The last several months have been exciting indeed!  Rus and I have done some weekend travelling to Kaikoura, Mt. Herbert, Hanmer Springs (which I did not write about because it was such a brief trip, and we took no pictures), and Blenheim/Picton.  We have seen the mild Summer blend into a delightfully crisp Autumn (with a few cold and rainy tastes of Winter thrown in!).  Snow now covers the tops of the distant Alps and is breathtaking to see.  I have further delayed starting a job until after we return from our long holiday to United States starting in late June.  Our Austrian roommate has relocated to a flat down the street, paving the way for a new resident at 20 Derby any day now.  Above all, Rus and I continue to learn and discover.  Here are a couple of new observations we have made:

1. The houses are, indeed, drafty (or “draughty”, as it is spelled).  No central heating, single-pane windows, and poor insulation mean chilly days and cold nights.  While the temperatures do not stay below freezing for long, it is hard to get and stay warm.  As I naturally prone to feeling cold, this also means that I constantly wear a beanie and my turquoise puffy vest off (inside or outside).  We now understand why Kiwis drink so much hot tea (4-8 cups per day!) and have likewise followed suit.

2. People constantly lose their pets.

We have had three fliers delivered to our door regarding missing cats.  Furthermore, we see fliers in the supermarket and shopping areas, on utility poles, on TradeMe, etc. - everywhere!  I have certainly seen fliers for missing animals in the States, but it has been many years since a person has knocked on the door and hand-delivered notices about their missing pet.

3. The Christchurch police do not carry weapons.

Having come from a place where the police are to be feared and incidents of police brutality and mistreatment run rampant (type in “police brutality” on YouTube for thousands of examples caught on video), this is a welcome and pleasant change.  The police are friendly and have a laissez-faire attitude.  For example, all last summer, Rus and I routinely witnessed kids openly walking around with and drinking beer, seemingly drunk, with police around.  As long as they were not bothering people or damaging property, the police just left them alone.  I feel like I could actually go to them for help if necessary.

4. Mobile phone use, especially in public, is not often seen.

Since talking on a mobile phone is expensive, most people communicate via text message.  This means that while we see a lot of people focused on their phones, feverishly texting back and forth, there are few people who are yakking while driving, shopping, or riding the bus (although, curiously, we have both seen several people texting while cycling?!).

5.  The moon is upside down.

The “face” of the moon, typically tilted toward 10 o’clock, is now situated at 4 0′clock.  It also waxes and wanes in the opposite direction, too.

6. Kiwis are notoriously poor spellers.

From advertisements to menus and everything in between (see the photo I took of a Blenheim grocery store aisle label), it is surprising - albeit amusing - how many misspellings the Kiwis make.  As a self-proclaimed “grammar queen” and a fan, I think I could also keep Bethany over at the “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks busy for months!

7. There is a man spa called “ManScape“.

Yes, you read that right!  If you do not know the definition as most Americans know it, you can educate yourself from the highly-reputable and equally hilarious Urban Dictionary. Kiwis (clearly) do not use the term in exactly the same way, but Rus and I still continue to have a laugh at the name.  On another note, it is professional and a very hip place for a man to get a haircut or another relaxing spa service (dare I use the word “pamper”?  Nah.).

8. Grapefruits look like oranges (size and color); the oranges are the best we have ever had.

Comparing the two side-by-side, it is difficult to differentiate a New Zealand grapefruit with an orange.  Their skins are the same color, similar texture, and they smell similar too.  A grapefruit here is about the size of an American orange.  When cut open, the flesh is yellow-orange.  The taste is sweet, sour, tangy - almost as if an American orange and an American yellow grapefruit were blended together.  As a fan of Florida oranges, it is hard for me to believe that there are more brilliant oranges.  New Zealand oranges are smaller, sweeter, and picked when ripe, so they are exploding with flavour.  Rus and I lovingly refer to them as “orange candy” for their sweetness and our ability to eat too many.

9.  Amidst all of the world headlines about wars, crises, and flus, it is refreshing to see the main local headlines proclaiming the “pandemic” of people ticketed for driving on the wrong side of the road.  A few months ago, there was also an indepth article about how the recession/depression was affecting the local prostitution industry, and how brothels were having to come up with creative promotions such as “lunchtime specials” and “2-for-1″ deals.  Such a nice change of pace from the stabbings and shootings and other violent crimes in big cities in the States.

The last several months have certainly flown by, and it has been a joy getting to know this country and its people.  Hopefully, as we continue to acclimate and make friends, we continue to enjoy some novelty as well.

