So whats this all about then?

As many will know, Phabulous Phil and myself are trekking over to New Zealand for a 12 month keeper exchange. We will be working at Hamilton Zoo on the North Island, and two of their keepers will be moving over here, one to work at Adelaide Zoo, the other at Monarto Zoo. We are not only swapping jobs, but also houses, cars and other parts of our lives. Quite a big adventure which is not only going to present some big changes and challenges, but some outstanding opportunities and rewards.

I have always thought I'd like to give blogging a go but never really had any reason to sit down and write mindless drivel for anyone to read. Keeping a journal of the experience for my own benefit will also allow me to share thoughts and experiences with anyone else who wants to keep up with it. There will still be the constant use of facebook, and emails and maybe even an old fashioned post card or two, but this blog is intended to be the more detailed and graphic representation of the experience.

I am starting it now, because the adventure doesn't just begin when we step out of the door, or onto New Zealand soil, it actually began when we decided to do it. This was a few months ago when we decided we had been in one place for long enough and it was time we got out on a journey of some sort. After many years of travelling and tour guiding, staying put was quite a novelty and an enjoyable one at that. We decided to email the major Zoo's in NZ to see if there was any interest in a couple of keepers wanting to do a Zoo exchange. We chose NZ because we loved the country after visiting last year, and also because we originally wanted to take our dogs (no quarantine). Lucky for us, two charmers from Hamilton Zoo jumped at the chance as passionately as we did, and it went on from there. They will be taking on our jobs and our house, with us doing the same in Hamilton.

So that brings us up to today. We are slowly finding new homes for our pets, packing up a lot of the house that has become cluttered with our recently stable lives. I said the journey started a while ago, because all this organising and packing has brought on many thoughts and emotions which can only be caused by this sudden change in our life plan.

Between now and sometime late next year, and maybe even longer, I will regularly add updates, photos, videos and drivel for those who want get a glimpse of our adventure. I hope you can join me........