Hello Kerikeri!

Here in New Zealand, word of mouth is definitely the best way to travel. And the locals are more than happy to give you advice. They LOVE their country and what others to really enjoy it. While we were in Auckland talked to about a handful of people, led a trickle effect to the minivan and later to where we currently are: the town of Kerikeri , which is in the northern part of NZ.

The town is wonderfully unique, with a lively downtown, but if you drive three minutes one way or three minutes the other, you are instantly in the middle of the country. All there is to see are beautiful hills and farms, almost overmwhelmingly breathtaking. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in a beautiful place with plenty of nature all around, but never so much of it in one glance of the eye.

So, last Saturday we strolled around Kerikeri, knowing immediately that it was the place for us. We popped into a few real estate places that advertised rentals. The next thing we knew, we were in a car with a realtor named Flip, taking us to a place  he believed was right up our alley. And boy was it.

This is the view from our little deck.  The house to the left is our landlord Gillian’s. She is SUCH a sweet woman and spends most of her time in the garden.  Her property,which is about an acre,  is one of the most magnificent gardens I have ever seen. She took us for a tour and there was a vegetable patch, wildflower area, plants that liked lots of sun, some that didn’t want any at all, others she collected from all around the world, and those that looked like they were out of a Dr. Seuss story. Kyle & I were completely blown away that this was what we’d be waking up to every morning.

In addition, there are lots of animals that live on the grounds including a couple pigeons she somehow inherited, a sweet deaf cat, and chickens! Already Gillian has handed over eight eggs for our dining delight. The funny thing is that the yoke is bright orange and thankfully she warned us beforehand.  Otherwise I’m sure we would have thrown them out.

The loft, I guess you can call it, is small, but super homey & it came furnished! Literally it is exactly what we wanted and hoped for.

As for now, Kyle & I are settling into our new home and slowly but surely looking for jobs. Believe it or not, I haven’t had a real job in over a  month! But knowing I won’t be heading back into the office life is an extreme relief and I’m excited about what’s next for us.