We finally arrived!

New Zealand Adventures

We finally arrived!  About 26 hrs. after leaving Cincinnati, we finally flew in to Wellington.  And on a beautiful day, too.  The final approach was gorgeous.

Cook Strait, between the North and South Islands

Southern Alps

Won't bore you with the details, but we tackled the 17 hr. time difference rather well.  That's 17 hrs. AHEAD of Cincinnati.   

Can't help but notice cultural differences, obviously.  How about . . .

1)  Incredible cleanliness!  There is just no litter anywhere!

2)  Ketchup.  That's right, ketchup.  Sweeter and has a more a distinct flavor of cloves!

3)  Love it.  No tipping at the restaurants and no hidden costs.  One restaurant bill was $68 NZ and we paid $68 NZ.  Buy a t-shirt for $20 NZ, you pay $20 NZ.  Current exchange rate is $1 NZ = 77 cents US.

4)  Accent is traditionally British and can still be difficult to understand but the more we're around it, the better it will be.  I've noticed soft "e"s, as in "best, veggies, better, news" are pronounced as long "e"s, so it's  "beeest, veeegies, beeeter, neeews."  

5)  They're quite interested in US politics and many were watching the Oct. 10 debate between Hillary and Donald.  And everyone we've met just cannot believe that Donald Trump is even being considered as a candidate.  They're just incredulous about it all.

The best thing?  The friendliness.  The Kiwis are so friendly and so polite!  Lots of smiles, and certainly a healthy, positive approach to life.  Meet our new friend Paulette below.  Has already invited us to her home in the South Island.  And she expects us to visit too!  It is NOT just a hollow invitation!

The Kiwis are SOOOO nice and friendly!