We moved from Romania three years ago, as a young family looking for other opportunities in life and great experiences. We left behind years of hard working, which did not bring us many rewards, especially professionally, and the time invested in our jobs took its toll on our family unit. So, we decided, not easily though, to make a difference in our lives and at least try to make it as great as we can.
Having had 12 years of banking experience I held a customer service position at Bank of New Zealand in Ashburton for about two years and my husband had a job as a mechanic at two service stations in town. In the last year or so, we turned our careers a little bit and in the present I work as an accountant and Florin, my husband, as a vehicle inspector.
Paul, our son, has settled very easily in the new environment and he has made many friends. He's at Ashburton College and he's a soccer player and a rower, and he tries to master the computer world, as every other kid of his generation.
And, why Ashburton?
Ashburton is a "wonderful" town to live in. It sounds a little bit cliche, but, in fact, it stands for the definition. I definitely came thinking that, sooner or later, or rather soon, I'll leave it behind. After three years spent here, it certainly won't happen that soon. Although I make an effort to find some flaws, I quite struggle, but I keep looking for them.
First of all, it's the settlement, unbelievably perfect in between a bit city with "London appeal" - Christchurch, and Timaru - a gateway to the Otago region, a nature's wonder. Speaking of a relatively small area, and then again, in between the sea and the mountains, so I could grab an ocean's breeze and go for a ski adventure, in the same day, if I wanted to. Therefore, thinking of all the places I wish I could reach easily, Ashburton is on the crossroad of all of these.
Secondly, it's the people who welcome you in the most positive way. For this, I could never be grateful enough. In that dimension that defines us as human beings, people communication is one of the most needed conditions, and I found it, whenever I reached for it.
Thirdly, it's the climate. No matter how far up or down the scale, the celsius grades are still bearable, to speak about the ordinary extremes. Most of the time it's just the right cycle of weather. Always fresh and clean.
So, what's not to like?
I'll keep wondering, if I won't get lost in the beauty of it all!
Mihaela Orlandea
Ashburton Romanian