I can't believe how fast 2009 is flying by! Could be a good thing with our planning getting closer to our trip to the Uk and Europe next year but also scary as we don't feel old enough for another year to disappear and, for me turning the half century next March.
We have been very busy, like everyone, over the past few months. Chris and I have hosted a number of International students, mainly from Wellington Girl's College. Currently we have Florin from Germany and Kelly from Vietnam. Both are lovely girls with lots happening over the next few months - exams from Kelly and adventures/trips around New Zealand for Florin. Both girls have parents visiting Wellington during the next 6 months.
Term 3 has been frantic at school already and tonight I actually feel it should be week 4, term 4!! My syndicate was involved in a Wellington Regional Celebrating Wellington Arts -"Art Splash 2009" at the Michael Fowler Centre. It wasn't without hiccups for our school and me personally, but the end result, last night, was fantastic. Something the 6/7/8/9 year olds (120 children will never forget! Christopher recalled, while eating dinner here on Monday night, his experience being on the Michael Fowler Stage in 2001 as a 'Star Wars Cling-on', then a caterpillar for 'The Beautiful World'. The young people never forget these opportunities.
Will try to put some photos on our blog in the weekend.
Footy season has starting here Stephen and Phoenix is fired up for action!
Take care all our family and friends.
Helen and C hris
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Winter
I don't know where term 2 went and I see I have not updated our blog since the beginning of May, maybe because it has been very busy at school and with the homestay students coming and going.
I enjoyed my term teaching about the Pacific Islands and, in depth, Fiji. The whole syndicate had a virtual flight to their main study Island in week 2 with the hall being set up like a plane, even to passports, first class seats and treats for top students! We ended up having a Pacific Islands day in week 9 with the Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island dad's and a couple of women getting right into the spirit of our study. It was a fantastic atmosphere and learning experience for the 140 7/8/9 year olds involved (& their teachers)! The men arrived at school at 6.00a.m to set up an umu (like a Maori hangi). It was a -1 degree frost and when I left for school at 7.00a.m the ice was thick on Nairnville Park and I could see a haze of smoke over Johnsonville, coming from the umu the men had just lit. An amazing site! The female teachers and helpers prepared chickens and some food in the staffroom but the Pacific Island men knew what they were doing so we left them to it. After a fun morning of rotations for the children including weaving, Saoman cricket, string games, pani outdoor game, folktale stories and drama we all met in the hall and enjoyed the most lovely umu cooked food. Only 2 children complained that they didn't like it, which wasn't too bad for that number of children. In the afternoon we preformed a concert of the Saoman Sasa dance which the children do sitting on their bottoms. It was fantastic and after 3 weeks of practise it looked great. Then I organised 2 Samoan girls to do a dance which was beautiful. One of girls dad / uncle had really got into the day and organised his mates so he got up and did singing with the 2 girls and the concert concluded with the men doing a Samoan Haka. It was a day the children, teachers and Pacific Island community will never forget!
There has been quite a change in the homestay students we have had. After 2 terms with us Alessandra decided to try another living experince in New Zealand before she returns to Brazil in December. She is now living in Churton Park with a family who have two young children. We have been hosting Kevin, from Germany, again for the past month and I dropped him and his mum off at the airport, early Monday morning, to start their travels back to Germany via Rarotonga and America. He was a fun homestay. We have started hosting Wellington Girl's College students. They are lovely girls. We had Luca from Japan for a month while her host family was overseas. We currently have Rui from China and Kelly from Vitenam, both for only a month also due to changes happening in their homestays. Next week Florin from Germany arrives for a year but not sure how long she will be with us. Just see how things go as Chris and I are very excited with making plans to visit Sarah and Stephen next year, see some of Europe via Singapore and return through Daubi. Something to look forward to and have fun planning.
It has been the worst winter I have known for years, very wet and cold and today is a typical example so it might make me stay home and get stuck into some school work. How boring! The holidays will go fast so have to make the most of the time.
They care everyone .
