It’s a long way from Te Kuiti, in the heart of New Zealand’s King Country to Yellowknife in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories. In July 2008, James and I packed up our life in Wellington, New Zealand and landed in Vancouver. Little did I know that four months later I would be packing my bags again and heading into the great cold unknown – living the dream in Yellowknife.
Online research tells me that the Northwest Territories is the region at its most uncompromising. Just three roads nibble at the edges of this unimaginably vast area, which, together with Nunavut, occupies a third of Canada’s landmass. The Northwest Territories is about the size of India but contains only 40,000 people, almost half of whom live in or around Yellowknife. There are 11 official languages. Stories of extreme temperatures, the awe inspiring Northern Lights, ice fishing, sleding, snow shoeing and a warm close knit community appeal to my adventurous spirit and great challenges await.
With no previous experience in an environment like this, I have no idea what to expect. I hope you enjoy sharing the journey with me.
Bird of paradise is my favourite flower – a symbol of bright bold beauty and much warmer climes. I figure I’ll be needing some sort of reminder like this when the mercury hits -40 degrees and the sun forgets to rise!
Hey there gorgeous
With more than a little of a green eye, Hoppy xxxxx
I loved reading your first entry! I can not imagine what treats, challenges and adventures will be lying in store for you in Yellowknife. Such a different world, I can totally see why you chose to push the boundaries out and go check the Northwest. Awesome – I will relish your tales from tame ol’ Wellington.
We were very tempted to go from Newfoundland to New Zealand and ended up in Yellowknife instead. (-:
just heard you on NZ Nat Radio
the Wairarapa with 40 thousand inhabitants but i am close to Wellington which i love, a mini NY. good luck to you both and feel free to search my Picasa site and others for images of Aotearoa, cheers, Richard.
I have a couple of blogs and a web site and have lived in America for the past 20 years, good luck with you immigration. I moved back to NZ 3 years ago, culture shock
Thanks for your message Richard. You blog and images are great…And we are still waiting on the visas….fingers and toes crossed!
Hi, I heard you on RNZ. We’re coming up to Yellowknife at the beginning of July to do a canoe trip. Is there anything I can bring from Godzone.
eg: Vegemite, Vogels bread etc.
Cheers Peter
Hi Peter. Thanks so much for your message. We just had our debut paddle last weekend and it was superb….so you are definitely in for a good time. I don’t have any specific requests from Aotearoa, but your mention of Vogels is rather tempting. There really is nothing like that here!
Hi
I also heard your interview on RNZ, thank you. I am really looking forward to keeping up with your blog and your life in Yellowknife.
Blessings
Lisa
PS Bird of Paradise is my fav flower too, when we lived in Gisborne for 3 years until 1 year ago these were everywhere-what a delight!
Thanks Lisa….and everyone else for your lovely comments. It’s good to hear from you!!!!