Here are some ways you can contact us while we are in NZ:
- Leave comments on this site. We will read all comments posted on here, if you have something to share with everyone, say it here! UPDATE: Turns out you need a WordPress.com account (create one here). Signup takes about 10 seconds and then you can leave comments for us on here.
- Skype. Download Skype and call us for free! See my status and call me by clicking the button.
- SMS. Our mobiles will still work in NZ, but obviously calling the UK from another country is expensive (and international roaming charges mean that even if you call us, we get charged for the call as well as you! Those mobile networks sure know how to charge) so text messaging is definitely the best option. It costs the same, no matter where in the world the recipient is. (Plus, if you get the time difference wrong, it won’t matter too much!). UPDATE: Candi will be keeping her UK mobile number - for a while at least - but mine no longer works. I will have an NZ mobile before long though.
- International calling cards. These can be bought from newsagents, Post Offices etc and call charges are typically much cheaper than using BT. Be aware of the point above though, we don’t see the point in two people paying for the same call (especially when one of them is paying through the nose!)
- Email. Drop us a line, we will try and keep up to date with email (but can’t promise anything) and no, I won’t be using my work BlackBerry - it will be turned off!
Don’t forget the time difference!
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Hope to hear from you soon!
21 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 1, 2007 at 4:26 pm
lou1
Have a safe journey you two. I hope the Mouse enjoys her 1st taste of the wider world
Don’t worry about a thing I will look after Tigger and the house.
Be safe!
Big Hugs, Lou
ps - Party at mine on saturday you lot…
February 2, 2007 at 7:10 am
nickitraina
Hi guys,
Sorry I didn’t get to email you before you left. I had a great time in NZ and know that you will love it too. While the weather was not too hot while I was there, it didn’t rain much and will still be hotter than the UK!! It’s such a pity I missed you and that you’re not stopping off in Sydney….
I have my fingers crossed for you - would love to see you down this end of the world - Sophie and Jack could have a great time playing together. I hope Sophie was good on the plane - Jack was great, but 3 hours is very different to 30!!!
Enjoy the sightseeing - the South Island has the most beautiful scenery - great cafes on the river in Christchurch. Haven’t spent much time in Wellington recently (been about 15 years when I think about it!!!!!!!), but I hear the museum is a sight to see….
Let me know what hotel you are staying at so I can give you a call.
Lots of love,
Nic xxxx
February 2, 2007 at 7:51 am
lou1
So you must be about 10 hours in… So far so good I hope!
I forgot to tell you, I went horse riding on the beach at a farm in Christchurch and it was divine, so if you get a chance…
Say Hi to Graham for me. Please say “add me to msn you b####r!”
All my love, Lou
xx
ps operation ‘mousetrap’ completed with 100% success.
February 3, 2007 at 12:58 pm
terrynutkins
have a fab time kids. Don’t forget to check out my NZ fave http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx very tripitaka :o) you’ll have a brilliant time and both Em and I are moderately jealous!!! I expect Tigger doesn’t even know you’re away. Who said cats were fickle!?!
Say hello to Giblet for me
Dave
February 5, 2007 at 2:31 am
lou1
So good to hear from you! What a lot happened on the flights.. Well done for getting through it all.
It’s lovely and sunny here today (after the mornings ice has melted.)
Tigger has been running around all over the show and has just finally crashed (after climbing onto lap for a cuddle - ahhh.)
I’m off to B&Q to look for new garden bargains. They say I could be completing 22nd Feb or 1st March… ooer.
I can take all the time I need moving on though so no fears that I will disappear early my loves. I’m going to steam clean all the carpets so they will need to dry.
So glad you love Christchurch, I did too.
Say Hi to The Black Ninja for me.
xxx
February 5, 2007 at 2:33 am
lou1
Aha you’ve changed to NZ blog time
x
February 8, 2007 at 9:59 am
normanmccall
What absolutely fabulous ‘vistas’ of South Island. It looks lovely & clean , bright and I just can’t stand the traffic jams!! Especially on the highways.
Have a wonderful stay, enjoy your time there & our best wishes to you Ross for the chats in Wellington.
Love to you all and kisses for S-G too.
Granda
February 8, 2007 at 10:12 am
lou1
WOW your pictures are stunning! Absolutely breathtaking!
I am definitely not jealous at all… Nope…. Ahem..
I love Sophie in her shades (someone equally cool must have purchased those for her.)
I definitely recognise the Avon in Christchurch. (It is still called that isn’t it or did someone trick me when I was there?
And the pic of the clock, that’s where the buses pick people up isn’t it? I think we caught a taxi there to the train station where we took the ‘Tranzalpine’ to Greymouth. That was so amazing too.
Anyway musy dash, I have an appointment with Tigger and Tivo.
Have a great time in Wellington and keep those pictures coming.
