Kia Ora

Monday 17th November 2008

The knock at the door meant Tracy had arrived,we sat and chatted for a while before she left us with some information on locating doctors and dentists,plus the details for getting our medicals done (see tomorrows post)

Last night Mel spent some time on applications so today was sending off day.It was our first day of rain since arriving and the skyline was grey and misty as we crossed to the North Shore.In the post office we filled out envelopes and paid at the counter for the stamps,it wasn't until we had left that Mel realised that we hadn't paid for the envelopes,so I stopped the car and she ran in to pay the extra dollar (40p) much to the womans amazement.

Back at the house I trawled through websites and found a position that was suitable but not for the right amount of time but I sent off anyway.It was still drizzly outside and I left Mel and took off for a walk to get out for some fresh air,the wind was swirling on Cheltenham Beach and it was deserted as I walked along with music playing and seaspray hitting my face,at the end of the beach I climbed the stairs to North head where I stood for a few minutes and drank in the view,which even on a lousy day was special.

The drizzle stopped as I rounded Victoria Street and soon I was stripped to my t-shirt and heading around the streets trying not to nod my head too vigourously to the music in case I looked like a maniac!!!

It was an early night so we could be ready for our tests tomorrow.

Tuesday 18th November 2008

Well today was the day we had to have a chest x-ray,give blood and $700 (280 quid) to the clinic for the privelege.We were presented with a jar each and huge form to fill in and sat diligently recording our information down while waiting to be seen.Mel was in first and I was taken off for a chest x-ray.Mel came out smiling finding that her body mass index(BMI) was fine and her weight good too.

My reputation for blood tests had preceded me and Mel had kindly informed the nurse already that it was not my strong point,so before I could settle I was in a comfy chair looking the other way and rambling about any old nonsense that I could think about,I am pleased to say it went well and no black outs to report.I was so good I was expecting a lolly but not sure if that thing has caught on here yet or whether I was just too old!!!

Things were going well then I got told my BMI was 3 points too high and it put me in the obese catergory,I was just about to start my I have an issue with these silly tests speech before the nurse cut me short and told me not to read too much into it and I agreed strongly then we both nodded to acknowledge what a silly test it was!!!

Surprise surprise my blood pressure was up slightly after the ordeal of giving blood,so by the time I left the room I was feeling like a broken man that needed major repairs.We made an appointment for Thursday to see the doctor for the physical (god knows what he'she will say) physical conjours up visions of running and other exhausting activities,I only want to live here not train to climb Everest!!!

We then parted with our cash before leaving...

Our second day where it started with rain and we were heading to the rugged West Coast about an hours drive away.This coastline is known for it's wind and surf beaches.As soon as the car pulled up at Bethells Beach the ducks must have sensed something because we had barely stepped from the car and we had 10 around us wanting some of the bread I had brought which was in the boot.I scattered some for them before heading off across the black sand towards the raging Tasman Sea.

The waves were high and the wind was strong but as we got closer we could see 4 people swimming it was bloody freezing and cold the wind was hard making our faces sting when the seaspray hit us.I would love to see this beach on a winters day the power of the waves would be amazing. This coast is full of winding roads and this led us to Piha,a prime surfing beach and home to Lion Rock,which was supposed to look like a lion,Mel could see it but I was sceptical.

More ducks were around and when I wasn't paying attention watching Mel feed the ducklings one decided it might like to taste my finger and grbbed on for a second or so,till I yelled and retreated.Again the water was wild and so different to the Pacific on the East Coast,but it gave it a different kind of beauty.

We seem to be turning into beach spotters (is there such a thing!!) but you do have so much choice within an hour of the city you really do have to try them all to find your favourites.

Back at the house it was like chinese laundry as Mel hadn't been able to get her washing done this morning,now she couldn't sit still debating whether it would be best inside or outside as the sun was setting,it truly was a dilemma and one I am glad I didn't have!!!

The day had been filled,and we were windswept but content with the days proceedings,will be in touch again in a couple of days.

Lots of Love

M & M

xx