I am sooo loving this thread, a nice slice of reality from some of us who are actually here ( albeit for a fortnight!!
. ) I would like to re assure Beth that round where we are presently there are loads of clothes shops, possible dearer than UK but certainly comparable to France. But, hey you won't need many clothes as kiwi wear is mega casual.!! I've seen lots of great kitchen shops too and have yet to have the dreaded plastic import experience described by KH. What I am learning fast, and it is HARD is, don't compare, it doesn't help and won't get you anywhere. I keep comparing the price of wine, double to what we would pay usually, it's pointless as I won't find a bottle here for 8 dollars ( 4 euros ). I also think I compare when something is negative...went swimming in ChCh and there are no footbaths, must be verucca city, I shudder to think of it, yet every loo here is clean, really clean, so it's swings and roundabouts. Most of my expectations were more or less accurate but expectations count for diddly squat until you are living it. NZ is not a "dream" place it is a country. We are still in holiday mindset, but very soon the budget will kick in and no more endless latt?s and cake. Sounding off on here is good in the main and no one makes us post comments so I'm guessing the re buffs are valued as they challenge us.