I enjoyed my term teaching about the Pacific Islands and, in depth, Fiji. The whole syndicate had a virtual flight to their main study Island in week 2 with the hall being set up like a plane, even to passports, first class seats and treats for top students! We ended up having a Pacific Islands day in week 9 with the Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island dad's and a couple of women getting right into the spirit of our study. It was a fantastic atmosphere and learning experience for the 140 7/8/9 year olds involved (& their teachers)! The men arrived at school at 6.00a.m to set up an umu (like a Maori hangi). It was a -1 degree frost and when I left for school at 7.00a.m the ice was thick on Nairnville Park and I could see a haze of smoke over Johnsonville, coming from the umu the men had just lit. An amazing site! The female teachers and helpers prepared chickens and some food in the staffroom but the Pacific Island men knew what they were doing so we left them to it. After a fun morning of rotations for the children including weaving, Saoman cricket, string games, pani outdoor game, folktale stories and drama we all met in the hall and enjoyed the most lovely umu cooked food. Only 2 children complained that they didn't like it, which wasn't too bad for that number of children. In the afternoon we preformed a concert of the Saoman Sasa dance which the children do sitting on their bottoms. It was fantastic and after 3 weeks of practise it looked great. Then I organised 2 Samoan girls to do a dance which was beautiful. One of girls dad / uncle had really got into the day and organised his mates so he got up and did singing with the 2 girls and the concert concluded with the men doing a Samoan Haka. It was a day the children, teachers and Pacific Island community will never forget!
There has been quite a change in the homestay students we have had. After 2 terms with us Alessandra decided to try another living experince in New Zealand before she returns to Brazil in December. She is now living in Churton Park with a family who have two young children. We have been hosting Kevin, from Germany, again for the past month and I dropped him and his mum off at the airport, early Monday morning, to start their travels back to Germany via Rarotonga and America. He was a fun homestay. We have started hosting Wellington Girl's College students. They are lovely girls. We had Luca from Japan for a month while her host family was overseas. We currently have Rui from China and Kelly from Vitenam, both for only a month also due to changes happening in their homestays. Next week Florin from Germany arrives for a year but not sure how long she will be with us. Just see how things go as Chris and I are very excited with making plans to visit Sarah and Stephen next year, see some of Europe via Singapore and return through Daubi. Something to look forward to and have fun planning.
It has been the worst winter I have known for years, very wet and cold and today is a typical example so it might make me stay home and get stuck into some school work. How boring! The holidays will go fast so have to make the most of the time.
They care everyone .
Friday, May 1, 2009
Memories
Wrong date but same day!!!
If it was Saturday last year, I would now be sitting getting my hair done thinking 'hurry-up, I have heaps to do. I want to see what Sarah's hair looks like, not mine!' Many great memories of a beautiful day - even though the celebration is the 3rd of May, the days do bring back memories too.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SARAH & STEPHEN.
If it was Saturday last year, I would now be sitting getting my hair done thinking 'hurry-up, I have heaps to do. I want to see what Sarah's hair looks like, not mine!' Many great memories of a beautiful day - even though the celebration is the 3rd of May, the days do bring back memories too.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SARAH & STEPHEN.
Friday, April 24, 2009
St Paul's
While on our tour of Wellington, Alessandra, Sai and I walked down from Wellington Girl's College past 'Old Saint Paul's Church'. A wedding dress rehearsal was happening so we stopped for a look. I have to admit to a few tears being shed of beautiful memories but lots of people were in the church and I talked with many nationalities, while Alessandra and Sai took photos and videos.
A beautiful church and a lovely wedding memory!
A beautiful church and a lovely wedding memory!
Students
24 April 2009
Hello from Wellington.
Sarah and Stephen, I hope you are enjoying your work roles and looking forward to your own space, in your apartment.
This week has gone by very fast. Alessandra was picked up from the airport on Tuesday evening. She was very 'flat' after a great trip in the South Island. She did 2 Bungi jumps and I was quite happy the weather was not good enough for her to do the Sky Dive, as much as she would have liked to. Alessandra had friends sleeping over last night and has been a 'perfect' big sister to Sai , our homestay girl from Thailand. Today Alessandra and I showed Sai around central Wellington, Wellington Girls College (Alessandra loved it) then they enjoyed taking videos and photos from the top of Mount Victoria. It was a perfect day to show off Wellington!!
Christopher came over and spent sometime here later this afternoon. It is so good that he has a positive attitude with his studies.
Hello from Wellington.
Sarah and Stephen, I hope you are enjoying your work roles and looking forward to your own space, in your apartment.
