Sailing

It is a marvelous hobby to be able to build your own boat and then sail the seas for a whole year.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think people like that still exist.  But alas we have encountered such individuals.  It has been quite the gift to have been invited on more than one occasion to embark on a seaside sail in and around some of the surrounding islands on the east side of Auckland harbour and coast. 

The Dragon

The ocean has a greenish tinge on sunny days and is quite darker on the gloomy days.  I haven't seen a shark (I really wanted to...well kind of; out of curiousity) but I did see a penquin and a school of dolphins dodging in and out of the water.  It was fantastic!   I have yet to muster the courage to go swimming in the sea.  I am hoping that will come with time. 

The tides come in and out twice a day.  You definitely have to be an expert seaman to navigate on and off the coast.  During low tide we sometimes come across some unfortunate marine life that got caught on the sand or lime deposits on the shore.  The boys and I came across a jelly fish, the first one we have seen thus far.  It just looked like a purplish blob on the sand.  The shoreline is littered with shells of all sizes, colours and shapes.  The eastern side of New Zealand has white sand and the western side has black (on account of volcanic deposits). 

There are many people in New Zealand who own boats of all kinds as the bay is full of them.  The most cost-effective of all types of boats would be of course a sail boat.  (I now know where Auckland got its nickname, the city of sails.)  It would cost at least $1000.00 in gas to operate a big boat in these waters and trust me you would want a big boat.

Jeremy and Jericho are learning the basics of sailboat operation.  It is a lot of work.  I think they like it though as they are quite willing to help prepare the food and gather supplies on the day of sailing.  It is great!!

We have to this day, managed to see Maratei Beach, Howlick Beach, Karekate Beach, Waiwera (hot springs), the shores of Waiheke Island and Bucklands Beach.  All of which are around Auckland.  I can't wait to start venturing further because what I have seen so far is so breathtaking!  I will keep you posted.

Our Dwellings

First of all, I would like to apologize for my negligence in the upkeep of this blog.  The whirlwind of life's challenges have prevented me of informing all of you of our great adventures.  I will exert more effort in the future of telling our many adventures in this great land of New Zealand.

Frontal view (outside)

 I suppose I should start where I left off.  Many have inquired of our residence while in New Zealand.  There are many fine dwellings in Auckland but it is very costly to afford space when looking for accommodations.  Many houses are small and lack privacy.  Unless you come with money, you will simply have to suffice with a humble two bedroom flat with kitchen, bath and living space.  All rooms are of moderate size (just enough space to accomplish the function at hand).  Oh but all houses seem to come equipped with at least two bathrooms.  This seems to be standard with most homes in New Zealand as I have looked into various magazines, newspapers and internet websites.  We were fortunate enough to get a two bedroom condominium with whiteware (fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer).   Our lease also includes usage of bbq patio, tennis courts, swimming pool and fully equipped gym. 

kitchen


  

living space



living space - front view

washer & dryer

downstairs bathroom



upstairs bathroom



bedroom (mine)



bedroom (boys')



Our rent is relatively the same rate anywhere in Auckland that you would pay for the size (location is a bonus) of a flat we currently have.   Hold your breath for this one....Are you ready?  A whopping $385 NZ dollars a WEEK.  Yes that's right.  They charge by the week.  That isn't including power, water, telephone and internet.  Let me see....Am I forgetting anything...oh yes and cable.  Wait a minute, we can't afford cable so that's right, my boys have to start the hobby of reading. Cross your fingers and hope that works!  Wink, wink!  



Jericho just finished bar tending school.  It was only two weeks and thank god because I was beginning to worry that he would become an alcoholic.  He was able to drink in class.  Where did I go wrong?  Anyway, now he can make awesome drinks.  The next step, get a job!!  Please oh please.....After that, get his license.  Nah, it's all good.  Jericho will get a job and I am glad to be here to help him along.  Things are so much more different now than they were when I was his age.  It is more challenging to obtain employment and discouraging to compete against so many.  He helps out a great deal around the house and it is so nice sometimes to come home to a clean house and cooked supper. 

 Jeremy has started school in Year 10 (Grade 9, last term).  He had to cut his hair, shoulder length and wear a uniform.  I have been trying to obtain a suitable photograph but alas he has managed to dodge every effort.  He helps around the house with chores and seems to enjoy viewing the sights when we manage to find time to do so.   A friend of ours, who is also HOD, Maths, has offered to tutor Jeremy once a week to prepare him for Year 11.  From Year 11 - 13 in New Zealand, accreditation of courses becomes very important for future educational opportunities.  Thanks to our friend, Jeremy will be well prepared.  At least in the subject of Math.

In case you were wondering.  Yes we do have furniture.  There have been some very supportive co-workers who have lent us beds, bedding, dishes, a couch, chairs, table etc.  I don't know what we would have done if not for the generous support of some very outstanding individuals.  I have found a new hope in the humanity of men/women.

Untill the next post folks, Take Care!!