Typical Kiwi

Wow guys, I've been here for 50 days already and time is just flying by.

I'm experiencing so many of those 'I hope this moment never ends' moments.

I love these walks on the beach, the road trips, the nature. I love escaping from everyday life, I love being on the other side of the world, I enjoy meeting people from all around the world, ...

However, I have to say, I'm already looking forward to Germany.

I don't really get homesick but sometimes it would be nice to go for a coffee with someone.

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What is typical for New Zealanders:

- There are the so-called 'Slow Vehicle Bays' that many people use to let faster cars pass. These are second lanes on the left side.

- Showing off money and status is not that important here. This is also reflected in the gumboots. An item that defines the New Zealand identity. Since there are many farms here, many people wear gumboots. Some even take off their gumboots before going to the café or the supermarket.

- You have probably heard that the risk of skin cancer is very high here. Understandably, as the wind is almost always present and you don't really feel the sun.

- There are many single-lane bridges.

- When a two-lane road merges back into one lane on a highway, you don't have to change lanes. The two lanes meet in the middle and you can continue driving without any problems.

- The speed limit is usually indicated in curves. -> Practical, as otherwise you always drive too fast or too slow around a curve.

- Often people pass by who greet you with 'Hi, how are you doing?' and don't expect an answer, they just keep walking. 🤷‍♀️ If you don't expect an answer anyway, a simple 'Hi' is enough, right? 🙈

- The courtesy question 'How are you' is just as unnecessary in my opinion. Sure, it's the best way to start a conversation, but if you already know the answer, you can spare yourself the question, right? 🙈

- New Zealanders are very friendly.

- Although the kiwi is the most famous animal in New Zealand, you don't see them very often. Except for road signs with kiwis on them, unfortunately I haven't seen a kiwi yet.

- Power sockets. You not only have to plug in the plug, but also switch on the socket.

- There are public toilets with warm water for hand washing almost everywhere and you don't have to pay for it.

- New Zealanders are very clean. You hardly ever see litter on the streets and the trash cans are never full.

- The houses here are mostly one-story and without a basement. Mostly very simple.

- In New Zealand, you can pay for almost everything with a card, from a chocolate bar to a big shopping. If you do pay in cash, it's always rounded up or down, as there are no 1, 2, 5 cent coins, which I think is great. The result is that my wallet is much lighter. 👌🏻

- As one of the few countries worldwide, New Zealand completely abstains from generating energy from nuclear power plants. Compliments!