Tag Archives: Family

A-Z Challenge: QUESTIONS (& answers) about my life here in New Zealand

July 23, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 2 Comments

My boyfriend James is a big fan of Reddit, a site known for their AMA “Ask Me Anything” interviews.

I thought that a Q&A would be a fun way to post about the letter Q in my seemingly never-ending alphabet blogging challenge.

So… on Facebook I asked my friends and family to send me their quandaries. Scroll down to see my responses.

___________

How many hours difference are you from San Diego?

Well, it depends on the time of year actually. Right now, we in New Zealand are nineteen hours ahead of San Diego (or I like to think of it as five hours behind but a day ahead haha).

That will change when each of us (NZ & California) goes through Daylight Savings. It will change to 20 hours ahead and then 21 hours ahead.

How does working there compare to here?

Let’s see…

Here in New Zealand there is a 90-day trial for every employee. Before you hit 90 days at your place of employment you can basically be let go without reason.

Our salaries are a bit higher (but our dollar is weaker and cost of living fairly expensive) so it ends up being somewhat similar.

What are the benefits like?

In New Zealand we get many more days of paid annual leave (the minimum for everyone is four weeks but some businesses offer even more).

We also have PAID parental (yes, BOTH parents) leave (which will move from 16 weeks to 18 weeks next year), as opposed to the US – which federally speaking has zero paid leave and only 12 weeks unpaid leave… California does now offer six weeks at 55% of your salary.

And if you’re wondering why I know so much about parental leave? I wrote an article on it a few weeks ago.

When’s the wedding and am I invited?

Ha! Not anytime SOON – we are not even engaged!

What are your work colleagues like, and are their accents the coolest ever?

Yes, Heath. Your accent is awesome. haha And you, along with all of my co-workers, are pretty darn great! I feel very fortunate to work with such a dynamic group of people. There’s a fantastic energy in our office.

View on the kiwi foodie scene?

The amount of health food restaurants and stores is incredibly impressive for its size!

One of the things that stands out most about the food here is how fresh it is. It just tastes more real and fresh off the vine if that makes sense.

And what would you recommend to those travelling to NZ?

In terms of food? If you’re in Auckland I really love Mexico, ironically. I didn’t even like Mexican food when I lived minutes from the Mexican border. But Mexico is a really fantastic restaurant with a few different locations around AKL.

In terms of just regular travel? In summer I absolutely LOVED spending a few days on the island of Waiheke just off the coast of Auckland.

I would also definitely recommend the Coromandel Peninsula and Cathedral Cove as well as the Glow Worm caves down in Waitomo and hiking Duder Regional Park in Maraetai.

But honestly… this country is the most beautiful and diverse place I’ve ever been to. Everywhere you turn it is absolutely stunning. There truly are endless opportunities for adventure here.

Are you an All Blacks fan?

Sure am! I even have an All Blacks jersey! But I’m still figuring out how rugby works…

Do you say mate yet?

I don’t say mate and I don’t think I ever will. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, it just doesn’t come naturally like some other kiwi words do.

Other than missing family & friends, what’s been the most difficult thing to adjust to and how do you deal with it?

Driving and the weather.

I have managed to conquer driving on the left – with the steering wheel on the right. Well, for the most part.

The weather? Still a daily struggle for me. It’s not the arctic or anything but WOW. It really FEELS like it.

I’ve had to go out and buy new clothes – including merino wool tops, wool socks, more tights/leggings, more thick sweaters, more boots, etc.

I also have had to purchase an electric blanket which has made a massive difference in the evenings!

I now use a room heater in the bathroom for when I get out of the shower and I wear a robe, and slippers or house socks pretty much constantly when I’m home.

What is the main differences in food compared to the U.S.? In terms of what people eat, the taste, fruits, etc.

Food in New Zealand is generally a bit healthier — less processed, smaller portions and so on. Supermarkets don’t look that different really but people appear to eat somewaht less fast food and more homecooked meals, and you can tell the differences in sizes at the movies for example.

There’s a lot of pumpkin/kumara served here which makes me a very happy camper! And definitely a British influence in the food – the commonality of things like savoury pies, fish and chips, etc.

How different are the road rules other than driving on the other side of the road?

I’m still getting a hang of that.

The first thing that comes to mind… ROUNDABOUTS! And I actually LOVE them. They scared me for the first couple months but now I can’t imagine life without them. They’re so much more functional than sitting at red lights for forever.

In more rural New Zealand there are one-way bridges where one side yields until there are no more cars coming, which I’ve never seen in the US.

