Dishin’ with the Diva

Culture Shock – Driving on the Other Side

For those who do not know, in New Zealand, they drive on the left side of the road.

When driving, or even as a passenger in a motor vehicle, this usually only trips me up when I’m not quite awake or distracted by something else. As a pedestrian, on the other hand, I have to constantly remind myself to look right, then left when crossing the street. I had never realized just how ingrained checking for traffic is in my head, until I suddenly wasn’t doing it correctly.

After one or two calls that were closer than I would like – not actually close, but still disconcerting – I’ve simply gotten into the habit of only crossing with the Walk light (which yes, I should do anyway) or with several others who clearly look like they know what they’re doing. But mostly, I stick to the Walk light, because even people who look like they know what they’re doing can be terribly wrong.

I still manage to look in the wrong direction while checking for cars once I’ve started crossing the street. I may remember at the corner, but once I’m crossing, my whole “right, then left” mantra goes out the window.

So, if you are traveling in a country where the locals drive on the other side of the road than you’re used to, remember that it affects you as a pedestrian, too, not just when you’re driving.

The Diva’s Trippin’

Sorry about the long absence; your friendly neighborhood Trip Diva is actually tripping. I’ve been in New Zealand since the beginning of April. I spent about a week in Auckland, then headed north to the Bay of Islands, and I’m currently on a Stray hop-on, hop-off backpacker bus heading down south to the capitol city of Wellington, where I’m hoping to find a job and stay for at least several weeks.

One thing that’s been quite a change for me is not to have a specific plan. I try to not be too much of a slave to the schedule when traveling, since that’s just a path to unhappiness, but I do have at least a rough itinerary in my head. Not this time. I knew I would fly into Auckland and spend a couple of days there, but I didn’t know what I was going to do next. I don’t know what I’ll do once I decide to leave Wellington, either. But that will hopefully be a little ways off yet.

Once I’m semi-settled in a spot, there will be updates and my take on Auckland. But for now, internet access is sporadic at best, and the time to sit at the computer and post is quite limited – and the last thing I want to do most of the time is sit at the computer when I can be sampling the best New Zealand has to offer.