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!!