Here's a pic of my 33 week belly which Clinton took of me about a week and half ago. These last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for me. I am finishing up my year of teaching here in NZ ( I have a week and a half left), I am planning for our wedding ceremony (or at least trying to), applying for academic jobs for next year (or at least trying to, again) and trying to juggle what seems to be a dozen other lil to big projects...all with increasing hormones and growing belly. Some days feel a bit crazier then others...but mostly because of these hormones...emotionally I'm not sure what I'll get. We've (mostly Clinton) has learned to take it day by day...lol and its really the only way to do it. This week and a half have been great...I'm sure the sun, warm weather and longer days has helped (summer is finally coming).

Well to all who are juggling lots and determined to finish it...cheers...you have kindred spirit on the other side of the world

Re-learning how to spell

September 14th, 2010



I have been away from the university for about three weeks and out of the country for about 2 weeks (we had 2 weeks of university recess and I took an extra week for Jen's PR wedding) and it feels more like three months. Just four weeks ago, I was feeling intune with kiwi ways and life but I'm now back in NZ struggling to understand the kiwi accent and desperately trying to recall all the cultural comforts I had aquired before I left.

I can't tell if this is just "pregnancy brain" or just incomplete acculturation...either way I am still not kiwi-fied.

The perfect example of such an occurrence happened yesterday.

My university password had expired during the break so I called the IT help desk to get it reactivated. The helpful women promised to get it sorted in a less then 2 minutes. She asked me what my favorite hobby was and I quickly answered "travel!" She told me that she had temporarily changed my password to traveling. "Easy enough" I agreed and hung up the phone. I logged back on and typed in traveling...ERROR. I took my time to type in again...ERROR. I called the help desk again and luckily got the say women. I told her I was being denied access even with the new password. I read to hear the error message and she asked me to retype the password making sure the cap lock was off...CHECK. Then she asked me to type the word in all lower case letters...CHECK. Right before I press "ok," I her spelling out the word letter by letter and realize my mistake...I forgot that I was in NZ...which means traveling is spelled TRAVELLING...TWO Ls...darn! I quickly fixed my "misspelling," pressed Ok and finally logged onto my computer. Too embarrassed to admit it, I acted surprised and bewildered that all of a sudden the password worked.

I hung up the phone and laughed.

I don't know if its complete laziness on my behalf or implicit resistance but I do not use English NZ (british) spelling in my PowerPoints...actually its a combination of both most of the time. It takes a few seconds for me to realize (if I realize at all) that I should have spelled "realize" as realise or spell color as "colour" instead. At times, I just don't allow myself to think about spelling it any other way. For example the word "Colonization." A professor came into my class during the end of my lecture and commented on my spelling of colonization with a "z." I laughed and explained that I was from the states and he smirked and said "I know."

I guess its a bit Americo-centered of me... but I just can't spell colonization with an "s"...I am not sure how to explain it but using the "s" seems to soften the word in my eyes and I'm just not down with it. Ok maybe I'm being a little melodramatic but there is something I have internalized about letters and phonetics and thier hard/soft connotations...I'm down for some cultural linguistic analysis of it all but till then Colonization stays with a "z."

New Zealand's National Health Care

Once we learned we were definitely pregnant, our next thought was "insurance!"
During Clinton's contract negotiation, he inquired about health insurance and was told that New Zealand had a national plan. Though we did not fully understand what that meant, Clinton assured me that IBM insures thier employees and that he would inquire about me. However, in two weeks time I was being interviewed for the Teaching Fellowship and I thought I would get my own insurance.

During my interview with the Director of the Anthropology department, the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Science and a Human Resource representive, I asked about health insurance which the human resource answered that this is a welfare state and that employees didn't recieved their benefits from the university but from the state. He recommended I consider apply for permanent residency so that I can recieve all the benefits that kiwis do. I felt a little embarassed that I didn't know more about New Zealand's medical system and thus didn't push the issue. I figured Clinton would follow up with IBM and I would have insurance that way. However, we learned that we were pregnant before we could sort out my health insurance...which for us Americans (at least for now), this was a scary predicament.

