6 friends
5 dolphin escorts
4 days
3 nights
2 many stories to tell
1 awesome trip
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Why you should add Nelson to your NZ itinerary
We were able to visit Nelson and stay with some friends for a few days in January, it was a beautiful get away and short 1 hour flight from Auckland
(pictures are of Neudorf Winery, The Able Tasman and the view from our friends house!)Nelson is a small town of 54,000 (although this tops it as NZ's 10th most populous city). It is located on the Northwest corner of the South Island and has something for everyone. The water and views are amazing from when you land at the airport which is a strip jetted out into the ocean. Nelson feels small and quaint but still has an airport, lots of wineries, orchards and farms with food to sell and everything you need.
We went for a boat trip in the Abel Tasman National Park and saw seals sun bathing on the rocks and many kayak the area following around dolphin pods. We had our pick of over 30 different inlet white beaches and other than a stop over by a kayaker we had the beaches to ourselves.
I highly recommend putting it on your list!
Check out http://www.nelsonnz.com/ for more info
My failure as an enviormentalist
I've been visiting an acupuncturist and in the Chinese medicine philosophy I am a "Spleen" and my element is "Wood"and since paper is a derivative of wood, this makes perfect sense to me give that my life has been consumed in mass amounts of paper lately.
First, I completed the paperwork for Dempsey transfer. Check
Secondly, I applied for a visa last June and submitted a 20 page health certificate, FBI reports, banking history and the same for Brendan. I was granted an "Extended Visitor's Visa" until August 2009. Basically I was denied anything official but was permitted to stay in the country a year (less the prior trips to New Zealand) in order to build my case for something more permanent. On December 18, 2008 I submitted a very large binder of information to immigration. Their response "this is too much stuff and we can't accept it" hmmm interesting given that I didn't have enough information the first time to support an application for a "Partner Sponsored" visa. Basically I had to provide information to prove that Brendan and I are in a genuine, stable, committed relationship with plans for a future (yeah that's fun to explain and prove to a bunch of bureaucratic strangers). What does that include? Well let's see we gave them every card we've ever exchanged, about 400 copies of emails traded over the past 2.5 years, our joint bank details, phone records, proof of joint travel, proof of common social activities, and about 100 pictures of us together. We also had some of our family and friends submit letters in support of our relationship and my visa. I met one English girl that was told she had to provide proof that their relationship was consummated. umm what? I called the immigration office weekly and the only specificity I ever got was "provide as much information as possible to show that you live together in a stable relationship"
You can imagine our surprise when we gave them our huge binder and they initially refused it saying it had to all fit in a manila envelope. Not Fun! After some negotiating they did except our information and took all the original copies that proved that Brendan and I existed on paper, and my passport. In return we got nothing! Not a receipt, not a client number, nothing (I did get something in the mail a few days later saying that my application had been received). However, this meant that the immigration office had my passport which meant I couldn't leave the country and more importantly I couldn't buy alcohol as most stores won't accept my Colorado license. That was painful!
With this visa application I was also seeking a "Right to Work Permit." Up until now since I was just classified as a tourist I couldn't get a job or collect money for work (girls this is a great angle to get out the long commute and Monday morning meetings, just move abroad)
Therefore, I was eager to see when the visa would come through. I began almost calling daily once the one month mark hit. Every time I called I got new information "It can take 60 business days" "it can take 70 calendar days" .....bottom line I didn't have a visa. Then bam, on February 2nd I got a visa and a work permit mailed to me which is valid until Feb 2011 and I have a very basic piece of paper glued in my passport saying so.
Once when I called about my file they said it was listed with "excessive and copious supporting paperwork).....hey they asked for it!
Yes, once I'm married, there's more visa paperwork to be had!
