Happy Halloween!

I really miss Halloween; it isn't celebrated here in NZ.  Sure, you can find the random costume, or 'Halloween' store special, but there's no trick-or-treating, dressing up, or pumpkin patches.  It doesn't really feel like the time of year for Halloween either.  It's warm, the sun stays out until nearly 8 pm, and instead of the leaves changing and falling, the flowers are blooming and the trees turning green.
   

So there will be no celebrating today...I made pancakes this morning while listening to Monster Mash, and I plan on making pumpkin chili to cheer me up.  The few television shows that we get are running Halloween episodes of the sitcoms and talk shows, and it's making me miss fall and home.  Since we won't be doing anything major to celebrate Halloween this year, I thought I would post a few pictures of Halloweens past to remind me of good friends and memories.

 

Me and my sister---a long time ago

 

Me and Jody---black cats!

 Andrew and me---gothic punk and school girl

 

KT, Jess, and me---flapper, devil in a blue dress, and cowgirl

 

Jess, Brig, KT, and me---devil in a blue dress, schoolgirl, cleopatra, and teacher barbie

 

Bellevue Berry Farm

 

Taraline at Pooley's Pumpkin Patch for annual bonfire 

   

And if I had it, I would totally post it, the infamous Halloween commercial of 1989.  Andrew (see second pic) and I were in a Halloween commercial for trick-or-treat safety for Channel 6 News that they played all throughout the Halloween season...for a good six years!  We were dressed as Batman and a clown (respectively) and my mom was the mother clown.  Basically it was footage of us trick-or-treating in daylight, and then our mom checking our candy to make sure it was safe.  At the very end of the commercial, a doctor from Children's Hospital is talking to the camera as the kids knock on his door for candy.  Of course, I am turning around, giving a longing (but adorable) look at the camera.  It was quite cute, and if you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about!  

    

I feel a little bit better reminiscing about my memories of Halloweens past.  I hope that yours is filled with little tricks and lots of treats!

What I'm reading...

We've visited many bookstores here in New Zealand, in both Wellington and Christchurch.  One of the first books that caught our attention was The Six Pack, a series of books comprised of short stories and poetry written by kiwis.  Bret was really wanting to buy the book, but we made a pact to wait until we found work.

After Bret found his job, I surprised him with the first book in the series.  In an attempt to surround ourselves in the kiwi culture, we have splayed our New Zealand tour books and The Six Pack across the coffee table, and taken to reading the local newspapers.  The books serve as a gentle reminder to get out as often as we can, and until we plaster scenic posters on our new flat walls, they are doing a wonderful job of encouraging us to work especially hard during the weeks so we can enjoy our weekends travelling the scenic south island.

I've just started reading The Six Pack in my free time.  It's bearable, which is nice, because I haven't read in a while and I was initially worried if my attention span would sustain.  However, the stories are brief, draw you right in, and are great reflections of a kiwi.  I'm enjoying reading the book, as I am finding that living here for a month helps me understand the references to various stores and certain jargon that they're using (see previous post).  If nothing else, it will be a wonderful souvenir to bring back to the states and lend to friends and family for a little sample of NZ!

New Zealand Dictionary

A few New Zealand words I have come across and their American translations:

nappies  =  diapers
tomato sauce  =  ketchup
fillets (pronounced fill-its)  =  fillets (as in filet mignon)
jandals  = flip-flops
biscuits/bickies  =  cookies
lolly  =  candy
car park  =  parking lot
trolleys  =  shopping carts
prams  =  strollers
capsicum  =  green bell pepper
dodgy  =  not good/bad (as in dodgy part of town)
entree  =  appetizer
mains  =  main dish (American entree)
gumboots  =  wellies (rubber boots/galoshes)
petrol  =  gasoline
wardrobe  =  closet for clothes

Just a few...more to follow!

