New Zealand is definitely a first world country, and a big change from Tonga and the other island countries we have visited in the South Pacific. Everything is available here, and so is the temptation to buy too much of it. There are many similarities between New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest or Vancouver, but so far without the rain. The ocean, hills, trees, daily temperatures and people speaking English seem very familiar. But many things about New Zealand are different and unique. For example, the drug store is the 'chemist', and you don't try something here, you 'give it a go'. The most obvious difference is people walking on the left side of the sidewalk, and driving on the left side of the road. We bought a used Toyota van, and driving along the road isn't too bad, but it takes some thinking when coming to intersections and parking areas etc. Generally we put on our turn signal, but the windshield wipers come on. Sometimes we get into the car, and the steering wheel isn't there. So we pass each other while circling to the other side and hoping no one is watching us. The Kiwi's must get a good laugh at all this. Also, since we are now guests in their country, we are the ones with the strong foreign accent.
We expect to 'give it a go' here in New Zealand for about six months, and will do more posts and picture albums from time to time.
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