I did a quick search for women's health organizations in hopes of finding someone to talk to about my options. I came across a organization called MAMA materinity which explained that my 2 year work visa should cover my materinity care...WHAT?! Really?! I asked if I was limited to specific clinics, doctor's offices, etc. She responded by suggesting I find a general practicioner in my area and then a midwife. Her answer didn't really address my question but I figured I was lucky enough to get as much information as she offered. She took down my address and said she would send me a list of midwives in my area and a few pamplets on maternity care in NZ.

I made a few more calls a made an appointment with a General Practioner at Queens Doctors. Clinton and I showed up on a Thursday in late March, checked-in at the front desk and showed our US passports with NZ visa. The receptionist checked my visa and said we were covered...ie there was no charge for our visit. Within three to four minutes, our GP came out and escorted us to her office.

We explained that we had 2 positive at-home pregnancy test and would like a blood test and scan to confirm that the fetus was developing in the uterus. We also explained that we were from the states and needed a little guidance navigating the NZ system. The Doc had some experience with the US system and explained to us the following:

* Over 80% of New Zealanders use midwives to deliver thier babies
* Midwives can deliver babies in the hospital, birthing center and homes
* Most births occur in a hospital with a midwife and if baby and mommy are both fine then both are shuttled to a birthing center within 2 hours for rest and 2 overnight stays
* Not all midwifes are the same. There is not a systemitzed training for midwifes.
* It is very important to find a midwifes that has a similar birthing plan/ philosophy as you. SO make sure to ask relevant questions regarding birthing plan (home vs hospital birth, drugs vs no drugs, C-section etc)
* It is also important to secure a midwife soon, if I am pregnant, because they book up quickly.

Our GP, stated that a midwife was covered under the NZ medical plan but that a OB would cost us about NZ 2,000 extra unless I had a complicated of high risk pregnancy then the national system would cover it. Her recommendation was that we try to get a midwife with nursing training. She had three in mind and she gave us thier contact info.

She also gave us a referral for blood test and scan. She explained that if I was pregnant then the next step was for us to secure the midwife...we would no longer need to come see her. BUT if we didnt find a midwife in the next 3 weeks or so then to make an appointment to see her then. We thanked her and said good-bye, not paying a pretty penny (or gold coin). We went to the lab and scan place and again didn't take out our wallets for that as well. That day we learned that we were having our first little one and to our wonderful surprise the NZ welfare state would cover her care. All of it was an amazing experience.

Update:
Since those early experiences with the NZ medical system, we have continued to have a comforting and empowering experience with our prenatal care. Now that I am 34 and half weeks a long, we are now preparing for the delivery of our little one. We are planning for a natural, drug free birth and feel quite prepared for the challenge. However, we know that many things can happen during delivery, including complications, which could mean not having a natural birth. Whether we do or not, we feel ready to make those decisions. I know that being here in NZ, where we are constantly reminded that pregnancy is something that the female body naturally prepares itself to do, has made me feel confident about my own abilities. Pregancy is also seen as a family/community event, so there is lots of emphasis on preparing not only me but my whanua (family), especially my partner. We have taken a prenatal/labor massage class and a prenatal course which taught us techniques to celebrate and mitigate the pain of labor together. These courses have helped us connect with other prego partners here in NZ, which has been great.

So as our time approaches, we are packing our hospital bag, finishing up the nursery (which Clinton put together for me while I was away in Puerto Rico as a surprise) and enjoying the last few weeks of pregnancy. We are excited about meeting our little Black/Puerto Rican Kiwi-Born lil girl.

Hung up on grades

The last two weeks I've been grading final exams for both my classes. Surprisingly, the students seemed to learn quite a bit OR was it that I hand held them through the final exam too much by providing them with a pretty good study sheet...hmmm I'm not sure but I want to believe that it was the former. I did make it so that they had to review every lecture and article in order to prepare for the final so they had to learn (or memorize) something...lol

Well, early in the semester, I told my students that I'm "fair and transparent grader" and that "if they came to lecture, applied what they learned to thier assignments and turned in all thier work, they would do well in class."