Love to all, Lou xx
ps - Doesn’t GG look well! x
February 8, 2007 at 10:15 pm
chester07
Hi Ross, Candi and Sophie,
New Zealand sounds fantastic. Saw the photos yesterday - how beautiful and so clean and marvellous blue skies. Delighted to hear that little Sophie was an angel on the plane - knew she would be! You look so relaxed, happy and warm!! We are snowed in today so I am having a duvet day and getting down to sending this blog. I am still trying to get blogged on at work - now that we have got this one up and running you could get another one when I get to work tomorrow (if the snow melts). My NZ friend at work said that when you arrive at Wellington airport there is a place called big mammas which serves the best breakfast ever. Turn left as you leave the airport - hope I got the name right. It is definitely not the 2 fat ladies!! Such a good idea to be able to keep in touch with you and to see and hear about the places that you are visiting. We are seeing our Russian neighbours this evening to hear about their recent holiday in NZ - everyone I meet seems to have some connection with NZ. Looking forward to the next instalment. and photos!
Love u and missing u
Mom
xxx
February 9, 2007 at 7:49 am
normanmccall
Hi Guys
What a day today…………. we’re under a beautiful blanket of snow. We’re going snowhere. Last night it snowed while we were sleeping & because its been quite mild today it has started to melt, leaving the roads nice & slushy.
I guess its quite different where you are. We’re not expecting more snow but more cold which could freeze it. Enjoy the lovely weather because as you move further north it will get even warmer. God bless take care & take loads of photos.
Love Dad
February 12, 2007 at 4:17 am
normanmccall
Wow guys it sounds as if packing will soon be starting. Things sound very positive for you borh and off course Sophie-Grace is a hit with the inhabitants
as well.
Being Sunday I hoe you will have had a good break together. I’m more than certain that you Ross will be returning with a firm offer in your hands. Keep on wow-ing them. The more I tell Geoff about your progress the more he is saying it’s a great country to live in.
Keep on snapping all those snaps & keep us up to date with your progress. We continoe to lift you 3 up in prayer.
love Dad
February 15, 2007 at 10:52 am
normanmccall
Hi Guys
Well it was Valentines Day and its been a bright sunny but cold day in London today. It was raining quite hard when I left (for Richer Sound in Holborn) with goods to be returned. By the time I got to London it was lovely & dry.
So nice to have a day to get things sorted, having spent a few days at school. To morrow we move over to your place, sounds as if Kei is a bit unwell, nothing that a Nan & granda can’t sort out.
As you say Ross less than a week left, ask Canz what vasbyt means it will explain a lot. We’re still loving the news & off course the gallery which is getting bigger & bigger.
Hugs & kisses all round & remember roses are always cheaper 24 hours later, take it from an old hand.
Love
Da
February 16, 2007 at 12:16 am
lou1
Hi all,
Have a fab time at the new ‘bach’ it sounds absolutely lovely! Remember to take some more pics.. (I wish I had a ‘bach’,, .)
So glad your folks are staying at the house for a few days because (and I think it must be fate stepping in and helping me out,) I happened to check my MOT certificate yesterday only to discover it expires that same day!!
How strange that I checked and I really thought it was in Aug but that is the insurance..
It’s all booked in for today.
So anyway, what perfect timing!
Should be exchanging contracts anytime now. Ooer…
Come back I miss you! Not going to the gym at all.. How rubbish am I. But work has been absolutely hectic (and I survived scary presentation to Keith Moore but it was a bit stressful..)
Can you confirm the date you fly back? Thanks v much.
Lou
xxx
February 16, 2007 at 4:35 am
lou1
What am I like? You fly back on the 22nd of course. Doh!
That’s my completion date (and I have just exchanged today, wahoo.)
Also just heard car is through MOT as well, things are going well.
Anyway, I shall stop talking about my stuff.. Your house is very well and Tigger is behaving himself. He is offically best cat No 1.
Please give Sophie a big kiss and cuddle from me. I miss her so much! Can’t wait to see her blonde hair.
Keep safe and enjoy NZ to the max!
Lou
x
February 21, 2007 at 10:11 am
normanmccall
Hey Guys
A bit sad to think this could be our last blog to you, it’s been so nice keeping in touch this way & has made your holiday so much more meaningful to us knowing exactly where you are & what you’ve been up to. Howeve I’m sure you’ve made the best of every minute. Veels geluk met die pos wat jy gekry het seun, ons is baie gelukkig en wens julle almal alles van die beste vir die toekoms.
Hope the journey back goes quickly for you all & that you’re going to be cared for Sophie by the air hostesses.
God bless & voorspoed ek sien julle Saterdag.
love
Da
February 22, 2007 at 12:48 am
lou1
Hi there,
I hope the travelling home goes well and its not too stressful. I am sure it will be fine and you will be back safely in no time (hooray.)
House is all clean and shiny courtesy of The Wonderful Mccall’s (and I helped a bit too, ahem
Can’t wait to hear about it all! Even though this blog has been brilliant and we feel like we have shared in everything too which is great.
