Monday, March 14, 2011

A message from The University of Auckland

Dear Peter,

We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent tragedy that fell upon the country. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel.
We would also like to extend our support to those who may be trying to get in touch with relatives or friends in Auckland and vice versa. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we are able to assist with any of your students that are currently studying with us at the ELA.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Contact details - Update

I am in Whangarei from Sunday evening to Tuesday (returning to Auckland Tuesday evening). My home contact number is +64 09 435-1468.

Miku flies home on Monday and will be staying at the
Incheon International Airport Transit Hotel on Monday night.
Contact details are
Tel. 82-32-743-3000
Fax. 82-32-743-3001 / 3005
http://www.airgardenhotel.com

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Sunny Takapuna

A beautiful sunny day in Takapuna but our thoughts were of Japan. 

We all had an enjoyable day at Takapuna beach. Sun, sand and surf.
Unfortunately Miku is unable to attend as she has decided to move to a bed and breakfast for her 
last 2 days and had to wait to be picked up from her homestay.
We had a BBQ at a friends house with the beach just 200 meteres down the road. Hitoshi enjoyed the water as can be seen in the photos. Sayaka, Nana, Yurina and Haruka are planning to be models over here.  Enjoy the photos.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Earthquake in Japan

Friday night in New Zealand and we are getting news reports of the large earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We hope and pray our family friends are okay. Having arrived in New Zealand 3 days after the Christchurch earthquake and now to hear of the earthquake back home it is hard to believe.

Tomorrow we are having a BBQ and saying farewell to Miku who, after a couple of flight changes, is heading back home on Monday morning.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Weekend Update - I'm lost.

After realising I don't know my way around Auckland anymore we eventually made it to the Auckland Zoo on Saturday. A little bit of rain but a warm day. After the zoo we enjoyed a late lunch at an Algarian cafe. Miku had made other plans and wasn't with us today.

On Sunday morning we enjoyed the Mt Smart markets near Hitoshi's house and then went to Onehunga where their is a large clothing outlet mall called DressMart.
On the way home there was a sudden outburst of song in the car and everyone sung "Happy Birthday" to me and gave me a lovely card and two t-shirts. A very nice way to end the day.

Miku was meant to have attended a baseball game but that was cancelled. We met her and her friend in NewMarket on the way home.

On Monday everyone has a progress test. "Gambatte".
Photos to follow.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

First Day at School

On Monday we met at 8:30 at the school and everyone had a placement test which involved a grammar / language function test (30 minutes), a 150 word essay (30 minutes) and a speaking test. After morning tea timetables, facilities etc were explained and then we were taken on a tour of Auckland University. We also arranged our bus passes for the next 3 weeks. The day finished at 3pm and everyone was quite tired.
It was a great start with new friendships being made. There are students from China, Korea, Iran, Brazil although students from japan made up half the class. This is because it is our spring vacation in Japan.

Miku was waiting for us in the morning and has obviously settled in New Zealand very well.

Here are some photos of our first day.