Just the Little Things

JCM · Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:12 am Post subject:

Road Noise

There's more road noise when you're driving in NZ than in the UK because the NZ road surfaces are not as smooth as in the UK. I'm not meaning they have holes in them, I'm just meaning that it's like comparing a wool jersey with silk. The materials used on the roads are rougher here, leading to a rumble when you're driving. Very occasionally you drive on a piece of 'silky road' which seems incredibly quiet.

JCM · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject:

New Zealand Electrical Plugs are all unfused.

One for Rich, perhaps, but maybe its the same way in the USA too. In fact, compared with the UK's rather chunky, three-pin plugs, the plugs here seem very flimsy and unsubstantial.

Tanya · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 7:39 pm Post subject:

Yet another thing for the UK Drivers...

Over in the UK if you see a parking space on the opposite side to that which you are driving, you can cross over and park facing the oncoming traffic.

Don't try this in NZ! The car must be facing the same way as the travelling cars or you will be fined. (So I am led to believe!)

If you live in the UK, you will understand this!!

karltsmith · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:42 pm Post subject:

Hi JCM

Yes abit worrying when you are used to a trusty old fuse eh! I asked a Kiwi electritian why this was so....his reply.....'they never have been fused'........Hmmmm...reassuring answer from a qualified electrician...very in depth...very informative.........NOT fingers crossed

JCM · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:19 pm Post subject:

Jenkins · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 4:47 pm Post subject:

Dear guys from "down under",

Is it true that the direction of water drained is anti-clockwise when you're in the southern hemisphere (i.e. NZ, Australia, etc.)? Here in the northern hemisphere it's the opposite. Explanation, anyone?

kevinH · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:20 pm Post subject:

volusia · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:59 am Post subject: eftpos

EFTPOS. here in the uk they have started a big advertising campaign called 'chip and pin' most of the stores are starting to have the facility installed identical to the nz system, a bloody good idea if you ask me, we got well use to it whilst on holiday in nz,

Clapping

Tanya · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 5:35 am Post subject:

One thing I won't miss from the UK when I am in NZ is the 1p and 2p coins!
NZ have a rounding system and don't have 1cent and 2cent coins. The total bill is rounded up or down accordingly.
A much better idea than carrying all those silly coins!

Tanya

captainxmas · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:20 am Post subject: Ah the little things...

People that smile and mean it (talking about you Mrs Beckham)...
Independant coffee shops that sell BOWLS of Latte...
Coffee shop food that doesn't come wrapped in plastic and looks like a chef actually had something to do with it...
That wonderful euphoric feeling as you walk through Auckland Airport and the jet lag melts away...
All the different kinds of Cadbury chocolate that they forgot to introduce here first...
Dropping out of the long white cloud towards Gisborne, journey's end...
Wairoa Cinema, (2nd largest screen in NZ), with home made cake in the interval and they re-start the film once all the smokers are back inside...
Battered green lip mussels...
Sinking into a natural hot spring after tramping...aaah...
'Cruising' down to Welly on a major road for six hours and seeing less traffic than 6 minutes on the M25...
Never feeling big and awkward again living in the prescence of some really big lads..xxxl sweaters anybody?
Snatching a bargain fleece at The Warehouse in the middle of rain storm...
Spending time with relatives and their friends and knowing you've found your place on earth...

Good Luck everyone

John Miller · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:14 am Post subject:

Anyone else notice that ham from supermarkets is stronger flavoured than back home?

wilson182 · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 7:22 pm Post subject:

One for the UK Ladies

Hardly anyone use a Front Loading Washing Machine Eek

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:43 pm Post subject:

Hi John,

I thought NZ was HOME? The ham...can't say I've noticed a taste difference but I am suprised at how wet the vaccum packed stuff is when you finally fight your way into the pack!

Has anyone else noticed how hard it is to open vacuum sealed glass jars such as jam etc. ? I must be a weedy pome I suppose but some of them are very nearly impossible to get into without a geriatric "Ktel/Acme" jar opener of which I am devoid!

And finally "Our mate" (Marmite) is better than Vegimite and Vegimite is better than "Marmite"....My 2 year old twins have carried out extensive research in this area and I agree with them.....but then I would...wouldn't I!! Nutcase

bexxx · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 12:08 am Post subject:

This thread is very interesting!!! I'm dreaming of NZ as I'm sat here in work, looking out on a dull grey day in England.

So do they have Marmite in NZ? I wasn't sure, I prefer it to Vegemite.

Something I discovered in NZ was the drink Milo, loads of people seem to have it! Over here in the UK I've found one shop which stocks it, and everyone asks what it is when they see the tin. Weird.

Keep informing us of the little things, people in NZ! They're the kind of info you don't get in the guidebooks! (as someone already said).
Nice One

abesrve · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Posts: 41

Milo, it's pretty hard to find in the UK but seems to be pretty big internationally. Like you, we also have to look in specialist shops to get it. It was like Lemon Fanta until a couple of years back...