Kiwi land and Kiwis

New Zealand is something totally different than the rest of the world indeed. No rush, no nervous competing with other people. When i think back to Estonia and to whole Europe, generally i remember just endless meaningless competing about everything: who has better car, who has more beautiful house, who is or owns whatever... I've done it myself there as well, but now i feel i've got enough.

People care here about each other. When you walk in downtown, you probably don't notice that - people on a street as usually. Maybe some more smiling to you, and certainly more attention if you turn to someone. But walking around here, where we live, in a suburb called Manukau is really pleasant. We are new faces here, but people say Hello to us on the street. And smile. Another beautiful custom is to turn to you and say your name. For example "Good morning, Ave", "What have you been doing today, Ave?", "What do you think about going for a walk, Ave?". Small things, but make feel like you are someone.

I've met a nice Swedish couple who told the same - it is so relaxing to be here. Away from rushing, worrying and competing.

Nice thing is, that life is not as expensive as it is in Estonia.

Some examples:

- our rent place costs 102 New Zealand dollars (NZD) per person, approximately 700 Estonian kroons, per week. It is pretty normal price, can even say a bit too expensive for a suburb and you can find the same price rent place in downtown as well (look at the website where we found our place);

- we have a swimming pool for free here;

- some outdoor movies and concerts are for free, sponsored by Auckland City Council;

- a daily newspaper NZ Herald costs 1.70 NZD (around 12 EEK);

- really really good sushi in downtown per piece (which is at least 2 times bigger than in Estonia and made of tasty fresh things) costs 2.20 NZD (around 15 EEK);

- Villa Maria wines start from 8.99 NZD (around 60 EEK) in supermarkets;

- you can get a simple Japanese car for 1000 NZD (around 6500 - 7000 EEK).

Welcome to New Zealand!