The Love Shack

Tonight I signed the lease on a place for Laura and I. Our landlords are Jorg and Jackie. Jorg is from Berlin, Germany and Jackie is originally from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). They are an older couple who likes to travel. Laura and I will look after their place while they are gone and in return we have very cheap rent!

The place is pretty small, but has plenty of space outdoors. A firepit in the back yard, and lots of room for a garden (and maybe a hive of bees).

note: by popular demand, I've changed the name of this post (your welcome Jo and Elizabeth)

New Zealand Driving

This subject has been the topic of such a large portion of my thoughts I thought I would Blog about it. Here is my rental car.....your probably thinking, sweet car.

Well that's what I thought till I tried to get in on the wrong side....for the 30th or 40th time. Why? Because the controls are on the wrong side of the car!

Thankfully when I arrived at Auckland International Airport, there was a Minibus Express Agent waiting for me to drive me (safely) to Hamilton. Upon arival at my hotel in Hamilton I got handed the keys to my rental by the Avis lady. I was thinking, good luck ever seeing this car again because by that time I had learned that my car was in for a "crash course" in having an American driver.

My first day, I only drove a few blocks away to ease myself into the transition. Everything went ok untill I came upon one of the many roundabouts in town. Trafic goes clockwise in a roundabout down under, so it was a bit of a challenge. The car and I made it through, thankfully unscratched, and then promptly back to the hotel where we both sat for a few hours. The next time I ventured out, it was on foot.

After several days here, I learned another very important rule. When you are making a left turn, you must yield to any traffic turning from the right (even though they are crossing your traffic lane to do so). I think I have the rule down now, but I wonder what everyone else thought of me before I knew this rule?

Now after being in the country for four days, I feel pretty confident on the road. So it isn't impossible, just a little challenging.

Check back soon for photos of the 'cottage' Laura and I will spend out first year in.

Many thanks for all the generous gifts from everyone!!!!
Laura and I were truly showered with blessings.