We've been in New Zealand for a full week now, and while I'd love to give you a full play-by-play of our recent adventures, that just isn't feasible. We discovered that our hotel has pretty strict limits on how much Internet data we can use, which means no more uploading pictures until we move on Wednesday. This is also why we haven't set up any Skype/FaceTime dates - even if we had the data allowance, our current internet is too slow to keep up with realtime conversations.
Upon doing some further research, we found that unlimited internet - even for home use - is not the norm here. Being spoiled Americans, we are willing to pay a premium for it, but until we move it's not even an option. We're hoping to be able to stream a lot of things, so we're going to give up cable TV in exchange for more data.
Another big difference is the Kiwi attitude on temperature control. Most places here don't have air conditioning, which we expected. However, they also don't have heat. And while winters (yes - it is winter here right now) here are "warm" - highs in the mid-50s to low-60s, that's warm for outside, not inside.
The main reason for this aversion to temperature control is because power here is really expensive, so Rob and I are trying to get used to a life without heat. This involves cozy slippers (thank god we packed them!), a throw blanket on the couch, and lots and lots of hot tea. Our rental has central heat, but we're trying to learn to live without it. Our new apartment will have both heat and air conditioning, but again, it is really, really expensive to use, so while we're glad it's an option, we're going to try to avoid relying on it.
Also related to power consumption is dryer usage in New Zealand. While almost everyone owns a washing machine, very few people have separate dryers. Instead, most Kiwis hang their clothes to dry - even the ones who have separate dryers! I am willing to try this for some things, but will gladly spend more on power so I don't have to wear jeans that were dried without fabric softener.
Out of the three, which would you be willing to live without?
Jeans are ok if they are line dried. Just takes an hour or two of wear.
ReplyDeleteI don't use heat or AC much, as it makes me feel trapped. You get used to 72 degree temperature all the time, and it is hard to step our in 90 degree heat or 45 degree chill.
Internets FTW.
Also, I love reading about the differences you have noted in this post and your post from today (9/2/13). I have had two friends from NZ and one from Australia, and the small differences are the most interesting. For instance, if Auckland does not have school buses, but all kids just go to and from school using city buses, walking, scooters, etc., is really cool. Especially as it demonstrates so many other features (trust, safety, self-reliance and economic restraint).
Yeah - the school kids all getting to and from school on their own probably was one of the most striking differences, especially coming from Chicago. Even though I lived in the "nice, safe" parts of Chicago, I feel much safer here - despite the fact that I live in an active volcano field.
ReplyDeleteI never felt particularly unsafe in Chicago, even when in rougher neighborhoods. What I did feel was a low, but unending pressure or weight. There was always something I needed to monitor, be it traffic, people, train/bus stops, or even how much I was being charged for objects. I think that is the biggest between Portland and Chicago for me. Even more than access to the outdoors.
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