A glimpse of the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin Harbor seen from Otago Peninsula

Sheep with the beautiful views!

More sheep. There are a lot of them here, you know.

The good news is that our Clairey is doing better today! We had a window of opportunity this morning to go out to the Otago Peninsula for the first time. We had heard so much about this place since we first researched the area.

Though the sun was not out, the harbor with the hills surrounding it, was pretty marvelous. We could have taken two roads, the lower or the upper. We chose the former, which winds next to the water, going past small villages along the way.

We made it to the town of Portabello, had morning tea (what the Kiwis call snack / coffee breal), and came back to town.

There is a lot to do on the peninsula: penguins and albatross watching for sure, an aquarium which also serves as a marine institute for the University, Larnarch Castle (NZ's only castle), gardens, beaches, and several bays. We will be returning soon, and perhaps the sun will be with us next time, to enlighten the already beautiful landscape that we saw today.

Laying low

When illness strikes in the family, we are forced to lay low.

Claire woke up with stomach flu symptoms, which lasted all day. The morning was cold and rainy, with the Southerly wind that we have been warned about (there is nothing in between New Zealand and Antarctica, if you look at the globe. Hence, the southerly is not so friendly!). We hunkered down and nursed the little one.

The storm did pass, and the rest of the day was actually marvelously beautiful: blue skies, warm breeze. We ate dinner outside!

Today is still a holiday here, and the tummy bug has not quite left us. Let's hope for the best!

Day Two

The view we get from our rental house of the Otago peninsula.

The playhouse in the backyard.

One of the steep streets we walked on.

Rugby Boy

The Railway Station

After a full night's sleep (so nice not to sleep in a small plane seat!), I awoke to see the sun rising over the Otago Peninsula. Ah... that is why we are here, I thought.

We had a day of house-hunting. The children were forewarned about this weeks ago that they would have to be patient with us, and that they will have to help us choose a good house, a good car, etc etc.

"That sounds like fun!" declared Claire-Bear.

Not so sure how fun it was for her to walk up and down some rather steep hills around here. We all had important things that the perfect house requires in our minds. Ideally, it needs to be close to their new school, and biking-distance to the university where Jim will work. I also would like some gardening space, a yard for the kids to play in, and a nice kitchen to cook in. After three houses, I think we actually found it! More on that when we are 100% sure that we will get to live there.

In between houses, we managed to get to the farmer's market at the railway station. By this time, the weather had turned from a warm sunny morning, to a windy, cold, overcast day. Very typical of Dunedin, we are told.

We also checked out Moana Pool, which turned out to be much more than a pool! Imagine a huge indoor water heaven: kids' pools, slides, lap-swim, spa pool, cafe, a work-out gym...all under one (large) roof! We are planning to spend our morning there tomorrow!

There was of course play time. There is an endless number of playgrounds and parks and green spaces here. Momo was treated to a new rugby ball today, and the boy is already a natural Rugby player. Should I be scared?

(As an aside, I have to say that I have been very thankful and proud of my husband's ability to maneuver the little car that came with our rental house. It's a manual, and of course, the wheel is on the other side. And he has to drive on the other side of the street. I sit next to him as the navigator who has never been here either. So far, we have made some mistakes, but we have managed pretty well).

We have been here less than 24 hours, and slowly, it is feeling like home... We are already bumping into people we met yesterday (yesterday!!! Did we really just get here yesterday?). And they actually remembered our names!

First Day!

St. Clair Beach

Here we are.

First of all, happy new year!

Secondly, we really are in New Zealand, even if these photos may make you think otherwise. We did fly 12+ hours from San Francisco, went through customs (with some delay -- visa issues -- go figure!), boarded a domestic flight to our new home town that we had never set foot on.

Magically, everything went smoothly. We were picked up by a lovely gentleman with a taxi-caravan to hold all of our belongings. Then, we were warmly greeted by the homeowners of the place we are renting for the first two weeks. It's a beautiful 'villa', spacious, comfortable, with a wonderful view of the harbor. The kids even also have their own playhouse in the backyard. How lucky are they?!

I must say, it has felt like the longest day. We have been around a bit already: first to St. Clair beach, then to check out three possible schools for the kids. To treat ourselves (and realize that we really are indeed in New Zealand), we are going to get some take-out Fish 'n Chips tonight. And I am sure we will all crash on the comfortable beds, thankful for the safe journey.

We have a long list of things to do here in the next few weeks. I promise not to bore you (too much) about the details!

May 2010 be a wonderful year to all!

Here we go!

