marley and Me. We then went to get a pizza in a little Italian place we had been to when we first arrived and it was really good.
We had a bit of time to wait for the film to start and noticed that the tickets had seat numbers allocated and ours were row D. I can't sit too close to the screen so we asked if we could change them but the girl said it was next to back row!!! When we got into the cinema it was indeed next to back row - there were only five rows with a total of 19 seats. It was us and two boys watching the film, sweet little cinema. I really enjoyed the film and had a good cry.
Sunday was not a very good day either so after a late start we went over to the shopping centre and bought a stand to raise the laptop up as I am getting a sore neck and a wireless keyboard. We also bought a standard lamp as I hate the big overhead ceiling lights and now we have to put them on so early it looks horrible. The shop had 25% off everything so we got a good deal. Jon has been trying to make the cordless keyboard work but has had no luck so we may have to have a trip back to the shop.
In the shopping centre we had a look at all the food bars around the main sitting area. There are two sushi bars which look very good, a lovely looking Chinese, an Indian, a Turkish, McDonald's and a bar where you can get a roast dinner. Family dining has never been easier. We saw one family where the baby had his food heated at the coffee bar then the mum went off and got Chinese and then the dad had a roast. That would have been very useful when our girls were little!
We are off to Napier tomorrow until Tuesday but the weather is not looking too good for our trip.
After lunch we managed to get a dry spell and took Totty out for a walk. She is getting very brave now on our little beach, when the tide is out. She ran off a very long way out chasing the birds and there is no way she will come back until she is ready. It was really quite windy down there today.
Jon had booked tickets online for us to go and see a Cuban Dance show but when we got to the theatre to collect the tickets he noticed that they were booked for 24th and today was 25th. Oh dear what a waste of money. It was only on for one night. We decided to go and have a look what was on the cinema and booked to see Marley and Me. We then went to get a pizza in a little Italian place we had been to when we first arrived and it was really good.
We had a bit of time to wait for the film to start and noticed that the tickets had seat numbers allocated and ours were row D. I can't sit too close to the screen so we asked if we could change them but the girl said it was next to back row!!! When we got into the cinema it was indeed next to back row - there were only five rows with a total of 19 seats. It was us and two boys watching the film, sweet little cinema. I really enjoyed the film and had a good cry.
Sunday was not a very good day either so after a late start we went over to the shopping centre and bought a stand to raise the laptop up as I am getting a sore neck and a wireless keyboard. We also bought a standard lamp as I hate the big overhead ceiling lights and now we have to put them on so early it looks horrible. The shop had 25% off everything so we got a good deal. Jon has been trying to make the cordless keyboard work but has had no luck so we may have to have a trip back to the shop.
In the shopping centre we had a look at all the food bars around the main sitting area. There are two sushi bars which look very good, a lovely looking Chinese, an Indian, a Turkish, McDonald's and a bar where you can get a roast dinner. Family dining has never been easier. We saw one family where the baby had his food heated at the coffee bar then the mum went off and got Chinese and then the dad had a roast. That would have been very useful when our girls were little!
We are off to Napier tomorrow until Tuesday but the weather is not looking too good for our trip.
Friday, 24 April 2009
Kirsty's Birthday
It seems very odd not to be able to wish Kirsty a happy birthday! I hope she has a good one.
I did my bit at the Red Cross shop today. It wasn't busy so we managed to get a lot of "new" stock out - what a load of rubbish but it sells. I was chatting to a Scot and his wife who came here for a few years and are still here 40 years on!
I did my shopping and then spent the rest of the afternoon doing my housework. It has been a bit wet today and the forecast is not good for Anzac Day tomorrow. I bought a poppy today - seems strange to buy a poppy in April. They make far more of Remembrance Day than we do in UK. I bought some nice Anzac biscuits in the supermarket.
I took Totty out this afternoon and just missed getting a soaking.
It was fish and chips tonight - yummy!
I did my bit at the Red Cross shop today. It wasn't busy so we managed to get a lot of "new" stock out - what a load of rubbish but it sells. I was chatting to a Scot and his wife who came here for a few years and are still here 40 years on!
I did my shopping and then spent the rest of the afternoon doing my housework. It has been a bit wet today and the forecast is not good for Anzac Day tomorrow. I bought a poppy today - seems strange to buy a poppy in April. They make far more of Remembrance Day than we do in UK. I bought some nice Anzac biscuits in the supermarket.
I took Totty out this afternoon and just missed getting a soaking.
It was fish and chips tonight - yummy!
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Thursday
I was up early and took the dog out for a walk as I had an appointment at the doctors to ask about HRT as I am on my last month's supply.
When you go into the reception at the surgery they give you a slip of paper with all your details on. Usually you wait in the main reception area but as my doctor, Karin Hall, has had a foot operation they asked me to wait outside her door. All the doctors go to the main reception and call their patients in - what a waste of time and energy! I was called in on time at 9.30 and after going through my notes and family history she told me I ought to think about coming off HRT as I had been on it longer than they recommend in NZ. I told her there was no way I could consider coming off it at the moment and maybe I will try in a few months time when I feel more settled fortunately, she agreed. She could not find an HRT tablet that was more or less the same as the one I was on and so called the on call consultant gynaecologist at the hospital and had a chat to
him about it and they came up with the name of a tablet for me. I was amazed and told her there is no way that a GP could do that in UK. She told me that they could "speak" to the consultants it was getting appointments for their patients that was difficult! All in all I was in with her for 40 min and felt very embarrassed. She signs the slip of paper and you take it to the reception and pay your bill. I then took my prescription to the pharmacy, in the same building, and paid about £14 for it nearly twice as much as UK for HRT my other pills were only about £1.50. All in all not a bad experience.
When I got back it was nearly time to meet Bronwyn and Alison and we went down to a coffee bar near the marina and sat in the sun and had a lovely coffee and a chat.
This afternoon was a bit boring as I had to do my ironing!
It is quite difficult over here with what to wear at the moment. Mornings are quite cold but by 11.00 I usually need to change into something cooler so both winter and summer clothes are out at the moment. Jon is still wearing shorts after work and the weekend but I am seeing more women in jackets now and they say usually Anzac day (this Saturday) is when the weather turns and people start to wear more winter clothes, we'll see.
When you go into the reception at the surgery they give you a slip of paper with all your details on. Usually you wait in the main reception area but as my doctor, Karin Hall, has had a foot operation they asked me to wait outside her door. All the doctors go to the main reception and call their patients in - what a waste of time and energy! I was called in on time at 9.30 and after going through my notes and family history she told me I ought to think about coming off HRT as I had been on it longer than they recommend in NZ. I told her there was no way I could consider coming off it at the moment and maybe I will try in a few months time when I feel more settled fortunately, she agreed. She could not find an HRT tablet that was more or less the same as the one I was on and so called the on call consultant gynaecologist at the hospital and had a chat to
him about it and they came up with the name of a tablet for me. I was amazed and told her there is no way that a GP could do that in UK. She told me that they could "speak" to the consultants it was getting appointments for their patients that was difficult! All in all I was in with her for 40 min and felt very embarrassed. She signs the slip of paper and you take it to the reception and pay your bill. I then took my prescription to the pharmacy, in the same building, and paid about £14 for it nearly twice as much as UK for HRT my other pills were only about £1.50. All in all not a bad experience.
When I got back it was nearly time to meet Bronwyn and Alison and we went down to a coffee bar near the marina and sat in the sun and had a lovely coffee and a chat.