Ok, so when I finally calculated my final grades, I realized that 40% of my class got A's. NOW I know I am a good teacher BUT I can't possible believe that all these students were "creme de la creme." Students that have done well in class, should get anywhere from a B to an A-...However, there needs to be a bit of a bell curve, where fewer then 20% (ok 25% get A's)....right?

So what I realized was that though I was told that the NZ grading scale was different from that of the US, I never truly processed it. I looked at it, took note of it and even included the grade scale in my course syllabi BUT I never sat with myself and analyzed how much "I" internalized the US grading system.

So what do I mean....well here is the NZ grading system:
Grade Range %
A+ 85-100
A 80-84
A- 75-79
B+ 70-74
B 65-69
B- 60-64
C+ 55-59
C 50-54

and here is one from the US

Letter Grade Range
A+ 100-99
A 98-96
A- 95-90
B+ 89-87
B 86-84
B- 83-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-74
C- 73-70
D+ 69-67
D 66-64
D- 63-60
F 59-0

Ok, So though I was told that a grade range of 79-100 was some-sort of A in NZ, when I was grading each assignment I tended to use my internalized US scale ("bad" 65 and below, "ok to good" 70 to 80s and "pretty well done to impressive" 90 to 100).

I found it really difficult to give an essay that "answered the question but wasn't very good" a 50, though that is a "c" grade which is exactly what they should have recieved.

Anyway, so what I realized is that I was much more of a "laid back grader"...not on principal but because I had some real issues with numerical grades and hadn't let go of the meanings I attached to them. 50 for me as a US student and US professor meant awful, fail, and "F". Where in NZ it's a "C!"

It's amazing how entreched these things are in us. I remember telling students not to get soo caught up with actual numerical grades and here I am completely caught up by them. I was really frazzled about how my final grades ended up...I told Clinton that I couldn't get my head around the NZ system and then he said something that really helped me embrace this new grade scale..." he said well NZ actually works on a much fairer numerical system....if you got atleast 50% of it right then you get a C (since C is the middle of the letter grades)." That logically made sense to me and being able to understand the new system made me feel better.

So, next semester I will be much more prepared to hand out those 50s...which may take the students who've heard that I was an easy grader by surprise!!! LOL

Sugar and Spice makes all things....AMAZING :-)

It's been some time since I have posted on this blog. And it’s not because life has become normal (though in some instances it has) but probably cause life has changed so drastically that I needed sometime to indulge and then center myself in it.

New Zealand has without a doubt changed Clinton and my world forever!

It's been about 5 and half months for me here and my life has been rocked....

* I finished teaching my first semester at a University here in NZ (I will definitely post soon about this experience)

* Clinton has begun to pursue a number of his extracurricular life interest (a total of four of them which I will let him share with the public once he is ready :-0)

* We are wonderfully engaged and cemented in our love, commitment and partnership

* AND we are blessedly expecting our first child before the end of this year :-)

All of the above were absolute surprises for me (Clinton had been preparing for the engagement for a while so that wasn't a surprise for him or his bank account...lol...BUT the rest of it was). We learned that we were having a little one in late March and we excitedly (almost about to pop) kept this huge event to ourselves till we were in the 3 month clear. Once we received clearance from our midwife (ohhh I will definitely post soon on the NZ maternal health care because it is sooo fantastically different from my experience in the US), we began to share it with family and loved ones (If I have been playing phone or email tag with your in the last 2 months....now you know why I was trying to reach you...lol).

