Rugby!

Darren and I went to our first rugby game since moving here (and my first professional game ever). I loved it! Like everywhere we go, we walked to Westpac Stadium, which is near the train station. The location is quite handy for those who ride the train in/out of town, as there is a raised walkway that leads from the train station to the stadium.


As we neared the stadium, we could hear a recorded general announcement. The “voice” told us not to bring in any alcoholic liquids, but that water bottles were fine. I actually did have one on me, and the guard at the gate just opened it, did a sniff test to make sure it wasn’t alcohol, and handed it back to me. The best part of the announcement, though, was this statement: “as well as being really really bad for you, smoking is not allowed anywhere in the stadium”. Awesome.


On the way to our seats, we walked by all the food and beer stalls that are in any typical stadium – noting that one in particular was selling “American hot dogs”. I didn’t test one, but promise I will next time! Most of the stalls offered the regular stadium fare: hamburgers, fries and beer. However true to Kiwi culture, wine was also offered (in tiny individual-sized bottles) in addition to curry. Moreover, the beer was actually sold in bottles, not in overly-priced-watered-down cups found in most American stadiums. The prices were reasonable too - $5 for a beer, $7 for wine.

We found our seats pretty easily – we had decided to pay a bit more for the ‘silver section’ so that we could be closer to the middle of the field, as opposed to behind of the goal posts. We even took the risk of sitting in the uncovered section – luckily the weather held!

The game was slated to begin at 7:35 pm. And let me tell you, rubgy games are so much more efficient than football games! I had anticipated some of the same fanfare that American football games have – an anthem of some sort, followed by announcing of the players, the running out of the players…the dicking around in general. Instead, they announced the beginning of the game, the players ran out and started playing! I had turned to Darren to say something around 7:36, and when I turned around, they were in mid-play already!

No.messing.around.

And not only did they start on time, but there were maybe – maybe – 3 time outs in the entire game, which were all related to injuries. Hey, when a huge Pacific-Islander rams your head into the bottom part of the goal post, you might want to someone to take a look at it. Or, perhaps, get you to a doctor to get your head sewn back on.

In any case, the game was non-stop action. The rules of rugby pretty much ensure the game keeps moving. There was a penalty here and there, but there were no long waits, and the clock only stopped for the injury time-outs. These men are running the whole time! No fat-asses here loaded down with pads and full armor!

I found rugby hilarious and fun to watch. The players need to be versatile in that whomever scores a try (goal), also sets up and kicks for the conversion (extra 2 points).
They also participate in a variety of ‘formations’ - the lineout, the scrum and the ruck.

Personally, I thought the ruck looked like a bunch of schoolchildren fighting over a toy! At times, it also looked like the squirming group of men collectively laid an egg whenever the ball would shoot out. =)

I don’t have a firm grasp on all of the rules, but I did learn that there are only a few ways to move the ball forward towards the opponent’s goal:

1) Run with the ball
2) Pass the ball to a team-mate – the ball can only be thrown backwards or laterally
3) Kick the ball forward

The second method seems to be the most popular. We did see method #3 in action Friday night, though: one of the Hurricanes had the ball and was being hunted down by the opposing team. Instead of trying to outrun them while holding the ball, he threw the ball down and kicked it forward as he ran towards the goal. When we got very close to the goal, he picked it back up and scored a try. It was brilliant! Very exciting!

The Hurricanes (Wellington’s local team) did have cheerleaders, but they were completely useless and quite possibly the worst cheerleaders outside of Saturday Night Live. I say this because they mostly walked around waving at people or just stood around with their hands behind their backs. They didn’t actually ever cheer! No formations, no kicks, no songs. Maybe because the rugby players are thrown up in the air for the lineouts, the cheerleaders don’t need to learn any moves?


At one point in the second half, I looked down at the field and saw that there was a yellow-coated security guard every few yards around the entire perimeter of the field! Apparently, a fan had tried to get on the field at some point, and security wanted to make sure no one else got any ideas.



The game lasted about 2 hours all in all, with a short 10 or 15 minute half-time. When the game was over, it was just over. Everyone got up and got the hell out of the stadium! We walked with the rest of the crowd down the pedestrian parkway (which was quite possibly wider than the street we live on), back to town and home.

