Kiwiagogoland

We said our goodbyes at Birmingham airport after a smooth and quick check-in 12 cases and 5 peices of hand luggage. Emirates were great and we had 50kg each! Security was quick although I had a slight handicap in that you have to remove your belt. No problem normally, but as my trousers were now 2 sizes too big for me it did cause a slight issue (especially 3 times round for each airport).

The kids were great and enjoyed their first experience at flying. We didn't sleep out to Dubai, and the morning air hit you like a wall. Transit in the aircon bus was nice but I found the terminal too busy for my liking (a bit heathrow!) Georgia had an experience with security but they were that quick we didn't realise until after the event. The 3 hour wait went quickly and after being fed (again) on the flight we managed to nap.

Sydney was an altogether better experience - fantastic airport! We were due to have 3 hours according to our tickets, but the times were wrong and we actually only got 40 mins, which was a shame. Nicki got the drugs test this time but we had known about that due to a program we had watched on sky about Aussie customs at Sydney. We felt refreshed and the flight to Chch was now exciting.

Flying over the mountains was an experience and our first view of New Zealand. It was awesome. Landing at Chch, was like landing at Elmdon all those years ago. It seemed small and run down as we approached the "strip" but as you taxied off the runway the buildings got a bit bigger - lol.

We went through security, this time the MAF dog indicated for Alex - lol but all was well and within 20 mins we were getting a transit taxi having been met by my future boss (team leader).

Our first impressions were that the roads are a sort of cross between the continent and the US. There is a weird left turn give way rule that takes some getting used too, but thankfully the roads are quiet in comparison.

We arrived at the house and I think our first impression was that it was dated. Fittings, lights, electrics and the fireplace looked from the 50's and at this point I did begin to wonder what we had let ourselves in for, but we have now got used to it.

My team leader had gone to a great deal of trouble for making us feel at home. He had got the heating on and he had arranged a great welcome pack of tea, milk, fruit and basic provisions as well as champagne (with fruit based alternative for the kids.) I'll get some pics up in the photo gallery soon and you can take a look at our new setting. One thing I have to say is that the campus is awesome, but thats for next time.