Sam's Observances

There are both similarities and differences between NZ and Canada the basic difference is New Zealand’s adherence to all things British. Though we are both Commonwealth countries they have stuck with words like boot, bonnet, petrol and tyre for cars and jumper (sweater) mate, good on you and krykie just to name a few.

Just as we are attracted to life in  America they are always comparing themselves to the country across the ditch ( Australia ) They compete against them in sport,business,entertainment etc. and are very proud of how their small country stacks up.

There was a National Election here on Saturday and the same party that was in power was returned with the same % of the vote they had before the Election. Voter turnout was the lowest ever ( sounds familiar). If you close your eyes and forgot the accent while watching the telly (good British word ) you would swear you were listening  to the PC ,Liberals and NDP's at home. Same issues, same arguments, same no answers for their basic problems.

I had a shop keeper ask me where I was from and he said that Canadians are just like New Zealanderss (Kiwis) except we have our natives “ under control “ and they don’t ( very interesting perception buy wrong )

Driving on the left side of the road was a very easy adjustment but in the first few days I kept going to the left side of the car to get in and drive a right hand steering vehicle. It doesn’t work very well! All the road signs for speed limits,construction,bumps etc. are much better signed than in Canada and give you plenty of time react.

It is no wonder the New Zealanders are good drivers the roads here are very twisty and you are either going up or down hill constantly. The condition of the roads are excellent (no frost to contend with) and they are very well maintained.

This county is old car crazy and you see many very well restored older cars, hot rods, American muscle cars and British Classics like the 1973 Jenson Interceptor III I saw yesterday in perfect original condition.

We have been a little out of touch where we are staying as they have no internet so we have to drive 15K to the closest Internet Café to get online. The next apartment we are staying at on Dec. 3 has Wi-Fi available and we will catch up with everyone.