This week has gone by very fast. Alessandra was picked up from the airport on Tuesday evening. She was very 'flat' after a great trip in the South Island. She did 2 Bungi jumps and I was quite happy the weather was not good enough for her to do the Sky Dive, as much as she would have liked to. Alessandra had friends sleeping over last night and has been a 'perfect' big sister to Sai , our homestay girl from Thailand. Today Alessandra and I showed Sai around central Wellington, Wellington Girls College (Alessandra loved it) then they enjoyed taking videos and photos from the top of Mount Victoria. It was a perfect day to show off Wellington!!
Christopher came over and spent sometime here later this afternoon. It is so good that he has a positive attitude with his studies.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Queen Charlotte
Monday 20 April
Chris woke early on Saturday morning so headed off for the walk from the Portage to Anakiwa at 7.30 a.m. The sign at the beginning of the walk estimated it would take a generous 8 hours but I got a text from Chris about 10.30 to say he was half way and should be at the end by 12.40p.m. I had already left the Portage and took only 45 minutes to reach Anakiwa in the car so wondered what I would do to fill in time. Decided to try to find a coffee shop as there is nothing at Awakina except the run-down Outward Bound Education Centre. I ended up driving to Picton (about 35 minutes), got a croissant then headed back to meet Chris. After a short wait out he came looking exhilarated and thrilled he had achieved his goal! He said parts were a challenge, being very steep and high, so I think I made the right choice to flag this part of the track.
We then drove through to Picton and as we were way ahead of time, tried to get the earlier ferry back to Wellington but it was fully booked out. Had a lovely lunch at an outdoor cafe (the flounder was devine!) We still had 4 hours to wait and there isn't a lot to do in Picton so went to the RSA and spent a short while having fun on the pokies. We didn't win but didn't loose either!! We then just sat and watched the movements of people in Picton. Lots of tourists and the locals all stood out!
Finally we boarded the Bluebridge and it was great to leave 20 minutes early. Another calm, great crossing arriving in Wellington at 10.00p.m.
We had a lovely holiday and would certainly go back to the Portage for a weekend of relaxation.
Yesterday we spent just blobbing out and relaxing as Chris was pretty tired after the walk. Another week of holidays for me but Chris started back at work this morning. I am tutoring twice this week, Alessandra returns tomorrow and Sia arrives on Thursday so it will fill the week up quickly.
Have a great week and take care everyone!
Chris woke early on Saturday morning so headed off for the walk from the Portage to Anakiwa at 7.30 a.m. The sign at the beginning of the walk estimated it would take a generous 8 hours but I got a text from Chris about 10.30 to say he was half way and should be at the end by 12.40p.m. I had already left the Portage and took only 45 minutes to reach Anakiwa in the car so wondered what I would do to fill in time. Decided to try to find a coffee shop as there is nothing at Awakina except the run-down Outward Bound Education Centre. I ended up driving to Picton (about 35 minutes), got a croissant then headed back to meet Chris. After a short wait out he came looking exhilarated and thrilled he had achieved his goal! He said parts were a challenge, being very steep and high, so I think I made the right choice to flag this part of the track.
We then drove through to Picton and as we were way ahead of time, tried to get the earlier ferry back to Wellington but it was fully booked out. Had a lovely lunch at an outdoor cafe (the flounder was devine!) We still had 4 hours to wait and there isn't a lot to do in Picton so went to the RSA and spent a short while having fun on the pokies. We didn't win but didn't loose either!! We then just sat and watched the movements of people in Picton. Lots of tourists and the locals all stood out!
Finally we boarded the Bluebridge and it was great to leave 20 minutes early. Another calm, great crossing arriving in Wellington at 10.00p.m.
We had a lovely holiday and would certainly go back to the Portage for a weekend of relaxation.
Yesterday we spent just blobbing out and relaxing as Chris was pretty tired after the walk. Another week of holidays for me but Chris started back at work this morning. I am tutoring twice this week, Alessandra returns tomorrow and Sia arrives on Thursday so it will fill the week up quickly.
Have a great week and take care everyone!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Nelson
17 April
Yesterday Chris and I chilled out at the Rutherford Hotel in central Nelson. We did look around the suburb of Richmond and had a nice meal out in the cafe part of Nelson. I enjoyed a seafood grill which I cooked on a slab at our table. We were pretty tired last night so lazed around the hotel.
