Short Snippets from the Burgers

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So, we have relocated…

And it is cold!

We arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on 12 May 2019. Jet lag was real. And so were my swollen ankles. But once this wore off, we were set on exploring town. It felt like we entered another universe. All along the road we observed stationary bicycles and scooters. We were informed that these are called e-bikes and e-scooters (‘e’ means electronic). Locals ‘hire’ these transportation devices, and once they have reached their destination, where ever it might be, they simply leave the it next to the road. Then you get your good Samaritan, or possibly just a money-hungry person, who so kindly fetches the scooters, charges it, gets paid a stipend and places it back on the street… They are called ‘juicers’… Weird. If you were wondering, like we did, these bicycles/scooters do not get stolen.

Another jaw-dropping moment was observing the great orderly fashion in which people march across the street once the light turns green for them. For some, this might seem like standard road rules, but if you are from South Africa, you will understand that people cross the street where ever and when ever… Anthony still does.

We were introduced to a hardware store, called Bunnings. I dubbed it ‘bunions’, but the sense of humor was not so greatly welcomed. Anyway, it has a coffee shop and apparently, this is like the place to get a great coffee. Laugh! Well, little did I know, that ‘bunions’ and I would connect supernaturally over coffee and tools. Let’s leave that there for now.

To wrap up our time in Auckland, Anthony and I did a tour to the aquarium. He was intrigued by the history and I just wanted to see all the animals. I made him drive on the free Shark bus with me. Got to explore everything that is free right? Probably another South African mindset. We loved Auckland, and its diversity of people. But, the time came for us to find our bus to Hamilton. Our new to-be home.

Got to force the smile! We are getting a free ride.

Our Hamilton adventures to follow.

Cheers, for now.

Lorraine

I am a Foreigner

Today was the first day in three months that I was brave enough to sit outside with a short sleeved shirt. Well, it did not even last 40 seconds. For two reasons: It is still winter, and apparently the hole in the ozone is located above New Zealand and can scorch your skin! But truth be told, it was a wonderful, bright shining sunshine day in Hamilton. I decided to, after an hour workout at the gym, to get a cuppachino and lunch at Hamilton Gardens. We are quickly getting used to paying $4 for a hot drink, but eating out is still a no-no. Today was different though…

The view was extraordinary: ducks dancing in the lake whilst a choir of birds cheered them on. And did I say, the sun was shining! As much as I enjoyed what I was seeing, I noticed that others did not… instead, their eyes were fixated on my shocking pink pattern pants, holding hands with a bright turquoise shirt, and to top it off, a plain grey and dark blue knee length jersey. Oh well, I did not care, as long as I avoided going home…

See, if you rent a house in New Zealand, your housing agent comes to do an inspection every two to three months… and today, this bright, glorious day, was our lucky day. In social work I learned that I am a ‘skurtle’. A skunk mixed with a turtle. If there is an issue, I will make it known (drop the bomb! booya!), but then quickly withdraw to a safe, hiding place. And today, I skurtled! We had many hick-ups with our housing agent and I could not bear the thought of facing her. Maybe she is the eagle type that catches and releases turtles from high heights… and I was not ready to find out. Therefore, today, eating out was totally affordable!

Talking about housing agents. When we arrived in Hamilton, I endlessly searched for us for a home. At one house viewing, an agent bluntly referred to me as a ‘foreigner’ who needs a ‘guarantor’ because ‘us foreigners just relocate and we leave our belongings behind for them to sort out’. By the shocked expression on the other people’s faces, and their skin colour turning from deep brown to white ash, I knew they noticed the discrimination. Somehow for me, I guess because we get desensitized in South Africa, I only smiled and told her I understood. I did not actually understand. Why would people leave their belongings behind or why do you need to pay a deposit if you then require a guarantor! We, well I, thought it best not to rent that house…

Only after this ‘incident’ did I think that the housing agent was actually quite right. Maybe even a little prophetic. I am a foreigner on earth as I am a citizen of heaven. I am just passing through. And yes, one day, when I relocate to my eternal home, I will leave my earthly belongings behind. I know Jesus is my guarantor and that I have made a deposit into the Kingdom.

