Ward Family Vacations

New Zealand 2005

First Apartment on Coates Street in Hamilton

Jess and Dave's first apartment was on Coates Street in Hamilton (the largest inland city in New Zealand). It was much smaller than their current apartment and was only one bedroom, but it did have a refrigerator and washer which was something they did not have to buy. It was also within walking distance to most shops. Dave walked to the University (about a mile one way) every day and Jessica walked to work at Valentine's (a great restaurant I will tell you about later) where she waitressed for a while, and also the Pak N Save where she was produce manager.

Dave's dad John, "Dave" and brother's Ben (who is Captain of their High School's rugby team) 

and Sam.  Notice Dave's Ole Miss Jacket!

Jessica said she finally found her way around Hamilton and then moved to Auckland!  Do not worry, we did get back to Hamilton and Jessica was able to show me all of her favorite shops and particularly where she bought my favorite thing in New Zealand, PAUA!  

I did a speech for one of my classes and held up this shell with the beautiful blue side covered up and asked if the class if they were walking along a beach and saw the old white grungy shell would they pick it up.  I then turned it around to the beautiful blue side and asked how about if you saw this!  Paua as you can see is a sea shell and is a form of abalone found only off the shores of New Zealand.  I have several pieces of white abalone or what is called mother of pearl.  There is also a green abalone that is very pretty.  While you can find other colored abalone in other places, if you find blue paua, regardless of where you bought it, it came from New Zealand.