First update

Gidday all, if you have nothing better to do than read the ramblings that follow you must have a lot of spare time on your hands. However, who am I to judge, as I did after all bother to post here in the first place. Because I am lazy the next couple of posts will be emails which I constructed whilst settling in here in Auz. These were typed on a cellular telephone so I take no responsibilty for their grammatical abilitys. After that, I will only post here instead of emailing everyone direct as this way I can hit many birds with one projectile. In theory.

First Email:-- (Slightly format improved from the original manuscript)

Gidday,
I still havn't got any decent internet on and it could be a week or two before we do. Checking phone throught data plan occasionally so that's that really. It's stupid hot, luckily got a brand new aircon unit in my room. Actually had to turn it off because I woke up bout half three freezing my arse off at 18 degrees inside. Outsides mid 20s (at night).

Raining pretty much since we got here so no spectacular pics for you yet. Some real strange creatures here, werid ducks, crows, herons etc. Herons are hilerious to watch, they look like giant cartoon creatures. (Turns out these are actually Ibiss. I didn't know this at the time of writing). Mozzies are a pain, caught a few having a chomp on me. Have invested in some repellent.

Sheilas here are something else, never seen so many gorgeous girls in one place (Brisbane especially). Met most of the work crew, pretty easy going bunch, very much like Ashleys in more ways than you can imagine. We have a car to use for now until we get vehicles, so have spent all day today shopping. Spent a fair bit but we are pretty much set up now.

Company is all very understanding and willing to help out with anything and everything. Slowly getting the hang of where stuff is here, most town driving is 60 km so thats taking a bit of getting used to.

Rent free for a week and a bit. Pay is fortnightly, so won't see anything for 2 weeks. Stocked up on food so we should be pretty right.

Rain... Seen nothing like it. Imagine lake tekapo.... Falling on your head, all at once, and you will b getting close. Couldn't see to drive. Only downside here is no washing machine, so we have to take all washing to the laundromat down the road.

Boss is away on a job at the moment but he has a disco and a couple rangies in the fleet. Everyones trying to get rid of them apparently, crying shame really. Discos for sale apparently but I might try and con him into keeping it... (Turns out it's been overheated and turbo issues... waste of a good TD5) Address here is about 200 meters from work, real handy. Flat doesnt look much from outside but it's fine for all we need.

Anyhow its past my bedtime, I'll write more and organize some pics once I get some decent internet. Booked in to see bank manager tomorrow afternoon, and got some flat pack furniture to build. Town although similar people count wise to Timaru the shops etc are huge. Giant shopping malls etc. Main street pretty nice though. Auzzies all seem pretty cruisy and more friendly than nz'ers are (generally). Ran into a guy who runs a computer shop here, he's been here 20 years but is from Ashvegas, had a laugh about that. One other kiwi workin for Nixons too. Small world. Right must go. Catch ya later.