oue epic journey part 2, OZ and NZ

So, after leaving Dubai on Tuesday morning we prepared ourselves for a 17 hour marathon journey to New Zealand. The four of us and my mother, who was travelling with us so she could teach us all we needed to know about our new home.

Sat in what would be home for the next three quarters of a day, we were blessed with a 600 channel entertainment system, The food was good the kids behaved fantastically, and Claire hardly spoke to me the whole time, almost like heaven.

We arrived at Melbourne Airport twelve and a half hours later, at about 6.00am. Our plane was then prepared to leave at 7.10am. So a quick security check and a trip to the toilet later and we reboarded for the final leg of our journey.

A little over two and a half hours flight and we arrived in Auckland to a very emotional welcome from my sister and her family. Her account of the day can be seen on her blog, Life today.

our epic journey part 1, Dubai..........

So, we left for Birmingham airport at 10am on friday 14th september. Bound for our intermediate stop over in Dubai. A 'short' 7 hour flight to the middle east and four days with my parents. Arriving at just past midnight, to be greeted by temperatures of 30c+, and an average daily temp of almost 40c.

Saturday morning saw us visit the beach near the 7* Burg Hotel, and then to the Mall of the Emirates, the largest mall in the history of the world, apparently or something, who cares. It is just full of designer shops that I will never afford to shop in, and the most amazing indoor ski slope. But, we did get some new sunglasses, from NEXT.

Saturday night was spent at a friend of my parents, Phil and Tikka, who were having a BBQ, so after swimming in the private pool on the housing complex we ate and drank.

Sunday 16th, saw a trip to the local water park, and the hottest day of the four, 44c! imagine that if you can. It was just a little bit too hot to really do anything. Then that evening Claire, my Dad and myself drove to a desert wasteland to enjoy the HASH HOUSE HARRIERS. A quick 3mile brisk walk followed by a bonfire, lots of beer and joviality. The Hash is something not to be missed, look it up in your area and turn up, you WILL enjoy it.

Monday 17th, was a day of rest, with a trip to another beach, again a little bit too warm to have much fun but just nice to relax. A grown up meal at the local hotel while the kids were looked after by Tikka, gave a nice end to the stopover.

Tuesday was then time to leave for New Zealand. and part 2 of our epic journey.

i am new to this

hello claire here, i have not used this yet but why should iain be the only one telling you things!! the shipping company phoned today the final price for shipping was less than we expected so thats good news and the boat that it is going on is leaving next week so ellis will get his playstation back sooner than expected hurrah!!

i have been out for lunch with my mum and dad today which was lovely we topped it off with a walk around colwick park, it is so nice there but very hot.

we are going to my cousins wedding in london tomorrow, it will be nice to see that side of the family before we go. we are borrowing my brothers car and i have to drive as iain is not insured so it will take us much longer than it should and i will need a bucket of red wine when we get there for my nerves!!!!!

nothing else to report at the mo speak again soon.

claire x

they will be dead soon

Just checked my mothers blog, and she shows you a lovely picture of her orchids back home in NZ. Only two weeks 'til they are dead when we arrive with our children and our ability to kill any plant.

You have been warned mother.

about bloody time.

Finally, with one week left 'til we move, we have a viewing on our house. Friday night at 8.10pm, so fingers crossed everybody this is the one.

Female looking for three bedroom semi, in a nice area, no upper chain and mortgage in place. Sounds perfect. If only there were a god, then I would be praying for the next 48 hours.

On a different subject, the transport company came today and collected the eleven boxes that are being shipped to NZ, just waiting for the final price.

Can take 14-16 weeks to ship depending on how quickly the container is filled. Now just need a freight forwarder in NZ. Hopefully shipping will arrive around christmas then we wont have to buy the kids many presents!!!!

Look forward to seeing you all soon.

and so the nightmare continues.....................

we have started packing up our life ready for shipping to new Zealand, surprisingly there is not as much as we first envisaged. But, it is one hell of a job sorting stuff into boxes, making sure they are not over the weight limit and making lists of what is in each box.

ouch.

Claire and I have both had some more tattoos done. Claire's stars are to represent our two 'delightful' children and mine is a little more self explanatory.

When we get to New Zealand we will want more so we will be looking for a decent tattoo studio.