The speed limits in the US are a bit higher and I think I still drive at US speeds – oops! But I haven’t been caught yet. Only by James.

How did your perception of kiwis change after you moved here (if it changed at all)?

Hmm… I think I just learn every day how friendly kiwis are. I personally find them very welcoming and warm, more so than the average Los Angeles resident.

They have a wee bit (see what I did there?) of that formality that Americans associate with the UK. Sort of a sophistication. Well. Some kiwis. 😛

What do you wish the US had that NZ does and what do you wish NZ had that the US does?

I wish NZ had Target! And quark. And less-expensive shopping. And warmer weather. And currency as strong as the USD. And my family. I really miss them.

Hmm… I wish the US had the lifestyle that NZ has. And the amazing level of healthcare that NZ has. And the far lower crime rates. Children walk home from school here without the fear that they’ll be kidnapped. Police in NZ don’t carry guns or even tazers. It’s very safe and you can feel that.

What’s the main differences in lifestyle from the U.S. To NZ?

New Zealanders have a healthier work-life balance. Americans live to work, where in NZ it’s more about working to live. The focus here is on enjoying life – BBQs with friends on the weekend, an emphasis on O.E. (Overseas Experience) for young adults, etc.

People here just seem more ALIVE, instead of simply going through the motions. I never noticed that the US is like that until I spent more time here and realized how much people

If you have any other questions for me ask them in a comment below and I will add them to the post!

Expat Life, New Zealand, Oceania

A-Z Challenge: Kiwi Birthday

May 4, 2015 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

I turned 24 on Sunday.

And days in which we celebrate our arrival into the world should always be special. This year was no different, so I feel it deserves a post.

After all, it was my first birthday spent in New Zealand – heck my first birthday spent in another country!

In the morning, before I even had a chance to have breakfast, I woke to beautiful roses from my ridiculously romantic boyfriend James.

The spoiling didn’t stop there. Many of my Kiwi friends came over before noon for tea and cupcakes.

James’ mom Sami baked delicious frosting-covered mini cakes, which displayed 24 (WOW time flies) long metallic candles.

FlashtyPants made sure to offer his assistance in blowing out the glimmering sparklers, climbing up on a chair beside me with a cheeky grin, a similar one that graced his face hours before when he opened up my birthday pressies.

The rest of the day involved watching the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with the result of THAT. But it was still fun to cheer Pac Man on!

In the evening we migrated back to the couch to watch Full Metal Jacket and in between I day-dreamed of what I could create with my new Nutri Ninja 2-in-1 blender/food processor!

One thing is for sure… 24 is already one for the books. And I’m just getting started!

British Columbia, Canada, North America

A Spring Afternoon in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada

September 27, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com

Soooooooo this post is a bit late, yeah?

I took a major hiatus from blogging this summer. Since starting my job at the online newspaper in April, I’ve had an incredibly hectic schedule, working 50+ hours a week and commuting 15+ more hours.

And now that I spend 9 hour shifts writing articles on a computer, sitting down to type up more text for a blog hasn’t been at the top of my to do list.

BUT… I’ve realized that I really miss it.

So I’m recommitting myself to getting back onboard!

Here goes it………..

In April I visited my cousins in Vancouver, British Columbia.

We went for an afternoon to this little town called White Rock, named after a giant white boulder on the beach.

The town borders Semiahmoo Bay, which is really fun to say. Try it….. See?

Semiahmoo in Salish (the local native tribe) means “half moon”, used to describe the shape of the bay.

Another fun word? Glaciation.

That’s what caused the big white boulder (a glacial erratic in scientific terms) to migrate to it’s current home.

It weighs 486 tons and is quite impressive to look at, to be honest!

We had a blast meandering around the calm coast, jumping in puddles of water with our wellies (or gumboots as my Kiwi would say)…

My little cousin Sidney loved digging around in the wet sand — it’s amazing how the simplest things can often entertain children the most!

Then, we had a blast going on a ‘pretty pebble hunt’, looking for the most interesting and unique rocks we could find.

Ever since I was little, my dad and I would go on scavenger hunts at the beach in Newport or Huntington down where I’m from in Orange County. On each beach trip he would find his favorite little stone and hold on to it, keeping it in his pocket for months or sometimes years at a time.

The stone he currently carries he picked up on one of our walks a few years ago. Its designs remind us of the beautiful ancient cave paintings in Lascaux, France. I love that he carries it with him at all times.

After looking around at the various colors and shapes that riddled the foggy beach, we eventually made our way over to THE namesake rock.