Earlier in the week, I excitedly emailed my oldest sister (and fellow fan of sustainable living) an article about “Bike to Work Day 2009″. Little did I realise that it is an annual nationwide awareness campaign - and an excellent one!  Commuting by bicycle is a great way to reduce traffic, get exercise, and enjoy the lovely Spring weather.  However, my sister made a point regarding her participation in the campaign: it simply isn’t safe for her to commute via bicycle in downtown Richmond, Virginia.  With no bike lanes and distracted drivers (chatting on the mobile phone, putting on makeup, eating/drinking, shaving, reading the newspaper, etc.), even a cyclist with the best intentions and safest habits is at risk.

Rus and I have been car-free since the beginning of the year, commuting mainly by bicycle, and I have a confession to make:  it is easier to be car-free in Christchurch.  Nearly every road in the metro area has a dedicated bicycle lane, and at night, overhead street lights keep the paths well-lit.  Cyclists can also legally ride on the sidewalks, which is helpful on particularly busy roads when crossing multiple lanes of traffic can be difficult.  In addition, cyclists are not bound by the same traffic laws as motor vehicles; if the light is red, and the intersection is clear, the cyclist can proceed through.  It helps that the terrain in Christchurch is completely flat.

The best part about cycling in the city is that it is often faster to ride than to drive.  Most traffic congestion in Christchurch happens during a literal “rush hour” from about 4:30-5:30PM (in Auckland, apparently, their traffic situation is similar to any large American city, with congested highways and traffic jams) - and basically involves a handful of intersections that are backed up a few light cycles.  There is nothing better than smoothly riding past all of the cars waiting for the light to change to “green”.  Furthermore, it is always entertaining to see the same cars you saw in traffic pull into the same locale you arrived at just moments before.

Of course, that does not mean that it is always a breeze riding around town.  For example, drivers are unforgiving of a cushion of space when going around cyclists, and so “buzz” by at 55-70kmph (35-45mph) or more.  It took me a couple of months (once I learned how to “ride” on the left side of the road!) before getting buzzed by busses didn’t give me a near-heart attack…it has evolved into more of a cheap thrill. Also, many of the bike lanes run alongside street parking…Rus and I have had our fair share of near-misses with opening driver’s side doors.  We have noticed that eating and drinking in the car, as well as talking on the phone, are less prominent here in general; so, theoretically, drivers here are less distracted than their American counterparts.

That being said, I am a big proponent of “Safety first!”; I wear a fluorescent yellow, full-length jacket and have blinking head and tail lights when travelling at night (again, the lighted streets help a lot in this regard).  Obviously, I wear a helmet (it is illegal not to do so - and it is enforced!).  Still, my biggest safety feature is being aware of my surroundings.  Similar to defensive driving, I try to anticipate what the cars (and numerous pedestrians and other cyclists) are going to do next. It has helped, I have learned, to figure out the best routes to get from Point A to Point B - and avoid complicated intersections when possible.  We happen to live mere metres from one of the busiest intersections in Christchurch, and it’s a hassle turning onto our street during the day when traffic is heavier.  Often, I will take another road that gets me in “the back way”.  Of course, nothing teaches you faster than a near-death experience, of which I had a few month ago when I pulled out in front of a car.  I managed to get myself out of the way in time, but it gave me (and the driver of the car) a good shake-up that I do not want to repeat.

In conclusion,  I love that “Bike to Work Day” is being promoted nationwide in the United States, especially since European cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam enjoy, respectively, 36% and 60%+ ridership!  Several U.S. cities, including Portland, OR, have fantastic bike-friendly cultures and infrastructure.  I have a friend at the Greater Philadelphia Bike Coalition who is working tirelessly to create the same there.  BikeShares in Washington, D.C. have been launched, with several other major cities implementing pilot programs.  Americans everywhere are craving an end to the stop-an-go commuting horrors, a corner-turn in the obesity epidemic, relief from the “credit crunch”, and a cure for the overall blues.  Hopefully, promotions like these will be the impetus to get more people out on their bicycles - and supporting cycling infrastructure in their cities.  This way, citizens like my sister, who want to do something good for themselves and society, can ride confidently and safely.

It’s been a month since we moved here (whoa, it’s gone by fast!) and adjusting to living on the other side of the globe has been smoother than I thought it would be so far.  I’ve gotten used to living with four new people, drying laundry on the laundry line, not having a car (this is probably a good thing from a safety perspective!) and taking the bus (in addition to walking and biking) to get around.  I am still enjoying the novelty of different slang terms, which I update continuously on the NZ Thesaurus post.

