Well I guess it is time once again to give an update. Since my arrival I have been thrown into New Zealand culture and oh is it interesting. I thought I would have no problem understanding what people are saying with their accents, but on the contrary I am really struggling. I keep having to say "what? sorry I can't hear you, Huh?" etc. I have just finished my first week of swimming. By the end of the week I was able to finish an entire workout...I might have cheated a bit, but I made it to the end. So while I am in the pool area, I usually have no problem translating what coaches tell me through the echo and loud continuous noises. Now that there is an accent attached to that I can not understand a word!! It is so frustrating and I have gotten to the point where I just smile and nod...a lot.
Now that I live on the other side of the world I am also driving on the other side of the road. I really had to focus at first because I would always turn into the wrong lane if I wasn't thinking about it. After driving on the wrong side of the road I actually prefer it to the American way. I love that the indicator is on the right side instead of the left and for some reason it just seems easier. So if anyone is traveling to a country where they drive on the wrong side of the road and need some one to navigate I would be happy to oblige.
The dominant race here is Polynesian, Maori, and Samoan. I am not sure whether I spelled those correctly but I am sure you know what I am saying. When I go to church I am nearly the only white person there!! Its a real shock and I stand out even more because I am at least 6 inches taller than everyone. I haven't really found any of the men attractive which is a great relief to my mother who was afraid I would marry one of them. Wait...I guess that's kind of a lie because I did find the surf saver guys nice to look at. Surf saving is a huge sport out here where they compete in life saving in beaches. Weird, but it's quite popular.
I have just got a job coaching the youth squads at the youth squads on the team I train with. The kids are completely fascinated with my accent. Its really funny and and the kids are really nice. The guys I coach with are really fun as well so I have a great set up. I am just so amazed with how much the coaches here care about the kids and the quality of training they get. So different from the States!! I am also going to be teaching at the swim school so I will have a very full schedule!! I am really excited to get back in shape. I shoulders have grown so much already! I did an ab set with the kids on Saturday and I came home so sore!! How pathetic!!
So all in all...Training is great, coaching is fun, I stand out like a sore thumb, and the food is amazing. I think I might grow really attached to New Zealand, its been the prefect fit so far but I promise I will come home for the summer at least
Shout out to Miss Anderson and all my NY kids...I love you!!!
