As I mentioned in my last post, I joined the Tramping Club at VUW. Tramping is either hiking, rock climbing, or mountaineering. They have trips every single weekend and this past weekend was their first trip of the year: Fresher's Trip. It was only $30 so I decided to go. Lucky for me, I packed a sleeping bag, hiking boots, and a backpacking pack when I left Wisconsin. Also, I have a good supply of warm clothes so I had no reason not to go. Plus, what better way to see a country this beautiful other than to actually get out and explore it by foot!
We left Friday evening around 7 and returned Sunday night at 7:30. The place we began to hike at was about an hour and a half away from Wellington. As we set up camp for the first night, I questioned what I had gotten myself into. Not only was I already cold, but this "tent" they said we would be in was more or less just a tarp on poles. So yes, I basically just slept on the ground with a tarp over me. Luckily, there are no harmful animals in New Zealand so I didn't have much to worry about; however, I got very little sleep because it was ridiculously cold the first night. I was too busy trying to figure out how to keep warm than actually sleeping. At times, I was wondering if I was indeed dreaming, or just thinking really extravagant ideas in the peacefulness of the New Zealand night.
I will not go into great detail about each day of hiking. The first day was easier because I was not sore from my brand new hiking boots or carrying my pack 10 kilometers yet. The trails were rocky, steep, slippery, narrow, covered with overgrown plants, muddy, wide, carved by the roots of the trees, flat, and beautiful--all at various times of course. There were many times I had to cross through small streams or a large river. There were large bridges at various points in the hike to cross the big parts, but the smaller parts I was on my own. Either way, it was simultaneously enjoyable and physically demanding. I learned a lot this past weekend.
Lessons from Tramping:
1. You can never have too much chocolate.
2. Everyone you meet has something to offer.
3. You never know when you're about to make a new friend.
4. Electrical tape works wonders for preventing blisters.
5. Only focus on what's directly in front of you.
6. Tramping is all about the food.
7. Water in New Zealand is safe to drink.
8. Mats under sleeping bags are a necessity.
9. Just because you don't feel the bugs biting, doesn't mean they are not biting.
10. Downhill trails can be just as challenging as uphill trails.
I'm still exhausted. I'm ridiculously sore all over my body. I'm also sick. I'm covered in bug bits. Despite all this, I had a blast this weekend and cannot wait to go on another trip to continue to see this beautiful country I am in. As much as I love to shower daily, I'd be willing to give up this luxury to enjoy the great outdoors. I can assure you that if you do not believe in God, the beauty of this country is enough to change your mind.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Heaps of Good News from NZ
This past week brought along a lot: nice weather, heaps of chocolate, confirmed class schedules, and new involvement. I can sum things up by saying this week was full of fun and great news.
Wellington is an extremely windy city, but despite the random bursts of wind, Wellington was beautiful this past week. It was wonderful to see the harbor full of sailboats. New Zealand is entering into winter currently, which means the nice days will become less and less. Just like the crazy winter we've had in Wisconsin, New Zealand has had a summer full of rain. The beautiful days here are rare. Saturday was probably the nicest day that I will ever experience while in New Zealand. In honor of the hot sun, I went to the beach. I also completed my version of a Wellington initiation inspired by my roommate, Casey, of jumping of a plank along the harbor into the ocean. I would say it was about a 15 foot jump, so enough to give a person an adrenaline rush. I will admit I got scared as I inched my way away from safe land onto a plank with a beautiful ocean beneath me. I did this with my other Wisconsin friend, Ashley, and we drew quite the crowd. Since I was sort of panicking in front of all these people, someone told me to run and jump, so I did it. I figured that I couldn't stop myself if I changed my mind. It was such an awesome feeling. I'm glad I did it. And I hope I have another nice day to do it again.
I will admit, my last post was quite negative, but I did manage to get things straightened out with school. I had some other bumps which included: swapping classes more than once and worrying about the status of my financial aid and enrollment at UW-La Crosse. Even though I had difficulties, I was able to figure things out. To make a long story short, I am now taking a class on Business Tourism. It will unfortunately only transfer back as elective credits, but it will be a fun course to take while here. I'm anxious for it and feel it may end up being my most favorite course here. Don't worry, I won't be switching my major for a sixth time.