This afternoon was a bit boring as I had to do my ironing!
It is quite difficult over here with what to wear at the moment. Mornings are quite cold but by 11.00 I usually need to change into something cooler so both winter and summer clothes are out at the moment. Jon is still wearing shorts after work and the weekend but I am seeing more women in jackets now and they say usually Anzac day (this Saturday) is when the weather turns and people start to wear more winter clothes, we'll see.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
A busy day
I had a call from a lady called Eileen this morning. She got my number from some of the ladies who were doing a plant stall for the Lions on Saturday. She told them she was English and they told her about me being new over here and so she gave me a call. I like the Kiwis but I have to say it is so much easier to have a chat to a Pom! She is going back to UK next week on holiday and will contact me when she gets back. She has a son and daughter-in-law here and two grandchildren and so like Joan she thought they might as well retire here, seems to be the thing to do.
Bronwyn called me and we are going out for coffee tomorrow and then Alison called me and invited me over this afternoon for a cuppa and gave me a bag of feijoas to bring home so it doesn't look like I will have to buy them again as she has two huge trees and you just shake them and they fall off ready to pick up.
Jon has to go to Napier next Monday (4 hours by car) and I could go with him but he is not sure what time he will be back on Tuesday and it is the Lions meeting so I am not sure if I want to go with him or not. It will be another month before the Lions meet and so I don't really want to miss that. This is a tough one!
We had scallops for dinner tonight and they have them here with the pink bit on, "coral" I think it is called but we didn't like them so much as just the white bits so not sure if I would buy them again.
Bronwyn called me and we are going out for coffee tomorrow and then Alison called me and invited me over this afternoon for a cuppa and gave me a bag of feijoas to bring home so it doesn't look like I will have to buy them again as she has two huge trees and you just shake them and they fall off ready to pick up.
Jon has to go to Napier next Monday (4 hours by car) and I could go with him but he is not sure what time he will be back on Tuesday and it is the Lions meeting so I am not sure if I want to go with him or not. It will be another month before the Lions meet and so I don't really want to miss that. This is a tough one!
We had scallops for dinner tonight and they have them here with the pink bit on, "coral" I think it is called but we didn't like them so much as just the white bits so not sure if I would buy them again.
Monday, 20 April 2009
Some much needed rain!
The farmers in Hawkes Bay area have been having a lot of trouble due to lack of rain so the rain today has been most welcome. However, it didn't have to last that long!
It was really heavy through the night and this morning but eased off at about 2.00. I didn't get much washing done today.
I went to meet my "client" for Age Concern but when I got to the house and rang the bell nobody answered. I decided to wait in the car for the coordinator to turn up in case the old lady was nervous about opening the door to strangers.
I waited for 25 minutes and decided that she was not going to turn up so I left. I have called her and left a message on her phone so I will have to wait and see what happened. I called Viv, the English lady that did the induction day with me, and she thinks the coordinator is a waste of space and I am starting to agree with her but I will give her a chance to explain and see what she has to say but we feel we are wasting our time.
It did give me the opportunity to get back and read my book which I am really into at the moment!
One thing that happened today which was quite amusing. I needed petrol, the first time I have had to fill it up since I got my car. I had to choose the day the that the man who usually fills up the cars had off so had to do it myself. The problem was to find out how to open my petrol flap. I had to look all over the car before I found it, on the floor by the drivers seat, just as well the petrol station was quiet or my face would have been very red! Well it is full again now so that should last me another six or seven weeks!
It was really heavy through the night and this morning but eased off at about 2.00. I didn't get much washing done today.
I went to meet my "client" for Age Concern but when I got to the house and rang the bell nobody answered. I decided to wait in the car for the coordinator to turn up in case the old lady was nervous about opening the door to strangers.
I waited for 25 minutes and decided that she was not going to turn up so I left. I have called her and left a message on her phone so I will have to wait and see what happened. I called Viv, the English lady that did the induction day with me, and she thinks the coordinator is a waste of space and I am starting to agree with her but I will give her a chance to explain and see what she has to say but we feel we are wasting our time.
It did give me the opportunity to get back and read my book which I am really into at the moment!
One thing that happened today which was quite amusing. I needed petrol, the first time I have had to fill it up since I got my car. I had to choose the day the that the man who usually fills up the cars had off so had to do it myself. The problem was to find out how to open my petrol flap. I had to look all over the car before I found it, on the floor by the drivers seat, just as well the petrol station was quiet or my face would have been very red! Well it is full again now so that should last me another six or seven weeks!
Sunday, 19 April 2009
A Quiet Day!
It was a bit overcast this morning when we walked Totty. As the tide was out we were able to walk along the beach from nearly our house to Rotary Park. We met a man who we had chatted to yesterday, said he was originally from UK and his aunt was Ena Sharples!!!! He lives in 91 Te Hono and his house backs onto the estuary and said we should pop in and have a chat with him and his wife sometime. On our way back walking in the street this time we saw his house and it is huge, no wonder he said he and his wife have a cell phone to keep in contact with each other!!!
We went out for coffee and then popped in to the DIY store, Mitre 10, to see if we could find an indoor plant pot as out plant needs potting up and we don't seem to be able to find one that will suit the room.
After that we checked out the street where I have to go to meet my "client" for my Age Concern meeting tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes, her name is Shirley.
I had a very relaxing afternoon and read my book while Jon did some work in the garden.
We have just had a nice dinner and Jon is now watching the very wet Grand Prix.
We went out for coffee and then popped in to the DIY store, Mitre 10, to see if we could find an indoor plant pot as out plant needs potting up and we don't seem to be able to find one that will suit the room.
After that we checked out the street where I have to go to meet my "client" for my Age Concern meeting tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes, her name is Shirley.
I had a very relaxing afternoon and read my book while Jon did some work in the garden.
We have just had a nice dinner and Jon is now watching the very wet Grand Prix.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
A day at the races
We had a really good day at Tauranga Races today. It is free to go in and is quite small, not at all like Newmarket! There doesn't appear to be much money in racing here in NZ as the facilities, for both horses and the public, are pretty basic. That said we really enjoyed the day and it had a very good, friendly atmosphere. Picking three winners and a third may have had something to do with it!
When we arrived we were one of the first cars in the car park and there were no miles of traffic waiting to get in. We were too early as we thought the first race started at 11.30 but in actual fact it was 12.30! We had a good look around and were able to go and see the horse being unloaded and put into the holding stalls and it was all very friendly. There was no "high fashion" and no prize for "best dressed" but most people had made an effort and looked smart and for the first time in NZ I saw lots of men wearing suits with ties.
The food was basic, pies, sandwiches and the main course was - two pieces of sliced bread, roast beef and gravy and a salad, all on one plate! We had pies! Alcohol is only allowed in the bars and no drinks are allowed on the stands. There was no rowdy or drunk people, just all good fun. I think next time we will bring a picnic.
There were eight races and televised races from other courses in between. We had to ask the lady on the tote how it worked and confessed to her that we were from Newmarket, England but didn't have the foggiest idea how to put a bet on in NZ. She was very helpful and we opted for $5 each race which is called a "two on three" which is a two for a win and three on a place!!!!!! I left the mathematics to Jon. We chose the horses if we liked the names or the colours the jockeys wore and we did OK - more than paid for our day making a profit of $15 - beginners luck!
The last race was at 4.25 and we were back in our house at 4.50!
It's roast lamb for dinner tonight what a way to end a good day!