This morning we traveled to Havelock where we had morning tea and looked around the Marlborough Sounds seaside village. We then drove about another hour the the Portage Resort Hotel. An amazing spot in The Sounds. This afternoon Chris and I hired a kayak and cruised around the bays. Very peaceful and relaxing.
Tomorrow Chris is walking about 23 k/ms back to Anikiwa and I will meet him there with the car before catching the evening Bluebridge ferry in the evening.
We are having a fun, adventurous trip.
Hope everyone is well.
Yesterday Chris and I chilled out at the Rutherford Hotel in central Nelson. We did look around the suburb of Richmond and had a nice meal out in the cafe part of Nelson. I enjoyed a seafood grill which I cooked on a slab at our table. We were pretty tired last night so lazed around the hotel.
This morning we traveled to Havelock where we had morning tea and looked around the Marlborough Sounds seaside village. We then drove about another hour the the Portage Resort Hotel. An amazing spot in The Sounds. This afternoon Chris and I hired a kayak and cruised around the bays. Very peaceful and relaxing.
Tomorrow Chris is walking about 23 k/ms back to Anikiwa and I will meet him there with the car before catching the evening Bluebridge ferry in the evening.
We are having a fun, adventurous trip.
Hope everyone is well.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Blenheim
After pretty much a sleepless night, Chris and I got to the Bluebridge terminal just about tee on time and had a beautiful calm sailing, even arriving in Picton early. We drove straight to Blenheim and checked into the Copthorne Hotel. Bubbly Grape Wine tours picked us up about 20 minutes after arriving then we picked up 8 other people for a fun wine tour around the lovely Marlborough Wine area. We visited 6 wineries plus a chocolate factory. Great value for an afternoon with fun people and pleasant wine tasting.
Quiet night tonight I think and tomorrow we head over to Nelson.
Sarah, I hope your day was sussessful.
Take care all my friends and family.
Quiet night tonight I think and tomorrow we head over to Nelson.
Sarah, I hope your day was sussessful.
Take care all my friends and family.
Holidays
I must be crazy!!! Awake at 1.50a.m but I have been asleep for a couple of hours. It is a very still, quiet night in Wellington and I am just hoping it is not the 'calm before the storm' for our journey to the South Island early this morning. Chris and I are really looking forward to the trip away, but we are being realistic about the Queen Charlotte Sounds Walk on Saturday, if the weather does change.
Easter Monday and Tuesday were basically spent doing things around the home but I did squeeze in two English tutor sessions with Young Woo. His English has improved soooooooooooo much and he has now developed a great sense of Kiwi humour. He returns to Korea in 10 weeks time and I will miss our fun English classes alot. Chris enjoyed Young Woo being here as well so hopefully Sai, from Thailand, will also fit into our lifestyle.
As usual, I have cooked the tradition Bacon & Egg pie, made yummy salad sandwiches and packed far too much clothing for our trip but I can dream that we are thousands of miles away and come home to do heaps of unused washing and stale food!!
For all the very special people in my life, have a great week and good luck with your adventures (where ever you you may be}!!
Easter Monday and Tuesday were basically spent doing things around the home but I did squeeze in two English tutor sessions with Young Woo. His English has improved soooooooooooo much and he has now developed a great sense of Kiwi humour. He returns to Korea in 10 weeks time and I will miss our fun English classes alot. Chris enjoyed Young Woo being here as well so hopefully Sai, from Thailand, will also fit into our lifestyle.
As usual, I have cooked the tradition Bacon & Egg pie, made yummy salad sandwiches and packed far too much clothing for our trip but I can dream that we are thousands of miles away and come home to do heaps of unused washing and stale food!!
For all the very special people in my life, have a great week and good luck with your adventures (where ever you you may be}!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
Happy Easter Everyone!
We had a lovely Saturday night in Wellington, eating at Humming Bird then checking out a few bars. It was very quiet in the city so we got a taxi home early.
Wellington again managed to awake to an absolutely beautiful, clear sunny day. We are so lucky to have had an extended Summer, after a few cold days last week.
Chris walked to Church for the 9.00a.m service which was very full and the parish was lucky to witness the Baptism of a tiny baby girl.