Leia mais

In my opinion...

The following words are way overused:

Tragedy
It is not a tragedy that a baseball guy died. It's sad. A tragedy is the effect of Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana and Alabama, or the tsunami in Indonesia.

Organic
Note to all home and garden shows: "organic" is not a decorating style unless it includes organic foods and/or plants.

Extreme
Just. Stop.

Leia mais

Disturbing

A little while ago, I found a makeup store on-line. While it doesn't have most of the products I use, I signed up for site newsletters/coupon deals. Today, I got this in my email inbox:



While I'm sure the product is used for several different skin issues, it is clear what the main use is, and who the core market is. I find it sad and a bit strange that so many white women spend heaps of money on lotions & potions, tanning beds and just plain laying in the sun trying to get darker, while products like this exist to help darker women and men get lighter!

Leia mais

More fun with words

Can't believe I left these out before!

Hire: rent *
Jerseys: sweaters
Letterbox: mailbox
Push bike: bicycle **
Rates: property taxes
Torch: flashlight

*This is used for video stores, as well as rental cars and costumes!
**Many people here say bicycle or bike, but push bike is often found in news stories or said by older people.

Leia mais

The long reach of America

As always, I’m behind in my writing. Sorry guys! This post (clearly) will be about US stuff, and the next will touch on happenings here.

Before we moved, I made a point not to watch or read the news. There was just so much violence, and so much stupidity from our current government (and yes, on both sides). It was difficult to do, as the news was constantly on the TV, radio and internet.

Now that we live here, I have no trouble watching the news, as there isn’t nearly the amount of violence and sadness. Most of the bad stuff that is reported happens in other parts of the world. I could almost bet that we have heard about more Kiwis killed abroad that have been killed here in New Zealand since we arrived.

I also make a point to read CNN and other various US news sources. If it gets to be too much, I just close the page – knowing I won’t be continually assaulted by the pictures and stories as I go through my day. Until last week.

The Virginia Tech shootings were such big news they were the front page news of the Wellington newspaper (and maybe the national paper as well) two days in a row. In fact, the entire front of the newspaper each day was dedicated to that story. America has quite a long reach.

Of course this incident (plus the domestic-situation shootings the week before and the two workplace shootings since) once again raises questions about gun control – or the lack thereof. I doubt there will be any change in the US over guns. It seems people are quite attached to them. Not that there aren’t guns here…it’s just that they are only held by true hunters/farmers and a special police force. Yep, that’s right, our everyday police do not carry guns. In fact, for a while they carried tasers, but even those are coming under fire as being too harsh. There are over 1 million guns in this country, but 75% of gun deaths are suicides.

I’m not even sure what could have been done to prevent the VA Tech shootings – the student was clearly mentally unstable. How can that be policed? I did see in the days following the shootings, there were overreactions to other students who made comments or to professors trying to explore/understand the shootings. I’m not sure this will solve anything, as anyone who is upset about anything these days can usually hold it together long enough to buy a gun, make a plan, and bust into wherever they want. The only solution, then, is to make guns more difficult to get, or work to make sure the only guns out there to be purchased are the kind used for hunting. It won’t stop everyone, but it’s damn harder to shoot 30+ people with a .22 shotgun.

I have to say I was pretty annoyed that one of the first statements regarding the shooting was that they were looking into any ties with terrorism. I don’t recall that being an issue with the other mass school shootings. Will all the terrorism talk continue with the next president? Is America doomed to consider every violent act in future a possible act of terrorism?

I have no answers. The situation just gives me another reason to be grateful for living here.

Leia mais

Pictures that make us giggle

Just a few things we've seen around here that crack us up every time because we have the minds of schoolchildren:

Leia mais

Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt

Rest in peace, Kurt Vonnegut.

So it goes.

Leia mais

A Practical Guide to Moving to Welly

This post was originally written for an Immigration Site/Forum we belong to (Move2NZ). I’m reposting it here for those readers who either didn’t see the Move2NZ post or who are not members of that site. As it's really long, I'll break it up into three blog entries. These tips are more specific to moving from the US and to Wellington.

