NZ Flax
Alright, we are going to get some things out in the open about New Zealand and the southern hemisphere that we are still getting used to...
1. There are A LOT of stars and constellations down here that those in the northern hemisphere never get to see and vice a versa...including a recent viewing many saw of the Aurora Australis on the south island...
2. Christmas time is in the middle of summer.
3. The moon's waxing and waning sides are opposite the northern hemisphere, so the moon is waxing when lighted on the left side and waning when lighted on the right.
4. Dudes where shorts and short shorts here and it is normal- it is the influence of Rugby, the manly sport.
5. There are roundabouts instead of stop signs, promoting fuel efficiency, safety, and general flow of traffic.
6. People drive on the left side of the road.
7. The toilets really swirl the opposite direction as the northern hemisphere (and supposedly on the equator, the water goes straight down)!
8. The sun's strength is a bit stronger down here, not so much because the hole in the atmosphere is closer, but because there are less pollutants in the air, making a thinner filter for the sunshine.
9. There really is no nuclear power in New Zealand, most the power comes from wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric.
10. (along those same lines) No nuclear powered boats are allowed into New Zealand's harbor (the last one was in the early '80's and we just met the guy who drove his 14' boat into the US navy ship and later fined $100).
11. There are no capital gains taxes in New Zealand.
12. There are California Redwoods, Sequoias, and California Poppies in New Zealand.
13. The second favorite flavor of ice cream among Kiwis is Hokey Pokey- a carmel, crunchy, confection made from Golden Syrup and we assure you, is quite impossible to pass up!
14. The airplane ride from LAX to Auckland airport is about 12 hours- not bad! (and it's the best airplane food you will ever have if you fly Air New Zealand).
15. The seasons are opposite on the northern hemisphere, so always about six month's difference in season.
16. Kiwis are into their coffee! And, for good reason- most of it is organic, fair trade, and with a roasting date to inform the consumer of how long has passed since it has been roasted. Brilliant!
17. Kiwis, while into their coffee, are also very into their tea, probably of English influence.
18. New Zealand is overcoming its English influence when it comes to food (we'll forgive them), with cafes all over that now focus on fresh, light, seasonal cuisine (less meat pies, etc.)
19. There really are a lot of sheep (they don't tell you there are equal amounts of rabbits and furry possums)!
20. Meat is naturally free range here as well as the eggs, making them highly nutritious and, hold onto your horses, good for you!
The Seatoun Tunnel...leads to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
2 comments:
Sarah - many of those things are why NZ is one of my favorite places around. My daughter and I have been looking at and talking about your posts and pictures. We both have been enjoying ourselves. On a side note I found Hokey Pokey ice cream at New Frontiers last week. A company called New Zealand Naturals is selling it here on the west coast.
Jay
Jay~ I am so happy you and your daughter have been enjoying our blog! And, I am equally excited you were able to find Hokey Pokey ice cream at New Frontiers! What a find! Hope all is well...
Best,
Sarah
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