Last email, I left you all mostly in the dark as to where my family is. So, in this edition of the blog, (this one with too many comments set off in parentheses) I’m filling you all in.

First off, we’re in New Zealand!

Several things about New Zealand are cool.

First up, the weather.

When we trudged out of the airport after our 20-something hour trip, I kept expecting to feel a hot breeze, but there wasn’t one. It’s autumn here.

For so long, I’ve felt like we’ve missed out of the proper seasons in their due time. We got a Thai summer for half of our last winter.

But this time, I was trading early summer for fall, which, for me, is a plus after having missed spring for two years (hang with me—I’m confused too). All I can say is I’m glad to be here.

It was good to see eye-wateringly-blue skies.

The NEXT thing I realized was that though yes people here speak English (and they have awesome accents) that doesn’t mean I can understand them all the time. Between their slang and their accents and my slang and my accent, communication can be tripped up, which isn’t something I expected.

Now, how much does it cost to live here?

Three of my quick (not-always-accurate) observations:

1. Rent is twice what it should be.
2. Gas is high at about 6 dollars a gallon.
3. Groceries hover close to what we’d expect to see in Texas (except for milk and eggs).

Speaking of groceries did you know that you don’t have to wear shoes while shopping in New Zealand?

It’s totally normal to see someone barefoot in the stores or restaurants. Yeah, it’s weird.

My brother had to try it out.

He reports that the experience was entirely wholesome and that he felt a unique connection with the supermarket and the franchise in general.

(Okay, fine. You got me. I made that part up.)

Anyway, that’s the end of this post (a profound statement, huh?). We’re in New Zealand and I’ll keep you filled in on what happens!

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Indy.