NZ or not

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Mmmmm still debate over this one, but before we left the UK i felt a strong affinity towards NZ and was completely rewarded as all my high expectations were surpassed with stunning landscapes, warm people, love for the outdoors, etc, etc. A lot of what there is to love, we both felt and shared.

Top five reasons to love NZ and the Kiwi's (and live there?):

1. "Sweet As". Their glass is half full and if it isn't, it's full to the brim/overflowing. Warm, friendly and chilled. What a lovely bunch of people!
2. "Fair Go". National philosophy enjoyed by all that everyone can and should have a crack/craic
3. Scenary... though sorry the North Island, but GO SOUTH!
4. Space
5. Climate (getting four seasons in one day in NZ was a lot more interesting than one long gray drizzle)


Top five reasons why NZ isn't quite everything you might like about Blighty:

1. It does feel a little out of the global picture. Ok with the "credit what?" comments but sometimes the news felt a little too introspective (like the US but much less self absorbed). Not sure how important it is to them that NZ doesn't really figure on the world's radar, but i'm surprised to find that it is to me
2. Progressive and miles ahead in many ways e.g. sustainable energy projects, but going through child smacking law debates is a bit of a throw back
3. Lack of variety in interesting public/private building architecture... this one surprised me too, but the country is very young and many small towns felt a bit Milton Keynes meets US hicksville. (Though a general travelling plus is not seeing the line up of a Boot, WHSmiths, HMV, Tesco Metro, etc)
4. Old man boozers?
5. Completely blinded love for the All Blacks. Every three-house-village has a "World Champions" AB merchandise store. You're current "World Quarter Finalists" even if you are likely to whoop us in a week or two - and I'm glad we're not there for that!

Still. It feels an even draw.

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