We finally have the internet at home, so we can start our blog.... We have moved into a flat close to the beaches of the eastern shore of Auckland. Our beach - kohimarama is a two minute walk from the flat. Its a temporary move until January but came fully furnished and fairly cheap ( by London standards not kiwi). We have had walks along beach on way to and from the local bar and feel at home here already. Its strange how soon you settle into a place - the only thing lacking is friends to share the scenery/ good life with!

Steve has started working - although term ends on 9 Dec, so not long to go till the 6 week xmas hols. Our visas arrived this week and we can now both legitimately work in enzed.

We hired a car for the first two weeks and roamed the countryside surrounding Auckland - breathtaking - the Hunua ranges, Waitakere ranges surround Auckland east and west and the drive to them in itself is worth the move over here.... We have seen a few pukeko birds but no good shots of them with the camera as they move too fast to be caught on film.

The beaches are great - mostly black sand due to volcanic activity but it is extremely attractive. A little too cold still to be swimming (for us brits anyway) but warm enough for a bit of paddling.

Food and drink is cheaper here so we have been drinking and eating out often - but also not to excess as we did in London...must be the lack of bad influences!!! Everyone is a bit of health freak here and I often watch them from the balcony window on their power walks, jogs and taking their roller blades down to beach - while I sip my coffee and think "I should be doing that"... Steve and I tired rock climbing though - indoor - and Steve was like spiderman! I need a bit more practice.

We have now bought a car from one of the teachers at steves school - its a bit old and battered but will do the job adequately.

Will put some piccies of the area on the next posting - cant get it to work yet!
..keep in contact, its so nice to hear from people.
Our best to everyone, lots of love Steve and Leila xxx