So my efforts to blog have slipped amid my efforts to set up life here in Auckland. Last month we celebrated six months of living in this beautiful country at the edge of the world. I thought it was time to fill in that six-month gap, and try and be a bit more progressive with my blogging. Hat tip to Nessa for her ever inspiring blog.

The Living Situation

We are currently flatting in Ponsonby, a suburb close to the CBD. Ponsonby is probably comparable to Ranelagh in the way that its inhabited by lululemon clad yummy mummies with impeccably dressed children and perfectly groomed pooches; and in the way that Ponsonby Road is lined with excellent restaurants and cool clothes shops. We didn’t know where Ponsonby was, and hadn’t been to the flat in real life when we agreed to take it, in what felt like a bit of a risky decision, but we really lucked out.

We’re also trying, with mixed success to grow some plants on out balcony. We harvested one tomato. The peppers and chillies have been a better success

Impressions of Auckland

Auckland feels very much like a city in flux. And anyone who has lived here comments on the vast and significant changes that have taken place over the past 5-10 years. In particular reclaiming large parts of the city centre and redeveloping them into cool trendy areas, like Silo Park and Wynyard Quarter.
However, despite these improvements, my fresh eyes still struggle to comprehend the massive over-reliance on cars, and the ugly infrastructure to accommodate them. The motorways and multi-story carparks seem like scars on the city, but a poorly developed public transport system, although improving, seems not to leave much of an alternative.

Auckland sits on a narrow strip of land (apparently only 2km wide at it’s narrowest) between the Tasman sea to the west, and the Pacific to the east. This affords the city extensive and varied beaches, my favourites of which are Bethell’s or Piha on the west coast. There are a number of mountain ranges and native bush within easy distance of the city, making day trips and post work outings a doddle… If you don’t get stuck in the famously chronic traffic.
The strip of land that the city sits on is made up of a variety of volcanic cones making the city a bit hilly. The most iconic of these volcanoes is Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki gulf. Many of the cones form green spaces and parks, like the Domain and Cornwall park which are lovely spaces to spend a sunny afternoon.

The Working Situation

In October, I began working with Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) as a digital producer. It’s been an interesting learning curve, and I’ve very much enjoyed the working environment and the “give it a try” attitude which is a distinct contrast to my previous public sector experience.

The highlights

• Some excellent food, within 10 minutes walk. Hat tips to Namo, mekong baby and Cocos Cantina for some of my favourite meals to date; and to the Street Food Collective for their creative approach to food.
• Excellent coffee, almost with out exceptions. Even in the tiniest of towns.
• Touring around the country when we can, in our (i.e. Stephen’s) motor; taking in the spectacular scenery
• Particularly the Abel Tasman Coastal Track which we did in early March
• Not being translucently pale for six months straight.
• Being able to go some of the world’s most beautiful beaches for a post work outing

The lowlights

Probably the same as every other emigrant, missing people, having to make new friends and the awkward meetings and constantly having to put your best foot forward. Getting trapped in stairwells in work.