When we arrived we were one of the first cars in the car park and there were no miles of traffic waiting to get in. We were too early as we thought the first race started at 11.30 but in actual fact it was 12.30! We had a good look around and were able to go and see the horse being unloaded and put into the holding stalls and it was all very friendly. There was no "high fashion" and no prize for "best dressed" but most people had made an effort and looked smart and for the first time in NZ I saw lots of men wearing suits with ties.
The food was basic, pies, sandwiches and the main course was - two pieces of sliced bread, roast beef and gravy and a salad, all on one plate! We had pies! Alcohol is only allowed in the bars and no drinks are allowed on the stands. There was no rowdy or drunk people, just all good fun. I think next time we will bring a picnic.
There were eight races and televised races from other courses in between. We had to ask the lady on the tote how it worked and confessed to her that we were from Newmarket, England but didn't have the foggiest idea how to put a bet on in NZ. She was very helpful and we opted for $5 each race which is called a "two on three" which is a two for a win and three on a place!!!!!! I left the mathematics to Jon. We chose the horses if we liked the names or the colours the jockeys wore and we did OK - more than paid for our day making a profit of $15 - beginners luck!
The last race was at 4.25 and we were back in our house at 4.50!
It's roast lamb for dinner tonight what a way to end a good day!
Friday, 17 April 2009
Red Cross Day
It is my day for helping at the Red Cross Shop and today they showed me how to use the till. I can't believe how many people pay on their debit cards for stuff from a charity shop but then they use their cards here for a cup of coffee or a pint of beer! There is so much stuff in the shop which really ought to be thrown out - I would probably have them bankrupt if it were down to me. One woman came in and bought about 20 jumpers! There is a woman there who has been there since the year dot and although she says we are all volunteers if you put a foot wrong she will let you know in no uncertain terms. I think she needs a "Jobs worth" hat! Still it passes the morning and I enjoy the company.
I discovered the fruit "feijoa" today. I have seen them being sold by the roadside and have heard about them, they are very popular here and most people have a feijoa tree in their garden (now I know what they are we have a tree of them growing up our shared drive, don't know who can have the fruit). I Googled it and they are called pineapple guava in USA and originally come from S America. They look like smooth kiwifruit and have white flesh with seeds and it is a bit grainy like pear flesh. I can't begin to describe what they taste like but they are quite nice and I am told they will grow on me the more I eat. I bought three in the supermarket after asking a lady what to do with them and how to eat them. She showed me which ones were the best to buy going on shape and size and how soft they were. The lady at the checkout asked me if I didn't have a neighbour who I could nick them from! She is an Australian and is going back there to live soon and says she will be taking her feijoa tree back with her.
Well it is fish and chip night tonight and Jon has just gone to get them so I had better get the peas on and warm the plates. We are off to the races tomorrow.
I discovered the fruit "feijoa" today. I have seen them being sold by the roadside and have heard about them, they are very popular here and most people have a feijoa tree in their garden (now I know what they are we have a tree of them growing up our shared drive, don't know who can have the fruit). I Googled it and they are called pineapple guava in USA and originally come from S America. They look like smooth kiwifruit and have white flesh with seeds and it is a bit grainy like pear flesh. I can't begin to describe what they taste like but they are quite nice and I am told they will grow on me the more I eat. I bought three in the supermarket after asking a lady what to do with them and how to eat them. She showed me which ones were the best to buy going on shape and size and how soft they were. The lady at the checkout asked me if I didn't have a neighbour who I could nick them from! She is an Australian and is going back there to live soon and says she will be taking her feijoa tree back with her.
Well it is fish and chip night tonight and Jon has just gone to get them so I had better get the peas on and warm the plates. We are off to the races tomorrow.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
The Sun is really hot again!
We didn't wake up until 8.00 this morning and so Jon was late getting to work and was given a real good talking to by the general manager!!! (just in case you didn't know, that's him)
Well after the cold spell last week, when I thought I was going to have to put on the heavy duvet, the sun has come back and it is really hot again. I did my ironing this morning as I thought it would be cool but it got up to 28 degrees.
Not much happening at the moment apart from doggy walking I haven't done much today.
You would never believe it is school holidays as you see very few children about, I have no idea where they all go.
Jon and I are quite into Americas Got Talent, something we would never have watched in UK - needs must and all that!!
Well after the cold spell last week, when I thought I was going to have to put on the heavy duvet, the sun has come back and it is really hot again. I did my ironing this morning as I thought it would be cool but it got up to 28 degrees.
Not much happening at the moment apart from doggy walking I haven't done much today.
You would never believe it is school holidays as you see very few children about, I have no idea where they all go.
Jon and I are quite into Americas Got Talent, something we would never have watched in UK - needs must and all that!!
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Monday oops no it's not it's Tuesday
I have caught up with my blog now but I am sure I will have missed things out as we did so much and saw so many things
It was a lovely morning and the sun was out again but not surprising after such a lovely sunset.
Had all my washing to do today so got that sorted out first thing and then took Totty out, she is still feeling pretty tired after her stay at the kennels. I dread to think what she will be like when we have to leave her for more than a few days!
There was a voucher in the paper for a free coffee at the local garden centre and they put you in a draw for a free lunch for two so I went along and claimedbut I have done my best my free coffee and am now in the draw. I enjoyed my coffee sitting in the sun, too.
I then went to the supermarket and bought some much needed provisions.
The rest of the day has been spent uploading photos onto the computer of our weekend and putting them onto Picasa and Facebook.
I took Totty out for a walk this afternoon and it was still very hot, it was up in the mid 20s again today - really lovely weather for the time of year.
I got a copy of the Lions newsletter in my post box today and an invite to the next meeting which will be on 28 April and I will look forward to it.
It was a lovely morning and the sun was out again but not surprising after such a lovely sunset.
Had all my washing to do today so got that sorted out first thing and then took Totty out, she is still feeling pretty tired after her stay at the kennels. I dread to think what she will be like when we have to leave her for more than a few days!
There was a voucher in the paper for a free coffee at the local garden centre and they put you in a draw for a free lunch for two so I went along and claimedbut I have done my best my free coffee and am now in the draw. I enjoyed my coffee sitting in the sun, too.
I then went to the supermarket and bought some much needed provisions.
The rest of the day has been spent uploading photos onto the computer of our weekend and putting them onto Picasa and Facebook.
I took Totty out for a walk this afternoon and it was still very hot, it was up in the mid 20s again today - really lovely weather for the time of year.
I got a copy of the Lions newsletter in my post box today and an invite to the next meeting which will be on 28 April and I will look forward to it.
Monday, 13 April 2009
Easter Monday
The day started with really beautiful sunshine again. After a nice breakfast of beans on toast and bacon we set off on our journey back.
We just took our time as the road was so bendy not one straight bit for miles and miles but very beautiful. We passed through a couple of pretty towns, Tairua and Whangamata and stopped for coffee and to have a quick look around at the lovely beaches.
We got to Whahi for lunch and that is only an hour away from Tauranga so we had plenty of time. Whahi is an old gold mining town and we visit the site of the old Cornish Pump House which was moved, all 800,00 tons of it, on rollers to its present site very impressive thing to do.
We got back to Tauranga and went to collect Totty from kennels and she left her bark behind. She was very tired and happy to be back with us.
After all the lovely food we have had over the last few days it was good to get to a simple chilli con carne.
The sunset was amazing tonight the sky was sooo beautiful.