Preparing for the Move

Flights

Separate your domestic flight from your international flight, if you can. You’ll save hundreds if you are coming from the East Coast. We took Southwest to LA, stayed over for a night, then flew ANZ over the next day. We acclimated to the time change a bit easier, and were able to catch up with friends in LA.

If you fly Air New Zealand, and can afford it, fly the Premium Economy class. The seats are a bit wider, there is support for your legs, and you can get up and visit the snack bar anytime during the flight. We also arranged for a longer layover in Auckland in order to relax a bit and take a shower (see below for more info).

Weigh your luggage! And know what the restrictions are for the airlines you are flying. Southwest allowed three checked bags per person, but ANZ only allowed two, with an $80 fee for extra bags. ANZ also charges for overweight (i.e. over 50 lbs), but in many cases will wave this if you can show you are emigrating under a permanent visa, and get a nice agent. Don’t count on this though – be prepared to shift things from one bag to another or pay $20/pound over the limit.

Movers

1. Ensure that you and/or your partner is on-site when the movers are packing

2. Ensure that the movers correctly mark the boxes as to contents (especially Christmas decorations and outdoor items)

3. If possible, ask the movers to group outdoor items in one box. Ask the same of shoes. When you arrive, you’ll pay an additional charge per box for Customs to inspect items they are interested in (typically shoes, bikes, garden stuff and Christmas decorations – mainly pinecones).

4. Make absolutely clear before the movers come what is to be done that day (just packing, or packing and loading). Reasonably, a 2 bedroom apartment or condo should be packed and loaded in one day.

5. Also make absolutely clear when your shipment is expected into New Zealand.


IRD (equivalent of IRS)

Apply for an IRD number 4-6 weeks before moving. That should give you enough time to receive the letter back stating your IRD number before you fly out. In country, the process takes one week to 10 days, which may delay your first pay check, if you have a job already, or delay getting hired if you don’t. The application is here.

The Move

I highly recommend moving in the late Spring/early Summer time (Oct-Dec). This is when many apartments are available, and you’ll be able to take advantage of Christmas/New Year’s sales on items you may need to replace. I believe it’s also easier to leave shorter, darker, colder days and go to longer, brighter days – even if it’s not quite warm yet.

Landing

When landing in Auckland, you’ll need to collect all your bags at baggage claim and go through customs. Once they inspect any suspect items (i.e. hiking boots), you’ll re-check your bags before heading over to the domestic terminal (if your final destination is not Auckland).

I highly recommend taking advantage of the free showers in the international terminal. If you have a towel, all you will need is a key (free) to the shower room, which is obtained at the flower shop in the terminal. If you don’t have a towel, you can rent them from the flower shop for $6/towel and a little piece of soap. The shower rooms are really really tiny, so be sure to take what you need from your luggage and re-check your bags before heading to the showers. We made sure we arranged for a longer layover to allow time for showers.

If it is a nice day, the walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal is quite lovely and only takes 10 minutes. It’s a great way to acclimate to the time and stretch your legs a bit.

While there is wireless internet all through the airport, it is not free. Also, the x-ray security measures have just been updated to match those of the US (unfortunately).

Leia mais

A Practical Guide to Moving to Welly - Part 2

You’re Here! Now what?!

Money

To transfer money to New Zealand, it is better to use a Foreign Exchange (FX) broker instead of a bank. You’ll get a better rate and pay lower fees (or no fees). However, there is more than one FX broker out there, so do your research. If you plan to just transfer one lump sum, and do not follow exchange rates closely, you do not need to be as picky. Exchange rates fluctuate every few seconds, 24 hours a day. Most FX brokers are only open from 9 am to 4 or 5 pm Monday through Friday. If you want more control over your exchanges, look into an internet exchange company who can pull directly from your bank.

We found that the broker that was recommended to us needed for us to wire the funds to their client account (which incurred a fee at our bank, a fee at their bank, and we could not perform the transaction via email or phone). It was inconvenient, at the very least. I also had a difficult time getting return phone calls from my broker, which did not bode well for timing of transfers.

