Our Very Own Flat

From Liz:

Look at me, I'm even using the word "flat" instead of "apartment." NZ is catching up to me. Pretty soon, Jen and I will be not only taxed, employed temporary residents of NZ; we'll be taxed, employed temporary residents with our very apartment and address. Earlier today we officially signed the tenancy agreement for an adorable flat a few minutes walk from the hostel where we're currently living, right next to the big grocery store. Jen and I, and Jamie and Lewis, are officially moving.

There were several reasons for our decision. One, we're sick of cleaning every single morning - it'll be so nice to have a day off once in awhile, so we can go on overnight camping trips or just sleep in once in awhile. Two, as the hostel gets busier and busier, it's so frustrating sharing a kitchen and fridge space with seventy other backpackers and never having any alone time. Three, this way we can get a morning job a few days a week, still have days off, and save more money. (If you consider that the minimum wage here is $12.80, and we work for two hours a day, seven days a week, we're essentially spending almost $175 a week each to live at the hostel. Not worth it.) Four, it's just going to be SO COOL to have our very own apartment.

The flat has two bedrooms, a kitchen/dining room, a very big "lounge," a very small bathroom, and a wild, beautiful garden full of flowers both in front and in back. Our elderly, partially deaf landlady lives on the second floor; she told us to think of her as "our grandma upstairs," she uses apostrophes correctly, and she has three nice cats. We each pay $400 a month, which is good for Paihia at high season, and affordable with our jobs - and she's okay with us taking off in February to travel.

All in all, we're extremely satisfied. Stay tuned for pictures of our new abode!