The adventures of Isabella

10 days of hard work went into finding our new home and transport, Isabella. We thought it may be easy but there is a lot to sort out when buying a van abroad.

First you have to find a van that is suitable and we were being greedy wanting a biggish van so we could comfortably live in it.

When we first saw Isabella we fell in love straight away, but much had to be done. When you buy a van here it is advisable to do a legal check on the vehicle. This will tell you if the vehicle is wanted by the police, has outstanding parking fines or still has credit against it for such things as loans etc..

Unfortunately the legal check on the bought up some anomalies which meant a bit of sort on the sellers part and scared us a little. We started to look for other vans in case and made a few offers, but all late as the vans had already sold.

The legal check all came back ok in the end, so next was the pre buying mechanical check. We have to pay for that, with the AA no less!!! It came back with usual things for a '89 van....a few things we will have to sort. But then then that only helped our bargaining pitch.

We bought it for 5600 NZ dollars, the seller originally wanting 7000 for it. Got a new cam belt fitted and had a full service.

Then we had to sort out breakdown service cover and insurance. Also we had to go out and buy household goods we needed for the way. A shop called The Warehouse is a find and a half. Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

All in all the week had it's stresses as we wanted to move on, but with the help of Zoe and Andy and co (friends met through Rebecca of Brixton fame) all turned out fine.

We have been on the road now for a week or so and have seen quite a bit in this lovely country. We will tell you all about that when we have the time to get on the internet again. But in the meantime check out the van that houses and transports us hobos.















Just starting out, just outside of Auckland.
















Inside Em cooks up a feast.
















Our first reall meal in the van with bubbly.












Our hobs, grill and oven.

















With the bed out













By day near Rotorua













By night on a beach front on the East coast.

Celebrations

Just a quikie everyone to update you all on a little personal development.
The story begins with our first night on the road down to Queenstown. We had stopped for a couple nights stay in a small coastal town called Raglan, mostly known for surfing.
We had decided to have a little celebration to toast the van which we have christened Isabella, in honour of Jamies new niece.
We got a selection of our favourite foods and 3 bottles of bubbly, then went back to our baby to get it all ready.
Once we where ready to sit down and the bubbly was poured Jamie got down on his knees and asked me to be his wife!!!
Obviously I said yes, and was blubbering like a school girl for a good 3 hours after, plus we got quite smashed on the bubbly!!!!
We have both agreed that we want to get hitched back home, so you will all be able to come, but don't buy you wedding outfits yet everyone. Its a long way away.
We are just enjoying travelling together as a future Mr and Mrs.
Love to you all xxxx