We just took our time as the road was so bendy not one straight bit for miles and miles but very beautiful. We passed through a couple of pretty towns, Tairua and Whangamata and stopped for coffee and to have a quick look around at the lovely beaches.
We got to Whahi for lunch and that is only an hour away from Tauranga so we had plenty of time. Whahi is an old gold mining town and we visit the site of the old Cornish Pump House which was moved, all 800,00 tons of it, on rollers to its present site very impressive thing to do.
We got back to Tauranga and went to collect Totty from kennels and she left her bark behind. She was very tired and happy to be back with us.
After all the lovely food we have had over the last few days it was good to get to a simple chilli con carne.
The sunset was amazing tonight the sky was sooo beautiful.
Easter Sunday
We woke up to a really lovely day but after a bad night's sleep! That will teach us to drink too much, just can't take it now.
We went for breakfast to Cafe Nina which is recommended in the Lonely Planet. I had toast and marmalade with a pot of tea and Jon got stuck into eggs Benedict with smoked salmon which is very popular over here but not something that would be on your typical British cafe breakfast menu! I just managed my toast but could not have eaten that!
We set off to Hahei which is about a 35 minute drive and is the most beautiful beach with white sand and a hint of pink due to the many crushed shells. We had a coffee before setting off up the hill to the car park for Cathedral Cove. The car park was full and people were parking all along the road up the hill, about a 20 minute walk to the start of a 45 minute drive and there was no way we were in the mood to do that so we went to Hot Water Beach instead. You have to visit at low tide to be able to dig the pool for the hot water to come up from the springs and we had timed it just right. There were quite a few people on the beach already digging with some pretty impressive spades, really serious business. We found a nice rock to lean on and settled down for a sunbathe as it was really hot.
The diggers were really busy by now and I went over to see how they were getting on. Some of the pools were so hot you could not stand in them. I manged to "borrow" a pool to have my photo taken in, it was all very exciting.
We had lunch at a little bar on the beach and then thought we would try our luck again at Cathedral Cove. It was still very busy so I got out to take some photos and while Jon was waiting for me a car left and Jon was able to park.
We set off along the top of the cliffs and then up and down into the bush and around smaller coves until we finally arrived at Cathedral Cove and it was certainly worth it. What a beautiful spot and you can only get to it by foot or by sea. After taking lots of photos and enjoying the view We then had to climb the 147 steps back to the top and walk back to the car. We were really worn out by the time we got back to the car park but it was worth it and it would have been such a shame to have missed it.
We then drove back to our motel for a well earned cup of tea.
In the evening it took all our strength to get ready and walk into town for dinner but we did and found a very nice little restaurant and had a good dinner with only ONE glass of wine!
We slept much better.
We went for breakfast to Cafe Nina which is recommended in the Lonely Planet. I had toast and marmalade with a pot of tea and Jon got stuck into eggs Benedict with smoked salmon which is very popular over here but not something that would be on your typical British cafe breakfast menu! I just managed my toast but could not have eaten that!
We set off to Hahei which is about a 35 minute drive and is the most beautiful beach with white sand and a hint of pink due to the many crushed shells. We had a coffee before setting off up the hill to the car park for Cathedral Cove. The car park was full and people were parking all along the road up the hill, about a 20 minute walk to the start of a 45 minute drive and there was no way we were in the mood to do that so we went to Hot Water Beach instead. You have to visit at low tide to be able to dig the pool for the hot water to come up from the springs and we had timed it just right. There were quite a few people on the beach already digging with some pretty impressive spades, really serious business. We found a nice rock to lean on and settled down for a sunbathe as it was really hot.
The diggers were really busy by now and I went over to see how they were getting on. Some of the pools were so hot you could not stand in them. I manged to "borrow" a pool to have my photo taken in, it was all very exciting.
We had lunch at a little bar on the beach and then thought we would try our luck again at Cathedral Cove. It was still very busy so I got out to take some photos and while Jon was waiting for me a car left and Jon was able to park.
We set off along the top of the cliffs and then up and down into the bush and around smaller coves until we finally arrived at Cathedral Cove and it was certainly worth it. What a beautiful spot and you can only get to it by foot or by sea. After taking lots of photos and enjoying the view We then had to climb the 147 steps back to the top and walk back to the car. We were really worn out by the time we got back to the car park but it was worth it and it would have been such a shame to have missed it.
We then drove back to our motel for a well earned cup of tea.
In the evening it took all our strength to get ready and walk into town for dinner but we did and found a very nice little restaurant and had a good dinner with only ONE glass of wine!
We slept much better.
Easter Saturday
After a very cosy night we woke up to the weather looking pretty grim this morning. When we set off down into town to have breakfast we had to have coats and sweaters on. We went to the same bar as we had lunch on Friday for breakfast and Jon had cheesy scrambled eggs with toast and I had granola, fresh banana and yogurt. It was the biggest bowl of granola I have ever seen and after half a bowl my jaws were aching and I had had enough.
We had to be at the station for the Driving Creek Railway trip by 10.00 and I was very glad I had my coat and Jon had his sweatshirt as the sky looked very black and the cloud was low over the hills we were to go up into.
The train was amazing and we were lucky enough to get on the front seat. I cannot begin to describe this train ride, it was magical and all built by an ex school teacher (now 73 and still working), who is a potter, and wanted to do something for conservation and so bought the land and built the train ride up into the hills (the hills provide the clay for his pottery) and every ride pays for more Kauri trees and other trees to be planted and bring this part of NZ back to the way it used to be. He has never married and has left the whole area to a trust and it can never be sold which is lovely. If you want to see more check out www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz On the ride, and you will see from our photos, the track goes up to an "unfinished bridge" to Auckland, across the estuary. The train goes right to the end of the bridge, and bearing in mind we were at the front, before the driver changes to the back of the train and then drives it up the next hill an amazing engineering structure and I, as you will see see from the photos of clenched fists, was very scared especially when the driver tried to frighten me even more by leaning over to the right!!! Sheer drop!!! When you reach the top you can get out onto a wooden platform which takes you to the top of a wooden tower with amazing views across the estuary and fortunately for us the weather had cleared and we could see very well all the little islands. The family sitting behind us on the train were from Japan and we had great fun changing the backs of the seats to suit our needs depending on whether we were going forwards or backwards, not all the carriages have this facility so the driver told us.
Back at the bottom we visited a very quaint cafe nearby and had a lovely flat white before setting off on our journey along the "309 road".
This is an alternative road to Whitianga where we were staying for the next two nights. It is a gravel road and winds its way up high into the hills. We only wanted to go as far as the "Kauri Grove". On our very scary way we stopped at the pretty Waiau Falls and took a few pics before continuing on to the Kauri Grove. This is a spectacular group of 13 Kauri trees and one Siamese Kauri tree which are 600 years old and sooooo tall and the trunks so thick. They recommend, in the guide books, that you lay down on the board walks to look up at them to appreciate their size, so I just had to do it and if you see the photo of me on the floor that is what it is!! They are amaxing and to think that most of the Coromandel wa covered in these trees before the loggers moved in and cut them all down. They are trying to replant but it is going to take years and years. After seeing the trees we headed back to Coromandel as I did not want to travel further on such a bad road, it really was just like a dirt track!
We were glad we did take State Highway 25 as the views were lovely but we were very glad we were in an automatic car as it is very bendy.
