Hi Lou, glad you picked up my message. I don't look as often as I used to but am still enjoying following certain folks!! Yes, we are back home in France. Our time in NZ really made us focus on what we wanted to do and where. We have just sold our house here near Dijon and have bought a 3 acre farm in the SW (NOT the Dordogne!!) . Our plan is to be more sustainable not to work for 'the man' (why man I always wonder!!) and to dip into modern life if and when we want to. I think it's like your plan in fact, only in Europe. Anyway I am looking forward to following your blog, especially when you get to God's Own Country!! Best, Kate
Hiya Kate ... Lovely to hear from you again. Thanks for the information .. that's great! I'm definetly veering towards the South Island. I have a couple of interviews in Auckland lined up for our arrival, but, to be honest, really don't see the point in settling there as it'd almost negate our reasons for emigrating (i.e. to get away from the hussle and bussle). Am just wishing we could invest in a crystal ball ... am trying to keep all options open, and it's making any plan-making impossible! Are you now back home? Lou x
Hi Lou, I am sending this mp as ( as you may know ) we didn't stay in NZ, so I always feel I must be v careful what I write on this forum. However, have been following you and Jon's progress as felt same type of person-ish! So, I would recommend having a good look at Christchurch. We spent a month there. V small city, v clean, v English but also not ie café culture etc. Never saw any violence but didn't go out at night except to visit Koko and then loved the ease of crossing the city in zero traffic to get back. Ian also ran in Hagley Park and went out v early on buses, again no problems. Good architecture which made me feel like I was not in a hick country. Excellent art galleries and music scene. Nicely alternative withour being totally Glastonbury or Totness. Good cinema too. The south island is different, more polite, more beautiful, and if anything is happening it will happen in ChCh as everything else is crappy!! Once again we stayed in the 'nice' part, Merrivale as there seemed no point in becoming depressed by cheap, bad motels when you have gone that far. The rent was 500 a week, furnished. Sumner and the coast is near with a good farmer's market and great arty feel ( for NZ standards) ; the teperatures for us were way too low, but hey!! If I was ever to return it would be to round there. I'm sure you will visit all the cities anyway. Best wishes, Kate