About a week ago on a Friday morning, Clinton and I went to get our third sonogram. This sonogram would allow us to check on the baby's growing anatomy and, hopefully, find out the baby's sex. In the beginning, I had a really strong feeling that it was a little boy (Clinton and a few others felt the same). However in the last few weeks, this little one has been sending me female vibes (and at times I would find myself humming "it's a girl, it's a girl" and then quickly talking to my now very visible prego belly "oh baby I'm sorry if you're a boy, we will love you lotsssss"). So it was pretty clear that though I deeply wanted a healthy baby...I also hoped it was a little girl. This pregnancy process made me realize what was my underlining "family ideal"...A partnership at the foundation with a first born child that was a girl. I didn't even realize that was what I wanted until now...I guess looking at my life, as the first grandchild, it's not too hard to see how my own experience created that as a possible ideal. Women have been anchors in my family and I guess that’s what I secretly wanted for my own.

Well, after a few minutes of look at the baby's incredible bone structure (spine, rib cage, brain, little hands, little feet and even heart), we saw our little one's female anatomy and it was confirmed (though not guaranteed...the technician was like, "it looks like it’s a girl but every now and then I could be wrong")...."it is a GIRL."

Clinton and I are elated! It's so great to know who our little one is developing into. And since I thought she was a boy at first, I have a feeling she will be a tough little girl...lol

All in all, everything is amazing. I have thankfully had a very good pregnancy and am hoping that it continues this way.

Sugar and Spice surely does make everything Nice!

The pics I have included are from when I was 4 months and a few weeks (in Sydney), at 5 months and when I was at the sonogram appointment minutes before learning we were having a little girl).

3 and half months....Life has normalized ...well a bit

Just of three and half months in Auckland and life is good. In these 115 some days (give or take), Auckland has become home. Monday through Wedenesday I go about my routine of preparing for lecture, getting ready, then trekking up the steep Victoria street hill to Sky City were I catch my bus to Hamilton. Most of the Intercity drivers know me by now as the Doc or the professor...some of them even removed thier personal belongings from the front two seats so that I can sit right up front (smile). I've become quite accomstomed to the scenery of green fields with grazing cows and sprinkled sheep. I even have my naps timed so I know that from huntly to hamilton, I have 25 to 30 minutes to catch some Zzzz's. I get to campus which is mainly a large plot of land with concrete buildings labeled with large human-size letters (The anthropology department and my office is located in building J) and divided by parking lots and a beautiful pond in the center of the university eatery. Most of the time I arrive with just a few minutes to check my email and print handouts for lecture. But on occassion, I arrive a few hours early and take advantage of my office and join collueges for lunch. I actually really enjoy those days and would have scheduled a lot more of those if I hadn't bought all my bus tickets for the entire semester the first week of class. Back then, I was of the "in and out" frame of mind. Now, I wouldn't mind hanging around campus a bit more and absorbing the scholarly atmosphere. Anyway, I go into class and do my song and dance...usually a mixture of lecture, sporatic pontification, youtube watching and discussion...how else can I keep a two hour class remotely interesting. I've really enjoy teaching this semester...especially since its the only job I am doing (sigh of relief). It's been great to focus on reading and the development of my lectures, especially since I've never taught an anthropology of religion or a polynesia course. My students seem to be responding well as well...though I can't be sure to till the end of the semester when I get the results of the student's evaluations. Either way, I know I am learning heaps (lots). Clinton pointed out to me that I've gotten better at deciphering the kiwi and pacific islander's english accents (it was actually quite difficult for me in the classroom to understand my students, especially because many of them are soft spoken, but I guess continual exposure cracked some of the mystery for me). After class, I quickly jump on the local bus t the terminal where I wait for the intercity bus back to Auckland. Now that the time has changed ( we lost an hour) the sun comes up earlier but then so do the sunsets. When I first arrived in the summer, I loved looking out the bus windows to see some of the most spectacular sunsets of oranges, pinks and blues. Now the sky is dark all I can see is the motorway lights up ahead. Walking back home is probably one of my most anxious of journeys. Clinton gets home around 5:30pm, relaxes, watches tv, sometimes excerises and then cooks dinner. By the time I get home its 8:15 or so and all I can think of getting home to Clinton to relax, unwind and eat. It seriousily the best part of traveling back n forth.