Opening a bank account is super super easy. Simply go to the bank of your choice and see a customer service person. You should have an ATM card (doesn’t show your name) with your choice of PIN within ½ hour to an hour. Be sure to bring your passport with you!

Many large companies have arrangements with certain banks that offer low- or no-fee accounts to employees, among other benefits. So, check with your workplace before choosing a bank. Expect to pay more fees than you do in the US – they charge for everything here. Deposits (cash or check) in person or at an ATM, electronic payments, bank statements, etc. Some banks will waive the fees if you have a certain amount of money in savings or a mortgage with them.

The money in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). It is denominated in 10 cent coins (bronze), 20 cent coins (silver and slightly larger) and 50 cent coins (silver and quite large). There are also $1 and $2 coins, which are both thick and gold in color, with the $2 coin larger than the $1. There are no $1 bills. The bills begin with $5, and go up to $10, $20, $50 and $100 – each a different color.






When shopping, if you are paying with cash and your purchase rings up to end in 5 cents or less, it is rounded down to the nearest 10. If 6 cents or more, it is rounded up. For example: $2.43 = $2.40, and $2.47=$2.50. If you are paying with EFTPOS (i.e. ATM/cash card) or a credit card, you pay the exact amount shown.

Mobile Phones

All forms of communication are expensive here. Mobile phones cost between NZ$100 (for a crappy phone) and NZ$1800. Good phones can be purchased for $150-$250. Cell phone plans are also very expensive and confusing. The allowed minutes for most of the cheaper plans ($40/month) are only 50 minutes or so per month, but will increase with the monthly payment. The two mobile phone carriers are Telecom and Vodafone.

Many people buy a phone and then buy prepaid time/services instead of a plan. Both carriers have plans regarding texting, which is how many people communicate. Telecom charges 50 cents/text to a limit of $10/month. Once the $10 is reached, you can text to up to 500 messages for no additional charge. So, in theory, if you never use your phone to call, it could potentially only cost you $10/month after the initial purchase. Vodafone has a promotion for $6 texting/month between designated “best mates”.

Home Telephone

Home phones are also expensive/similar to the States in that for basic, local service, you’ll pay about NZ$40 a month. Caller ID and voicemail are additional (we decided to just buy a cordless phone with an answering machine). However, be warned that only local calls to other land-lines are free. Mobile phone pricing is such that the number who calls the mobile phone pays the charge. Therefore, if you call a mobile from a land-line, it is a toll call – and can be around 49 cents a minute.

The easiest way to make any toll calls is to buy a calling card from any of the dairy’s (similar to 7-11 or other convenience stores), or from the post office. Some offer bonuses for buying a certain denomination (buy $30, get $33). Considering a call to the US is 4 cents a minute, the extra $3 is an extra hour + of talking.

And yes, if someone is calling you from the States, it is more expensive for them to call your mobile than your home phone. Home phones are practically required here, anyway, especially if you want to get a credit card or apply for a financing deal. We noted that credit applications also asked for two local references – with land-line phone numbers – in order to be approved.

Internet

The internet plans here can also be expensive and confusing. There are many options, from dial-up to broadband (which can be slower than dial-up at times!), some based on daily or monthly usage, and some “unlimited”. From what we have heard, if you can – stay away from Telecom broadband. Apparently the network is carrying so many people, the service is slower than dial-up! We decided to go with Orcon first for dial-up and then Broadband based on what we had read in immigration and “nerd” forums. Also, Orcon won an award for best ISP from Mac Magazine (we have Macs). The dial-up is quite speedy compared to the US dial-up, but if you can afford it, definitely go for broadband. They often run specials on modems.

Many of the broadband companies price their service based on (1) speed of download & upload and (2) amount of data downloaded/uploaded. Many also offer a guide to which plan you would need. We decided to go with an “unlimited” plan for data, with the highest speed of downloading (every web page you visit is taken into account, as is any music, video or file) and an average speed for uploading (pictures, files etc). We pay about $50 a month.

Most of the broadband companies also offer discounts if you choose them as your long distance (known as “tolls”) carrier. It is easy to switch over – just a click of a button if you sign up on-line – and probably doesn’t make a difference if you use a calling card anyway.