Third, I finally got a NZ driver's license. Ok I got a piece of paper saying it's a licence until my silly pictured i.d. comes in the mail. The rules here are that if you have a valid US driver's licence you can drive for 12 months after your arrival. Before that time if your license was issued at least 2 years ago and is valid for another 5 years you just pay $45 and they give you a NZ licence. No written test and no driving test. Granted most of the driving rules are the same (except that whole drive on the other side of the road what-not) but their turning rules are very different. For example. If you are making a right turn and a car coming towards you wants to make a right turn they have the right away unless there is another car behind them and then you have the right away. Basically no one ever knows who's turn it is if there is another car within miles of the other right turner. (stay tuned for a crash involving this exact rule)
Finally_I've been writing (obviously not much on this blog). I'm about to complete my journalism course and will be getting a certificate in journalism in March. I was able to publish an article on Brendan, in our local paper and my first magazine article in a national publication will hit stands next month! I've now been busy, thinking up new story ideas and submitting them to editors. Magazine writing isn't a simple process but it's an easier process than the States. I can email directly with editors and get responses within a week. To write for most US magazines you have to sign contracts, send in supporting information and it can take up to a year to hear back! (Reader's Digest takes up to 2 years to respond to a query). Anyhow, it's a huge learning curve but is also a great way to learn about Auckland and New Zealand by interviewing professionals in town, getting to know the libraries and working a job that pays me to read magazines!
I'm also learning how to write in "English" instead of "American" -basically change "z" to "s" and add a "u" to everything i.e. realise, honour, there's a lot of differences in word usage as well. Like "esquire" can only be used to describe a mail diplomat instead of a gender neutral lawyer...the list is long. I have to confer with an Oxford dictionary instead of good 'ole Websters.
So far the writing isn't a cash cow but fingers crossed I can get to see my name in print some more!
So while most Americans are being "Green" and saving paper, I seem to be buy reams of it weekly. Buy hey, what other options does a dog-importing, visa holding, wedding planning, magazine writer have without killing a few trees?
First, I completed the paperwork for Dempsey transfer. Check
Secondly, I applied for a visa last June and submitted a 20 page health certificate, FBI reports, banking history and the same for Brendan. I was granted an "Extended Visitor's Visa" until August 2009. Basically I was denied anything official but was permitted to stay in the country a year (less the prior trips to New Zealand) in order to build my case for something more permanent. On December 18, 2008 I submitted a very large binder of information to immigration. Their response "this is too much stuff and we can't accept it" hmmm interesting given that I didn't have enough information the first time to support an application for a "Partner Sponsored" visa. Basically I had to provide information to prove that Brendan and I are in a genuine, stable, committed relationship with plans for a future (yeah that's fun to explain and prove to a bunch of bureaucratic strangers). What does that include? Well let's see we gave them every card we've ever exchanged, about 400 copies of emails traded over the past 2.5 years, our joint bank details, phone records, proof of joint travel, proof of common social activities, and about 100 pictures of us together. We also had some of our family and friends submit letters in support of our relationship and my visa. I met one English girl that was told she had to provide proof that their relationship was consummated. umm what? I called the immigration office weekly and the only specificity I ever got was "provide as much information as possible to show that you live together in a stable relationship"
You can imagine our surprise when we gave them our huge binder and they initially refused it saying it had to all fit in a manila envelope. Not Fun! After some negotiating they did except our information and took all the original copies that proved that Brendan and I existed on paper, and my passport. In return we got nothing! Not a receipt, not a client number, nothing (I did get something in the mail a few days later saying that my application had been received). However, this meant that the immigration office had my passport which meant I couldn't leave the country and more importantly I couldn't buy alcohol as most stores won't accept my Colorado license. That was painful!
With this visa application I was also seeking a "Right to Work Permit." Up until now since I was just classified as a tourist I couldn't get a job or collect money for work (girls this is a great angle to get out the long commute and Monday morning meetings, just move abroad)
Therefore, I was eager to see when the visa would come through. I began almost calling daily once the one month mark hit. Every time I called I got new information "It can take 60 business days" "it can take 70 calendar days" .....bottom line I didn't have a visa. Then bam, on February 2nd I got a visa and a work permit mailed to me which is valid until Feb 2011 and I have a very basic piece of paper glued in my passport saying so.
Once when I called about my file they said it was listed with "excessive and copious supporting paperwork).....hey they asked for it!
Yes, once I'm married, there's more visa paperwork to be had!