This week has also blessed me with a lot of chocolate. From ice cream, to cookies, to chocolate bars, I have dove right in to enjoying the wonderful selection of sweets this country has to over. Before I left I thought that I might lose some weight because I wouldn't be eating as much sweets. You see, the problem with this is that there are so many different types of sweets here and I am determined to try them all. Everyone hear says "heaps" instead of "a lot" or "tons." So, this week I have had heaps of chocolate. My favorite discovery has been Tim Tam's: "the most irresistible chocolate biscuit." Side note: (New Zealand word for cookie = biscuit). They are a delicious cookie that come in a variety of flavors. They are expensive, but worth every penny to me. Plus, they are currently on sale! I went to the grocery store on Wednesday and $9 of $45 bill was dedicated to chocolate. I think I have a problem.
Lastly, to top off this week I joined the Tramping Club. No, it's not what it sounds like. Tramping is hiking, rock climbing, or mountaineering. It only had a $20 joining fee and has weekend trips or daily hikes every single weekend! This is exactly how I want to see New Zealand: by foot, outside, and surrounded by beauty. It was an easy decision to make. In fact, this weekend I am attending the "Fresher's Trip." I am so anxious to leave and I am glad I came prepared with hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and a backpacking backpack. I forced these things into my suitcase so I could go on my own weekend hiking adventures. Now I have a club full of people who share my passion for hiking to enjoy New Zealand with. I am so excited about this opportunity!
Wellington is an extremely windy city, but despite the random bursts of wind, Wellington was beautiful this past week. It was wonderful to see the harbor full of sailboats. New Zealand is entering into winter currently, which means the nice days will become less and less. Just like the crazy winter we've had in Wisconsin, New Zealand has had a summer full of rain. The beautiful days here are rare. Saturday was probably the nicest day that I will ever experience while in New Zealand. In honor of the hot sun, I went to the beach. I also completed my version of a Wellington initiation inspired by my roommate, Casey, of jumping of a plank along the harbor into the ocean. I would say it was about a 15 foot jump, so enough to give a person an adrenaline rush. I will admit I got scared as I inched my way away from safe land onto a plank with a beautiful ocean beneath me. I did this with my other Wisconsin friend, Ashley, and we drew quite the crowd. Since I was sort of panicking in front of all these people, someone told me to run and jump, so I did it. I figured that I couldn't stop myself if I changed my mind. It was such an awesome feeling. I'm glad I did it. And I hope I have another nice day to do it again.
I will admit, my last post was quite negative, but I did manage to get things straightened out with school. I had some other bumps which included: swapping classes more than once and worrying about the status of my financial aid and enrollment at UW-La Crosse. Even though I had difficulties, I was able to figure things out. To make a long story short, I am now taking a class on Business Tourism. It will unfortunately only transfer back as elective credits, but it will be a fun course to take while here. I'm anxious for it and feel it may end up being my most favorite course here. Don't worry, I won't be switching my major for a sixth time.
This week has also blessed me with a lot of chocolate. From ice cream, to cookies, to chocolate bars, I have dove right in to enjoying the wonderful selection of sweets this country has to over. Before I left I thought that I might lose some weight because I wouldn't be eating as much sweets. You see, the problem with this is that there are so many different types of sweets here and I am determined to try them all. Everyone hear says "heaps" instead of "a lot" or "tons." So, this week I have had heaps of chocolate. My favorite discovery has been Tim Tam's: "the most irresistible chocolate biscuit." Side note: (New Zealand word for cookie = biscuit). They are a delicious cookie that come in a variety of flavors. They are expensive, but worth every penny to me. Plus, they are currently on sale! I went to the grocery store on Wednesday and $9 of $45 bill was dedicated to chocolate. I think I have a problem.