We stopped in a few little places on the way to Whitianga but the prettiest was Kuaotuna which had a lovely beach and it might have helped that the sun finally came through! We found a tiny cafe caravan called "Islalei" which served amazing food and played Polynesian music and was decorated with leis and the owner and the waiter looked like hippies!. We both had BLAT's (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato in a bun with salad and dressing) and they were so good. I asked for tea and he said they had run out but if I went to the cafe next door they would "hook me up" with some tea. And they did and even brought it over to the table we were sitting at - now that is what I call service and all with a smile.
We carried on to Whitanga after a nice walk on the beach where Jon took a photo of a cicada (big cricket to you in UK). How can such a small creature make so much noise.
Out motel in Whitanga was not as pretty asthe cottage in Coromandel but it was right on Buffalo Beach which is very pretty. Right opposite was a big "blubber pot" used in the times of catching whales and used to boil the blubber for the oil, ugh!
It was about a ten minute walk to town and we set off in the evening to have a look around. It is quite a small town, but then most of them are. We walked around the harbour and saw the little passenger ferry which crosses over to Ferry Landings (a 35km drive by car) and walked back along the beach and saw all the shells that are washed up. It reminded me of a place in Devon we visited and I can't remember the name but it had lots of shells from the Gulf Stream.
When we went out to dinner, walking again, there was a police roadblock and they were stopping and breathalysing EVERYONE! They caught two while we were walking past and it was only 7.15. It is not worth taking a chance here.
We went to the pub for dinner, the first one I have been to since I got here. We had a lovely steak and chips and salad and it was really cheap and very, very, good. The only problem was we had to wait for 50 minutes and so I drank two glasses of wine and Jon had two beers and then we had a bottle of wine with our dinner. Not an awful lot but more, much more, than we are used to now and we had a very funny walk back home, most of which I can't remember! I just remember the moon was very bright! The electric blanket was most welcome again!
We had to be at the station for the Driving Creek Railway trip by 10.00 and I was very glad I had my coat and Jon had his sweatshirt as the sky looked very black and the cloud was low over the hills we were to go up into.
The train was amazing and we were lucky enough to get on the front seat. I cannot begin to describe this train ride, it was magical and all built by an ex school teacher (now 73 and still working), who is a potter, and wanted to do something for conservation and so bought the land and built the train ride up into the hills (the hills provide the clay for his pottery) and every ride pays for more Kauri trees and other trees to be planted and bring this part of NZ back to the way it used to be. He has never married and has left the whole area to a trust and it can never be sold which is lovely. If you want to see more check out www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz On the ride, and you will see from our photos, the track goes up to an "unfinished bridge" to Auckland, across the estuary. The train goes right to the end of the bridge, and bearing in mind we were at the front, before the driver changes to the back of the train and then drives it up the next hill an amazing engineering structure and I, as you will see see from the photos of clenched fists, was very scared especially when the driver tried to frighten me even more by leaning over to the right!!! Sheer drop!!! When you reach the top you can get out onto a wooden platform which takes you to the top of a wooden tower with amazing views across the estuary and fortunately for us the weather had cleared and we could see very well all the little islands. The family sitting behind us on the train were from Japan and we had great fun changing the backs of the seats to suit our needs depending on whether we were going forwards or backwards, not all the carriages have this facility so the driver told us.
Back at the bottom we visited a very quaint cafe nearby and had a lovely flat white before setting off on our journey along the "309 road".
This is an alternative road to Whitianga where we were staying for the next two nights. It is a gravel road and winds its way up high into the hills. We only wanted to go as far as the "Kauri Grove". On our very scary way we stopped at the pretty Waiau Falls and took a few pics before continuing on to the Kauri Grove. This is a spectacular group of 13 Kauri trees and one Siamese Kauri tree which are 600 years old and sooooo tall and the trunks so thick. They recommend, in the guide books, that you lay down on the board walks to look up at them to appreciate their size, so I just had to do it and if you see the photo of me on the floor that is what it is!! They are amaxing and to think that most of the Coromandel wa covered in these trees before the loggers moved in and cut them all down. They are trying to replant but it is going to take years and years. After seeing the trees we headed back to Coromandel as I did not want to travel further on such a bad road, it really was just like a dirt track!
We were glad we did take State Highway 25 as the views were lovely but we were very glad we were in an automatic car as it is very bendy.
We stopped in a few little places on the way to Whitianga but the prettiest was Kuaotuna which had a lovely beach and it might have helped that the sun finally came through! We found a tiny cafe caravan called "Islalei" which served amazing food and played Polynesian music and was decorated with leis and the owner and the waiter looked like hippies!. We both had BLAT's (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato in a bun with salad and dressing) and they were so good. I asked for tea and he said they had run out but if I went to the cafe next door they would "hook me up" with some tea. And they did and even brought it over to the table we were sitting at - now that is what I call service and all with a smile.
We carried on to Whitanga after a nice walk on the beach where Jon took a photo of a cicada (big cricket to you in UK). How can such a small creature make so much noise.
Out motel in Whitanga was not as pretty asthe cottage in Coromandel but it was right on Buffalo Beach which is very pretty. Right opposite was a big "blubber pot" used in the times of catching whales and used to boil the blubber for the oil, ugh!
It was about a ten minute walk to town and we set off in the evening to have a look around. It is quite a small town, but then most of them are. We walked around the harbour and saw the little passenger ferry which crosses over to Ferry Landings (a 35km drive by car) and walked back along the beach and saw all the shells that are washed up. It reminded me of a place in Devon we visited and I can't remember the name but it had lots of shells from the Gulf Stream.
When we went out to dinner, walking again, there was a police roadblock and they were stopping and breathalysing EVERYONE! They caught two while we were walking past and it was only 7.15. It is not worth taking a chance here.
We went to the pub for dinner, the first one I have been to since I got here. We had a lovely steak and chips and salad and it was really cheap and very, very, good. The only problem was we had to wait for 50 minutes and so I drank two glasses of wine and Jon had two beers and then we had a bottle of wine with our dinner. Not an awful lot but more, much more, than we are used to now and we had a very funny walk back home, most of which I can't remember! I just remember the moon was very bright! The electric blanket was most welcome again!
Good Friday
We finally set off at about 9.30 after taking Totty to kennels.
We drove as far as Thames where we stopped for coffee before heading out to look across the estuary from the bird hide in the mangroves. When the tide is out you see the most birds and there were plenty out there but we have no idea what they were.
We carried on up the west side of the peninsular to Tapu where we went to Rapaura Water Gardens which were lovely, very peaceful and with lots of deep thoughts written on wooden plaques around the gardens! Through the gardens we walked along a track to the waterfalls known as "The Seven Stairs to Heaven" and very pretty they were, too.
The west side of the peninsular is supposed to be the less bendy road in fact, on the map, it "looks" straight. Wrong!! It is very bendy but very pretty and as it goes along the beach, for me at least, it was not too scary.
We arrived in Coromandel passing the many oyster beds out in the bay and it was much, much smaller than I had imagined. Coromandel has a ferry that comes over from Auckland and lots of people come from Auckland for holidays there.
We found a cafe for our lunch and Jon had the biggest club sandwich ever! We found our accommodation which was further out of the town than we thought but very pretty. Little cottages all in white and very colonial and very smart with a very helpful owner. She told us some of the walks to go on and so after dumping our bags we set off.
We drove down to the holiday park passing the wharf where the ferry comes in, soooo tiny. I'm not sure how big the ferry is! We parked the car and walked around the headland and through to Tucks Bay and then got lost a bit in the bush before making our way back to the car park, phew!