Third, I finally got a NZ driver's license. Ok I got a piece of paper saying it's a licence until my silly pictured i.d. comes in the mail. The rules here are that if you have a valid US driver's licence you can drive for 12 months after your arrival. Before that time if your license was issued at least 2 years ago and is valid for another 5 years you just pay $45 and they give you a NZ licence. No written test and no driving test. Granted most of the driving rules are the same (except that whole drive on the other side of the road what-not) but their turning rules are very different. For example. If you are making a right turn and a car coming towards you wants to make a right turn they have the right away unless there is another car behind them and then you have the right away. Basically no one ever knows who's turn it is if there is another car within miles of the other right turner. (stay tuned for a crash involving this exact rule)
Finally_I've been writing (obviously not much on this blog). I'm about to complete my journalism course and will be getting a certificate in journalism in March. I was able to publish an article on Brendan, in our local paper and my first magazine article in a national publication will hit stands next month! I've now been busy, thinking up new story ideas and submitting them to editors. Magazine writing isn't a simple process but it's an easier process than the States. I can email directly with editors and get responses within a week. To write for most US magazines you have to sign contracts, send in supporting information and it can take up to a year to hear back! (Reader's Digest takes up to 2 years to respond to a query). Anyhow, it's a huge learning curve but is also a great way to learn about Auckland and New Zealand by interviewing professionals in town, getting to know the libraries and working a job that pays me to read magazines!
I'm also learning how to write in "English" instead of "American" -basically change "z" to "s" and add a "u" to everything i.e. realise, honour, there's a lot of differences in word usage as well. Like "esquire" can only be used to describe a mail diplomat instead of a gender neutral lawyer...the list is long. I have to confer with an Oxford dictionary instead of good 'ole Websters.
So far the writing isn't a cash cow but fingers crossed I can get to see my name in print some more!
So while most Americans are being "Green" and saving paper, I seem to be buy reams of it weekly. Buy hey, what other options does a dog-importing, visa holding, wedding planning, magazine writer have without killing a few trees?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Dempsey....the after quarantine story
After piles of paperwork, 6 vet appointments in the U.S., 6 vet appointments in NZ, and 5 visits in his 10ftx30ft kennel I was able to just walk into the quarantine facility and walk out with Dempsey this past Sunday! Demps was a bit apprehensive about where I was taking him and he slept the entire car ride home. He did a grand effort to ignore me most of yesterday but was thrilled to be able to roll around in the grass and lay in the sunshine OUTSIDE!
Demps had his first official NZ walk this morning and other than chasing Short-legs (if you saw this cat you'd know why we named it Short-legs) it was just like old times. However, after about a 10 minute walk he needs a nap for about 2 hours.... after 30 days of just lying around his stamina is down from his normal spaz time. This works out perfectly given my fitness level is barely above that of the caged animal I think we'll try and get into shape together. We may try and go explore the beach tonight for his first ocean induction. (dogs are allowed off leash on any public beach in Auckland after 6:30pm and before 9am during the summer)
In these pics he is enjoying his new yard with his new fence that poor Brendan slaved over the few days before his flight to Vancouver.
Dempsey loves being outside-Hates the houseflies and is following me around everywhere but overall he seems like the same dog. After the long flight and long kennel time I worried he'd be traumatized for life. But dogs may be better than humans in that once they have some food and regular company they forget all their worries. :-)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Best Christmas Present....More time off
Many people remark that Kiwis seem to be more relaxed, better traveled and have more hobbies than the average American. I would agree and contribute some of their culture to the additional time off from work that the average Kiwi has. As of April 1, 2007 Kiwis UNDER LAW are required to have at least 4 weeks of paid holiday time. Many take additional "unpaid leave" throughout the year as well. In cope with these vacations most businesses close for 2-4 weeks over the Christmas Holiday time. It is not uncommon to find a shop, cafe or bakery closed this time of year with a handwritten sign stating "Closed for School Holidays" Christmas marks the official beginning of summer here in NZ and most Kiwis head for the beach and fill their vacation days with water sports and barbeques.