I should do a Reading blog.. ! Monday - Here is the canal.. weather is grey. Tueday - Here is the canal… Had a Hoegaarden at The Outlook
Take care and don’t feel despondent about coming back, I know what its like.
So you have had a wonderful time and now can plan your next move from an informed position, yay. It’s all good.
Talk soon,
Lou
xxx
April 2, 2007 at 11:35 am
So close... « The Brown family visits New Zealand
[...] Contact [...]
April 11, 2007 at 3:38 am
chester07
Hi Kiwi folk
Well its our Tuesday and its my first day of homealone. Washed Chester, fixed the car, cut the edges and the lawn and have spoken to Mom, Peen & Carl.
We had such a lovely weekend away. We arrived on Thursday night & spent Friday together with Peen & Kei. Had a great day getting ready for the trip on Saturday to Bath. We left early (for the McCalls) at 9.30 ish and were at our destination (about 30 mins out of Bath at about 11:00. We then unpacked everything to leave room to move our legs in the car. What a load of stuff for 2 nights, however we DONT travel light.
That afternoon we went into Bath & did the touristy bits topless bus ride and all and had a grand time together. Peen took us to a Tappas bar where Kei fortunately did manage to fall asleep despite the dinn. Lovely food! what a treat. We got back at about supper time having had a wonderful day.
Sunday we were back in Bath same parking only much cheaper (previous day cost £7) Cinz insisted we go for the full treatment at the Spa. Reluctantly we agreed having dropped Kei & Peen off at a local Health Club for them to have a swim & then a walk about town. Well the spa was out of this world Mom & I spent ages there and time just flew. We has the thermal bath (35 deg) and then on to a series of different smelling steam baths. Wonderfully relaxing wow. Our watches were in the lockers so we didn’t have a clue about time. I phoned Peen as we got to the changing area & she & Kei had also just got out of the water!!
We decided to continue the climb on & off Bus tour, then thought about Kei & decided to spend the afternoon in a sunny park in the town centre right next the river. What a good decision……… Kei loved it.
Both nights we were lights out by 9:30 what a pleasure.
Yesterday we left our B&B after brekkie and set off for Marlborough (just down the road really) Had a lovely coffee there & a long stroll, eventually leaving before noon. Nice quick trip back to Peen’s.
Then we started sorting the garage & loaded up the donkey (PTC) & must have arrived home at about 17:00 no delays on the M25. Unpacking completed & washing loaded we were able to relax. In bed by 22:00 & that was that.
We were thinking about Ross’s first day at Trademe & sincerely hope things continue to look so promising. Hope Sophie is fine & that Mother is coping up on the Hill.
God bless to you all & loads of love. The lawnmower is on idle so I’d better get back to it.
loveya Da
April 23, 2007 at 2:53 am
normanmccall
Hi Guys
So good to chat to you three earlier (before you went to bed) It really sounds as if you’re making things happen. Good one …. the car. Brillian & its yours!!
It was good to hear that you’re shaping so well Ross, do keep it up we’re proud of you. And as for you Candz I know it’s tough but keep up the good work as well. What a relief to soon to be able to wash your own clothes in your own machine. Wow.
Hoping that each week will be better than the last. My friend Gabe (short for Gabriel) said upper Hutt had some nice homes too & also said you’d get better value further out.
I have just signed up with Toucan to get back on telephone line. They say it will take about 10 working days, so feel free to call while I wait to get connected, as I said I can receive but not send.
Hope you had a good nights rest & will continue to pray for you guys every day.
Love you so much
XX Da
May 12, 2007 at 8:10 pm
familyjones
Well Hello, sorry for taking sooooo long to subscribe but we can now so it’ll be great to keep in touch. Everyone is well here in Weedon Close although it’s not quite the same without you! Haven’t got round to meeting the new neighbours but believe it or not they owned that scruffy bungalow that you guys viewed in Kennedy Crescent - yuk!!!! Your new house looks amazing and what a view, i bet you can’t wait to get your paws on it Candi. Little Sophie has grown so much and no doubt getting into everything. It’s great to hear that you are settling in well and hopefully Candi has found a decent shopping centre for some retail therapy. Take care guys and speak soon.
Luv Ruth xxxxx
June 25, 2007 at 8:46 am
normanmccall
Hi Guys
Won’t be long & we’ll be flying off to see you. It’s been so nice to know that you newkiwis are getting on fine. Ross well done with the decorating mate!! It must have been hard to cover those blue walls…………….. wow.
Thnx for the super shots of Sophie, she certainly has grown. PLease let us know whether you need any home comforts (Jaffa Cakes!!) so that we can pack them in. I said to your dad this evening that I wish I could bring my toolshed along with me, to help you.
Soooo looking forward to seeing you again and we’re counting down now.
Chatsoon
Norman