Puzzling over differences

As an American now temporarily living in New Zealand, I have been marveling over the adjustments we have made, and the experience of culture shock generally.

Jeremy fears for his life in a trompe l'oeil toilet at Puzzling World (in Wanaka) 

Fran defies gravity in the "tilted house" in Puzzling World

So much is strange here and yet familiar at the same time. The heavy metal window frames and flimsy plastic toilet seats are the same type I used in Kenya when I lived there. Other sort-of-familiar things from that period of my life are  "tea and biscuits" (the botany department has tea together at 10:30 and take turns bringing cookies), driving on the left side of the road, and other evidence of having been a British colony.  

Jeremy rides a bike as a part of an anatomy display at the Otago Museum Tūhura exhibit

And yet, being here is not like being in Kenya at all, where I often didn't understand the language and was a racial minority-- a valuable, if uncomfortable, experience.  In contrast, at first glance, we blend in perfectly in New Zealand.

Fran in a Roman toilet (also trompe l'oeil) at Puzzling World

And yet, all is not as it appears. For example, although we speak the same language, there are enough differences to make for some misunderstandings. My favorite so far was when an 8-year-old boy we were visiting kept referring to his "titties," as in "I love my titties. I like to throw my titties around." Finally, he held up his stuffed bear and announced, "This is my favorite titty." Ah! Teddies!

Jeremy tipping over the clocktower at Puzzling World... or did he?

And then there's simply the adjustment to a new place, new routines, new people, etc. that can happen with any move. I have been touched and so grateful for how welcoming people have been, even knowing that we are only here for a few months. Last night we were invited to a dinner party at a colleague's place, we have another tomorrow with "Rainbow families", and we had one of our own last week (after an impromptu lunch with another family from Jeremy's archery club).

Dinner party at our place with new friends

I had hoped that living in a new culture would help illuminate our own, and I have not been disappointed. One such "ah ha" moment occurred when one of our kiwi friends pointed out that the reason why there can be a trampoline (see previous post) or a zip line (called "flying fox" here) in a public park in New Zealand is because of government-provided health care.

Jeremy plays with other homeschool kids on a zip line at the park

That is, if someone gets hurt, Kiwis don't need to worry about how they can afford treatment. This, I realized, is at the heart of our so-called-litigious culture, not because we are greedy or obsessed with finding fault. "Who is going to pay for this?" is a significant concern in the US; medical costs are the number one cause of bankruptcies, and this has cascading impacts through our culture. I am learning to see things in a new way here.

Jeremy with a 3-D version of the Rubin vase optical illusion at Puzzling World

Other revelations are more personal. In a strange symmetry, Fran has discovered that she is enjoying this period of working less, while I am finding I want to work more.

Fran and Jeremy above the huge maze at Puzzling World

So, I am finding a balance of making time for myself in my office while also taking advantage of being in this incredible place. The stress is mostly an illusion:

Jeremy in another crazy bathroom at Puzzling World

After our Cadbury Chocolate World tour yesterday

We continue to say our gratitude prayers, with exciting things to add each night. We are so very, very fortunate to be able to have this (albeit sometimes puzzling) experience.

Fran (on right) is dwarfed by giant Jeremy (on left) in the optical illusion room at Puzzling World