Update

Well guys it's been a few weeks since we have had chance to keep things on the Blog updated. Things have moved on slightly since last time we posted, I’ve been completing my college course and most weekends we have been trying to sort out the house that we now live in so we have not had much chance to get out and about as much.

Simon has now started work with the Kiwi Army about three weeks ago and is about to go on Exercise in the southern part of the south island for several days. I will let Si keep you updated on how he is finding it so far work wise.

As for me Tracey, I have finally finished my 8 week resettlement course at the NZ College of Fitness; with assignments pending may be qualified in a few weeks as a Personal Trainer. I found the course quite different from military ones where I have had to learn a lot about myself and how I used to be in the military compared to my new career as a civvy! But all in all, I found the course v. good and I have made some good, new friends and now am going to pursue PT as a business with two colleagues that I have met from the course.

We have now moved from the city of Christchurch out into the 'sticks', a place called Burnham which is where Si is posted to. It's about a 30 minute drive back into Christchurch; nearest town Rolleston is about 5 miles away, NAAFI is round the corner! It's very much countryside, lots of vineyards and fields nearby and very, very quiet.

The house that we got allocated was a bit of a shock to say the least, and due to public demand (i.e. the families) I've decided to post some pictures of the place. The photo's do it justice! We knew how bad the houses some of the older style would be, but it was pretty heart-wrenching to be allocated a dirty, scruffy house, with no carpets and ripped wallpaper! Did I mention no CENTRAL HEATING. It's bloody freezing when the sun is not shining, Si thinks I should put another jumper on, but it's quite hard when it's warmer outside in a morning than in the actual house. Kiwi comments include that we should be used to the cold as we are Brits, but houses back home have heating!

So we have tried our best and try and get it homely as possible with our stuff from the UK. But we know (thank god) that this place is just a stop gap until we get our own place hopefully in a few months time and before the first lot of relatives turn up next year.

So the house has been our biggest feeling of homesickness for us both. I miss the familiarity of things back in the UK, my friends and family and having girly chats! Luckily we now have Broadband, so I'm quite sad and still listen to Radio 1 & 2 as its far superior to the local commercial stations here. Si is happy as we now have Sky as well, so he is able to catch up on the Premiership Football!

We have also been to watch the local Rugby, Canterbury Knights play in the Super 14 League. I was not quite sure what was going on for the match and had to ask Si the rules. Found it very stop/starting, but it was very much a family affair. No chanting by the crowds and throwing the usual abuse that you in the UK. They even have cheerleaders and horses galloping around prior to the match starting. Cannot imagine that at a Man Utd match!

So guys, we miss everyone lots and send our love to all. Big hugs to Grandma P and hope that she gets out of hospital and better soon.

Standby for pics of Si and the beard!