Many Kiwis think that I'm exaggerating when I tell them in America there is no legal right to any sick or vacation time and those companies that do grant leave usually do 5 days up to 21 days depending on seniority in the company. NZ employees also receive 12 months of maternity leave where they paid partially for the time off but their job is held til the end of their 12 month leave. Kiwis laugh when I tell them Americans get 12 weeks off for having a baby (usually unpaid) and many only take a few weeks off.
All this time off must explain why they all have great gardens, are really fit and enjoy plenty of family time. I think I could get used to this!
We rang in the New Year with some friends in Northland. (see pics). There are amazing beaches around every corner and we drove all the way to the North tip of the North Island to Cape Reinga. The views are amazing. I also will never get used to how many farms are close to these white sandy beaches. It's so funny to see livestock across the street from where you just body-surfed. Wed had a great time kayaking, relaxing and playing scrabble! There may have been a few bottles of Sauv Blanc for entertainment as well. 2008 brought lots of changes and I'm excited to see what 2009 in NZ will bring. Happy New Year to you all!
If you don't believe me on the time off see this excerpt from the actual law......
Four weeks paid holidays
From 1 April 2007, all employees are entitled to at least four weeks paid annual holidays a year.
The increase from three weeks to four weeks paid holidays or leave is being introduced gradually during the 12 months from that date – it applies to different people on different dates.
An individual employee becomes entitled to four weeks paid annual holidays on the anniversary of the date they started their current job. The anniversary date has to fall after 1 April, 2007.
For example if an employee started work on the 1st of June 2006, they will be entitled to four weeks holidays on 1 June, 2007. Or if they started on the 3rd of February 2007, they will be entitled to four weeks holidays on 3 February, 2008.
For all employees who receive “pay as you go” holiday pay, the payment rises on 1 April, 2007 to 8% of their pay, up from 6%.
The right to four weeks minimum paid annual holidays applies to all workers, of all ages, in all industries. It is against the law for an employer to give less than the minimum
From 1 April 2007, all employees are entitled to at least four weeks paid annual holidays a year.
The increase from three weeks to four weeks paid holidays or leave is being introduced gradually during the 12 months from that date – it applies to different people on different dates.
An individual employee becomes entitled to four weeks paid annual holidays on the anniversary of the date they started their current job. The anniversary date has to fall after 1 April, 2007.
For example if an employee started work on the 1st of June 2006, they will be entitled to four weeks holidays on 1 June, 2007. Or if they started on the 3rd of February 2007, they will be entitled to four weeks holidays on 3 February, 2008.
For all employees who receive “pay as you go” holiday pay, the payment rises on 1 April, 2007 to 8% of their pay, up from 6%.
The right to four weeks minimum paid annual holidays applies to all workers, of all ages, in all industries. It is against the law for an employer to give less than the minimum
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
First trip home!
Hello and sorry for the delays in my postings. The great thing about traveling a lot is the travel. The bad part is that you never seem to have enough time to get anything done (blogging, sleeping...you know the basics). I am now in L.A. after my first trip back to Colorado since my move to NZ. It was great and hectic. Sorry for those I wasn't able to connect with but I guess that means you have to come visit me now :-)
I've written a few things on the differences I've seen in NZ and now after returning I've noticed some "differences" in the U.S. as well. First and foremost it's so much bigger! In NZ I live in the largest city in the country (Auckland is about 1 mil) but it seems small by comparison. When I landed in LAX after a 12 hour flight I looked like Crocodile Dundee staring at the skyline and trying to maneuver my luggage cart onto the elevator crammed with about 15 other people...at one point I just watched as hundreds of cars whizzed by. I also immediately noticed the use of cell phones and blackberries. Now as a recovering crackberry addict I understand the benefits but now living in NZ I only have 60 minutes on my cellphone and blackberry service is just cost prohibitive so returning to the lands of 3,000 anytime minutes was a change. Finally, the shopping. Wow. Some could accuse us Americans as being obsessed with consuming but I have to admit I miss some of the selection while I'm on our little island. When I first walked into Target I was walking around in awe. So many choices! In NZ you can get pretty much anything you can get in the States but all the choices aren't in one place and you're going to pay a lot more for it- so seeing rows of shampoos and streets full of large shops was almost a shock. When I lived in Denver I felt like I had to go to L.A. or New York to really access a big city with big-city options. By comparison, Denver is now my new mecca. But like all good things too much of it was overkill and after experiencing Cherry Creek mall with Christmas crowds more than once I did get a craving for some small town Kiwi shopping.
