A while back, we got an e-mail from Jodi Roos. Her daughter, Alexa, a Concord High alum (class of 2003), was spending the year in New Zealand and she wondered if there was a way for Alexa to write about her adventures. As you know, The Insider is all about making dreams come true. So, we told Jodi we’d love to have Alexa tell us about the fun she’s having. Cassie sent off a list of probing questions last week and Alexa, who doesn’t waste any time, got back to us right away.
So . . . why New Zealand? What brought you there? My boyfriend (Eoin) and I were trying to come up with ways to put off graduate school for at least a year, and traveling is something that we both love to do. Moving to another country was the perfect solution. We chose New Zealand because it was the ONLY place I could get a work visa for more than three months. My boyfriend is a European citizen, so he could work anywhere in the EU, but not me.
When are you coming back? If ever? Where will you live when you return? What are your future plans? I am coming back in mid-August and am going to New Hampshire for a week or so to visit family and friends before enrolling in school to become a physical therapist.
What do Concord and New Zealand have in common? Outrageous people! In a good way! There are so many ridiculous characters out here. Look up “Blanket Man” on Wikipedia for an example. Most of the kiwis we have met are very laid back, love talking about New Zealand and love to try new things. People in Concord are similar in that everyone knows everyone (same in NZ, people in Wellington will ask you if you know so-and-so from Queenstown . . .) and people in Concord love hearing about what you are up to.
If Concord and New Zealand got into a fight, who would win? I’m talking like a middle school style fight, where catty looks are shot from across the room and notes are written about the other person/country/city behind his/her/its back. What do you think Concord and New Zealand would be fighting over? How will they make up? Concord with be the catty one, NZ has no time for silly school-yard squabbles. They’d shrug it off and go surfing. They would probably fight about who has the best winter, and the answer is definitely NZ. Sorry, Concord.
Describe your craziest New Zealand adventure. My first day in Queenstown (the “Adventure Capitol of NZ”), I went paragliding. For anyone who knows me, this is as crazy as I will get in terms of “adventure.” I almost threw up.
What’s food like in New Zealand? What are your favorite things to eat there? The food is about the same as it is anywhere else. My favorite things to eat in NZ are pies (chicken and vegetable are my favorite) and donuts. Donuts are different here – they look like they are made in hot dog rolls, but the pastry is so soft and the cream filling is fabulous. I am going to go get a donut after I finish typing this.
Fast food is different here. They have McDonald’s and all that, but most people grab kabobs, Indian take-away or fish and chips. New Zealand is more health conscious than the U.S. – that’s a big difference. Everything is is advertised as “home grown” or “New Zealand made” or “100% New Zealand _____” (oats/beef/vegetables etc).
I saw one old post in your blog titled “Sheep Brains and Skinks.” Do people really eat sheep brains? I have never seen anyone eat sheep brain, but they do have it in some grocery stores, as well as various animal hearts, kidneys, livers, stomachs and “parts.” There is a popular pizza place in Wellington that has lamb testicle pizza. So they are a bit braver than us in Concord when it comes to food.
What do you miss most about the States/Concord? I really only miss my family and friends. And my dog. And maybe cable TV.
What will you miss most about New Zealand when you are back in the States? The weather and the endless list of activities to do.
Where else have you traveled to other than New Zealand? What has been your favorite spot? I have traveled all over. England, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Greece and the Bahamas. I think that’s it. I really want to go to South America and India. My favorite place is England, I have been there five times. Second favorite would have to be Israel – it’s a beautiful country with so much culture.
Tell us about some hip New Zealand lingo. That way, if we ever visit New Zealand, we can look cool. If you want to look cool when you come to New Zealand, do NOT wear anything from Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister or North Face. No one will respect you. Sorry. Flip-flops are called jandals. Candies (like Jolly Ranchers) are called lollies. You don’t have LOTS of clothes, you have HEAPS of clothes. And if you are working really hard and putting in a lot of effort, you are going hard out.
You can read more about Alexa’s trip on her blog, alexainnz.blogspot.com. While you’re there, make sure to say Happy Birthday – Alexa turns 24 on Feb. 28!