But before I get home, I usually walk (sometimes jog) down the victoria street hill. I pass the victoria park market and say hello to the Maori homeless man who sits happily with his shopping cart of personal belongings listening to his walkman. I told Clinton that I wanted to give him some batteries I found in my luggage because I noticed that he loved listening to music on his walkman and Clinton pointed out to me that he has seen him at the supermarket buying food and toiletries and that he probably gets government assistance which I later found out is called DAP. I don't know much at all about this man, but I know he makes me smile and feel at home in auckland with his enthusiatic hellos and how you doings.

So besides my 3 day work routine, I've continued to explore new areas, restuarants and places in Auckland and also meet new people (mostly other Americans living in NZ but I've managed a few kiwis as well). I began to paint with acrylic...my first and, so far, only painting is a two-canvas abstract sunset. I've always loved to draw, paint and color but didn't find the time. So when Clinton was in NYC, I went to the Warehouse and bought a few canvases, a set of brushes and acyrlic paint and started painting.

Part of my motivation, was that our flat (apartment) still had little color in it. It's been 13 to 14 weeks since we shipped our personal affects (clothes, furniture, paintings, etc) from NJ and they still haven't arrived to our home. Clinton and I have developed some deep coach envy. We miss having a coach sooo much, literally we fantacize its arrival atleast twice a week ...at least. Anyway, we've recieved word that the cargo has arrived to Auckland's ports and is undergoing customs and biosecurity inspections and then can be delivered to our house....whoohooo! In the meantine, I figured I add to the paintings and decorations that I know are coming.

Clinton has taken on learning the acoustic guitar (which he looks quite sexy learning though the tunes don't match the image...yet (I believe he'll make it happen). He also had become serious about learning the fundamentals of cooking. He bought the Culinary Arts institutes textbook and has dedicated himself to going through it and learning as much as he can by himself. Then maybe he'll take some classes to hone down more skills. I guess we've allowed our creative juices to run loose here in NZ.

Update: We FINALLY got our freight from NYC...we have furniture. Our place looks like a home...ohhh happy days (it only took 3 months and change to arrive...booo).

Our Engagement in New Zealand

Lifes many blessings

This morning was like no other. Clinton and I layed in bed finding it difficult to get up. Clinton had lots more energy than I, so he swayed me out of bed with the promise of home fries and eggs. Smile. That did it! I got up and started getting ready. We were headed to the Matakana markets at 9am so we had to speed up the pace a bit. While I showered and got ready, Clinton was busy getting other things ready...i.e. the proposal. He rushed me to come take a few pictures before Nessa and Boopsie came to pick us up. I came into the living room and we did a little photoshoot :-) After a few shots, Clinton stated he was going to get in the pics with me. He set the camera on what I thought was timer but was really video. He came over to me, I stroke a pose with him, then he said he was going to check the camera but instead he went down on one knee and took out the ring and I started screaming... literally, I started jumping up and down, with tears of happiness in my eyes. I didn't even allow him to get all his words out. From what I remember, he said something like "you've made me the happiest I've ever been and I want to know if you would marry me (Clinton may want to amend this...lol)." I answered a resounding, "Of course, yes I love you (I got to watch the video again to make sure...but this is close enough!)."

He placed the most beautiful solitare on my finger. I'm living a wonderful dream. Thank you babes, you truly make me the happiest woman ever. We will continue making an amazing life together. Blessings are everywhere. 2010 is truly epic!!!!

NZ LOVES

It will be about 2 months since I have been in New Zealand and I have begun to develop "loves" which I want to share with you. I have broken them up into categories which may change throughout my time here in order to incorporate new loves.

SHOPPING AREAS

Newmarket (outside of Auckland): Its a long strip of stores boutiques, brand-name shops and mini-malls that cater to a range of pockets. There are also several resturants and bars in the area to grab a quick meal or to delight on fancy eating expereince. I really like the book-store and second-hand shop across the street from the mall. The book-store seems to always have a good selection of books on sale which is important since books are pricey in NZ (a paperback is upwards to $35). The 2nd-hand store (thift store) has cute stylish items from both well-known labels and local designers.