Lastly, to top off this week I joined the Tramping Club. No, it's not what it sounds like. Tramping is hiking, rock climbing, or mountaineering. It only had a $20 joining fee and has weekend trips or daily hikes every single weekend! This is exactly how I want to see New Zealand: by foot, outside, and surrounded by beauty. It was an easy decision to make. In fact, this weekend I am attending the "Fresher's Trip." I am so anxious to leave and I am glad I came prepared with hiking boots, a sleeping bag, and a backpacking backpack. I forced these things into my suitcase so I could go on my own weekend hiking adventures. Now I have a club full of people who share my passion for hiking to enjoy New Zealand with. I am so excited about this opportunity!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
First Week of Class at VUW
I officially survived my first week of school. Not that it was hard or anything, but it definitely was not the best week I’ve ever had. School here is very different than what it is in the states. There are some things that are different here that seem to make sense like the fact that all the buildings are connected so you stay out of the wind when moving from building to building. I’d really enjoy this luxury on a cold winter day back home! It is also nice that my flat is literally five minutes away from essentially of the buildings that my classes are held. Despite these convenient factors, for the most part, I do not like how things are run here at all, but I’m biased.
Currently, I am enrolled in four papers (classes). My classes are: 1) Global History, 2) Gandhi, India, and the World, 3) Visual Perception, and 4) Discursive Social Psychology. I have each of these courses anywhere from 2 to 3 times a week in a large lecture hall. Starting next week, I have a two hour lab for each of my psychology courses and an hour long tutorial for each of my history courses. The large lectures are very different to me and I feel they will not fuel a positive learning environment for me. I love to have discussions in class and get to know my professors. Here, professors are called lecturers because that’s what they do, they lecture and that’s it. The tutorials are designed to be more discussion based; however, from my understanding they can be hit or miss depending upon the students that are in them. I was not happy to learn this week that I would be in class an additional six hours each week between tutorials and labs. Each student schedules labs and tutorials the first week of class. Back in the states, you know exactly what your schedule is right when you register. It was frustrating to make sure each tutorial and lab didn’t interfere with lecture times. I will never understand the logic of not having this all done right away when registering.
The biggest difference in classes is how they are structured. For most of my classes, I have two or three random assignments that are required throughout the semester as well as a final examination. It does not give me a lot of room to, well, slack. There are a lot of readings for each week that are recommended. However, “recommended” readings in the states = me not doing any reading. I’ve met a number of people who say that they do all of the readings and also a number of people who do not do the readings. Clearly, I agree with the people who do not do the readings much more. I am not sure how well I will adjust to all of this extra reading. It makes me miss UWL and what I am familiar with when it comes to how to be a college student. I just do not know how to do it here and I have way too many distractions that are preventing me from figuring it out. In all honesty, I have never been good at doing readings for class, but it hasn’t mattered because class covers the readings (at UWL). Here, I do not know yet if I can say the same thing. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
I also found out some somewhat bad news this week. There is a possibility that I may not graduate in May 2013 because my Discursive Social Psychology course here will not transfer back to what I was hoping it would at UWL. I have basically just enough credits left to complete that will involve 18 credit semesters and some winter or summer courses. Long story short, I am trying to take a fun class in place of it. It is a 300 level class, which involves a lot more work than a 100 or 200 level class here does. I do not want to do the extra work if it won’t help me towards graduation. My logic: I’d rather take a fun class that hopefully involves less work so I can travel around more on the weekends. I am hoping to get this all figured out first thing on Monday.
Sorry to have a somewhat negative blog post. This week has just been one full of adjusting. I am confident things will work out. My college career has gone somewhat sporadically (compared to others) due to a combination of being a state FFA officer, transferring, and switching my major. Studying abroad has been extra work and more challenging since I am doing it as a college senior. Most people do this as sophomores. Regardless, I am happy to be here and am doing what I can to make things work out in the most enjoyable way.