There are, however, some differences!  A few of these disparities surface through various shopping excursions.  First, there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to the way things are priced here as compared to the States.  Some things are cheaper (like wine), and some are more expensive (like shoes).  Second, shops are open from about 10:00AM and close by 6:00PM, with few exceptions; some grocery stores and malls (which, by the way, are mini compared to American ones) are open until 8:00PM on certain days.  Third, if something isn’t in stock, you can order it, with the promise it will be at the store “in a couple of weeks”.  Two weeks?  Four weeks?  Who knows…  Definitely an adjustment to the just-in-time, on-demand retail experiences in America!

Actually paying for things has some weirds twists too.  For example, there are coins instead of paper bills for $1.00 and $2.00 denominations (kind of cool).  Also, since the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) does not have a denomination less than $0.10, prices are rounded to the nearest $0.10 when you pay with cash (electronic payments like debit or credit card charge the exact amount).  I equate it to New Zealand’s version of “give a penny, take a penny” - sometimes you get more money back and sometimes you get less.  Recently, I bought something where the total was $11.63; on the receipt, one of the line items was “rounding”, which subtracted $0.03 from my total; I received $4.40 in change.  Interesting!

It’s also worth noting:

1. The rap music is hilariously bad.

2. There are only about 30 cable channels (several American, British, and Chinese stations) as opposed to hundreds.

3. Few houses have sink disposals (they cost upwards of NZ$1000!) - ours does not.

4. The majority of houses have a laundry line, an electric tea kettle, and no screens on windows and doors (there are few bugs here, so they are not necessary - awesome).  The ovens have a smaller compartment called a “griller”, what we Americans would call a “broiler”.

5. It’s hard to find fresh mozzerella cheese.

6. Toilets have two flush options: #1 and #2 (hehe).

Things I Love (I will expand on a few of these in a future post): Frank Ginger Beer, Juice 2 TV (plays videos from the 80s and 90s - F-A-B), astoundingly friendly people, the Metro bus system, and bountiful natural and local fresh food!

Things I Miss: Simply Orange and Simpy Grapefruit juice, reliable cable internet, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Craigslist, TJMaxx/Marshalls, Trader Joe’s, and (it goes without saying) friends and family!

Regardless of the little differences, I will be just fine as long as I continue to have access to my American creature comforts like Crocs, peanut butter, chocolate milk, and Law & Order reruns.

Since arriving, I have been frequently asked what I think of now-President Obama.   Locals wanted to know:  Is he “change we can believe in”?   Did you vote for him?  Do you think he’ll do what he says he will do?  Is it all hype?

And I thought:  Has Obama-Mania reached New Zealand?

I am under the impression (and maybe I am seeing this through American-born-and-bred-”We’re-Number-One!” beer goggles) that the world watches what the United States does quite closely.  For as the U.S. goes, often, so does the rest of the world.   That being said, the New Zealand press no different; it is tuned in to most U.S. current events - from the latest bailout packages to Senator scandals to celebrity gossip.

As far as Obama-Mania, my roommates said the whole U.S. election was covered heavily, competing with their own!   In general, I would say people here are favorable toward Obama.  One roommate, Monique, has talked with friends, who think he is cool and hip - some even consider him sexy!   She said one of her colleagues - who admitted she was “obsessed with Obama” - was glued to the television her whole shift watching the Inauguration festivities.  On the other hand, they wonder if he is the real deal; actually following through on the beautifully crafted and presented promises that come out of his mouth.

At this point, my conclusion is that Kiwis are as optimistic about Obama’s potential for “hope” and “change” as the Obama-maniacs back home.   Maybe it is the long-awaited exhale, after eight years of holding one’s breath, that someone who seems to know what he’s doing is leading America.  Maybe, like the folks in the States, they just want the old America back. The one that doesn’t torture.  The one that doesn’t start illegal wars.  The one where freedom and liberty and justice for ALL are realities.  And the one where “hope”…isn’t just a campaign slogan.

As a side note: While I checked a few updates online to make sure that Armageddon didn’t happen during the Inauguration (news flash: it didn’t), I wasn’t interested in the pomp and circumstance.  No, I didn’t vote for McCain (I voted for Dr. Ron Paul, who also cured my political apathy).  No, I am not racist.  It is easy to be impressed by Obama’s oratory skills and charisma, especially compared to the bumbling disgrace of a man he replaced.  He’s likable on the surface; however, I cannot count myself as an “Obama-maniac”.

I subscribe to the “actions speak louder than words” crowd and have looked extensively into his cabinet choices and voting record.  And, if you don’t know who Zbigniew Brzezinski is, you should, regardless of your opinion of Obama.  These alone tell me the “change” part has nothing to do with amending politics as usual (which, of course, begs the question: just what kind of “change” did we get outselves into?  *shudder*).  After a little due diligence, no matter how polished Obama is, the “hope” and “change” (in the context of America as we currently know it), ends at his accomplishment of becoming the first black American President.