Mount Wellington (on the #1 motorway towards Hamilton) this is a huge shopping mall much like the ones you would find in New Jersey. The area used to be owned by the American military during WWII but was sold of and has now become a sprawling area for stores and factories. If you are looking for a one-stop shop (food-shopping at Pak & Save, shopping for home items and/or fashion or a bite to eat) then this in-door mall is it. Good luck with parking on the weekends.

Markets:
Takapuna market: (located in the parking lot in the center of Takapuna city in the North Shore). This market is a great place to buy fresh local produce, seasons and craft for a great price. Seasonings in NZ can be a bit pricey and the selection limiting in the local supermarkets, but at this market there are several vendors selling a variety of seasonings for great prices.


GOOD EATS

Seafood

Auckland Fish Market: The fish market is a great place to buy and eat fresh fish. You can even learn how to cook the fish at the Auckland Seafood School located in the market. At the market you will find local and exotic selections of sea creators including 30 pound live crayfish and 2 yard long eals (don't worry they are in deep tanks with little chance of them getting out ;-). The first store in the market sells and cooks seafood at very reasonable prices. I love thier fish and chips. For 7 kiwi dollars you get a crispy fish of the day,an (un)healthy side of french-fries (chips) with a small soda...you can even asks for the fish to be grilled and your chips to be substituted with a very yummy seaweed salad if you are on a health kick. This place is quite popular so I recommend that you place your order, ask for a vibrating electronic alerter and then walk around the rest of the market.
Another notable spot to visit in the market is the wine store at the end. It has a great selection of NZ wines and offers a eductational and experiental wine-tasting. The bar has a food menu with light fares usually seafood base that occupying the wines well.

clinton's Fish and Chips: (located on Vulcan lane, next to Conntinental). Clinton is on quest for the best fish and chips in NZ and after 3 months of being here, he proclaims this still to be the best fish and chips he has eaten. The fish is crispy and well-seasoned and the dish comes with chips and a very tasty salad for $19. I agree that the fish is quite tasty and that the salad scrumptous but for me price, freshness and taste are all a factor and thats why I like the fish and chips at the Market...come on I can have two orders of fish and chips and desert for the price of his fabulous plate. Either way, it is a very yummy dish and its located right off of queen street (center of downtown) so the location couldn't be more convenient for travelers. The resturaunt also offers non-seafood meals which are quite good...oh and it's a bar as well which offers regular and large wine servings (large glasses filled to 3/4 of the way up :-).

North Shore Restuarunt: (located on beach of the North Shore) This resturant is right on the north beach with amazing views of the water, wide sand beach and slendid cliffs. The first time I went there was for lunch on a Sunday afternoon with a fellow American friend, Deborah. We sat outside on the deck overlooking the beach and were awe-struck at the beauty of NZ. On top of the beautiful scenery, I also had delicious Mussels and clams in a coconut curry sauce. The mussels were fresh and the sauce hmmmm hmmm good....I literally asked for a spoon so I could drink the sauce like a soup. And the for reasonable price of 16 dollars, I would definitely order them again. This place is great for outings with family, girls or you significant other.

Pizza
Sal's Pizza (located on Customs street) parrell to Queen Street)...think yummy NY style pizza in auckland. YES! Leave it to Clinton to find out where the NY style pizza in Auckland is located. And yes, it really is NY yummy tasting. The owner is orginally from Queens and has a Sal's pizza over there. He imports all his ingredients from the states and trains all his employees to make the best darn pizza in Auckland. I think he even imports his staff cause everytime we hae gone in there, the staff are Americans (one of which is from Boston...sure he never thought he would be rep'in NYC in his lifetime but he is now...lol). The pizza spot has two-flat screens one with several pictures of NYC-store fronts (makes me feel a nostaligic of home) and the other playing music videos. They offer the pizza by the slice ($5 for one and $4 for the second one) and the pie (there is only one size "large;" the cheese is $24 dollars and the other toppings range from 26 to 32). Highly recommended, Clinton and I feel like this pizza is better then many pizzas we have eaten in other US states...they have done it right.

