10 bags full brought us a home, a view and a good community!

We sent 10 assorted bags with household goods and clothes ahead on FedEx from our Washington home and retrieved them when we here arrived in Auckland.  FedEx was good enough to hold them for us so that we could walk the paper work through customs ourselves. We didn’t want to pay extra import taxes on personal goods.  The customs people were helpful, efficient and only charged us $46. NZ, for admitting all of our belongings.

Can’t believe we’ve only been here for a little over a month, and now have two, new to us, cars, a rental home, bank account, tax number, health care registration and the ability to transit traffic roundabouts if not correctly at least with some confidence.  It feels good to be settling in.  The new rental home is on the water with wonderful views of the Tamaki Straight.  A bus runs from our home to downtown Auckland and another bus runs to Half Moon Bay where we can take a ferry into Auckland.

$10 chairs for retro kitchen

I have managed to furnish this rental with items from discount appliance and furniture stores.   My primary thought is, “we are here for only 2 years”.  But if things continue on so pleasantly we may well extend our stay. We have met new friends and maintained old acquaintances and are really enjoying them all. 

The Salvation Army Family Stores have been wonderful for finding furniture and kitchen pots and pans at a 2 year investment price. We plan to return them to the Op Shops when we leave, but they are quite functional now.  And as my mother-in-law used to say, “I feel so virtuous when I get a very good deal.”

Life continues good, J