Andy and I in the pub watching our first All Blacks match.
For anyone who used to read my blog, I'm sorry I've been away so long. Its amazing how quickly the weeks turn into months of not writing and it seems harder and harder to get back into the habit. In my case, I kind of had an excuse. After a lot of planning, decision making, saving, upheaval and tearful goodbyes, Andy and I are now living in Auckland, New Zealand in a beautiful little house by the sea on the North Shore. We have been here around 7 weeks now and it still hasn't quite sunk in yet that we have moved half way across the world. Its the scariest thing either of us has ever done but we are super excited now we're here. I didn't know what to expect, never having been here before and getting what can only be described as mixed reviews from friends who have been. Here's a selection of the things people told me and what I've found to be true so far. 1) The scenery is the most beautiful in the world. Reality: TRUE! Although I haven't been out of Auckland yet, the beaches here are stunning and from what people tell me about the South Island, and the stuff I've seen on TV, this seems to be a universally accepted fact: New Zealand is a beautiful country. 2) The weather is the same as the UK. Reality: UNDECIDED, although the weather is good at the moment. I've been promised by the locals that we can expect a long, hot summer that will far exceed the usual 2 weeks sunshine we get if we're lucky in Manchester, I will keep you posted on this. 3) It's like Yorkshire on steroids. (Yes someone really did tell me this!) Reality: FALSE although I'm not sure exactly what was meant by this statement. If it just meant that there are lots of sheep then I guess its true but I haven't seen any of them because we haven't left the city yet. Other than that, I don't find it that similar to Yorkshire, not that there is anything wrong with Yorkshire (of course!!). 4) It's always cloudy. Reality: FALSE! Another weather related one. Just to clear it up, its spring here and we have had lots of gorgeous blue sky days. Bring on the summer (refer to no.2). 5) Kiwi people are dour and serious. Reality: FALSE! So far we have found Kiwi people to be massively friendly, chatty and will go out of their way to help you. It's one of the most welcoming places I've ever been. 6) The food is terrible. Reality: FALSE FALSE FALSE!!! In Auckland at least, there is a massive food scene. There are loads of artisan food producers, farmers markets and organic cafes brimming with stunning home baked cakes and pastries. The Kiwis also have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to raw or paleo style baking. I've found quite a few places you can eat raw or paleo if you want to (I sometimes want to). When it comes to eating out there is a real mix of cuisines with a lot of Asian influence. You can find pretty much any kind of food you fancy and so far, the standard has been really high everywhere we've been. Another thing to mention when it comes to Kiwi food is they love their brunch. Most cafes here do an all day breakfast menu consisting of various styles of eggs, pancakes etc. They do big portions (just the way I like 'em!) and offer a side of avocado with everything. YUM! Here are a couple of pictures from our first few days here.
Takapuna Beach (5 minutes from our house)
Auckland City Harbor by night from the ferry
I hope you will keep reading my blog as I'm not working full time at the moment so I have plenty of time to cook, bake and blog. Keep checking the blog for 2 fabulously delicious tray bake recipes, honey and almond flapjack and banana, walnut cake with browned butter glaze. M M MMmmmmmmm! Good to be back xxx
