Top Two FAQ's

It's been about a month and a half since I left the States and already I'm so far behind in blogging my adventures. However, if I wait until I've caught up, I'll never send the link to this blog. Instead, I've decided that I'll fill in the gaps with some pictures (soon to come) and start addressing some of the more popular questions I've been receiving. So, here are the most frequently asked questions I get on any given day...

From my friends and family at home: "What do you miss the most?"

Well obviously I miss my family and friends! That's a given. But I think most people who ask that question really want to know about day-to-day things that I simply can't call on the phone or buy in a store. I really can't say there's a whole lot I'm missing out on, but there are a few random things (in no particular order):

- Sugar Free Swiss Miss hot chocolate... to help me overcome that 3pm lull
- 24 hr kiosk banking... I'll address this at some point later in the blog
- Unlimited text messaging... almost unheard of here
- Yeungling... one of the finest things to ever come out of Pennsylvania (I'm still determined to find it)
- Costco / Sam's Club... we have Pak N Save but it's just not the same
- Naked Popcorn... my pals in McLean know what I'm talkin' about
- Watching Sex and the City before bed... guilt pleasure
- Charlotte, my 05 Scion tC... it's not about having a car (which I don't), but that car (Quick plug: Charlotte is for sale in both NY and PA, please contact me if you're interested)
- And perhaps the thing I miss the most is New York City... that's right, the Big Apple. I just can't get enough of it!

Before I get to the next question, I've had several people inquire about what i would want in a care package. First, thanks for thinking of me. Second, the list above shouldn't be considered the subtle response to that inquiry...Which is why I'd like to mention that NZ has very strict rules about what can be sent into the country from international locations. Unfortunately, my mom (and I, by default) recently learned the hard way after she sent me a package with one of my favourite things, choc chip pumpkin cookies (Never aligned with my diet regime but I ALWAYS make an exception). Yes, she's the best mom ever! However, I never got the package. Moral of the story, not a good idea to send food. You don't need an ID to board a domestic flight (no joke), but so much as bring an apple into the country and you're practically asking to be strip searched. Now back to the FAQs...

From my new Kiwi mates: "What are the biggest differences from the States?"

No, this is not the same question as above. After struggling to think of things I miss, this question takes a lot less thought. Three main things:

1. Crossing the street: huge difference! Cars do not care at all about pedestrians, unless you are in a 'zebra crossing' - path designated for pedestrians to walk that resembles a zebra because of the black and white lines. Don't worry, you've seen 'em. Let's not miss the point here - one mistake jay walking and you're engaged in a real life game of Frogger. Very scary!

2. Banking: a) No fees banking is a concept reserved only for students - which means that no matter which way you do it you get charged for accessing your money; b) Debit Visa/MC's are not nearly as common nor are they easily available to non-residents; c) I have yet to find a bank with a 24 hour ATM kiosk that I can both withdraw AND deposit money; d) no after hours banking and limited weekend hours; and, e) A situation I'm most intrigued by - It is common to provide one's bank account number to someone else in order to receive payment even if it's a total stranger, e.g. buying something on trademe (similar to ebay). To be fair, I have a bit more research to do on this, but still this is a huge difference in my financial and online shopping life!

3. Mobile Plans: yes, mobile = cell phone and it's pronounced 'mo-by-ill'. As I mentioned in the first blog, they are CRAP. There is almost no competition so the big provider, Vodafone, milks their power for all it's worth. Let's compare. In the US, you can get about 1350 mins and unlimited texts for roughly $80. Here, the highest plan they have is around 600 mins and it'll put you in the hole over $200 a month...texting is extra. What?! I'm still outraged every time I think about it. This has truly changed my life. I am no longer assumed to have my cell phone stuck to my ear, but more likely to leave it at home entirely. Once recovered from the initial withdrawal, I've come to see this as a positive development (but I still miss my Verizon plan).

So there you have it. I'm probably missing something very obvious, but now I have this flash new blog that I can use to update you all whenever I want! OOh I'm excited :)

I'll do my best to keep you posted with new pics and plenty of stories. My intention is to send out the link every month or so. Don't forget to keep me posted with all the wonderful things going on in your life!

Nicole blogs??

It's true. I didn't know I was the blogging type either, but it seems even the least tech-savvy can handle a bit of blogging from time to time. And truth be told, I was inspired by none other than my friend and colleague, Melissa, who is sharing a similar adventure up in Sydney (we're practically neighbors...sort of).

Let me take a few steps back for those of you just tuning into what's going on here. About a year ago I got a crazy idea to apply for a position with my company in New Zealand. What's even crazier is that they offered me a job for a couple years in Auckland! So like any other 25 yr old with an incessant need for adventure, I took the job and packed my bags (and boxes and more suitcases, etc).

That brings us to the beginning of September. My dad and I got on a flight and 2 days later arrived in cloudy, rainy, end-of-wintery Auckland...my new home away from home :)

Within 5 days we managed to:

1. Find a flat - A fabulous villa in Ponsonby / Grey Lynn, a popular suburb of Auckland, with 3 of the best flatmates anyone could ask for (Jon, Emma, Anneka). The only drawback - kiwis are not as keen on central heating as we are back home, but it's nothing an electric blanket can't fix

2. Get some furniture - After several trips to several furniture stores we finally found what I was looking for...and a few things that I just like a lot

3. Check out mobile plans - They are crap...all of them. Just think what would happen if the US only had some huge company like Verizon with barely any competition...not good for consumers (grrr)

4. Used public transportation - Although the Kiwis tell me the transport here is terrible, I've found the Link bus quite useful and I will continue to use it and the functioning legs that i was blessed with to navigate my way around until I have a life or death reason for having to buy a car

5. Experienced Cafe Life - I didn't know this before, but NZ is home to some of the best cafes EVER...at least from what I've seen. Not only do they have great hot chocolate/tea (and I'm sure coffee to, but i don't drink the stuff), but you can get breakfast all the time...and there are cafes EVERYWHERE. For a person who ranks breakfast in her top 5 things of life, it's like I've died and went to eggs-on-toast heaven! And yes, I'm committed to finding the best eggs and bacon on grainy (aka multigrain) bread in Auckland

6. Other - Dad and I covered a lot of ground. It was truly a whirlwind and I'm sure he'd say the same

I took the next few days after dad left to get more comfortable with my surroundings. I went on jogs, walked the neighborhood, and took in the nightlife. I learned that there are a lot of hills..LOTS..and i need to get in shape just to walk around this place. I also learned that the Ponsonby area is perfect. It have everything - shops, cafes, families, young people, cute houses, bars, dogs....everything. Love it. And yes, the nightlife has been great, but I'm still investigating (stay tuned for updates).

So, I finally had to end my month long holiday of no work. I started my job on Sept 15th...

To be continued...