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!