The Cabbage Tree

In July, my family and I took a trip to San Diego, California, our regular vacation hot spot.  I have been there too many times to count since I was born, and it is a definite favorite.  We always go to our favorite restaurants, shopping areas, and beaches, and this time was no different.  One of our favorite stores to browse through is actually an art gallery called Sally Huss.  She paints whimsical animals, mermaids, and people with inspirational quotes; I have several of her prints and notepads with dolphins and teaching quotes.  I was on a mission to get a gift for my friend Elizabeth, who's baby was born the day before we left.  The gallery used to be in a popular tourist shopping spot, Seaport Village. My sister and I arrived to San Diego on a separate flight before our parents, so we decided to shop and relax in Seaport until they arrived.  We knew that the Sally Huss shop had relocated to our most favorite shopping location, La Jolla, but we were intrigued and inspired to find what had taken its place in the Village.

We walked around, perusing all of the shops, each devoted to different things: cats, beer, hot sauce, kites, coffee mugs, magic, t-shirts, etc. We never actually buy anything from Seaport (except at Sally Huss), but it is always entertaining to check out the shops.  For whatever reason, we couldn't find the old Sally Huss store, and resided to chilling out on the grass next to the harbor until our parents came to pick us up.

A while later, they called to inform us they were on their way.  As we left for the parking lot to meet up, we finally found what used to be Sally Huss.  I could not believe my eyes; my previous favorite store was now called The Cabbage Tree, and was a store specializing in gifts from New Zealand!  No way! It couldn't be!  There were no other stores in Seaport specializing in gifts from a specific country, and then here's one with gifts from NZ?!  I was dumbfounded.  The store housed warm sheepskin and merino wool, intricate jewelry, and more tourist books, photos, and posters than you could imagine! I was shocked, and was convinced this finding was a 'sign', an affirmation that I was meant to go to New Zealand.  In fact, since arriving here, I have seen other stores called The Cabbage Tree, and I find it incredibly amazing that I stumbled across one of their stores in San Diego, California, of all places...with pictures to prove it!

Labour Day

Today was Labour Day in New Zealand which gave us the day off of work and beautiful weather. With a high of 71, we decided to go to Sumner, a suburb of ChCh, that is right on the water's edge. The bus ride was lengthy, and very crowded (apparently we weren't the only ones with this great idea), but we finally made it. The beach was so scenic, the weather was perfect, and our picnic was delicious. We lounged in the warm grass while eating, enjoying the scenery of families and dogs. Next, we climbed on top of a rocky crag that overlooked the water and gazed upon the endless beach and snow capped mountains in the far distance. We tiptoed through the cold, damp sand through the caves beneath to find our feet washed over with the crisp, clear waves. I set foot in the South Pacific Ocean's chilly water for the first time in my life, my flip-flops marking their own milestone. They have been in the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island, the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, California, and now the South Pacific Ocean in Sumner, ChCh, New Zealand. We soaked up the sun, took in the fresh air, and enjoyed the joyous day to relax.

I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream!

Bret loves ice cream, and it's hard to get an honest answer for "What do you want for dinner tonight?", that doesn't include it.  So we've been checking out the ice cream novelties at the grocery stores here.  In fact, in every corner dairy, one can find ice cream in NZ, and I recently read that they have one of the highest consumption rates in the world!

We've tried some fancy flavors at the mall, including:  Key Lime Vanilla Swirl, White Chocolate Raspberry, Forest Berry (blackberry, boysenberry, and passionfruit), Kiwi Meringue, and Cookies and Cream, and have picked up a few tubs on our grocery trips.  I'm sort of indifferent regarding ice cream, so lucky Bret usually picks out the interesting flavors.  We're working our way up to the more expensive brands, therefore, we are checking out the store brands to start.  We've tried Boysenberry Ripple, which was vanilla ice cream laced with chewy boysenberry.  And most recently we purchased a tub of 4 flavors:  chocolate, orange chocolate chip, lime chocolate chip, and vanilla chocolate chip!  Needless to say, Bret is quite content!

Oktoberfest 2008

I had been looking forward to ChCh's version of Oktoberfest for a while now.  Today Bret and I had the opportunity to attend Oktoberfest in Sol Square, the private little cove of restaurants and bars that we had stumbled upon during a previous downtown outing.  We purchased our tickets in advance, and were excited that the $20 each included a free stein and first beer.  Now, being from a German background, having attended other Oktoberfest-ivities, and making multiple trips to the Huber Haus for 'bier and boots', perhaps my expectations were a little high.  But I was craving a bratwurst and a pretzel, and that would have made me happy enough.