How to make phone calls

It sounds silly, but dialing out is a bit different here, depending on where you call. As for calling back to the US, you’ll need to dial the calling card information (local phone number, then PIN), then dial “001” before the area code and phone number. For example, 1-410-555-1212 from here is: 001-410-555-1212. Most 1-800 numbers will not work, as they are intended for use in the US. The only way around this is to find a ‘regular’ toll number for the company you are trying to call. If you are calling your Credit Card company, most CCs have an “outside the US” phone number.

If you work for a company here in NZ, and want to dial out, dial “1” to get to an outside line, then the number. Do the same for faxes.

The “0” you see in front of many local numbers is like “1” in the US. And the “9” (Auckland) or the “4” (Wellington) are area codes. For example, to dial 04 475 8068 from a land-line in Wellington, you simply dial “475 8068”. If calling from a mobile, you dial the entire number including the zero. You’d also dial the entire number if calling from a city outside the local Wellington area.

The emergency number is “111” here.

Leia mais

A Practical Guide to Moving to Welly - Part 3

How to get around Wellington

Maps: The three most useful sites for me have been:

Smaps
Metlink
Wises

Wises is similar to Mapquest, in that it will locate an address and give you the driving directions to and from particular points. I believe google maps will, as well.

Metlink is where you’ll find all the bus routes. You can search based on bus number, which will tell you the main stops or every single stop and the timetable. The best feature is the “journey planner” which will tell you how to get from one point to another by using the bus, school bus, train, ferry or cable car. Although “walking” isn’t an option when searching with the journey planner, the site will tell you the walking route too, between two places.

Buses

City circular buses run from one end of the city proper to the train station in a continuous circle. You can jump on at any time within the “circle” for $1. Many other routes that pass through the city will allow you to ride within the “circle” for $1 – just look for “Railway Station” on the bus marquee.

When getting on the bus to go anywhere, tell the bus driver where you are going, and the approximate stop if you know it. This lets him/her figure your fare – which is designated by zones. If you know the zone you are going to, just tell the driver that. Included in Zone 1 are many of the closer suburbs (Thorndon, Oriental Bay), Zone 2 is a little further out (Hataitai, Brooklyn) and so on. The Metlink website will show you the zones so that you are informed before getting on the bus. As many buses travel through several zones, however, you can’t expect the driver to read your mind if you just hand over money!

Once you pay the bus driver, wait for the receipt, as buses are often “audited” to be sure have paid the correct fare. Understand that the bus will not stop at every stop on the route unless someone is standing there to be picked up, or a rider requests the bus to stop by pushing one of the many red buttons (or the black strip above the seats on older buses). If you aren’t sure exactly where your stop will be, either get a route map and follow along during the ride, or ask the driver if he/she will let you know when to get off the bus. Route maps can be found at “City Stop” stores (like a mini-mart), the train/bus station and various other convenience stores (‘dairys’).

There are a ton of bus passes – some daily, some by trip, and even monthly. The “10-trip” cards sold in specific Zones, and the daily passes can be purchased from the bus driver when you get on the bus. The “10-trip” cards can also be purchased at City Stop stores. The 10-trip card will save a little bit of money – single trips in Zone 1 are $1.50, and a 10-trip will cost $10.20 (or $1.20/trip). The savings increase with each Zone. Daily passes are good if you want to travel to different suburbs within Zones 1-3 in one day. Pass information is detailed here.

Food/Dining

This is quite different from most places in the US, depending on where you are from. Many cafes and restaurants are similar to places like “Noodles” in the US – you peruse the menu, walk up to the counter, order and pay, then sit down with a table marker. The food is brought out to you.

Some places do have waitresses, but at the end of the meal, either the bill is brought to you and you go to the counter to pay, or you just go up to the counter for your bill and pay. The best part is that the price you see on the menu is what you pay – tax is included, and tips are not customary here.

Most often, a carafe of water is given to your table, or there is a self-serve water pitcher with glasses.

It is rare to have to wait for a table, but it happens at the more popular restaurants. As there are more café’s and restaurants here per capita than NYC, you can always walk a few feet and find a different place to eat. If you really have your heart set on a particular place, though, call for a reservation (otherwise known as a “booking”).