The Otago Peninsula

In a few hours, we will be taking off from the Bay Area, heading to another Bay-like area of New Zealand. Follow us, as we venture into the new year, the new land, and our new home! Happy New Year my dear friends, family, and readers. Feel free to post questions and comments here because I know you will have as many questions as I will!

Au Revoir In 'n Out Burger

We're less than 48 hrs. from taking off from the States, and, more specifically, California.

And it is time to say good bye to some of the wonderful things we've shared in our home, the Golden State.

Among those experiences: In 'n Out Burger, the greatest burger shack in the world.

We met "Uncle" Steve Pinney in San Francisco four our final feed. Daddy got a Double Double, "animal style," of course. Kit got (hmmm.....) a grilled cheese. And the kids got burgers, with the requisite fries.

At least we'll have fries (aka "chips") in NZ!!!! Clairey will be happy.

It was a very, very memorable gathering.

Until the next time we share an In 'n Out.......

New Zealand 101: The People

Traditional Maori Greeting

New Zealand is a considered a rather 'new' country. But not really. Its history traces back many thousands of years. Just not with the Pakeha (Maori term for Caucasian - New Zealanders) in the picture.

Polynesian settlers, known as the Maoris, inhabited the islands that became New Zealand long before Europeans discovered the land. They called their country Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud.

Though discovered at least a hundred years prior by some dutchmen, the country became an official British colony in 1840. The treaty of Waitangi was signed at that time, making New Zealand an official country (under British rule) and giving rights to the native Maoris.

Today, the Maoris play a big part in the country's well being, politically, socially, as well as culturally. Compared to other native cultures (Aborigines of Australia, Native Americans in the US), the Maoris are, arguably, somewhat of a success story. Or at least, the country is trying to achieve some equilibrium in that department.

To date, New Zealand has a population of about 4.5 million people, the majority being Caucasians, about 15% Maori, lots of Pacific Islanders, and a good number of Asian immigrants as well. It's a small melting-pot compared to the United States, but the pot is also getting bigger as immigration increases.

The Kiwis, a nickname for New Zealanders, are known to be a humble bunch. Boasting, and prestige are looked down upon (the Tall Poppy-syndrome). They are also known to be very friendly, helpful, and sincere people. With our limited experience with the Kiwis, we can say that all of that is true. We will get to learn more soon, and get deeper into the culture and the people, and will report back to you!

Christmas Eve

Brilliant sunshine. Golden Gate bridge. Sand. Sea. Quiet streets of San Francisco.

Can we ask for anymore?

Merry Christmas eve from the city by the bay!

New Zealand 101: The Landscape

I don't need to tell you that New Zealand is known for its beautiful, pristine landscape. It's also known for having four times more sheep inhabitants than humans (so much so that methane, the gas emitted by these animals, can cause environmental problems!). And it is the place to go to for adrenaline-inducing activities like bungy jumping (this is not why we are moving there!) Those things are all true, I have been there to prove.

New Zealand has a varied topography. In many ways, the North Island is less dramatic than the south, but it boasts active volcanic activities and some of the best surfs in the world. The city of Rotorua, for instance, can have a very strong sulfurous scent tourists may be put off at first. This is the island we went to four and a half years ago. We have fond memories of it.

The South Island, the largest landmass of New Zealand, is divided along its length by the Southern Alps, with Mt. Cook being the highest point at 12,320 feet. There are also glaciers, and fiords, wine regions, and numerous lakes. Not to mention, we will be living near some beaches where penguins and albatross can be seen frolicking about!

I have a strong feeling that we will never run out of new places to explore!

In the meantime...

We still need to live amidst this big move. Plus it's Christmas time, so there is a lot to do, on top of a whole lot to do.

We have done some fun Christmas-y activities lately. Besides all the cookie-baking at home, and elsewhere, we went to Wilder Ranch State Park where they had all kinds of fun, old-fashioned activities for the holidays. We also treated ourselves to the Nutcracker Ballet, right here in Santa Cruz. And I must say, I was proud of our little Ballet company here. It was very well done, and almost as good as the Boston Ballet we got to see two years ago (except we didn't get to go back stage and get hugs from the little mice and bears this time)!

Back to packing. More on New Zealand soon!

New Zealand 101: Location

New Zealand is on the bottom, on the right hand side, in dark orange.

I thought that it may be a good idea to introduce to you our new home country before our departure. Please excuse me if you already know a lot (or everything) about New Zealand. This will be a good review for me, too.

First of all, New Zealand, is NOT Australia. More people out there think this is the case, as I found out last night while a hairdresser chopped off half of my hair.

