La-la land

While we are in the midst of the biggest move of our lives, we are also currently on a vacation of sorts. And being on vacation is a bit like being in la-la land isn’t it? The money just passes though your fingers like sand through a sieve and you forget that you have to work, do laundry, or take the trash out. This vacation definitely has a slightly different bent though. There is much more information to absorb since we will be living here for the next few years. I have been studying the people and my interactions with them, I linger in the grocery store a little longer to figure out what kinds of foods are available and I compare prices with the States. I notice how people and things are much less flashy here and much more practical.

Overall, I feel like we will fit in well here. People are polite, friendly, laid back and they seem happier than your average American. They are not hurried or impatient. The scenery is gorgeous. It is just much quieter and peaceful here and it is wonderful to know that sheep far out number people, especially on the South Island.

There are definitely quirky things from my American perspective. For example, can you tell me why, if you are making a left turn you are required by law to yield to a driver who is turning right across your line of traffic? The peculiar law requires that you must give way to all traffic crossing or coming from your right. So weird. Mike and I had completely forgotten about this odd traffic rule until today when I managed to royally piss some guy off when I did not yield to him as both he and I were turning. My inner Spock finds no logic in this.

And a few other notable differences:

• eggs that have yolks the color of the sun. And they are not kept in the refrigerated section of the grocery store but are on a shelf near the cereal boxes. And they don’t even have to be “free range” or organic to look and taste far better than American store bought eggs. Heaven!
• Dairy products that taste fabulous. The yogurt here beats anything I have had in the States.
• No high fructose corn syrup or corn syrup in anything so far. This is a miracle of God.
• Commercial produce that tastes like organic produce in the States. I have found a little organic produce and other organic products at stores but the commercial, produced -in-NZ produce is really tasty. There is a tremendous pride in NZ grown produce and NZ products.
• This is a very, very kid-friendly nation. There are play structures and baskets of toys in the most unusual places, including the dealership where we bought our car. People seem to love children here, rather than the usual “hmph” and glares that we receive regularly in the States. Having kids will be a huge asset for meeting people as we settle in Christchurch.
• Your average Joe knowing more about American politics than most Americans. Sad really, but so refreshing to have an intelligent discussion with folks who are interested in life beyond their own microcosm.
• The availability of fresh seafood. Being an island nation, there is an abundance of it. We had a lovely fish dinner tonight of freshly caught Hoki.
• Local wines a plenty. I sit here sipping a fabulous Sauvignon Blanc that was uber cheap.
• Bacon here rocks! It is more a cross between canadian bacon and American bacon. More meaty, less fat and oh so good.
• Walking down the street or down the grocery aisle is a bit confusing. Do we walk on the left side just like we drive on the left side or what? We are still figuring this one out.
  

Much, much more to come.....