It was quite cold back in the cottage and we had to put the heating on! We had a well earned rest before going out to dinner which we had to drive into town, much to Jon's disgust he was not going to be able to have a drink! They are very keen on drink drivers here and it is just not worth having even one. We went to the Pepper Tree as not many places were open due to it being Good Friday and even then we had to pay 20% extra for bank holiday - ouch! That said we had a lovely meal ending up with Pavlova with roasted rhubarb and raspberry coulis yummy!
All the motels we have stayed in have electric blankets but so far we have had no need to use them - until tonight! It was very cold and getting into a toasty, warm bed was very nice!
We drove as far as Thames where we stopped for coffee before heading out to look across the estuary from the bird hide in the mangroves. When the tide is out you see the most birds and there were plenty out there but we have no idea what they were.
We carried on up the west side of the peninsular to Tapu where we went to Rapaura Water Gardens which were lovely, very peaceful and with lots of deep thoughts written on wooden plaques around the gardens! Through the gardens we walked along a track to the waterfalls known as "The Seven Stairs to Heaven" and very pretty they were, too.
The west side of the peninsular is supposed to be the less bendy road in fact, on the map, it "looks" straight. Wrong!! It is very bendy but very pretty and as it goes along the beach, for me at least, it was not too scary.
We arrived in Coromandel passing the many oyster beds out in the bay and it was much, much smaller than I had imagined. Coromandel has a ferry that comes over from Auckland and lots of people come from Auckland for holidays there.
We found a cafe for our lunch and Jon had the biggest club sandwich ever! We found our accommodation which was further out of the town than we thought but very pretty. Little cottages all in white and very colonial and very smart with a very helpful owner. She told us some of the walks to go on and so after dumping our bags we set off.
We drove down to the holiday park passing the wharf where the ferry comes in, soooo tiny. I'm not sure how big the ferry is! We parked the car and walked around the headland and through to Tucks Bay and then got lost a bit in the bush before making our way back to the car park, phew!
It was quite cold back in the cottage and we had to put the heating on! We had a well earned rest before going out to dinner which we had to drive into town, much to Jon's disgust he was not going to be able to have a drink! They are very keen on drink drivers here and it is just not worth having even one. We went to the Pepper Tree as not many places were open due to it being Good Friday and even then we had to pay 20% extra for bank holiday - ouch! That said we had a lovely meal ending up with Pavlova with roasted rhubarb and raspberry coulis yummy!
All the motels we have stayed in have electric blankets but so far we have had no need to use them - until tonight! It was very cold and getting into a toasty, warm bed was very nice!
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
A lovely day for a coffee
I was a bit nervous about driving out of my comfort zone this morning but I took the bull by the horns and set of to Otumoetai! It was really easy to find, as are most places here, and I arrived in plenty of time. Joan arrived and her daughter, Pam and then Robyn. We ordered our coffee and chose our muffin from the "muffin of the day" board. I had white chocolate and blueberry. We found a lovely table outside in the sun and waited for our order. I wish I had taken a photo as the muffins were served on a large square plate with a little dish of cream and a dish of blueberry compote and they were lovely, just as well I missed breakfast in order to have the muffin! Pam and Robyn had hot chocolate and that was served in a big glass with two marshmallows and a big stick of chocolate on the side - I'm glad I didn't order that. Heather will certainly enjoy a visit over there when she comes out.
We had a lovely morning and sat chatting until 12.00 when I thought I ought to be heading back as I had to go and buy some fruit and milk on the way. Hopefully we will meet up again next week. Joan has given me the name of a fitness class to go to which starts after the Easter holidays and I think I will give it a try.
When I got home Totty had been "playing" with the bag of kiwi fruit and had spread them around the living room!
It clouded over this afternoon and looked like it might rain. The forecast for Thursday is for rain but Good Friday, when we go away, is going to be sunny!!!
It didn't rain but by the time Jon got home it was quite dark when we took the dog out. I think I am going to have to take her at about 5.00 as it is getting too dark by the time Jon gets home.
We had a lovely morning and sat chatting until 12.00 when I thought I ought to be heading back as I had to go and buy some fruit and milk on the way. Hopefully we will meet up again next week. Joan has given me the name of a fitness class to go to which starts after the Easter holidays and I think I will give it a try.
When I got home Totty had been "playing" with the bag of kiwi fruit and had spread them around the living room!
It clouded over this afternoon and looked like it might rain. The forecast for Thursday is for rain but Good Friday, when we go away, is going to be sunny!!!
It didn't rain but by the time Jon got home it was quite dark when we took the dog out. I think I am going to have to take her at about 5.00 as it is getting too dark by the time Jon gets home.
Monday, 6 April 2009
Washing Day again!
The forecast was for showers today so I got my washing done early but the showers never came.
I had a call last night from a lady called Robyn who is a friend of Joan's, who I met last week. She had left a message as we were having dinner and I didn't get to the phone in time to answer it so I called her back today. She wanted to invite me to have coffee on Tuesday as it is Joan's birthday and a group of friends are all meeting up and Joan had suggested that I be invited. So I am off tomorrow across to the other side of Tauranga, I hope I can find it, to have coffee and a muffin!
The rest of today has been spent doing the housework. I find I only have to do housework and change the bed and do the washing one day a week which is quite nice - the ironing takes a bit longer though!
I have been reading up on the Coromandel and planning what we will see next weekend, we are really looking forward to it.
When Jon came home we took Totty out and it is amazing what a difference an hour makes. Rotary Park was getting quite dark and we decided not to go up into the woods. The "hoodie" man was there again using the bbq. Very odd, we wonder if he is sleeping down there but we have no idea how he gets there as there are no cars parked anywhere. It is a long way from the town, too far for him to walk. Whatever reason he is there for he makes me feel very uneasy - the first unfriendly looking person we have come across! I think from now we will have to use Te Whati Park until the nights start to draw out again.
I had a call last night from a lady called Robyn who is a friend of Joan's, who I met last week. She had left a message as we were having dinner and I didn't get to the phone in time to answer it so I called her back today. She wanted to invite me to have coffee on Tuesday as it is Joan's birthday and a group of friends are all meeting up and Joan had suggested that I be invited. So I am off tomorrow across to the other side of Tauranga, I hope I can find it, to have coffee and a muffin!
The rest of today has been spent doing the housework. I find I only have to do housework and change the bed and do the washing one day a week which is quite nice - the ironing takes a bit longer though!
I have been reading up on the Coromandel and planning what we will see next weekend, we are really looking forward to it.
When Jon came home we took Totty out and it is amazing what a difference an hour makes. Rotary Park was getting quite dark and we decided not to go up into the woods. The "hoodie" man was there again using the bbq. Very odd, we wonder if he is sleeping down there but we have no idea how he gets there as there are no cars parked anywhere. It is a long way from the town, too far for him to walk. Whatever reason he is there for he makes me feel very uneasy - the first unfriendly looking person we have come across! I think from now we will have to use Te Whati Park until the nights start to draw out again.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
A Quiet Day!
With the clocks changing last night and going away next weekend our plan was to have a quiet local weekend!
After taking Totty for her walk our next stop was to the tip and get rid of the very smelly grapes and vine cuttings. We go to the tip every two weeks but we have never had "green waste" until this week. You enter the "green waste" area via a weighbridge and you have to pay to dispose of it!!!!!! We tipped our three bags of smelly grapes into the skips and then made for the exit weighbridge and we had to pay $7!!!!!! For the first time we were both very glad that we do not have a garden over here. The amount of "green waste" we took to Newmarket tip would have cost us a fortune. Well at least we got rid of the smell but we were left with lots of fruit flies in the car!
