3 months in in Welly - new perspectives
So...
1. People like to dress up in fancy dress here - a lot. There isn't a night out that you don't see rockstars, zombies etc. in the streets...and that's usually for weddings!
2. Huge support for local produce and rightly so. The white wine is almost universally extremely tasty and pretty darn cheap for the quality. And the local craft beer - magnificent. The support isn't blind; but if its any good people will support it. If you can afford it Moore Wilson is your friend (interspersed with Pak N' Save).
3. Expect to have to chip in if you want to fit in. There aren't that many people here so lots of people volunteer in scouting, fire brigade etc. Nothing is worse than being seen as a freeloader. This is country where people *do* things. And there aren't many of them around.
4. Don't make enemies. The other person is someone's cousins, boyfriend's Dad's cousin. This place is *very small*.
5. Football is actually quite popular here; not just rugby.
6. Some things are way ahead of the pack - think Internet Banking- and some things are behind...but if there is a good idea out in the world you can bet someone will be back from their OE and try to implement it.
7. Bluntness is often seen as straight talking...people don't like to beat about the bush.
8. You really cannot beat Welly on a good day...and when you hear about your kids following the orcas in harbour and see the little blue penguins swimming in the harbour you begin to understand. The ferry diverts itself when there are dolphin pods. No one seems to mind.
9. Jackson Street in Petone is really a very cool place to go. Funky shops and two British Goods Shops for the wistful Pom.
Originally Posted by Adams Girl