BARS

Suite: (located on Hobson). Before finding this bar, I had resigned to my 2 years being filled wih wines and beer and only distant memories of yummy cocktails. BUT then Clinton, his IBM co-worker and I were told to go to suite for cheap caprihinas and I was stoked. We went down the steps to a dimly lit bar with a large bar and leather booth seats in the back. There was a two-person band playing upbeat salsa, cumbia and brazilian beats. We sat down and our water Alex, brazilian, quickly captivated us with his knowledge and passion for mixing alcohol, spirits, cocktails (ect.) The boys allowed Alex to showcase his knowledge and talents by allowing him to pick thier next concotion while I sipped on the yummiest caprihnas outside of Rio de Janiero. For the price of a cocktail ( range from NZ $8 to $17 depending on the liquor), we left there with a bit of history, a boost of energy from the listening and dancing to the amazing musicos and a very very nice buzz. BTW, this place is open Tuesday thru saturday till 5am (and they serve food till closing which is fabulous).

DANCING
Pasha: (located on the Viaduct) this spot has a upper 20 to mid-40s chic crowd (Miami-esque). It the spot to dress up and go to be scene, its best to grad a table order a bottle of wine or bubbly and some shesha (hookah) and party the night away.

Rocket bar: (located inside the A&M bar). This small bar has amazing DJs spinning great dance mixes (everything from hip-hop, R&B, 80s, mo-town and rock). The place can get crowded so go with the mindset of "a la freak it...I just want to dance" and you will definitely find just that. If you get a little hot or close-da-phobic then just step outside to A&M and sit on thier funky array of coaches while sipping on some wine or water. A&M serve tapas as well but the kitchen isn't open as long as the bar is so make sure to come earlish (before 10pm)

Longroom: (located on Ponsonby Road) During the day this place is a popular resturant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and then during the late hours it turns into this fabulous club where the young and sexy go to drink and dance. The DJs are ok, they don't always miz thier music well but thet do tend to play good songs. The front of the club is open-air and in the back is where the dancing happens.

(K Street) This resturaunt has a changing menu with yummy specialty dishes. It is one of the only places you can have fine-dining on K Rd ( an area know for its skethyness and highly sexualized activities). I love thier pasta and steak. A definite A-rating for quality, portion and price.


ONE DAY TRIPS FROM AUCKLAND:

Fuller Overnight Cruise to Bay of Islands (NZ $239 to $339)
This is new overnight cruise with 30 ocean view cabins, three course dinner, yummy hot breakfast, tea and amazing views. It leaves from Opua quay and tours around the beautiful bay of islands. It docks for about 2 hours at one of the desolate beaches, where you can kayak, hike and swim and then it sets sail again for dinner. After dinner, it finds a calm spot in the middle of the bay and anchors there till the morning. Expect breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. It's definitely worth the money. By the way, keep your eyes out for dolphins and penguins (we saw them ;-)

Part Two Of Clinton's Fab Birthday

Yes, this is a bit late (over a month)...my apologies. I didn't want to forget about it either, because this next part details our whitewater rafting adventures and since it was both our first times, it was quite sweet!

So we finally got to the whitewater rafting gathering location. As we neared the back of the camp, Clinton and I noted the reggae tunes that were playing. They were some real underground type tunes and all the kiwi employees (which where all male and in there late 20s to mid 30s) were singing and bopping their heads to it...hard. This place was definitely low-key and chill. The backyard had a volleyball net to the left and a few picnic tables in the center. There were wet-suits, flippers, watershoes and life-jackets across the back fence. Clinton and I sat down and lathered ourselves with some extra SPF 30. We were told to wait for the earlier group to return shortly. Within 15 minutes, a parade of giggling, bathing-suit & life-jacket wearing women and men entered the yard. For a second or two I left like I was in a scuba-diving fashion contest and was tempted to hold up cue cards with scores...LOL. As the group cleared out, the energetic male staff gathered the next group, including us, in the back. One of the guys asked me my shoes size. "8," I replied. He turned and looked through several rows. So I added "I'm like a 6 in men and I don't know my European size...its like 40 something." He handed me size 5s and stated "these should fit, you Americans like to exaggerate." I laughed and but the wet (literally they were soaked) booties on...and guess what, they fit! LOL!