After admiring the massive feature, standing in it’s solitary glory, we walked back towards the long wooden pier.

At the end of the pier is where my cousin Johnny proposed to my now(favorite)cousin Erica.

You could take a tip out of Johnny’s book of romance and dance on the pier in the moonlight… just putting it out there.

While we didn’t stop for any food in White Rock, I spotted numerous fish n chips restaurants and gelato cafes that looked to die for!

If you’re in the area, I highly recommend a stop at this quaint little beach.

Just a hop, skip and a jump over the American-Canadian border and you’re there!

See below, the trees on the opposite side of the bay? That’s Amurica! Told you it was close.

North America, United States, Washington

Seattle Aquarium with Kids

June 2, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “The ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and contains 97 percent of the planet’s water, yet more than 95 percent of the underwater world remains unexplored”.

Why not explore what you CAN of this important part of our planet!

In April I visited the Seattle Aquarium with my cousins and their two kids, ages 5 and 1 1/2.

We had a blast checking out the variety of sea animals – from octopus to sea stars to harbor seals to sea otters.

While this blog post will touch on “family travel” don’t think it is just for the kiddos!

At 23 I absolutely loved visiting Seattle’s aquarium!

Located on Pier 59 on the gorgeous Waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium sits in all it’s glory.

Guests can check out the aquatic wildlife 7 days a week from 9:30am to 6:00pm (last entry at 5:00pm).

4-hour metered parking is available outside along Alaskan Way. There are also two parking garages located across the street.

The aquarium’s mission statement, “Inspiring conservation of our marine environment”, is taken very seriously.

They live up to it by offering a wide variety of educational (but still interesting!) resources about the various species residing within their establishment.

Interesting fact: There is a parasite found in cat feces that can be deathly for sea otters if they come in contact with it. So the aquarium recommends throwing away all cat waste and litter as opposed to flushing it.

Exhibits at the aquarium include:

Ocean oddities (unusual creatures of the ocean)

Window on Washington waters (in the entry way of the aquarium)

Birds and shores Coastal animals of the Pacific Northwest

Life on the edge (tide pools — great for all ages)

Searching for Sixgills (sharks!)

Marine mammals (seals and otters)

Underwater dome (wild animals that can be seen through a giant 360 degree glass room)

And more!!

Another memorable section of the aquarium was the area highlighting one of the region’s most prized animals — salmon!

The aquarium showcases each major stage of the salmon’s life (including a ladder for jumping grown salmon which is used seasonally).

The kids really enjoyed the underwater dome, which showcases actual wild sea animals from the Puget Sound.

A diver could be seen from the other side of the window as he waved to the kids that watched him handle an eel.

Seconds later a massive (what I believe to be) halibut swam by shocking (with delight) the little faces that practically had their noses pressed against the glass.

I personally feel that taking kids to an aquarium offers the opportunity to teach about a variety of important subjects – general science, the environment, marine biology, conservation, etc.

Kids have a natural interest and curiosity about the underwater world.

What better way to discover new things than observing and interacting face-to-face with the subjects themselves!

If you can’t make it to the aquarium right away you can check out these lives cams!

Harbor Seal Cam

Otter Cam

Octopus Cam

You can also check out the Google+ hangouts hosted by the Seattle Aquarium.

Students from all over the world can even go on “virtual field trips” to the aquarium!

Those videos can also be seen on their YouTube channel.

While the cost of entry to the aquarium may seem a little high, just remember that you are contributing to the protection of the sea life and improved sustainability efforts made by the aquarium itself!

Entry prices as of June 1, 2014 are…

Adults (ages 13 & over) – $21.95

Youth (ages 4 – 12) – $14.95

Child (ages 3 & under) – FREE

Seniors (65+) – $2 off adult price

Active military and dependents (ID req’d) – $2.95 off

The setting to the aquarium is just beautiful and so classically PNW!

With gorgeous views of the Sound and a thorough look into the creatures that inhabit it, I find it to be a can’t miss in Seattle, Washington!

North America, United States, Washington

5 Highlights of Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington

May 12, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com 1 Comment

Seattle. Land of rain, coffee, grunge, Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Costco and Amazon…

Also the closest major American city to my god son’s family.

A Very Brief History Lesson on Pike Place

Located on First Ave and Pike St, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest operating public farmers markets in the entire USA. The market, which opened in August 1907, was built on a steep hill overlooking Elliott Bay with the goal of offering regular consumers the chance to “meet the producer”.