We had seen a sign on the road in Te Puke for Looking Glass Gardens and thought it was worth going to have a look so after a coffee and a date scone (I didn't have any breakfast!) we headed up into the hills to find the gardens. We went up and up and the road became a gravel road and still we went up until we finally reached the gardens nearly at the top. I am not sure what I thought it would be - maybe some pretty gardens. However it was a lovely area created by an old lady with the theme of Alice Through the Looking Glass and they were really beautiful. We wandered through the gardens which had the most amazing collection of trees including an enormous Norfolk pine which looked like a huge Christmas tree with a star on the top. We walked up the Stairway to Heaven which has 200 steps to the top and St Peter's Hill which has the most spectacular views over the coast.
The lady at the gate had told us that the gravel road had once been the main road to Rotorua! She told us we could get back to Tauranga that way and also visit the Kaiate Falls which I had read about but not found the road to. We set off driving up the hill and it was a bit scary but very beautiful and the views over towards Tauranga and where we live really lovely. We found the falls and went into the car park and there was not another car about. We had a lovely walk down to the falls, more steps! They were not the biggest falls I have seen but they were very pretty and so peaceful. I think in the summer there would be lots of people bathing there as they look to be quite safe. We followed the path along the falls crossing two bridges before coming to the bottom and then had to climb up the other side and head off to the car park which by the time we got back had seven cars parked there!
We followed the road down and came out in Welcome Bay which is not very far from our house, 15 minutes in fact.
We were more than ready for lunch by the time we got back and were really quite tired after all those steps.
We took Totty to Rotary Park this evening and due to the clocks changing last night we found that the park is now closed to cars after 5.00pm until October when summer time starts - that seems a long way away! The park was really quiet and very peaceful as there was no wind this evening and the tide was in but not another person about.
After a roast chicken dinner Jon is now watching the Grand Prix and I am just about to make the coffee.
After taking Totty for her walk our next stop was to the tip and get rid of the very smelly grapes and vine cuttings. We go to the tip every two weeks but we have never had "green waste" until this week. You enter the "green waste" area via a weighbridge and you have to pay to dispose of it!!!!!! We tipped our three bags of smelly grapes into the skips and then made for the exit weighbridge and we had to pay $7!!!!!! For the first time we were both very glad that we do not have a garden over here. The amount of "green waste" we took to Newmarket tip would have cost us a fortune. Well at least we got rid of the smell but we were left with lots of fruit flies in the car!
We had seen a sign on the road in Te Puke for Looking Glass Gardens and thought it was worth going to have a look so after a coffee and a date scone (I didn't have any breakfast!) we headed up into the hills to find the gardens. We went up and up and the road became a gravel road and still we went up until we finally reached the gardens nearly at the top. I am not sure what I thought it would be - maybe some pretty gardens. However it was a lovely area created by an old lady with the theme of Alice Through the Looking Glass and they were really beautiful. We wandered through the gardens which had the most amazing collection of trees including an enormous Norfolk pine which looked like a huge Christmas tree with a star on the top. We walked up the Stairway to Heaven which has 200 steps to the top and St Peter's Hill which has the most spectacular views over the coast.
The lady at the gate had told us that the gravel road had once been the main road to Rotorua! She told us we could get back to Tauranga that way and also visit the Kaiate Falls which I had read about but not found the road to. We set off driving up the hill and it was a bit scary but very beautiful and the views over towards Tauranga and where we live really lovely. We found the falls and went into the car park and there was not another car about. We had a lovely walk down to the falls, more steps! They were not the biggest falls I have seen but they were very pretty and so peaceful. I think in the summer there would be lots of people bathing there as they look to be quite safe. We followed the path along the falls crossing two bridges before coming to the bottom and then had to climb up the other side and head off to the car park which by the time we got back had seven cars parked there!
We followed the road down and came out in Welcome Bay which is not very far from our house, 15 minutes in fact.
We were more than ready for lunch by the time we got back and were really quite tired after all those steps.
We took Totty to Rotary Park this evening and due to the clocks changing last night we found that the park is now closed to cars after 5.00pm until October when summer time starts - that seems a long way away! The park was really quiet and very peaceful as there was no wind this evening and the tide was in but not another person about.
After a roast chicken dinner Jon is now watching the Grand Prix and I am just about to make the coffee.
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Saturday
It is nice to have a little lie in at the weekends - I could do it everyday but that might be a slippery slope! It was so warm this morning Jon had his breakfast out on the deck.
After breakfast we took Totty to the park and tried to tire her out a bit by throwing the ball for her, it seemed to work.
We went over to the garden centre in Welcome Bay and had a lovely coffee and a lemon and raisin muffin which was very nice. We then bought a lovely house plant and a plant to go in a pot to disguise the side path "blockage" (two wooden gates) to stop Totty getting out. It is a lovely garden centre and they had a "pumpkin" display on! I asked the assistant what they have for Halloween and she told me they don't really celebrate it. It was very strange seeing pumpkins in April!
We then went to find the Buddhist Centre for the Thai New Year celebrations but couldn't find it so we went to Fraser Cove Shopping Centre instead. We spent ages in the "Warehouse" which is a huge superstore that sells everything BUT we couldn't find a pot for our houseplant! But we did buy some secateurs and a huge plastic bucket to put the clippings from the vine in.
We spent so long looking at the shops it was past lunchtime so we stayed in the shopping centre and had some lunch - a very nice bacon, mushroom and tomato quiche with some salad and Jon had a panini..
When we got back we attacked the vine which has a bumper crop of grapes but they are very perfumed and not nice to eat. We should have picked them weeks ago and thrown them away as they are now fermenting and the back of the house smells like a winery! With two of us working at it it really didn't take very long and we had it all trimmed back and looking tidy. Not being experts at pruning vines we are not sure if it will have any fruit on next year but we don't mind if it doesn't cos they aren't nice anyway. We just need to take all the clippings to the tip tomorrow.
After a cup of tea it was time to take Totty for her walk and we went over to Welcome Bay Reserve, we haven't been over there for a few weeks. It was really nice over there and I saw some eels swimming in one of the streams ugh!
After breakfast we took Totty to the park and tried to tire her out a bit by throwing the ball for her, it seemed to work.
We went over to the garden centre in Welcome Bay and had a lovely coffee and a lemon and raisin muffin which was very nice. We then bought a lovely house plant and a plant to go in a pot to disguise the side path "blockage" (two wooden gates) to stop Totty getting out. It is a lovely garden centre and they had a "pumpkin" display on! I asked the assistant what they have for Halloween and she told me they don't really celebrate it. It was very strange seeing pumpkins in April!
We then went to find the Buddhist Centre for the Thai New Year celebrations but couldn't find it so we went to Fraser Cove Shopping Centre instead. We spent ages in the "Warehouse" which is a huge superstore that sells everything BUT we couldn't find a pot for our houseplant! But we did buy some secateurs and a huge plastic bucket to put the clippings from the vine in.
We spent so long looking at the shops it was past lunchtime so we stayed in the shopping centre and had some lunch - a very nice bacon, mushroom and tomato quiche with some salad and Jon had a panini..
When we got back we attacked the vine which has a bumper crop of grapes but they are very perfumed and not nice to eat. We should have picked them weeks ago and thrown them away as they are now fermenting and the back of the house smells like a winery! With two of us working at it it really didn't take very long and we had it all trimmed back and looking tidy. Not being experts at pruning vines we are not sure if it will have any fruit on next year but we don't mind if it doesn't cos they aren't nice anyway. We just need to take all the clippings to the tip tomorrow.