There are some different words for food here – these are just a handful:

Capsicum = red or green bell pepper
Coriander = cilantro
Aubergine = eggplant
Sultanas = a type of raisin

Grocery stores are more expensive here in general, but often run specials that can be quite good. In the city, the primary grocery store is New World. Pak ‘n’ Save is a less-expensive supermarket (where you have to pack your own bags, and pay for each plastic bag used), but is only found in the suburbs. Moore Wilson is a bulk/wholesale store that is similar to Costco/Sam’s Club/BJs, but the membership is free. Beer/wine/alcohol is generally less-expensive here too.

There are open produce markets in the city on Saturdays and Sundays. The produce ranges from a little to a lot cheaper than the supermarkets, but is cash-only.

Keep in mind that graham crackers do not exist here, and most people have never heard of “s’mores”. It is also very difficult to find whole wheat bread, wheat pasta, etc. Beer and wine are sold in the grocery stores, but liquors is only found at liquor stores, due to the higher content of alcohol.

Shopping

Sure, many things are more expensive here. However, some things are less expensive, and many others are the same price (even adjusting for exchange rates). You just have to know where and when to look, which is similar to anywhere.

There are department stores (Farmers, Briscoes) as well as many other boutiques and chain stores. Look for sales and watch for commercials and flyers. Do your research and determine what your priorities are for buying or replacing items you either sold or had to give away before you moved. If you buy with cash, almost anyone will bargain with you – even the big electronic stores. All you have to do is ask “can the price go any lower?”

Most shops don’t open until 9 or 10 am, and are only open until 5:30 or 6:00 pm, although the mall in Lower Hutt is open until 8 or 9 pm, except on Saturday and Sunday, when it closes much earlier. Post offices and banks have similar hours to the US, except that most banks are not open on Saturdays.

If you live close to the city (i.e. Zone 1), we found many sales people were willing to deliver our purchases for free, as we don’t have a car. If not, we found taking a cab was cheaper than the delivery fee, with Capital Taxis being the cheapest by far. They will accept tips if you hand it to them, but tipping is not assumed – you’ll get exact change back!

We even found that Toyota, Honda and many other car companies will let you test drive a car for an entire day, overnight, or even a weekend! We always made sure to pick up our heaviest groceries whenever test-driving a car. =)

Entertainment

Buy the Entertainment Bookonline or at Les Mills locations. It works the same way as it does in the US. Most of the restaurants are very good, and are located primarily in the City or in Hutt City (Lower Hutt/Upper Hutt). The cost is $55, and all book proceeds go to charity. You easily make up the cost with a couple of dinners out. Many popular activities are also in the book, as are some personal services (salons, massages etc).

Movies are a bit expensive; they tend to run $15, with no matinee pricing. However, the entertainment book has coupons for all of the cinemas in the area - typically 2 tickets for $20, but are not allowed for the first 10 days or so after a movie is released. Each cinema also runs a discount night – usually Tuesday night – where each ticket is $9.50 or $10 depending on the cinema. And all movies are available for this price, even if they just came out the previous Friday!

One other quirk to going to the movies is that all seats are assigned, similar to concerts or theatre. In many of the theatres, you can request a particular seat or area of seating, where others just assign you a seat based on the seats that are left (with the best seats being sold first). You can always request a change, if the preferred seat is available. The best part is that you don’t have to show up to a popular movie ultra-early after buying your ticket, as you ensured a seat. Many theatres also allow you to buy your tickets days in advance.


Other Random Things to Know

Fabric softener sheets are almost non-existent. There is one brand here, which isn’t very good and only comes in packs of 20. Many people use liquid fabric softener, as they will hang their clothes to dry instead of using a dryer. I understand this is to (1) save money, (2) save energy and (3) to cut down on the humid air that is emitted from the dryer (which adds to the likelihood of mildew).

We have had several requests for proof of our physical address here, as opposed to a PO Box address. I can’t off-hand remember all the instances, but at least one was for a library card. If you have temporary housing, just be sure to have something – i.e. bank statement - mailed to you at that address.

Leia mais