As always my trip home was busy and I didn't get to do half of what I'd planned. However I did get to hang out with my nephews and learn that Brady can read heavier books than I, Cory is going to be the next Zach Effron, Rylie likes to body slam my dog and Lucas taught me the valuable lesson of saying "hi" with a cute smile can get you out of any awkward situation.
My parents were amazing as always including when I wrecked my dad's car I borrowed and driving me to the airport at 4am this morning to ship the dog. The siblings are great and the Dunn household is never a dull moment.
I am now in LA and just dropped Dempsey off at the USDA before he boards a plane to NZ. He will arrive there a few days before I do and has to remain in custody for 30 days. The process has been a project (to say the least) but I'm excited to have my little friend in our house abroad. I can't wait to see his reaction to the ocean.
As always we'd love some visitors and until then, send me your holiday news and I'll be share my first Christmas away from my family. If you're going to be away doing it with your love and on the beach is a great alternative!
Merry Merry to all
-C
I've written a few things on the differences I've seen in NZ and now after returning I've noticed some "differences" in the U.S. as well. First and foremost it's so much bigger! In NZ I live in the largest city in the country (Auckland is about 1 mil) but it seems small by comparison. When I landed in LAX after a 12 hour flight I looked like Crocodile Dundee staring at the skyline and trying to maneuver my luggage cart onto the elevator crammed with about 15 other people...at one point I just watched as hundreds of cars whizzed by. I also immediately noticed the use of cell phones and blackberries. Now as a recovering crackberry addict I understand the benefits but now living in NZ I only have 60 minutes on my cellphone and blackberry service is just cost prohibitive so returning to the lands of 3,000 anytime minutes was a change. Finally, the shopping. Wow. Some could accuse us Americans as being obsessed with consuming but I have to admit I miss some of the selection while I'm on our little island. When I first walked into Target I was walking around in awe. So many choices! In NZ you can get pretty much anything you can get in the States but all the choices aren't in one place and you're going to pay a lot more for it- so seeing rows of shampoos and streets full of large shops was almost a shock. When I lived in Denver I felt like I had to go to L.A. or New York to really access a big city with big-city options. By comparison, Denver is now my new mecca. But like all good things too much of it was overkill and after experiencing Cherry Creek mall with Christmas crowds more than once I did get a craving for some small town Kiwi shopping.
As always my trip home was busy and I didn't get to do half of what I'd planned. However I did get to hang out with my nephews and learn that Brady can read heavier books than I, Cory is going to be the next Zach Effron, Rylie likes to body slam my dog and Lucas taught me the valuable lesson of saying "hi" with a cute smile can get you out of any awkward situation.
My parents were amazing as always including when I wrecked my dad's car I borrowed and driving me to the airport at 4am this morning to ship the dog. The siblings are great and the Dunn household is never a dull moment.
I am now in LA and just dropped Dempsey off at the USDA before he boards a plane to NZ. He will arrive there a few days before I do and has to remain in custody for 30 days. The process has been a project (to say the least) but I'm excited to have my little friend in our house abroad. I can't wait to see his reaction to the ocean.
As always we'd love some visitors and until then, send me your holiday news and I'll be share my first Christmas away from my family. If you're going to be away doing it with your love and on the beach is a great alternative!
Merry Merry to all
-C
Monday, November 17, 2008
DIY it's in their DNA
Kiwis are very DIY (Do it Yourself). They pride themselves on not using guidebooks, they don't ask for directions (or use those silly GPS instructors), rarely use recipes and they always fix things themselves. Here is my new favorite commercial showing both their sense of humor and DIY attitude
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqRVqXMyzhM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqRVqXMyzhM
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