A few of our favourite things...

To celebrate 50 days in New Zealand, we thought it was time to let you know:

• Five things we like
• Five things we don't like or miss (You can probably guess that missing family and friends is top for all of us)
  
• The best day so far

So here goes...

Matt
Five things I like are:

1. School activities like the range of things to do, including sport. The work is more challenging
   
2. The atmosphere and landscape
   
3. Everyone is friendly (well most are)
   
4. Weather
   
5. Ice cream choices like 'hokey pokey'

Five things I don't like or miss are:

1. Missing friends and family
   
2. TV channels are rubbish
   
3. Boys shoes are bad
   
4. Ketchup
   
5. Grapes

The best day so far was the first that I played in a touch rugby match at school

Josh
Five things I like are:

1. People in New Zealand are friendly
   
2. New flavours of ice cream such as Orange Choc Chip
   
3. Doing a lot more sport at school, like rugby, football and cricket
   
4. The toy shops are good
   
5. Family outdoor activities
   

Five things I don't like or miss are:

1. Missing family and friends
2. Shoes
   
3. TV channels
4. Missing English pronunciation
   
5. No theme parks
   

The best day so far was biking at McLeans Island (which isn't an island)

Ali
Five things I like are:

1. The close proximity of a range of different sceneries; beach, the 'Lakes' (aka Port Hills), 'Switzerland' (aka Mount Hutt), 'France' (aka Akaroa), Christchurch centre and shops.
   
2. Having met the Payne family at Singaport airport; Chris has become a good friend - just what I needed! Also having the Smiths nearby (older and younger) - always a delight to see familiar, friendly faces.
   
3. The 'can do' attitude of New Zealanders; they are eager to give a good service and please.
   
4. Children can be children and enjoy their childhood for longer; there doesn't seem to be the pressure to grow up too quickly.
   
5. Range and choice of restaurants and really good value; huge yummy icecreams for the equivalent of 60p!!
   

Five things I don't like or miss are:

1. Miss family and friends and don't like having to remember what time it is in the UK when we phone/skype.
   
2. The poor choice of good quality shoes - Sorry to Mum & Dad for having to post out shoes for Matthew from the UK!
   
3. The NZ 'Marmite' - yes, it may be called the same name but is not a patch on the real thing! Oh and ready to serve custard - when I asked at the supermarket they thought I was barmy!
   
4. The English National Curriculum - it would be great if I could just get a job using what I know already, without having to get my head around a different curriculum.
5. Still seeking the right church near us in Christchurch; will be great to be part of a Christian family again soon.
   

The best day so far was cycling at Mclean's Forest - beautiful sunny day, fun cycle track around the forest and great company with my three boys!

Mike
Five things I like are:

1. The landscape and scenery; from the Southern Alps to the beaches, forests and Port Hills. It's stunning and accessible.
   
2. Work is interesting and challenging. It's also given me the chance to travel to the North Island.
   
3. The welcome we've received, whether it be at work or from friends (new and old).
   
4. NZ pies and ice cream, though not at the same time!
   
5. The NZ 'get up and go' attitude to life.
   

Five things I don't like or miss are:

1. Missing Mum & Dad and others, though we've spent more time on the phone and Skype than ever before.
   
2. We haven't found a good church in our part of Christchurch...yet!
   
3. I'm missing 'The Guardian' and the butcher's shop in Tadcaster.
   
4. I've less free time than I had in the UK
   
5. I miss similies being completed! Kiwis describe things as "Sweet as" or "Big as" or "Good as", but never complete the phrase (see the blog link to the 'beached whale' for some fine examples.
   

The best day so far was going skiing at Mt Hutt. Good snow and less than two hours from home.