Sophia Mar
I am really interested in the idea of moving to New Zealand.I am wondering what daily life is like there?I am from Staten Island(New York City)so I am used to always having something to do.Will this be different in New Zealand?Will it be a big culture shock for me?Also,are American brands/items sold in New Zealand?
Answer
I immigrated to Auckland from the States so I have experience with the change in culture. I grew up in Boston and then lived a couple years in DC so I can compare city life in the US to city-life here. I never experienced any culture-shock and I don't know of any Americans who did. It seems to be tougher for the British immigrants I know to adjust.
Moving from most parts of NYC to NZ would be a major change, but Staten Island is not that different in density and population from Auckland. Auckland has 1.4 million people spread out over a large area. It has all the stuff you'd find in the US to do. There are malls everywhere, movie theatres, clubs and pubs, nice cafes and restaurants etc. On the surface it will seem just like the US. But here are the biggest changes you'll probably begin to notice within a a few weeks of living here:
Malls and other shops close very early, like 5 or 6PM, even on a Saturday. There are no family chain restaurants like Uno's, Bertucci's etc. that you find all over in the US. Restaurants are very expensive, in fact food in general is much more expensive than in the US and the portions will be half the size. People don't dress up unless it is a special occassion. It is perfectly acceptable to be barefoot in public places. If you arrive in winter you might think the kids you see barefoot at the supermarket or mall on a cold rainy day are poor; they aren't. They all have shoes, they just don't wear them. Kids are allowed to go barefoot to elementary school and adults regularly walk around shoeless as well and this is not seen as redneck or strange at all. At most cafes and less fancy restaurants you are expected to order and pay up front first. Service is very slow by US standards but no one rushes you to move on and free up the table. You do not tip anyone in NZ, not waiters, not taxis.
As far as things to do goes, that won't be an issue. Kiwis do go to bed early and shut the shops early but there are plenty of evening activities. I go to pub quizzes a couple nights a week. Drinking during the work-week is much more acceptable here. Most work-places have friday night drinks often right in the office. I'm a teacher and still can't believe our staffroom here has a fridge dedicated to booze for friday afternoons.
Everyone in NZ gets 4-weeks paid holiday by law, so there is much more holiday culture. There are lots of beach-side camp-grounds with rows of little cabins where families go for a week or two every summer. Most of the city shuts down from late December to start of Feb while everyone takes a vacation. It's all part of the more laid-back way of life.
If you move to a rural NZ town there would be some serious culture shock I'm sure, but no different to the shock you'd have moving to a small town in upstate NY. Wellington supposedly has more culture than other cities in NZ but the weather there is awful. Honestly it makes Seattle look good. It does have a real San Fran vibe to it but it is much smaller than what your used to.
Women of GS what is your dream vacation?
Astro
Where would you love to go? If you've already been on your dream vacation where was it and what did you do?
Thank you for answering. :)
Emo man and White man I never read your comments, I always give them a thumbs down once I see your avatar (which is always the first thing I see), so don't even bother next time.
Answer
Camping in New Zealand. I'm not normal a very active or outdoorsy person, but I guess that's why it'd be a novelty and an exciting trip. It seems like every time I see a visually stunning film, that's where it was shot (Lord of the Rings, Narnia, etc.). I just have to see it. Plus, NZ has no natural predators. No bears, coyotes, poisonous snakes/insects, etc. The most you'd have to worry about while camping would be birds nicking your cameras. All of those waterfalls, forests, mountains, volcanoes... I'd love to just put up a big tent and a clothesline, make a fire pit, set out a table, and just forget about the modern world for a good 2 weeks. Heaven.
Second best vacation: Christmas in St. Petersburg, Russia (which is actually on January 7th because of their Orthodox calendar, so you'd still get to be with your family for "real" Christmas). I've heard it's stunning. Cold lol, but stunning. And really, who doesn't want cold & snow on Christmas?
Third option (just for fun haha): historic tour of Washington, D.C. I'd love to see the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Museums, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. And of course try out one of their many famous pubs ;)
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