I visited New Zealand for the first time and spent 7 weeks there, mostly staying in people’s homes and cottages. Here are some random observations from my trip:

• Bathrooms are astonishingly clean and nice, even many of the outhouses in the national parks or public bathrooms (which even small towns seem to have).
• On the South Island in many areas, you can drive for hours and sometimes not see another car.
• Kiwis are generally very self-deprecating about their country and not shy about pointing out its shortcomings. They are proud of its achievements, but not patriotic.
• When someone describes a place is “touristy”, that means there are great restaurants and they are open late.
• It is far easier to understand the New Zealand dialect than it is to understand someone from the Deep South in the US.
• I felt no frustration, anger, or irritation from anyone. I never felt rushed.
• Ferns, mosses, lichens, and grasses are more stunningly beautiful than I ever thought possible.
• The food here is excellent, significantly better than I expected, even in very rural or remote areas.
• Kiwi guys are unquestionably hotter than American guys (but after much deliberation, I decided to stay with Eric).