Currently, I am enrolled in four papers (classes). My classes are: 1) Global History, 2) Gandhi, India, and the World, 3) Visual Perception, and 4) Discursive Social Psychology. I have each of these courses anywhere from 2 to 3 times a week in a large lecture hall. Starting next week, I have a two hour lab for each of my psychology courses and an hour long tutorial for each of my history courses. The large lectures are very different to me and I feel they will not fuel a positive learning environment for me. I love to have discussions in class and get to know my professors. Here, professors are called lecturers because that’s what they do, they lecture and that’s it. The tutorials are designed to be more discussion based; however, from my understanding they can be hit or miss depending upon the students that are in them. I was not happy to learn this week that I would be in class an additional six hours each week between tutorials and labs. Each student schedules labs and tutorials the first week of class. Back in the states, you know exactly what your schedule is right when you register. It was frustrating to make sure each tutorial and lab didn’t interfere with lecture times. I will never understand the logic of not having this all done right away when registering.
The biggest difference in classes is how they are structured. For most of my classes, I have two or three random assignments that are required throughout the semester as well as a final examination. It does not give me a lot of room to, well, slack. There are a lot of readings for each week that are recommended. However, “recommended” readings in the states = me not doing any reading. I’ve met a number of people who say that they do all of the readings and also a number of people who do not do the readings. Clearly, I agree with the people who do not do the readings much more. I am not sure how well I will adjust to all of this extra reading. It makes me miss UWL and what I am familiar with when it comes to how to be a college student. I just do not know how to do it here and I have way too many distractions that are preventing me from figuring it out. In all honesty, I have never been good at doing readings for class, but it hasn’t mattered because class covers the readings (at UWL). Here, I do not know yet if I can say the same thing. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
I also found out some somewhat bad news this week. There is a possibility that I may not graduate in May 2013 because my Discursive Social Psychology course here will not transfer back to what I was hoping it would at UWL. I have basically just enough credits left to complete that will involve 18 credit semesters and some winter or summer courses. Long story short, I am trying to take a fun class in place of it. It is a 300 level class, which involves a lot more work than a 100 or 200 level class here does. I do not want to do the extra work if it won’t help me towards graduation. My logic: I’d rather take a fun class that hopefully involves less work so I can travel around more on the weekends. I am hoping to get this all figured out first thing on Monday.
Sorry to have a somewhat negative blog post. This week has just been one full of adjusting. I am confident things will work out. My college career has gone somewhat sporadically (compared to others) due to a combination of being a state FFA officer, transferring, and switching my major. Studying abroad has been extra work and more challenging since I am doing it as a college senior. Most people do this as sophomores. Regardless, I am happy to be here and am doing what I can to make things work out in the most enjoyable way.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Farmer's Market and Newtown Music Festival
This past Sunday was by far the best day I have had in New Zealand. It may not seem like all that exciting of a day, but a lot of things were put into perspective for me. This realization that I had has helped me adjust much more quickly to life in a big city and in a foreign country.
I got up relatively early to go to a local Farmer's Market. There are two that I know of around Wellington and one is only about 5 minutes away from my flat. The other is 30 minutes, and I learned through others who went there that it has more to offer. I'll remember that for next Sunday. This market was incredible. It had every fruit and vegetable imaginable all for a really good price. I got a week's plus supply of apples, oranges, bananas, eggs, lettuce, green beans and onions for only $10! This amazing deal has helped me tremendously in terms of adjusting to the cost of food here. This past week I've been extremely uncomfortable with the fact that food is as much as it is. Knowing that I have this option every week has put me at ease because I will be able to get my essentials for cheap. The market that is 30 minutes from my flat supposedly has breads, meats, and cheeses in addition to fruits and vegetables.
At 1 p.m., I met up with Ocean, my buddy through the International Buddy Program on campus. Her friend Raj drove us and her friend Millie to Newtown for an annual music festival. I may be overly excited, but this festival was simply a blast! There were tons of booths to purchase decorations, jewelry, clothes, hats, etc. There were also tons of places to buy food, and not just any food--ethnic food. I had my very first Crepe with Nutella on it. Basically the best thing I've ever ate in a long time, and I've decided I've been missing out. The day was filled with sweets--I ate a lot of chocolate and licorice that Raj bought for us to munch on while we walked around. We spent a good part of our day drinking Cider (an apple flavored beer) at a bar outside listening to live music. There were 4 or 5 stages with live bands throughout the festival. I met three people that are working on The Hobbit. It was sweet as, and I feel really lucky that I got to share the day with the people I did.