We got down to Sol Square, an hour into the celebration, thinking we would find the place crawling with people listening and dancing to the Oom-pah band.  However, there were hardly any people in attendance, and the weather was chilly.  Already, I was questioning where the party was at.  We presented our tickets and entered the first restaurant to redeem our free beverage.  To my disappointment, there was only one German beer!  The rest were NZ originals, likely comparable to their Budweiser.  We shrugged it off, and we settled into a warm corner of the restaurant, waiting for the place to fill up.  Bret and I kept talking about how we were probably the most German people there.  The Oom-pah band started, and the man leading the band was cursing and almost mocking the whole festival.  And there were far to many barmaids wearing Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz costumes in substitute for traditional German garb.  Lastly, there were no bratwurst!  We left within an hour...

I was mostly disappointed because we had really grown excited for the traditional celebration.  However, it felt insulting, and boring.  We made it home right as the rain started coming down, and settled in for a quiet night.  Oh well...it's Labour Day weekend, so no work on Monday.  So today wasn't an entire waste!

38 days later

I can't believe that we've been in New Zealand for over a month.  And in that short amount of time, we have lived in three hostels in two cities, found a flat, and found jobs.  It's been a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, fear, and nerves.  I am hoping to finally take time to relax and enjoy the laid-back kiwi lifestyle. 

It's hard to think back a few months ago, when we kept talking about this trip.  It didn't really seem real.  I was still working, living in the apartment, driving my own car, enjoying summer.  The only thing I had that proved it was real, was the large plane ticket purchase.  But even the ticket wasn't physically in my hands.  Then the summer ended, and school started back up.  I was no longer teaching, and the countdown was growing smaller and smaller.  It still didn't seem real.  It wasn't until the going away party when it started to hit me; there were lots of friends and family members that came to support this journey.  And there were lots of tearful goodbyes.  It was really happening.  The 'last' dinners and drinks spent with families I had cared for, my best girl friends, and family were fun, but sad.  The 'last' babysitting job and yoga class were emotional as well.  It finally started to hit me in that last week, as I said good-bye to my car, packed up my apartment and its four years of memories into a 10x10 storage unit, and crammed anything I thought I would want or need in New Zealand into 5 space saver bags and two suitcases.  The last night before I left was spent with Jody and her brother, reminiscing, planning their vacation, and trying to keep it together, and finally in the comfort of my family's home, sharing wine, while taking care of last minute details and good-byes.  The morning that I had been counting down for was finally here.  As I stumbled out of bed, tired, and groggy, I still don't think it had fully hit me.  We packed the car and we were off, running late.  My parents accompanied me to the airport, where we met Bret and his parents.  It felt so surreal.  Most of the times that I had been at the airport with such high-strung emotions had been when Bret was leaving...or coming home.  And he did that a lot.  But now I was going with him, finally.  The good-byes were tearful, even though I thought I could hold it back.  One hug just wasn't enough.  We embraced one last time at the start of the security checkpoint, and slowly walked towards the machines, as our parents stood in astonishment, awe, pride, or sadness, probably a combination of them all, and as I choked back tears and shoved my items onto the conveyor belt.  Retying my shoes, and repacking my carry-on, I glanced up and saw our parents turning around, and walking away.  It was for real.  We boarded the plane, and took off into so many unknowns.  Together. 


This is the longest I've ever been away (I hit that point about three weeks ago), and it's been a challenge.  Communicating across an 18 hour time difference, long distance, through Skype, email, and the phone, and trying to find a good time that works for everyone (which, frustratingly, is usually at the same exact time!) has become more difficult since we're both working now.  But the point is, we're here.  And we made it.  Now the countdown is in the opposite direction, telling me it's been 38 days since we've left.  Although I miss home, fall, friends, family, and all of the kids, and certain parts of Omaha, and America, that could never be matched in New Zealand, I am extremely proud that I have accomplished this so far!  Thank you so much for all of your support and advice, comfort, and encouragement.  Whether you know it or not, it helps me and Bret get through each day here and the new challenges that it presents.  Journeying on...
<3 Tara

Spring in Christchurch

As the weather turns cold in Omaha, Christchurch warms up.  A few photos of the beautiful scenery...all visible from our flat!

