We've been here 18 months today - wow! How did time fly by so fast?
Here are some things we've enjoyed doing in NZ that we didn't do much (or at all) back then.
- Still at the same job and enjoying it.
- Got a Labrador! Life happiness index up a few notches.
- Been to many road trips in the North Island. Some of which were spent in holiday parks - we just enjoy the Kiwi holidays of being immersed in nature and 'doing nothing'.
- Our first car here - 20yo Pajero - died and we bought a new (used) car. Bought it with cash, could never have bought a car with cash in Singapore.
- Enjoy looking at the starry nights and identifying the constellations.
- Do detailed budgets and compare prices in a whole new light.
- Planting our own vegetables - all kinds! Will get chickens next.
- Improved on our cooking, especially comfort food from home! The weekly potluck with friends is getting more sophisticated.
- Got healthier.
However, we also miss home (and food!) and nephew and nieces growing up. And of course, there were some challenges in the last year and half:
- SO's job is still not stable.
- We kept having carpet trouble in the dining area - growing up with marble floors, spills could always be wiped up without leaving a stain. Some days I feel like saran wrapping the carpets. But we've since moved to a place where the dining floors are vinyl.
- We still find things expensive - hence the joy of budgeting and comparing prices.
To those who are thinking of moving to NZ - hang on to your dreams and push on!