Hitchhiking and Swing Dancing 101

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Queenstown
July 12th 2010

Published: July 12th 2010

Top 10 Signs You've Been in New Zealand For a While... 10. You can easily explain the difference between a kiwi, a Kiwi, and kiwifruit. 9. You think absolutely nothing of a cow or sheep jumping in front of your vehicle. 8. You dig into a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese (compliments of Mom and Dad) and think you've died and gone to heaven. 7. You're starting to think it's normal to come home ... Read Full Entry

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Amy Rogers

Aerogers

Greetings!! To our readers who followed our trip across Asia and New Zealand in 2009/2010, we're up to our old tricks again! Over the past three years in Colorado, we've arranged our circumstances to be able to spend an extended period of time in southeast Asia - namely, Bangkok, Thailand! This blog will contain our thoughts and experiences from life abroad as true "ex-pats," as well as any incidental traveling we take in the meantime. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some "armchair traveling" with us... Days abroad: "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappoint... full info

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12th July 2010

Joe Smuin
non-member comment

Blizzard?
Where exactly is the blizzard??

12th July 2010

Joe Smuin
non-member comment

Winter driving.
What about winter tires, Amy? Do you not have them or are they just not available? What is common?

12th July 2010

Joe Smuin
non-member comment

Up to the usual standard!!
Amy: Again, what wonderful photos. Where did you learn to dance like that? If I tried that, it would soon look like a scene out of Miami CSI. I don't suppose you've had any problems with stray cows or sheep jumping out in front of you on the ski hill??? :>) I continue to be fascinated by your depictions of life in NZ. Because I have lived astride both the English and the American cultures, it is doubly fascinating to see how things resonate on you. (I've said this before, I think.) Your photos of the snow in Queenstown ... does it melt quickly or stay for days at a time? On the whole, now that you've been around the country and in Queenstown for awhile, how would you describe the general standard of living down there? On the whole, would you say the average (non-university educated) bloke has a better deal at home in Florida or NZ? Would I be correct in my suspicion that if you were completely honest and objective, you'd have to say that both America and NZ have their advantages over the other? In short, a lot depends upon what you're used to? Anyway, been waiting for this report. Do be careful on those boards. I get chill-blaines just looking at 'em. cheers and hugs, Joe

12th July 2010

Aerogers
Amy Rogers

Response to Joe
Hi Joe, I'll try to get through all these questions! We have had MANY a stray farm animal jump in front of our vehicle; nearly hit a cow coming down off the ski fields last week. The big snow we had (pathetic by Canadian standards I'm sure!) actually lasted close to 2 weeks, which I'm told is highly unusual. We've now had very little or no snow since. For sure, there are advantages and disadvantages of life in both places. Life is much more laid-back and low-stress here; they get 6 weeks' paid vacation a year, for crying out loud! But cost of living is atrocious here; the "average" guy back home is going to be much more comfortable than here, I would have to say. Neither Jeremy nor I have ever worked so hard for so little pay. But, we didn't come here to get rich, we came for the experience, and it's certainly that! As far as I know, no winter tires. They grit the roads very well and everyone carries chains, but we have yet to use ours. And as far as the blizzard...hey, it looked like a blizzard to us!! :-)

12th July 2010

Aerogers
Amy Rogers

Missed Questions
As far as the swing dancing, we took 6 weeks' worth of lessons with our friends here to put together a 3-minute routine. It was so much fun! And as far as standard of living, I would have to say that although the air is cleaner and there are far fewer people, overall we have found the standard of living to be much lower than we're used to or expected. Things such as central air/heating barely even exist here, unless you are very wealthy or have a brand-new home. Electricity bills are double or triple what they are back home, and that's with hardly any appliances to run (very few people have dryers, for example, because of the costs; they hang clothes on a clothesline). Groceries are an absolute fortune - can't leave the supermarket without spending at least $100 - on nothing, really! And overall the food has been one of the biggest disappointments. We've had some good meals here and there, but overall, the good products get shipped overseas, and what's leftover isn't that great. Anything imported costs more than you could ever imagine ($30 for a pack of Budweiser, for example!). So definitely a lot of surprises, but it doesn't at all detract from the beauty of the place and the friendliness of the Kiwis.

12th July 2010

Julie
non-member comment

Love it!
You guys looked so cute in your dance outfits!! Love the hitchhiking stories...reminds me of my time in S. America...we hitchhike there too! You definitely get used to it, but it's a bit of a culture shock.

29th July 2010

Janet
non-member comment

Love your 40's outfit
Hi Amy and Jeremy: I continue to love your blogs and stories and pictures. I will be anxious to see the video of you dancing. I love your outfit!!! That is definitely me!! I want one!! Did you rent them or buy it? Anyway, you looked darling and I am sure that you both did a good job dancing. You will have to teach us when you come back. We miss you and always ask the folks about you. Love to you both from me and Don. Will catch you up on a private e-mail.

17th August 2010

Teresita
non-member comment

ello--ello
Dearies, it has been awhile, miss and love youse. I can truly say i am enjoying being a blog part of your life.haha. Nice to know all is better with you both. Alot has happened in the past yr. whoosh. Hey by the way has the Bro. Seth Swanson? contacted you guys yet. Jei-lin has turned 1yr.and is sooooo delish. may Jah keep you and all of us in His Mighty Arms and LOVE xoxoxo mamacita

17th August 2010

Aerogers
Amy Rogers

Response to Teresita
Hi!! Good to hear from you too!! Nope, we have not heard from Seth yet...not that I'm aware of anyway...hope all is well with you, will see you in December!!

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