Ocean and Millie even worked a nut stand for a guy. I was going to help to say that I did work in New Zealand, but I wanted to see the festival. It amazes me that this man trusted strangers to work his booth, with all his money, will he took a 15 minute lunch break. Everyone here seems to be friendly. In fact, when we were at Monterey (the bar we drank at), we joined three people at a table. When we asked if we could join them, a man said, "Of course, we are all friends here." That sums up the hospitality of this country quite well: everyone is friends.
It may have seemed like just an ordinary day, but it was the first day that I have felt at home since I left. I'm happy here, and I'm glad I am here. It took some time to adjust, but now I find myself taking each little moment that I have to thank God for allowing me to be here, in this absolutely beautiful city that's a part of a gorgeous country.
I got up relatively early to go to a local Farmer's Market. There are two that I know of around Wellington and one is only about 5 minutes away from my flat. The other is 30 minutes, and I learned through others who went there that it has more to offer. I'll remember that for next Sunday. This market was incredible. It had every fruit and vegetable imaginable all for a really good price. I got a week's plus supply of apples, oranges, bananas, eggs, lettuce, green beans and onions for only $10! This amazing deal has helped me tremendously in terms of adjusting to the cost of food here. This past week I've been extremely uncomfortable with the fact that food is as much as it is. Knowing that I have this option every week has put me at ease because I will be able to get my essentials for cheap. The market that is 30 minutes from my flat supposedly has breads, meats, and cheeses in addition to fruits and vegetables.
At 1 p.m., I met up with Ocean, my buddy through the International Buddy Program on campus. Her friend Raj drove us and her friend Millie to Newtown for an annual music festival. I may be overly excited, but this festival was simply a blast! There were tons of booths to purchase decorations, jewelry, clothes, hats, etc. There were also tons of places to buy food, and not just any food--ethnic food. I had my very first Crepe with Nutella on it. Basically the best thing I've ever ate in a long time, and I've decided I've been missing out. The day was filled with sweets--I ate a lot of chocolate and licorice that Raj bought for us to munch on while we walked around. We spent a good part of our day drinking Cider (an apple flavored beer) at a bar outside listening to live music. There were 4 or 5 stages with live bands throughout the festival. I met three people that are working on The Hobbit. It was sweet as, and I feel really lucky that I got to share the day with the people I did.
Ocean and Millie even worked a nut stand for a guy. I was going to help to say that I did work in New Zealand, but I wanted to see the festival. It amazes me that this man trusted strangers to work his booth, with all his money, will he took a 15 minute lunch break. Everyone here seems to be friendly. In fact, when we were at Monterey (the bar we drank at), we joined three people at a table. When we asked if we could join them, a man said, "Of course, we are all friends here." That sums up the hospitality of this country quite well: everyone is friends.
It may have seemed like just an ordinary day, but it was the first day that I have felt at home since I left. I'm happy here, and I'm glad I am here. It took some time to adjust, but now I find myself taking each little moment that I have to thank God for allowing me to be here, in this absolutely beautiful city that's a part of a gorgeous country.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Adjusting to Wellington
Although New Zealand is in a completely different part of the world, there are still a lot of similarities between back home and here. However, there have been a number of differences that I have been trying to get used to. I haven’t become frustrated with anything yet, but I usually find it entertaining. Here’s some of the biggest differences I have made note of or that have started to stand out.
School Differences
1. Kiwi's call school or college “Uni.” I have been around many people who have asked questions like “When does uni start” or “What uni are you going to.” It really does make quite a bit of sense if you think about it considering most college campuses back home are called universities and not college.
2. Classes are known as papers. This has been tough to get used to because people will ask me about something relating to papers and I automatically have a sudden moment of panic thinking I should be writing a paper.
3. Credits are called points. I haven’t figured out the logic behind it yet because “papers” that I have each week that meet less or worth more points which is just the opposite of the way things are in Wisconsin.
4. Each week, I have tutorials outside of my “papers.” These are small group sessions with older uni students where there is more discussion compared to lectures.