With 10 million visitors a year it is one of the most visited attractions in the Pacific Northwest. It is filled with farmers and craftspeople looking to offer their produce and products to both locals and visitors.

TIP!: The best places to park are Western Ave., 1st Ave., and 2nd Ave.

These are my highlights from our morning at Pike Place Market. Feel free to add YOUR highlights in the comments below! I’d love to hear them!

1. THE ORIGINAL STARBUCKS You can’t start your day at Pike Place Market without first stopping at the original Starbucks.

Being a 23-year-old American female I am basically a religious follower of the coffee brand.

Okay… maybe that’s taking it a little far. But barely.

Starbucks is one of the largest business chains in the world – with nearly 21,000 stores across 64 different countries!

And it all started in Seattle in 1971. The actual very first location, which only sold coffee beans and not fresh brewed drinks, was closed down and then moved to this location in the mid-70s.

Even if you don’t like coffee, this is still a cool place to visit from a entrepreneurial/business frame of mind.

When I landed in Seattle my cousins and I headed from the airport straight to the mecca of caffeine addicts.

Can you tell I was excited?

I was surprised to learn that the original store has been kept in it’s most simple state – only serving certain drinks. And that’s all.

It’s kind of refreshing to enter a vintage version of the mega-coffee-maker. I’m all about bringing things back to basics.
Fun STARBUCKS facts and a tip:

— The brand was first going to be called Pequod, after a whaling ship from the book Moby Dick. Instead, it was named after the chief mate on the Pequod, Starbuck.

— The first Starbucks location outside of the U.S. opened in Tokyo, Japan in 1996.

— If you normally order a latte… stop. Order a cafe misto. It’s very similar to a latte but less expensive (and tastier in my opinion). You can have it plain or add pumps of your favorite flavoring.

2. The Fish Market

The fish guys are world famous for their fish-throwing ways.

It apparently all started when the workers grew tired of walking back and forth to retrieve a fish a customer ordered. They decided to keep a worker in the back with all the fish who would toss the order up to the front, saving time and energy.

I particularly liked this sign – “We sell only wild salmon caught by wild fisherman”.

The other fish and produce market’s around Pike Place are impressive also!

3. Flowers at the market

Thousands of flowers line the hallways of the upper street level. Flowers of every color and shape. The tulips here are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen!

And when do you NOT need flowers in your life?

Flowers are always a good idea.

4. The Market Theater Gum Wall in Post Alley

The infamous gum wall is located in Post Alley, just around the corner from Pike Place Market.

The tradition began back in 1993 when patrons would place coins in blobs of gum and stick them against the alley wall. It caught on, and by 1999 the wall was deemed an official tourist attraction.
My cousins and I couldn’t pass up the chance to make our mark on one of the “germiest” attractions in the world.

We each popped a piece of gum and started chewing away while we scoped out where we wanted to place our sticky artwork. This is me placing my piece of gum on the wall as my little cousin Sidney looks on.

How “Seattle” is this picture? Starbucks in hand, scarf around my neck, placing my gum on the gum wall…. That’s my piece in the very center above. That long stretched-out sort-of white piece. Ain’t she a beaut?

5. Food Highlights

A: The ConfectionalMini peanut butter cheesecake and cheesecake-on-a-stick from The Confectional. No description necessary.

B: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

I HIGHLY recommend the mac n cheese from Beecher’s! It’s just phenomenal. Big penne-style pasta and creamy flavorful cheese sauce. It’s addicting. I warned you.

C: La Buona Tavola

Leek and potato soup (with a few drops of truffle oil)

So while I didn’t order an entire bowl of this awesomeness, I should have…

The sample I was given was TO DIE FOR – clearly, I downed it all before I could even get a photo. If/when I go back to Seattle I’m coming back here and getting a big steaming bowl of it!

So… those are my Pike Place Market (+ surrounding area) highlights.

What are yours?! Comment below and tell me!

British Columbia, Canada, North America

A Perfect Day in VanCity! Poutine + the Beach at Spanish Banks + Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

April 27, 2014 zaagitravel@gmail.com

We started our day how every day should begin… with poutine.

It’s no secret that I’m ~~a bit of~~ a crazed-obsessed fan of poutine. It all started back in 2001 when I visited Canada for the first time.

My best friend Amanda (who, if you’re reading this, I miss the absolute crap out of you) lived in Toronto for a couple years. We spent a day at Wonderland, an amusement park, and she and her family introduced me to the beauty of life that is poutine.

It is one of my guilty pleasures. I will always love it.

