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New Zealand new start

Brendan and I seem to get a new start every couple of years. First California, then Australia, now New Zealand. We also seem to get a new apartment every year, but I am so sick of moving that I really hope we break that trend…

I have recently jointed Brendan in Auckland and am just starting to get settled. One of my goals for New Zealand (perhaps the most achievable since my other goals include 'get back in shape' and 'take nothing for granted') is to blog more. I think most people have long-since given up on checking my blog since it is updated so infrequently, so this is mainly for my family to keep you up to date on what is happening in my life. So, for the first blog of New Zealand, here is a blazingly fast update on the last few weeks.

I moved to Auckland. I started work. I dealt with issues like tax number and bank account. We bought a sofa (first sofa I have ever even had partial ownership in btw). Also, the sofa and futon are both open for visitors! And most excitingly, we have been exploring our new home!

Things seen to date:



  • Hamilton's Gap – amazing black sand beach (see Brendan's blog post)

  • Waiheke Island – 40 min boat ride from Auckland. Known for wineries, gorgeous beaches, etc. Definitely lived up to its reputation

  • Waitakere Ranges – 40 min drive from Auckland. Fantastic hiking especially for being so close. We've been to Karekare and did a hike through the dunes and then a hike up Te Toiokawharu, the highest point in the Waitakeres at 474m. So, that's not that high, but did I mention how close to Auckland it is?

  • Auckland museum – as residents of NZ we are now members for life. Interesting history and geology exhibitions but we only spent a few hours here the other day, so we have much more to see.

Coming up on our radar: Bay of Islands, far Northland (Cape Reinga, etc.), Hot WaterBeach, trip to the south island with Brendan's parents, swimming with dolphins, Pacific island hopping, Rotorua and much much more! Updates to (hopefully) follow.

Biggest frustration to date: having to make friends all over again without a corporate network. There is also the issue of our storage unit in SF still kicking. If anyone wants to volunteer to deal with this please let me know. Brother, do you remember that microwave you gave me once upon a time? Yeah, after 6? years now, it is still sitting in our storage unit unused!

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