 

Our lemon tree!

Fall in Omaha...

Thanks to Jody for keeping me up to date with the changing weather in Omaha...oh how I miss autumn!

  

  

 

  

 

Sunsets on Springfield...

Yesterday was a busy start to our work week here in ChCh.  Bret and I both had to work, and were super bummed that we couldn't spend time in our new flat!  It was an especially long day, since I had yoga at 6 pm.  Bret accompanied me on the outing, after he finished his work day; the gym is the furthest away on bus than any of our other previous adventures.  The class went really really well.  It felt good to be teaching yoga again.  Surprisingly, I am even sore today!!!  I haven't been sore from teaching yoga in a long time, likely because I was practicing 3 to 5 times a week.  But it is a refreshing sore, and I feel rejuvenated and happy.  While I was teaching, Bret ran some errands in the mall that the gym is located in, picking up some odds and ends for the flat.  All in all, it was a long day, and we didn't make it home until nearly 8!

Ready to relax, and decompress, we were fortunate enough to witness our frist Springfield Road sunset...which served as a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, and remember what New Zealand (to us) is all about.  While working to embrace the laid back lifestyle, it's hard not to get caught up in all the tiny details.  But then you see natural beauty like the sunset (and the surrounding nature here in NZ) and it helps to let it all melt away!

The flat!

I <3 Mexican lasagna!  (...and champagne...)

The living room

The kitchen

The bathroom

Movin' on up!

Whoo-hoo!  We have moved into our very own flat!  It is so nice to be able to spread out, and have space to relax without going stir-crazy.  I haven’t sat on a couch since we got to New Zealand, so the two couches that were furnished for us are quite welcome.  We were blessed with finding this flat the first day we were in ChCh, as I had enquired about an ad I had seen online.  We met the owners that very evening, a young couple, and they were our first ChCh connection and friends.  Their generosity was astounding; they offered to furnish the flat for our stay here, and have provided great advice about the city and restaurants.  I am so thankful that this transpired so quickly, and it made our transition into Christchurch much smoother.  We were unable to move into the flat until this weekend, as the owners were moving to a new home the same weekend.  Just knowing that we were going to have this little place to call home made the stay at Tranquil Lodge fly by, and has and will continue to contribute to my ‘feeling at home’ even though I am thousands of miles away from my true one.

I am eager to cook in the flat, do laundry, and clean, which is strange, but I have had urges to tidy up and take pride in a space that I can call my own.  It shall ease in creating a routine, and feeling more comfortable.  I am very happy and excited!

A delightful cheese pizza just for me!

             
I am super excited!  Today is our last day at Tranquil Lodge, the hostel we’ve been living in for three and a half weeks! We have found a spectacular little flat on a beautiful road in the suburb of St Albans.  It is conveniently located right next to a bus stop, and near several shops and the nicest mall in ChCh, just a ten minute walk away.  Even more convenient for me, it’s a short walk away from the house I nanny in. To celebrate our last night at TL, we splurged on some Domino’s Pizza, which has become (unfortunately) a regular staple of our TL diet.  I have really disliked cooking in the community kitchen; I find myself annoyingly germ-o-phobic using other people’s dishes and such.  So the thin and crispy simply cheese pizza was appreciated.  While we waited for our pizza after we placed our order at the carry out location, we walked to the supermarket to get some hot sauce (another hot commodity that I’ve been missing).  Upon entering the supermarket, there was a line of at least 30 people waiting to buy a lotto ticket.  Saturday night marked the highest ever drawing amount in a NZ lottery:  30 million!  Seemed kind of paltry compared to the American powerball  jackpots, but the kiwis were gearing up for a big win.  Nobody won the $30 million; 5 winners split the jackpot.  Still not too shabby.  We enjoyed our pizza, and watched some more Flight of the Conchords, while I compiled the list of things I will NOT miss about Tranquil Lodge:
•    Showering in flip-flops (gross!)
•    The messy kitchen
•    The smelly (and often loud) smokers
•    The stinky refrigerator (we had to throw out all the food from there…yuck!)
•    The slamming laundry room door
•    The dust!
•    The one-room suite

But, of course, I will miss:

Amadeus

One step closer...

