Uniquely Kiwi

We toured the Canterbury Museum the other day. It's our favourite museum in ChCh for several reasons. It's free (as most museums in NZ are), it is literally just 2 blocks from our home and they change the exhibits frequently, so there is always something new to see and learn.

Last year we toured the day after Sir Edmund Hillary died and in a small corner of the museum they had sir Ed's hat (ball cap with flaps over the ears and back) handmade by his sister-in-law. Lovingly stitched by hand and made of white and blue striped cotton. Imagine making that for the first man to summit Mt. Everest! Also on display were the climbing boots he wore. They were primitive by today's standards and massive, but they gave a us a good idea of the giant (literally and figuratively) this kind man was. Next to the display was a book to write a "memorial message" to Sir Edmund's family. Really very moving. We have many favourite exhibits, but our hands down favourite to date has to be the exhibit know as Fred & Myrtle's Paua Shell home. It seems that Fred had a hobby of polishing and displaying every Paua shell he laid his hands on. The couple lived in Bluff NZ (southernmost point of the South Island). The pictures don't do it justice, but I hope you can realize that dear Myrtle must have been a saint, because not only did she allow Fred to decorate there home, she dusted the little treasures and was even gracious enough to let strangers tramp through her home to see the magnificent collection! It is truly astounding and is one of the best examples of a decoration scheme "gone bad" we have ever seen! God bless 'em –they are gone now, but their Paua Shell palace lives on – just like a Picasso!

It seems that years ago, the Japanese introduced the first sandal to the Kiwi's. So, in true Kiwi fashion, they now refer to a sandal (our flip flop) as a Jandal. When inquiring about sandals, they will politely look at you and exclaim aaaahhhh! You're looking for a Jandal, mate!

Pavlova seems to be uniquely Kiwi also, however there is room for dispute here as it is rumoured that the Aussie's introduced it to the Kiwi's and then claimed it for their own. I don't know, but I love the stuff! The same rumor seems to go around about Kiwi fruit. Will have to check on the Urban legend. We love Tim Tams too, and pies (these are like chicken pot pies) they come in a million different combinations and are more popular than sandwiches! We love that nearly every coffee shop has scones and really good baked goods. Not the prepackaged stuff, and it's almost impossible to fine a plain cup of brewed coffee. BUT you can't find a bad latte anywhere!

We've noticed that some of our American slang has met up with the King's English and that many words are slang-i-fied (!) with a "y" or "ie". For instance, presents (birthday/Christmas) are prezzys, gift cards are prezzy cards, mossies are mosquitos, trolly=shopping cart, telly=telephone or TV, lollies=candy, surfies, boaties, mushy peas (I love 'em), mashies. Then add Danny, Robby, Bobby as names and cheeky, dodgy, and lippy, throw in a "I reckon" occasionally, and you can speak Kiwi!

We are loving it, and the people couldn't be nicer, they are just lovely and we love the differences.

Well, I reckon I should be off.


We are happy and healthy here. Anxiously awaiting Mom's visit this week.

Jon and Joyce