"You know you will come back with an Aussie accent!", was her first comment. I let it go because well, Kiwi accent could be confused with Aussie's quite easily. But then, another comment came: "That's where the kangaroos are, right?!" Ummm...No. Wrong country!

New Zealand is an island-country, comprised mainly of two large islands (North and South Islands as they are called), and some several smaller islands. They are located in the Pacific ocean, in the Southern Hemisphere. The closest country to New Zealand is Australia, but so are Fiji, Tahiti, Samoa, and many other South Pacific nations. Many of you also think that I will be closer to Thailand where my family is. Not quite true there either. If you connect the dots between Bangkok, San Francisco, and Auckland, you almost have a perfect triangle!

Here is a little fact I like: New Zealand is the first nation in the world to greet a new day!

We will be living in the city called Dunedin ( on the East coast, way south).

I think that is all I will say today about New Zealand. Little bits of information go a long way.

Decorating and Moving News

It's that time of year.

This year, Christmas will be a sort of good-bye for our family. Good bye to living in the United States...at least for a while.

We are moving to New Zealand!

If I have not been posting too much, it is because we have been a little busy here trying to organize our lives so that we can take this next adventure as smoothly as possible. It's been a dream in the making for a while now.

Four and a half years ago, we went to live and work in New Zealand as a family. It was a short two month stint, but it was enough for us to see the negatives and positives of life there. Time moved a lot slower there, and the children seemed to have time to be children. It did not take too much to convince us to go back there. This time, we are hoping for a much longer stint.

Three weeks from today, we will be flying somewhere over the Pacific, saying goodbye to the US, and goodbye to the old year. We will arrive New Zealand on January 1st, 2010.

What a way to begin a new year!

Stay tuned if you would like to follow our life adventures down under!

The wine country

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday in Sonoma, complete with family, and all the food we could ever eat! Aside from celebrating the kids' 6th birthday, we also celebrated the grandparents' 50th anniversary! 50! That's quite an accomplishment, if you asked me! Congratulations Ginny and Dave. You are an inspiration to us all! And thank you Nick and Terry for being the most gracious hosts!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Well, what else can I say after my husband sweet words. They ring true for me as well. Our children are very dear to us, and how appropriate that their birthday falls on Thanksgiving holiday here in the US, this coming Thursday. They are truly little miracle children in more ways than one.

Happy Birthday, Momo. Happy Birthday, Clairey.

We love you so!

The Mo Man: on your sixth birthday!

From Daddy.
To my beloved son:

Momo, I cannot begin to tell you how
dear you are to me.

In my dreams, I had not begun to hope
I would love a son as much as I do you.

You bring such delight to me:
the way you look when you sleep,
the strength you have climbing a mountain on your bike,

the creativity you possess so abundantly,

whether drawing freehand, playing ukulele,
or building some new contraption.
I simply enjoy "hanging out" with you.

You are an ever unfolding joy. Happy Birthday, my dearest son.
These words which i read in a book make me think of you:

your existence is a delight to us....I could never thank God sufficiently for the splendour He has hidden from the world....and revealed to me in your sweetly ordinary face.

p.s. thanks kit for the chance to make guest posts on your beautiful blog

Clairey-boo; on your sixth birthday

From Daddy,

To my beloved daughter,

I want to write you on your sixth birthday,

and I hope you will view this when you are older.

I have found a poem that made me think of you.

You are, as your Thai name would have it,

my shining star. So serious as a babe, you are

now a radiant delight and so very dear to me,

mommy, and all your family and friends.

You are so very generous, so funny,

so tender hearted toward others.

I love to cuddle with you; I hope you will
want to hang out with me as I do you
for many, many years to come.

I had dreamnt since I was young

that I would have a daughter to love so dearly.

You are my dream come true.

Happy birthday, my dearest daughter.

For My Daughter, from Selected Poems

David Ignatow

When I die choose a star

and name it after me

that you may know

I have not abandoned

or forgotten you.

You were such a star to me,

following you through birth and childhood, my hand

in your hand.

When I die

choose a star and name it

after me so that I may shine

down on you, until you join

me in darkness and silence

together.

Tom Sawyer

This past Monday was the performance of 'Tom Sawyer' by the class called 'Musical Mondays'. Our kids have been attending the classes, learning the songs, and rehearsing for the big event. It was their first 'real' play, and they did a great job!

They had no lines, but they knew all the words to all the songs in the play. We also received compliments from their teachers afterward. What else could parents ask for?!

Last Summer

Some photos taken on our friend Bethany's camera! Thanks Bethany!

Oh, the sweetness of New England, in the summer!

Super-Children

With too much candy and too many wrappers... I am happy to be able to say: "Happy Belated Halloween!"