Jet Lag and Driving Lessons

After a LOOONGG journey across the sea, with many transfers, uncomfortable sleeping positions, and a variety of airports we made it to New Zealand! Our first stop was Wellington (after a brief layover in Auckland) where we deboarded and went to a hotel for a quick nap before we had our "Medical Council" Interview to prove our credentials. It was very laid back, there was a brief moment when we thought we might not be approved due to not having "original" documents...but a deep sigh of relief when we got the word that we can indeed work in New Zealand. We wandered around Wellington a bit, which is a windy city on the bottom of the north island. Very quirky. Definitely a city we will return to soon.

In the evening we caught our last flight to Wanganui, which was a 10 seater, and our "carry ons" which were more like full on luggage definitely did not fit in that tiny plane, but they were nice enough to stuff them down below. This was a very short flight, on which our flight attendent was actually our copilot as well. We arrived in Wanganui, and were "collected" as they say, by Wayne, from human resources at our hospital where we are working. Little did we know we would have to drive on the first night after a 36 hour journey! Sachin was the brave one, after trying to get into the wrong side of the car, turning on the wipers when he was trying for the blinkers, and nearly having a heart attack when he was turning right, into the left lane. It was quite nervewracking, but at least there was not much traffic.

We drove up a hill, and at the end of a long driveway, we arrived at our house. Wow. The vista overlooks the entire city and the Whanganui river which runs through it. We couldn't believe our luck.

Unfortunately, the house is also quite old, and dusty, and I have had some allergy issues. We are in the process of cleaning it up...but a beautiful home, surrounded by a beautiful view. And we've already met our neighbors who have invited us up for a kiwi beer and to explain the game of rugby (kiwi's are crazy about their Rugby team, All Blacks.)