Today marks the completion of our first working week in New Zealand!  Whoo-hoo!  I have yet to go to work today for a five hour shift, but by 7 pm, I can proudly say that I am a working kiwi with a week under my belt!  

Finding a job was quite the accomplishment and struggle for me.  I have never really had to work that hard to find work. Being in Omaha made networking so much easier.  I knew so much just from the people around me and word of mouth. Babysitting jobs, nanny leads, teaching opportunities, and yoga classes were all right at my fingertips, and sometimes so abundant that I would have to turn people down.  In Omaha, my life was jam-packed with working.  Very few hours were spent in solitude in my own apartment lounging.  Here in NZ, it's been quite the opposite.  Seeking work has been a challenge, and I haven't had the same type of networking connections.  Bret and I have likened it to fishing:  we've thrown so many lines out there, and we're just waiting for one of them to bite.  The waiting has been one of the hardest parts.  A lot of the jobs that we'd applied for had closing dates on the applications which sometimes weren't for at least another week.  It wasn't until the applications had closed that the company would decide if you would qualify for an interview.  The laid-back lifestyle of the kiwis has been ever present in the interviews as well.  The whole process has had me run a gamut of emotions, most of them ending in frustration or confusion.

But now there's hope!  Having a job and working even just the small amount that I am has increased my confidence in finding even more work.  I've noticed that the closer to summer we get here, the more nanny positions that are being offered. I'm working hard to rely on faith; the plan will work out as it's supposed to.  If I don't get offered a position or job, then it wasn't meant to be, as something better and more fitting is waiting.  So for now, I am content.  And proud.  And one step closer to accomplishing what I set out to do here in NZ!  Now that I've got the work taken care of, I can start playing!

Tiring Thursday

I am exhausted and it's only 2:30!  Today I went to nanny at 9:30 am.  On the schedule for today, was a list of activities outside of the house; the family is currently remodeling, and the house is full of workers and construction equipment.  I picked up Victoria and took a walk about Merivale, the suburb they live in.  We stopped by a toy store, and picked out a small princess figurine and a jumprope.  Next, we visited the Merivale Mall to stop at a cafe so Victoria could get a 'fluffy'.  When her mother told me to get her a 'fluffy', I had to ask what it was.  I was thinking:  ice cream?  cotton candy?  Turns out, a fluffy is a hot foamy milk that's whipped.  It's like the top part of a cappuccino.  They serve it in a tiny teacup with two flat marshmallows.  It was entertaining watching her eat the fluffy, with the mustache and all.

The small suburb of Merivale is merry indeed.  We found a grassy space with lots of trees where we tried out the new jumprope and hung out for a while.  Our last adventure for the day was at a lovely park where we spent some time swinging, on the merry-go-round, and sliding.  The parks had lots of paths with beautiful trees and flowers.  A few raindrops started falling, and our morning was complete.

After my morning at work, I bussed over to the mall to pick up a few things.  I figured at this point, I deserved a Dr. Pepper, since I've started working.  Although it's $2 a can, I justified my purchase of the coveted import by a job well done this week.  I picked up some sushi, and headed home (hostel-bound) to rest for the afternoon.  I'm always discovering new things here, and while walking back from the bus stop I came across a man mowing his lawn with an electric mower!  It was plugged into an extension cord that was coming out of the window of his home.  I had never seen anything like that before!

This working has got me tired!  Amadeus and I are relaxing, watching Oprah and Ellen, and blogging. More soon!

Kiwi Lingo

My new job has taught me some interesting new lingo.  The family has lived previously in Italy and Spain, and the mother is Italian and speaks it with Victoria.  So I've been keen to learning some Italian (which is quite similar to español) and kiwi lingo.

