looking back

Back in Canada well over a week now and still wish I were in NZ - mostly because I'm up to my ears in work and apartment hunting.

What do I really miss about New Zealand? Here's a short list:

• the phrase "gratuities and taxes extra" not in their vocab
• their dairy products, esp. the fresh cream and Kapiti ice cream
• the seafood
• black sand beaches
• the white sand beaches!
• cheap off-season accommodation
• competitively priced and reliable bus lines
• no pennies or nickels filling up my change purse
• dual-flush toilets. Let's get with the program(me), Canada!
• the Kiwi wit and laid-back attitude

A few from my "don't miss so much" list:

• horrid FM radio stations, esp. outside the major centres
• hearing the phrase "we're a young country"
• those little 'half-sinks'
• sleeping on a top bunk
• people thinking or assuming I'm a Yank
• rugby fever

I do plan to continue adding to this blog from time to time, so stay tuned for further bumpf on Aotearoa. Am also available to entertain your group with tales, and for my friends I work cheap - usually a free dinner.