DaisyNZ

Just reporting back. Had a lovely holiday with friends and family, and am now back in NZ. I've been in NZ 13 years and have never settled completely, always had that yearning for home. But after this time, it's gone. I've been back to the UK 5 times over those years and this time I enjoyed my time there, but could not imagine living there again. It's taken a long time to feel like this, but I knew 5 minutes after leaving Heathrow that I would not move back. We have a wonderful life here in Napier, my 3 boys have a great lifestyle and we have things so easy compared to back there. I like the space we have for the boys, the outdoor living, the better weather, the friendlier schooling, the more laid back everything. My trip to Asda was stressful and I'd rather my lack of choice down the road here than experience that kind of shopping every week. YUK, not for me anymore. What I did enjoy was the chips and mushy peas!! But I can live without them!!! Anyway, I'm sure I'll get tons of people telling me why I should love it there, but honestly, I would not swap my life now. Flying back into Napier was brilliant, small plane coming into our little airport with the hills and ocean and vineyards. It was such a great feeling to know I could finally call it home. I'm so pleased I spent the money so I can now get on with my life here.

All the best to everyone deciding where to live, it's a hell of a journey, but after 13 years I think mine has finished. From now on it will be a matter of when and how I can go back to visit family.

Merlot

Hi there Hun

Great to hear you are back safely and being so much more resolved to where you belong, must be a wonderful feeling.

As you said a hell of a journey, many of us are on that path and appreciate you sharing your story.

Best wishes for your future in NZ.

M

dunroving

It's great to hear that you have found a sense of certainty about your situation.

I don't think you'll get many people on this part of the site telling you you're crazy. Even those (like me) who think the UK is the best seem to respect that others may prefer their lives in NZ, Oz, US, wherever.

callé

I think it's wonderful you feel settled. Everyone wants different things from life and thats not wrong! You should have that freedom to find your own place that feels home to you (without others putting you down and telling you that you're wrong.)
Now, to get on with your life and your future!

Batty

Somewhere to call home - isn't that really the ultimate achievement? I envy you.
From someone who's travelled for far too long.

Don

Nice post, Daisy. I share your thought that the idea of going back to live in UK is a bit offputting! We might have to do it for a few years to get my kids speaking perfect English and to earn some money

heading downunder 2002

I think that is wonderful that you have finally feel that NZ is your home, its a great feeling isn't it when you finally realise where home is for you. As for the chips and mushy peas, just think of the calories!! you can look forward to having them when you visit on holiday.

Susan

ramac

Daisy

What a treat to read your post.
Like you (before your last trip), I often feel "where is home" and feel that I should now be settled and not still pine for Scotland.
It is encouraging to read that sometimes it takes a little longer, but it does come for some people.
Enjoy your family and life in NZ.

Kiwilamb

Hi Daisy, this might seem a bit silly but homemade mushy peas can be had in NZ. As an ex-pat northerner, it seems a crime to have battered fish and chips without the peas but I couldn't find the type which are steeped over night and then boiled to liquification for a couple of hours. I have recently hit upon green split peas which I found in the local Supervalue. I found the receipe on the internet but its real simple, put them in a pan add water and simmer for a while until mushy, add seasoning to taste - nothing to it.

I am still at a loss for double cream though so if anyone has any tips on that .....

Gill and Rob

Woolworths sell, Batchelors, {made in the UK} mushy peas, ordinary style and chip shop style. Just discovered them last week...delicious !!!


I was looking for the dried peas. The assistant repeated the word ma-ro-fat as if it was in a foreign language !!!

As for finding marrowfat peas to home make mushy peas, these could take over from bisto gravy granules as the mysterious missing item.

Gill

DaisyNZ

Hi guys, we have a couple of supermarkets locally that sell cans of mushy peas. They are nice, but just not the same as from a chip shop with those English soggy chips!!! I once made my own too. I used what we called 'blue peas' which then needed soaking overnight. I presume they are the same. But that was 10 years ago, before the days of 'English' shelves at the supermarket, and having loads of expats all over the place. I swear I was the only one back then!! LOL.

Franklin

Good for you! Karma coming your way!