Life in the Winterless North

Brenna and Alana have returned from an afternoon at the beach to start some Christmas crafts. I find the change in seasons the most jarring aspect of our new life down under.

We have been here since September. A merger of two aquaculture companies resulted in the evaporation of Andrew's job in Canada. Gosh, too bad, we were forced to move to the North Island of New Zealand, to an area known as the winterless north.

Our daughters, Brenna (6) and Alana (4) are thrilled with their new lives. They particularly like the barefoot culture here. Shoes are not even required in schools. The beautiful white sandy beach across the street and quiet street to live on are also appreciated. We are in a rural area populated largely by dairy cows. However, the beaches are stunning and the weather is fine (a term used in the forecasts).

As Canadians we are delighted that our new garden will feature citrus trees, avocado, perhaps an olive tree and any kind of flower we choose to plant. We have purchased a house and move to it in March. Our house in Canada is still on the market (any takers?). Currently we are renting a new house in a housing development that includes a ninehole golf course and tennis courts. There is also a resident family of ducks. We are across the street from the beach and a km from the school. We are in a village with limited services but do have access to all the basic necessities. For anything else we can go to town, just 30 km up the highway. Auckland is 2 hours south of us if we need a big city fix (more shops, fewer cows).

Our new neighbours exemplify the hospitality that New Zealanders are renowned for and we have been made very welcome. I think part of this is that many of the residents are immigrants themselves. Our new friends are from Australia, England, the US and even Canada. I'm not sure where the cows are from.

Andrew is pleased with his new job and the girls are settling well into school. As for me, I am delighted to have discovered a belly dancing class in town and am continuing to pursue this one minor passion of mine.

We are slowly exploring our new country. Our latest adventure involved a short drive up in the hills to the Waipu Caves. These are large enough to walk comfortably in. Just inside you are treated to amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Venture further and turn off the torches and look up. The roof of the cave is decorated with glowworms. Their blue sparkle transforms the darkness into a celestial art form. Outside the caves the limestone rock formations offered a perfect site for the girls to practice their rock climbing technique. Fortunately, Andrew had brought along the ropes, harnesses and helmets (and a beer for me). A short walk back across the field (sheep not cows) and were on our way home again.