After a cup of tea it was time to take Totty for her walk and we went over to Welcome Bay Reserve, we haven't been over there for a few weeks. It was really nice over there and I saw some eels swimming in one of the streams ugh!
Friday, 3 April 2009
Friday
It was really cold this morning - not sure how we are going to get on with no heating this winter when the mornings are so cold. It soon warms up during the morning. Some places in the South Island were down to 2 degrees last night but expected to get up to 24 today so there is a big difference.
I went to the Red Cross shop again today and the manager of the processing room thinks I would enjoy, and be good, working in the shop so she took me up there and introduced me to Julie, who is English and has a young son and has lived here for 14 years (at last someone young). She is from Yorkshire, I think, and we got on really well and we had a good morning. The other volunteers are also very nice but the shop does sell a lot of rubbish and I think a little overpriced. UK charity shops wouldn't give it shelf space - but what do I know. However, the shop is tidy and clean and well laid out so I think I will enjoy it.
After the shop I went to do my supermarket shop and then it was time for lunch so the morning flew by.
They make really good Hot X Buns here and I bought some as the smell was so good in the supermarket. I had one with my cup of tea this afternoon and it tasted as good as it smelt.
We have a beautiful sunset tonight, the sky is lovely but the nights are drawing in a lot and we change the clocks tomorrow so I think we will notice a change on Sunday.
Jon has just gone off to get our fish and chips so I had better get the table ready and get my glass of wine poured!
I went to the Red Cross shop again today and the manager of the processing room thinks I would enjoy, and be good, working in the shop so she took me up there and introduced me to Julie, who is English and has a young son and has lived here for 14 years (at last someone young). She is from Yorkshire, I think, and we got on really well and we had a good morning. The other volunteers are also very nice but the shop does sell a lot of rubbish and I think a little overpriced. UK charity shops wouldn't give it shelf space - but what do I know. However, the shop is tidy and clean and well laid out so I think I will enjoy it.
After the shop I went to do my supermarket shop and then it was time for lunch so the morning flew by.
They make really good Hot X Buns here and I bought some as the smell was so good in the supermarket. I had one with my cup of tea this afternoon and it tasted as good as it smelt.
We have a beautiful sunset tonight, the sky is lovely but the nights are drawing in a lot and we change the clocks tomorrow so I think we will notice a change on Sunday.
Jon has just gone off to get our fish and chips so I had better get the table ready and get my glass of wine poured!
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Thursday
I was up and ready early today and took Totty out for her walk, she is a lazy little dog and enjoys a lie in in the mornings!
I made my way over to the Mount about, 20 minutes. I had no idea what Joan looked like, she had told me short, fat and grey. I waited for her outside the Hot Spa Pools and she turned up and she is short and grey but she is not fat. We had a lovely stroll around the base of the Mount and it was a lovely day. The Mount is very busy with people of all ages walking around and up it, lots of mums with babies in pushchairs, joggers, pensioners and all sorts of shapes and sizes.
After our walk we went over to one of the coffee bars and sat until 12.30 talking and it was really nice and we got on very well. She was born in Gran Canaria and speaks Spanish. She went back to live in England when she was seven. I really look forward to meeting her again as we got on so well - the English sense of humour and it is nice to be able to understand everything that she said - some Kiwis are a little difficult to understand.
I got back in time to have lunch with Jon and in the afternoon I did some washing and finished my book so all in all a good day.
We ran out of gas when I was cooking the dinner last night and we had to put the BBQ bottle on the cooker. Today I had to take the empty bottle to the BP garage and get it filled up. I had no idea what to do so had to ask the man and he did it all for me, so helpful.
Totty decided to chase some birds on the beach this evening and all our obedience classes went out of the window. The tide was out and she raced across the sand and would not come back until she had chased them all away! One day maybe she will listen to me if she doesn't get pecked by a seagull first!
I made my way over to the Mount about, 20 minutes. I had no idea what Joan looked like, she had told me short, fat and grey. I waited for her outside the Hot Spa Pools and she turned up and she is short and grey but she is not fat. We had a lovely stroll around the base of the Mount and it was a lovely day. The Mount is very busy with people of all ages walking around and up it, lots of mums with babies in pushchairs, joggers, pensioners and all sorts of shapes and sizes.
After our walk we went over to one of the coffee bars and sat until 12.30 talking and it was really nice and we got on very well. She was born in Gran Canaria and speaks Spanish. She went back to live in England when she was seven. I really look forward to meeting her again as we got on so well - the English sense of humour and it is nice to be able to understand everything that she said - some Kiwis are a little difficult to understand.
I got back in time to have lunch with Jon and in the afternoon I did some washing and finished my book so all in all a good day.
We ran out of gas when I was cooking the dinner last night and we had to put the BBQ bottle on the cooker. Today I had to take the empty bottle to the BP garage and get it filled up. I had no idea what to do so had to ask the man and he did it all for me, so helpful.
Totty decided to chase some birds on the beach this evening and all our obedience classes went out of the window. The tide was out and she raced across the sand and would not come back until she had chased them all away! One day maybe she will listen to me if she doesn't get pecked by a seagull first!
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Wednesday
Jon went to visit a kiwi fruit grower in Te Puke (Te Pookey) this morning and came back here mid morning with a tray of 30 eggs that the farmer had given him. They are free range, organic eggs from chickens that roam in the kiwi groves and eat corn so the yolks are really golden. He also gave him the biggest sack of kiwi fruit I have ever seen! I kept ten of the eggs and sent the rest in to the office and we took a bag, the size of a supermarket bag, of kiwi fruit and you couldn't notice the difference. Shame they weren't passion fruit!
I went out to the post office this morning, it is lovely to use the PO here - there are plenty of them and no queues! I sent off all my cards and a parcel to the new baby.
I then went up to the cafe and had a nice cup of coffee sitting in the sun. I then went and had a walk around the shops. I found a new pet shop which is very nice and they had some lovely puppies and kittens for sale along with rabbits guinea pigs, birds and fish and all very well kept in very clean conditions.
We had omelet and salad for lunch which was very nice but the kiwi fruit are a little sour and will need to ripen up. I just hope they don't go off before they ripen. I have never had to ripen kiwi fruit as they are usually ready to eat when you buy them in the UK. These would not pass the UK supermarket's quality control - they are all shapes and sizes.
Joan called to say the weather is going to be good again tomorrow and would I like to go for a walk on the Mount with her so we arranged to meet at 9.30 when the school run is over!
I went out to the post office this morning, it is lovely to use the PO here - there are plenty of them and no queues! I sent off all my cards and a parcel to the new baby.
I then went up to the cafe and had a nice cup of coffee sitting in the sun. I then went and had a walk around the shops. I found a new pet shop which is very nice and they had some lovely puppies and kittens for sale along with rabbits guinea pigs, birds and fish and all very well kept in very clean conditions.
We had omelet and salad for lunch which was very nice but the kiwi fruit are a little sour and will need to ripen up. I just hope they don't go off before they ripen. I have never had to ripen kiwi fruit as they are usually ready to eat when you buy them in the UK. These would not pass the UK supermarket's quality control - they are all shapes and sizes.
Joan called to say the weather is going to be good again tomorrow and would I like to go for a walk on the Mount with her so we arranged to meet at 9.30 when the school run is over!
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