Victoria has a kiwi accent, and it's adorable, but it is also incredible to hear her fancy Italian.  She is wonderfully polite.  I feel embarrassed because I say "What?" a lot, whereas she says "Pardon?".  It sounds so much nicer.  There are some words that I've just now learned.  For example, we had to 'tidy' up the 'rumpus room'y yesterda.  Which means to 'clean' up the 'play room'.  A closet is called a 'wardrobe' and a garage is pronounced like it rhymes with carriage.  So I'm constantly learning new things to say and before long, Bret and I are convinced that we'll be able to use some of the slang.

We recently got library cards for ChCh public libraries, and we rented the first season of Flight of the Conchords.  The comedy show has been running on HBO in the US and is about two kiwi men who have just moved to New York to continue their band success from NZ.  But really, they aren't very successful.  Their names are Jemaine and Bret, and they pronounce Bret like 'Brit', and sometimes I can't help calling Bret that.  The show is silly, and the men break into song during everday situations, mimicking popular bands.  All I can remember is last summer, when Jody and I went to NYC to visit our friend Rachel, she kept asking, "What time is it?" or "Do you know what time it is?", and every single time I would fall for it and tell her the actual time, and she would say, "No, it's business time!" which was a redundant recitation of a Flight of the Conchords video, which she wouldn't let me forget!  I haven't come across that episode yet in the DVDs but when I do, I'll FINALLY know what she's talking about!

On the job

I've spent most of today anticipating my first day of nannying.  It was only for a few hours in the late afternoon, but I was excited to get back into the swing of things.  I have spent much of the day taking care of minor details around the hostel, and looking for additional part time work.  Today was the first day that I traveled out into the city of ChCh by myself.  It's really not that big of a deal, but I've been so used to being with Bret for the past month straight!  The new nanny position is a short bus ride away from the hostel, and I set out to work!

I arrived at the home shortly before four and before I knew it, I was being whisked away into the imagination of the adorable four-year-old, Victoria:  reading books, doing puzzles, ballet, trampolining, bath time, snacks, dinner, etc.  The mother was home the entire time, which was comforting, and the little girl grew quite fond of me in no time (and I of her)!  The weather today was absolutely spectacular and we spent a majority of the afternoon lounging on the trampoline, soaking up the sunshine, in their large backyard.  Disappointed that I was leaving and not staying later, my new friend was thrilled to discover that I will be back same time tomorrow.  Can't wait!

Workin' Woman

Today I was blessed with a job offer!  Upon waking up this morning, before I had even gotten out of bed, I was busy on my laptop, deep in the job search yet again.  Within an hour, I was offered the previous nanny job, and I am really looking forward to starting work.  Although it is only part time, I am eager to have something!

Tonight, I went to the yoga class that I will be taking over next Monday.  It was nice to see how the class ran, but I think that my style is definitely going to flow differently and be a bit of a change for the regulars.  The women seemed very nice and I think they will accept the change.  I know it's a bit difficult when a new teacher takes over, as yogis get used to a preferred style.  Hopefully, the adjustment won't be too hard for them, or me!  I feel a bit rusty...haven't taught a class in almost a month!

Our original plan for today was to go and hand out resumes like flyers to all of the places that we had researched over the weekend.  Bret was granted an interview this afternoon, and that went so well that we're putting the job search on hold temporarily.  It's all starting to come together!!!

Pineapple Lumps

Sounds appetizing, no?  On my constant quest for new and exciting foods here in New Zealand, I've passed Pineapple Lumps in almost every dairy and grocery I've been in.  They are small pineapple chunks, dipped in chocolate, or so I presumed from the description on the package. During a snack run today, I decided to give them a whirl.
    

Upon first glance, they look like miniature candy bars:

     
Once bitten into, I was expecting a dried pineapple. However, I found the following:

The consistency is a cross between laffy taffy and a marshmallow peep.
    

So, note to self, Pineapple Lumps are not what I expected; a yummy health food treat.  They are, in fact, glorified junk food...that I will continue to snack on throughout the day!

Fun and fancy free!

When I first checked the weather for today, I found out it was only going to be in the sixties. The hostel room is freezing in the morning, and I've been surprised to find it warmer outside on many occasion. Today I dressed for a spring afternoon, and was pleasantly surprised that it was 72 degrees! Perfect sight-seeing weather!