Helen took Alessandra to the airport at 10.00a.m for her flight to Nelson for the beginning of her South Island tour with the Brazilian students. I think she will have a great time but she did seem a little nervous this morning.
After an early lunch, Chris and Helen went through Kilbirnie to Island Bay. We then walked out to Red Rocks, hoping to see the Seal Colony, but a little too early in the season for the male seals to rest in Wellington. It was a lovely 3 hour return walk in perfect conditions. Cold beers and wine were thoroughly enjoyed at Monteiths on our way home!
No kids and nothing much to do so we enjoyed a yummy chicken roast at home tonight and Chris is now enjoying a 'Mr Bean' movie.
We had a lovely Saturday night in Wellington, eating at Humming Bird then checking out a few bars. It was very quiet in the city so we got a taxi home early.
Wellington again managed to awake to an absolutely beautiful, clear sunny day. We are so lucky to have had an extended Summer, after a few cold days last week.
Chris walked to Church for the 9.00a.m service which was very full and the parish was lucky to witness the Baptism of a tiny baby girl.
Helen took Alessandra to the airport at 10.00a.m for her flight to Nelson for the beginning of her South Island tour with the Brazilian students. I think she will have a great time but she did seem a little nervous this morning.
After an early lunch, Chris and Helen went through Kilbirnie to Island Bay. We then walked out to Red Rocks, hoping to see the Seal Colony, but a little too early in the season for the male seals to rest in Wellington. It was a lovely 3 hour return walk in perfect conditions. Cold beers and wine were thoroughly enjoyed at Monteiths on our way home!
No kids and nothing much to do so we enjoyed a yummy chicken roast at home tonight and Chris is now enjoying a 'Mr Bean' movie.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Easter
Saturday 11th April
We thought winter had arrived a few days ago but we have again woken to a fantastic Wellington day and the birds chirping. Long may it last for our trip down south on Wednesday.
Chris successfully got the neighbours, on our left, to chop back the trees and our view over the central city is great! (Not that we could complain before). Helen played the 'little homemaker' bit by making the lunch. She did manage to get the roses trimmed as well!!
Alessandra was out all day with her Brazilian friends then did videos and a sleepover in Churton Park so the evening was very quiet here. She is such a great homestay daughter and fills the gap of having no children close to us now. We are looking forward to our new homestay from Wellington Girls College arriving in ten days time.
It is now 8.30a.m, Saturday. Have a great Saturday and enjoy the long weekend!
We thought winter had arrived a few days ago but we have again woken to a fantastic Wellington day and the birds chirping. Long may it last for our trip down south on Wednesday.
Chris successfully got the neighbours, on our left, to chop back the trees and our view over the central city is great! (Not that we could complain before). Helen played the 'little homemaker' bit by making the lunch. She did manage to get the roses trimmed as well!!
Alessandra was out all day with her Brazilian friends then did videos and a sleepover in Churton Park so the evening was very quiet here. She is such a great homestay daughter and fills the gap of having no children close to us now. We are looking forward to our new homestay from Wellington Girls College arriving in ten days time.
It is now 8.30a.m, Saturday. Have a great Saturday and enjoy the long weekend!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Good Friday
We are new to this but enjoying reading Sarah and Stephen's Blog each day so decided to create one for us. Helen will probably be the main writer of what's been happening but I hope you enjoy our site.
It is 8.23a.m on Good Friday and we have woken to a beautiful crisp morning. The harbour is crystal clear and looking a million dollars after the very cold, wet day Wellington had yesterday!
Apart from helping and encouraging the neighbours to chop back some trees, so we get an even better view of the city, we have very little else planned for the day. Nice to have a break in the usual routines of work and school!
I will get my act together and add to our profile at some stage over the weekend.
Have a very happy and safe Easter!
It is 8.23a.m on Good Friday and we have woken to a beautiful crisp morning. The harbour is crystal clear and looking a million dollars after the very cold, wet day Wellington had yesterday!
Apart from helping and encouraging the neighbours to chop back some trees, so we get an even better view of the city, we have very little else planned for the day. Nice to have a break in the usual routines of work and school!
I will get my act together and add to our profile at some stage over the weekend.
Have a very happy and safe Easter!
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