5. I have to read a lot here, apparently. Classes are just beginning so I am unsure what the work load will be, but every Kiwi I have met have said they actually read, whereas back home, I do not read.
Daily Interactions
1. Back home, when something is cool, we say “cool” or “sweet” or “awesome.” Here they say “sweet as” or “cool as.” This has been one of my most favorite parts of being in New Zealand.
2. They talk extremely fast. This sums it up pretty well and I am annoyed by how much I have had to ask someone to repeat themselves. They also talk much quieter. I’m catching on quick luckily and everyone here thinks I have a “sweet as” accent.
3. They have a playful way of harassing Australians, or Aussie’s. There appears to be a big rivalry.
4. Everyone here is friends. While at a bar on Sunday, we joined another table because they had room at it. That would never happen back in the US.
5. Some people greet friends with a hug and kiss on the cheek. This could mean nothing or something so you can imagine my confusion if I am ever in this predicament.
6. No one gets worked up about anything, everyone I’ve met has been very relaxed, always looking to have fun, and slightly on the crazy side in terms of wanting to make things more exciting or thrilling.
7. When eating at a café or grabbing coffee (which the coffee and café selection here is huge), you do not clear your dishes. You just leave them on the table.
8. Different word choices:
-reckon=think
-jobs=chores
-barbie=barbeque
-sandals=jandals
-after thank you, they say “It’s alright”
-bro=good friend or brother
-Kiwi’s=citizen of New Zealand
-trolley=shopping cart
-Wellywood=Wellington
-park=parking spot
-bin or rubbish bin=trash can
Differences in Infrastructure/Money/Tax/Sports
1. They drive on the other side of the road. This is so confusing, and I always have to look right first when crossing the street. There are a lot of one way streets in Wellington which has made crossing the street a little safer to me.
2. They also walk on the left side of the street, which is taking some getting used to. It makes sense because we walk on the right back home.
3. They use a lot of round-a-bouts. I haven’t seen too many stop signs since I have been in New Zealand.
4. Metrics is used here. I am still adjusting to a temperature scale, defining distance in terms of kilometers, and measuring out groceries in terms of grams or kilograms. Luckily, the ghetto phone I got has a conversion setting on it.
5. Tax is included and rounding is used when purchasing goods or items. If my grocery bill came to $58.73, I would pay $58.70. If something says it is $4, like a coffee for example, you pay $4.
6. One dollar bills are not used here. Rather, there are $2 and $1 coins. The smallest coin is a 10 cent piece.
7. Tipping is not a custom here. However, I recently learned that if you tip a bartender, they may make your drinks stronger or slip you a free drink at some point in the night.
8. The country is not politically correct in any way. For example, many things are provocative in nature. When going on tours, the tour guides have cracked a lot of sexual jokes. You do not see this back home, and many people would consider it inappropriate.
9. Back home, the world stops on Sunday’s for football. Here, well, Rugby trumps everything. The All Blacks just won the Rugby World Cup, so it is an even bigger deal here.
Other Differences
1. Walking is a way of life here. I have often walked 30 minutes to go grocery shopping and the beach is 45 minutes from where I live. I suppose that’s typical of a big city.
2. When Kiwi’s go out, they dress up. Girls wear dresses and guys often wear ties. Open-toed shoes are not acceptable and bouncers are able to not allow you in due to what you are wearing.
3. In general, people dress up way more than they do back home.
4. The bars close when everyone in them decides to go home, which is often at 4 or 5 in the morning.
5. Some airports do not have any sort of security measure. This speaks volume as to how peaceful of a country I am in.
6. There are two buttons on toilets: 1 is for less water usage and 2 is for more water usage (I'm sure you all can figure the rest out).
7. The outlets here need to be turned on to be used; there's an actual switch on them.
School Differences
1. Kiwi's call school or college “Uni.” I have been around many people who have asked questions like “When does uni start” or “What uni are you going to.” It really does make quite a bit of sense if you think about it considering most college campuses back home are called universities and not college.
2. Classes are known as papers. This has been tough to get used to because people will ask me about something relating to papers and I automatically have a sudden moment of panic thinking I should be writing a paper.
