The feeling that we have been on vacation is starting to wear off and the feeling that we have just torn apart our whole lives and moved to a speck on the globe out in BFE is starting to set in. New Zealand and its people are not like America or Americans in any way shape or form. As it has only been three weeks we have only been able to come up with observations but no conclusions yet. That is not to say that the culture shock we are experiencing is not fascinating or disconcerting to our immediate state of well being. The following is a short list of things that we will either like, learn to tolerate or will eventually make us leave.

• Nature is awesome.
• The status quo is very important here. Individuality and excellence not encouraged and almost frowned upon.
• If you can’t say anything nice, say something nice. Imagine me in a place where you can’t say boo to someone. Ha!
• Government agencies here are awesome. There is usually one or two people in line, even at the DMV. When you get to the counter the person is smiling and has you on your way in a matter of minutes. I had to throw in a value judgement on that one.
• New Zealanders like to talk about the weather.
• Cost of living is high in city centers. Our rent is more than NYC, and the cost of goods is astronomical.
• The New Zealand businesses that we have encountered aren’t as savvy and organized as their American counterparts, for better or worse.
• We went to see a free concert put on by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. They played “The Final Countdown”. Enough said on that.
• New Zealanders can’t operate a parade in the proper way, but they can organize a great street party.

These are just some initial observations, and they seem to be mostly negative, but we might just be a little homesick. I am sure over the next coming months we will be able to elaborate more and have a better understanding of the nature of New Zealand and the New Zealander.