Isn't it amazing how different you feel after a good night's sleep? Travelling 12000 miles to the other side of the world and ending up 11 hours ahead of where you started does strange things to your body clock. It means that you spend the first few days in a trance-like state where you seem quite normal on the outside but your insides are all woolly.
Having landed in Auckland, New Zealand, early last Saturday (and by early I mean 0530 local time) I am now technically at the start of Day 5. Auckland seems to have been saving up its finest weather to greet me - brilliant blue skies, the very best lighting background for photos of sea, beaches, general environs. Temps ranging from 7-17, not bad for early Spring.
Our starter flat is homely and welcoming with a beautiful palm tree right outside the sliding front door leading to the terrace. Last night I cooked my first New Zealand meal - chicken paprika from the Edmonds Cookery Book I was advised to buy. 'Part of New Zealand's Heritage Since 1879', it says proudly on the cover. Anzac biscuits are a must, I'm told. Perhaps I'll bake some to take to our hosts for Friday's boat trip to view the opening fireworks at the Rugby World Cup ceremony.....
The first four days have passed swiftly, filled with new experiences and faces: I've explored New World (our local supermarket) and winced at the prices. Didn't think it possible for anywhere to be more expensive than Britain.... Walked and jogged along Tamaki Drive, which connects Auckland City Centre (currently named CBD, but apparently there are plans to rename it ... The City Centre!) to the eastern suburb peninsula where we are currently living, in Kohimamara, but in 6 weeks we'll be in St Heliers, where I'm to be the new assistant Deacon. Worshipped at the cathedral, and marvelled at 12 choir voices filling a huge space with glorious singing. Met up with stepbrother John and his wife Norma, and enjoyed lunch at the Black Sugar grill in Kohi (who have adopted Japan for the World Cup, at the request of Auckland City Council: St Heliers has been asked to adopt the USA and have taken the task to heart, with decorative bunting flying outside all the shops). Spent a day at Auckland Musuem, meeting the people now working with Roy, and absorbing the atmosphere in this most imposing of buildings. And had my first official meeting with my new training incumbent, Michael, to discuss my new role in St Philip's church. He's young, can-do, brisk and friendly - and determined to get me doing things solo at the earliest opportunity, apparently. Suits me!
And all this in a state of gentle jetlag.
But today's the day I feel human again, I think. Must get to grips with rugby order of play so I don't seem a complete dunderhead in forthcoming conversations.....
More anon.
Hi Sar - this is a great idea - not only do you get to record your current experiences, impressions etc. but you have a record to refer back to as you settle in more and more. It's also great fun reading it and living vicariously. When we moved to Crete 9 years ago I created a photo log and it's been fascinating to appreciate the changes we've made and our personal development. Look forward to keeping abreast with you. love Gilliebean xx
ReplyDeleteGreat to read that you have landed safely, Sarah! Does indeed sound like an amazing adventure...
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