Cheers, for now,

Lorraine

Culture Shock

Kia Ora,

That is the greeting in New Zealand. Although I have never heard anyone actually use it. I have heard some people use the expression ‘Sweet As’, but it doesn’t sit so well in my South African frame of reference. Probably because that phrase is all too often used in a different context back in South Africa.

Anthony says he loves his job. New Zealand’s organisations invest a lot of time and energy in their staff… such as providing free fruit baskets, coffee and outdoors activities to build team cohesion and increase morale. Anthony did not want to tell me just HOW MUCH he loves his job because he feels sorry for me as I am still unemployed. But, I as his wife, obviously knows this and once I told him that I am so happy for him, he gave a sigh of relief… And then blurted out that his employers take such good care of him that he does not really have a reason to come home anymore. Well that left an awkward silence.

I have learned to say the word ‘yeah’, quite often. And Anthony has decided to adopt Kiwi culture by saying ‘cheers’ as ‘thank you’. It really confuses me…

Anthony: Good day, do you have this item in stock at your store?
Cashier: Let me go and find out.
Anthony: Cheers.
Lorraine: ??????

Something else to consider is the accent- especially with words containing ‘e’… Bed is pronounced ‘bead’ and bear is ‘beer’… And to clarify, those are totally different things!!!

Cashiers are super friendly and always ask you how your day is going. They will quickly pick up on our South African accent and all I can tell them about South Africa is that is warmer and sunnier than NZ. They usually smile and nod with a frown… and that is when I notice that they are dressed in short sleeve shirts… and me… I am looking like a hibernating, warmly dressed ‘beer’ from the zoo.

Post is delivered to your post box… which is awesome in itself. But even cooler…. it is delivered by someone driving a golf cart. You must also sort your trash for recycling… Well sort of. Carton, milk bottles, cans and glass have a special green container. This is fetched once a week. If you decide to leave the recycling people a little gift in the container, such as a chips packet, they will simply not take it. Spoiler alert.

And then there is driving. 50 km per hour. That is your average speed. And don’t dare to go faster! Our car GPS will quickly tell you that ‘YOU ARE OVER THE SPEED LIMIT’. Also, the Police is not a force to be reckoned with… What I am saying is that I am too scared to drive faster! Other roads will allow 80 km ph, and your highways are typically 110 km ph. And that is the road speed my friends! Better stick to it.

The bus system works well and Anthony uses it every day to travel to and from work. It is a standard flat fare of $2.40 per trip. And yes, it is ‘cheap’. If you continue to think in South African Rand, you will not make a living. Take away coffee is affordable (and so good). But it stops there. No more ‘eating out’.

And don’t buy anything at the store, unless it is on sale. New Zealand stores know how to have a good sale: 50% OFF everything in store. I knew I shouldn’t have bought those mugs the other day…Darn it!

More to follow as we explore our home town, Hamilton.

Cheers (not the ‘thank you’ version),

Lorraine

We are the Burgers

We are the Burgers. Often introduced as (Ham)Burgers – Beef, not Chicken.

About a month and half ago we made the ‘big move’ from South Africa to New Zealand. God miraculously opened many doors for us and before we new it, we made Hamilton our new home.

Funnily enough, I always said I will never relocate to New Zealand. When I heard people say they are emigrating, I am ashamed to say, but I judged them a little… Thinking they are running away from South Africa. But with God, never say never!

At the end of November 2018, I felt that Anthony and I needed to make a change… and when I suggested New Zealand, I was shocked at my own words. Long story short, Anthony grew fond of this idea (within one or two days, as he usually does). At the end of December 2018, he submitted his CV to a company, which now employs him.

We had many miracles on this journey, which I will share with you on another day. For now, we are excited to share some snippets with you from our relocation process. Please follow our blog to get a glimpse into every day things at new home, Hamilton, New Zealand.

God is good. In every season.

Love,

Lorraine