For my American and other poutine-deprived readers… poutine, in it’s purest form, is french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds (or as my boyfriend likes to call them, squeaky cheese). The word poutine itself means “mess”, kind of. But it tastes like heaven, I promise.

The dish originated during the mid-20th century in the French region of Canada, otherwise known as Quebec.

If you haven’t tried it you can pick up a bag in the frozen section of Trader Joe’s. It’s obviously not as good as the real deal but it’s a good replacement option.

Anywaaaay… back to my poutine-adventure in Vancouver.

My cousins and I arrived on Davie St, which is also the location of Canada’s largest gay community, and we quickly spied La Belle Patate.

La Belle Patate, one of the most popular spots in BC to grab a hot container of la poutine, is also known for their Montreal-style smoked meat.

They carry a variety of poutine dishes including traditional — my favorite, smoked meat, chicken, galvaude (chicken and peas), BBQ, BBQ chicken, BBQ smoked meat, BBQ galvaude, Italienne (with meat sauce), Hot Dog, Steak Hachee, Hamburger Steak, Bacon, Vegetarian, Mish-Mash, All Dressed, Extreme, Steak & Pepperoni, Supreme, Mexicana, Meat Lover, Deluxe Smoked Meat, Breakfast, Choux Chous (fries, coleslaw, and sauce), Donair (tomato, onion, sweet sauce, donair meat).

There is literally something for everyone!

Their sizes come in small, medium, and large. Or, you can order “all you can eat” for $19.50 Canadian dollars. I ordered a small — pictured below — and loved every. single. bite.

Clearly.

Well, with poutine in our bellies we made our way down to the Spanish Banks Beach, located along Northwest Marine Dr.My cousin Erica pointed out this apartment building with a tall tree located at the very top.

I’ve tried to figure out what exactly the story is behind this tree, but have not succeeded. Yet. If you know, please comment below!

I took some sweet photos of my cousin Johnny holding his son (and my godson), Wyatt.It was fun to walk along the beach in the sun with family. I could see this being a very cool place to hang out during summer when the weather is a little warmer.

We kept walking south until we found ourselves at the heart of English Bay.

We came across this striking monument — known as Inukshuk — which is an ancient symbol of the Inuit culture. Traditionally used as a navigational aid, it represents welcoming, hospitality, and friendship. You may recognize it as the symbol of the 2010 Olympic Winter games.

This particular landmark has stood at this site since 1987.

After lounging and relaxing for a bit we made our way to one of my favorite places in all of Vancouver, Stanley Park!

As we exited the car, after parking near the Brockton Point lighthouse, this beautiful water plane flew overhead. The dark clouds and snow-capped mountains in the distance made for a gorgeous backdrop as the plane flew west.We continued on, walking down the lighthouse stairs to the seawall.

The air, crisp and clean, felt fresh in my Los Angeles lungs. The dark green tones of the trees and blues of the water and sky made for a relaxing atmosphere. It’s hard not to love Stanley Park. Whether you come to exercise, play on the beach, ride a bike through the scenic trails (you can easily rent a bike and it looks like a lot of fun), or simply get away from the urban environment of downtown, it is a definite highlight of Vancouver.A short walk from the lighthouse is an awesome life-size bronze statue of a woman in a wetsuit, flippers and all. It’s appropriately named… Girl in a Wetsuit.

The piece is inspired by the famous Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Sculptor Elek Imredy revealed the statue in June 1972.
Next on the sights-of-Stanley-Park trail was the First Nations totem poles.

Located in Brockton Point, the traditional lands of the Coast Salish people, the totem poles are the most popular tourist attraction in all of British Columbia.

The collection, which began in Lumberman’s Arch nearly 100 years ago, is made up of 9 totem poles. They vary in style and material, each as beautiful as the next.Being part native, I have a fondness for native art and culture.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the term “totem” actually originates from an ojibwe word “odoodem”, meaning “his kinship group”. While the Ojibwe people did not create totem poles, the Anishinaabe language did contribute to their name!

My favorite is the one on the far left in the picture above. I love the turquoise and red accents over the black and white.

TIP: The Brockton Point totem poles also have public restrooms and a souvenir & snack shop.

Checking out the totem poles was a great way to wrap up our Vancouver adventure.

I truly love visiting my cousins in Vancouver. I miss them and the city so much already.

Each time I visit I discover something new to love about the Canadian Pacific Northwest. Next time, we plan to explore Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island.

What are you favorite things to do and see in Vancouver?

What about Vancouver Island? What do you recommend I see and do there on my next visit?

Zaagi Travel