Early New Zealand Observations

Since we have arrived certain truths have made themselves self evident. Here they are in no particular order.

-Kiwis love to jay walk. We expect a race across the exressway or a trot across a downtown street, but not only do they jay walk frequently but with the stroll of a sunday walker in a peacful park--without a care in the world.

-Their work to live lifestyle is revealed in how few shops are open before ten and unless they are a restaurant or bar all stores close at six o'clock on the dot. Outside of Auckland everything closes at five.

-A Kiwi will compare Auckland to San Francisco but the asian influence found in the many lit sign boxes hanging from the awning is a glaring difference.

-The weather is truly as fickle as they say. On a walk to the Auckland Domaine, a giant park and sports complex, a drizzle turned into a downpour. The awning we took cover under soon attracted others and collectively we waited five minutes; the rain slowed and we continued on our way.

-Perception is in the eye of the perceiver. A five minute downpour and gusty winds is the extent of what I have seen of this storm that "threatens to devestate the North"

January 14, 2007