The more that I walk around the areas of ChCh I've seen so far, the smaller and more comfortable it seems. What seemed like forever away (the city center) is a brisk 20 minute, scenic walk. Today we sought out the free and fun activities that a Saturday in the city has to offer. The streets were busy with lots of people sporting shorts and t-shirts, and the warm sun shone down on their smiling faces. After walking though Cathedral Square, and witnessing unicyclists and people giving away 'free hugs', we headed towards Worcester Boulevard. Saturdays find this street bustling with tents and food vendors, and it reminded me of a cross between a farmer's market and craft fair. Music filtered through the air, and smells of all sorts of international food made me wish I could sample them all. Worcester Boulevard is right next to the previous YMCA hostel we stayed at, yet we had never gone over there. The cobblestone street is blocked off to traffic, except for the trams, and is surrounded by grassy space and beautiful, antique buildings, that remind me of an old university. The old brick buildings house specialty shops, cafes, and art galleries, so we browsed the area.

After Worcester Boulevard, we headed toward the art museum and took a gander at the modern art pieces on the main level. It was interesting and intriguing, and I can honestly say that I haven't been to too many art museums besides the Joslyn.

It was refreshing being out and about today, on the weekend, and allowing the stresses and strains of the job search to relax for a bit. I look forward to a lazy, no-pressure Sunday, to continue relaxing, while gearing up for job-finding next week!

Not to forget

Lookin' up!

After a busy time searching for work, I think I finally have my feet in a few doors.  This afternoon, I was stressing and worrying, borderline nervous, before my fourth interview.  Before I walked in, U2's Pride was playing, and I felt a little calmed and relieved.  Today's interview was at another branch of the women's gym I visited on Tuesday, and I think it's safe to say that I will be teaching yoga there on Monday nights.  I will know for sure after attending the current teacher's last class this coming Monday.  If I like it, I will have the opportunity to take over.  This is quite the morale booster!

After heading out to the third mall for the interview and several bus rides later, we were back in City Center searching for food.  I had spotted a Mexican Cafe on the way out to the mall, and was eager to see more.  I have had mad cravings for Mexican food.  Chips and salsa, enchiladas, rice and beans, spicy food!  Because it was only 4 in the afternoon, we were able to eat dinner at the lunch price at the adorable cafe.  The decoration of the second floor cafe was authentic, and the food was absolutely delicious.  Ironically, I felt more at home in the Mexican restaurant that I have in the American restaurants and bars (too many cow skulls and horseshoes, ha!).  I am excited to go back to our special little restaurant.  Although we were the only people in the entire place, I could totally see it being packed during happy hour or salsa dancing into the wee morning!

Decorations inside Mexican Cafe (reminds me of my classroom!)
  

 

The second-story view (the sun was nice and warm)

   

  

 An empty bottle of Cholula, my favorite hot sauce...I miss it so much!

    

The expansive bar! 

   

Yesterday I was looking through a ChCh tourist brochure, something I really haven't done since arriving.  We've walked about the city quite a lot, so I was surprised to find a picture of a lit square bustling with restaurants, bars, and people.  It was called SOL square in the photo, and I ripped the page out in hopes of seeking it out one day.  After leaving Mexican Cafe, however, we stumbled right upon it!  The restaurants, bars, and stores are quite classy.  There are retro couches and chairs sprawled across the cobblestone terrace, and heat lamps galore.  The buildings surrounding the square are tall, enclosing the space, and crazy art (bicycles, mesh men walking tightropes, and a car!) are hanging from the walls and in between the buildings.  I can't wait to visit that corner of ChCh again soon!  It's interesting to think that I had seen all of the City Center, and then to walk one block further to discover this gem!  I hope that it lives up to all that I hope it is.

Tomorrow I have an interview with a nanny family.  It seems to be the biggest lead so far.  The right hours and location, and hopefully the right family.  I have been anticipating this meeting; I have been playing phone tag with the out-of-town family since last Saturday!  The job search is (finally!) looking up!  Whether I get the nanny and/or yoga gig or not, I hope that this momentum can continue so that I can be successful in finding work!  Wish me luck!