Narrowboat AREandARE

From the 2009 & 2010 tantalising tales, traumas and stunning photographs of Barry (photographer) and Sandra (writer) from New Zealand aboard NB 'Northern Pride', to the stories of their 2013 return journey, purchase of 'AREandARE', progress on sustaining their live aboard continuous cruiser lifestyle, and Barry's quest to gain residency and 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' in UK ...

Sunday 6 October 2013

We have a date - let the new life begin!

It took a bit of working around, but after a phone call to Malaysia Airlines, I managed to move 1,000 air miles to Barry's 'Enrich' account so he could book a return flight. With the taxes and surcharges, it cost around NZ$500 - still less than half the price it would normally cost for a one-way ticket from Auckland to Heathrow. He arrives in London early on Friday 25th October, just two months and twelve days after leaving UK on 13th August.

We'd like to 'publicly' acknowledge the amazing work Colin Bonos, from 'ivisas' in New Zealand, has carried out on our behalf; and for all his skilful knowledge, friendly and informative support and advice along the complex journey of gaining Barry's initial 'spousal sponsored visa'. There's another two stages to 'pass through' before he reaches the destination of 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' in UK, but we'll cross those bridges when the time comes.

On 21st September, the first of our articles, 'A Life Changing Journey', was published in the Gisborne Herald Weekender supplement. Well done Amy from NB Willow for picking up a glaring error. Can anyone else spot it (no cheating friends and family and looking at Facebook!)? The second part winged its way to Gisborne earlier today, and just needs Barry to drop into the offices (in person I suspect) some stunning photography to complement it.

Next week I'm off to Belfast for a 'More Clients, More Leads, More Sales' conference by Bernadette Doyle, a go-getting entrepreneur who I bought an online marketing package from last year and the ticket was part of the deal. So I'm taking up the opportunity of attending my first ever Life Coaching related conference/event, and staying with a beautiful friend I haven't seen for 25 years! How exciting! 



11 comments:

  1. "A decade before Captain Cook’s 1769 landing on Kaiti Beach, one of the first British canals was being commissioned.

    A quarter of a century later, Barry and I began a journey on the waterways of England that would change the course of our lives irrevocably."


    .... so now you are time travellers too ?? LOL

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    1. Hilarious that people read the piece before it was published! Amy suggested we are ageing well - what can I say? :-)

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  2. Goodness, you've been boating since the late 1700s, have you?

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    1. Maybe our ancestors were boat people?! Nice one Adam, Kevin just pipped you to the post :-)

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  3. Hurrah... Great news about Barry's ILR!

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  4. Hurrah.... Great news about Barry's ILR

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    1. Thanks Tom and jan - first stage completed! Two to go. Hope your final stage is almost complete?

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  5. Great news about Barry's application we wish him a safe journey back to you. Chris and I missed you when we visited the marina the other week to re-assure them AmyJo's mooring was still wanted but would love to catch you both for a natter before you leave sometime.

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    1. Hi Chris and Steve
      Lovely to hear from you and thanks for your good wishes. We're here in the marina until 1st March, so please give us a call/email and pop in and see us if you're around when we're around :-)
      How long now before your beautiful boat is ready?
      Sandra

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  6. Hi Sandra
    We have been told November for the launch but it will be late spring before we can get her home. Will knock next time we come to the marina.

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