Its my first real weekend in the UK. Real weekend because I’ve been working all week.

I started writing a ‘travel diary’ when I first arrived (as everyone said I should) but the fact of the matter is it just didn’t last. I think I wrote a total of 3 days.

In hindsight, writing a travel diary was a big ask. I don’t mind wrirting when on holiday, as its a defined time, however the chance of me keeping a diary at home ongoing is nil!

And that brings me to the point of todays update. Its more of a health-check update about us…

Sarah and I are both ‘at home’. Neither of us have been home sick at all – the UK realy does feel like home.

I suppose its a combination of things that have helped us settle so quick, having Fraser and Blair so close, having a job, living away from family for so long, internet access where we are staying to keep in touch.

Regardless of the reason, neither of us have thought back to Auckland, this is a new adventure now, a new chapter, and we are giving it 100%.

Don’t get me wrong, there has been challenges! We have been living out of a suitcase for 6 weeks which is doing my head in.

Finding a house was horrid… We had a fixed timeframe to get out of the B&B which added pressure. The first one we lined up fell through so we had to pick ourselves up and start the hunt again. I think while house hunting was the only time I found myself thinking ‘what are we doing here’ – although if I’m honest with myself it was more around ‘should we have done more prep before we left’ rather that ‘should we have come’.

We are juggling money at the moment as well. We aren’t exactly short, but we arn’t ‘safe’ either… The NZ paso isn’t going far. We are also umming and arghing about things like buying a car, a TV, Pots and Pans. We have nothing and need to set up our lives from scratch – but what’s first – where do we start? Its goig to be a juggling act. My first paycheck will make life easier, but in the same respect, it won’t change anything, if you know what I mean.

I can say one thing, we do have it easy. There is two of us for a start… When I hit rock bottom, Sarah picks me up and pushes me on. When Sarahs struggling I pick up the load. Its a real team effort!

Also, having family nearby gives us a saftey net. Its people to visit and talk to. It has made a world of difference.

My thoughts go out to those I know wo are travelling, or about to. Cass, Mayo, Grant just to name a few.

A while ago I learnt a new term at a workshop I went to… ‘Paying Forward’*. When someone does something good for you, something nice, then its you obligation to pass the goodwill on to someone else. Its something I have always belIeved, but I thought that it was a fantastic name for it. Paying Forward!

So for anyone travelling, I offer this in return for the help we have been given. We are here to help, to be the Family that you miss. A bed, a homecooked meal, a cold beer/wine, a pickup drop off, a home for you gear while you explore, a saftey net, travelling advise, or just a freindly face. Whatever it is you need, and whoever you are, we are always here to help. Just drop us a line.

Anyway, its our first weekend, and its almost sunny (or at least not as weT as the last 2 weeks), so its time for me to head out and explore.

I think I’ll take the camera out of its bag where its been hiding for the last month. I’m feeling inspired again today for the first time since we left home.

‘Paying Forward’ Is a term from Sean De’Souza. Check out his inspiring small business marketing/sales ideas at Psychotactics.com.