3. Credits are called points. I haven’t figured out the logic behind it yet because “papers” that I have each week that meet less or worth more points which is just the opposite of the way things are in Wisconsin.
4. Each week, I have tutorials outside of my “papers.” These are small group sessions with older uni students where there is more discussion compared to lectures.
5. I have to read a lot here, apparently. Classes are just beginning so I am unsure what the work load will be, but every Kiwi I have met have said they actually read, whereas back home, I do not read.
Daily Interactions
1. Back home, when something is cool, we say “cool” or “sweet” or “awesome.” Here they say “sweet as” or “cool as.” This has been one of my most favorite parts of being in New Zealand.
2. They talk extremely fast. This sums it up pretty well and I am annoyed by how much I have had to ask someone to repeat themselves. They also talk much quieter. I’m catching on quick luckily and everyone here thinks I have a “sweet as” accent.
3. They have a playful way of harassing Australians, or Aussie’s. There appears to be a big rivalry.
4. Everyone here is friends. While at a bar on Sunday, we joined another table because they had room at it. That would never happen back in the US.
5. Some people greet friends with a hug and kiss on the cheek. This could mean nothing or something so you can imagine my confusion if I am ever in this predicament.
6. No one gets worked up about anything, everyone I’ve met has been very relaxed, always looking to have fun, and slightly on the crazy side in terms of wanting to make things more exciting or thrilling.
7. When eating at a café or grabbing coffee (which the coffee and café selection here is huge), you do not clear your dishes. You just leave them on the table.
8. Different word choices:
-reckon=think
-jobs=chores
-barbie=barbeque
-sandals=jandals
-after thank you, they say “It’s alright”
-bro=good friend or brother
-Kiwi’s=citizen of New Zealand
-trolley=shopping cart
-Wellywood=Wellington
-park=parking spot
-bin or rubbish bin=trash can
Differences in Infrastructure/Money/Tax/Sports
1. They drive on the other side of the road. This is so confusing, and I always have to look right first when crossing the street. There are a lot of one way streets in Wellington which has made crossing the street a little safer to me.
2. They also walk on the left side of the street, which is taking some getting used to. It makes sense because we walk on the right back home.
3. They use a lot of round-a-bouts. I haven’t seen too many stop signs since I have been in New Zealand.
4. Metrics is used here. I am still adjusting to a temperature scale, defining distance in terms of kilometers, and measuring out groceries in terms of grams or kilograms. Luckily, the ghetto phone I got has a conversion setting on it.
5. Tax is included and rounding is used when purchasing goods or items. If my grocery bill came to $58.73, I would pay $58.70. If something says it is $4, like a coffee for example, you pay $4.
6. One dollar bills are not used here. Rather, there are $2 and $1 coins. The smallest coin is a 10 cent piece.
7. Tipping is not a custom here. However, I recently learned that if you tip a bartender, they may make your drinks stronger or slip you a free drink at some point in the night.
8. The country is not politically correct in any way. For example, many things are provocative in nature. When going on tours, the tour guides have cracked a lot of sexual jokes. You do not see this back home, and many people would consider it inappropriate.
9. Back home, the world stops on Sunday’s for football. Here, well, Rugby trumps everything. The All Blacks just won the Rugby World Cup, so it is an even bigger deal here.
Other Differences
1. Walking is a way of life here. I have often walked 30 minutes to go grocery shopping and the beach is 45 minutes from where I live. I suppose that’s typical of a big city.
2. When Kiwi’s go out, they dress up. Girls wear dresses and guys often wear ties. Open-toed shoes are not acceptable and bouncers are able to not allow you in due to what you are wearing.
3. In general, people dress up way more than they do back home.
4. The bars close when everyone in them decides to go home, which is often at 4 or 5 in the morning.
5. Some airports do not have any sort of security measure. This speaks volume as to how peaceful of a country I am in.
6. There are two buttons on toilets: 1 is for less water usage and 2 is for more water usage (I'm sure you all can figure the rest out).
7. The outlets here need to be turned on to be used; there's an actual switch on them.
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