After, getting our gear (BTW, our group has changed and is only wearing bathing-suits and life-jackets), we march out of the yard and into the parking lot to load a yellow-bus. There are about 28 of us and 5 or 6 staff members. They staff were cracking jokes and singing happy birthday to the 2 birthday boys, one of which was Clinton. We got to the river "Roto Ito." we unloaded the bus and sets of 5 to 6 people helped bring a raft to the opening of the river. Before we jumped into the water, we were given a bit of history of the river which included some facts about the local Maori iwi that controlled access to the river. We were also told that the river was the reason for fights between the Maori iwis because of the wealth of eel that are found. One of the staff members, lead the group in a Maori prayer asking the river for access and safety. After a recognizable "Amenie (Amen)", we pushed our raft into the crystal clear green water and one-by-one stepped into it. Once we were all in our staff guy (totally forgot his name...that's what happens when you don't write things down soon enough) pushed our raft out of the way but held on to the rock wall to wait for the other rafts. I was told to sit on the ledge of the raft (2nd person on the left side of the boat of which there were 6 people). Clinton was seated in the front right side. Midway through our journey, we switched places but I stayed right in the middle..hehehe. The river was beautiful, the rock walls and trees completely drowned out the road right behind it. It was peaceful and smelled of fresh morning dew. I was excited and nervous! While we waited, our guide instructed us on how to sit, paddle and prepare for drops. Ohhh lord, what have we gotten into. He explained that we had to keep feet under the inflated middle row while we paddled hard, deep and complete. We were a team and needed to paddle together in the same speed (something that I am not sure the German guy in front of me comprehended cause he was paddling like his life depended on it). We paddled down the beautiful clear green water, which taste like crisp Fiji bottled water...hmmm, I guess spring water is genuinely tasty. We went down our first fall....wooheee, we made it. We "practiced" down 2 other shorter falls before splashing down the 7 meter (22.97 ft) fall. Not sure if I was ready, but we did it anyway. All I kept thinking was "roll up like a ball" and "look for the light" advice our guide gave us if we fell off the raft. Our raft rocked, tilted and "almost" flipped BUT we all managed to stay in the raft....whhhooohooooo!
We lazily maneuvered our way down the river enjoying a cold dip into the water (Well I was bamboozled by our guide. He asked to see my footwear because he thought something was wrong. I quickly gave him my foot, which he used to flip me out of the raft and into the water). After finding my way back to the side of the raft, I managed to calm my nerves and take a few voluntary dips in the river. It was an amazing experience! A definite must do!

Clinton's Cameo: Life is Good

I know it’s been a while since I made a cameo on yadi’s blog. But it’s for good reason. I like it here. I mean sure I’m still made I have to pay $15 for some chicken breast (or what I like to call chicken tities) and sure I fear for my life every time I walk off the curb, but I have to say I’m getting use to you. I’ve gone sailing, and white water rafting. I’ve seen the ground boiling from under me. I’ve driven on the other side of the road. I’ve lost 13 lbs and I’m running faster and longer then I’ve done in years. I have to say I’m good. Life is good.

These first three months have been amazing. Everyone should feel this free =)

Urban Culture in NZ= N-Word Take 2

Monday March 15th, 2009

Just finished my religion lecture on cosmology, spirits and life focusing in on Santeria at 5:36 and I dash out of the building to catch the 5:40 #13 bus to the bus terminal. I settle into my seat and in front of me I see my friend, Togo, the Maori student who I met a few weeks ago that asked me if I was a "nigga."

He smiled recognizing me and I did the same. He was wearing running tights, basketball shorts, high-top sneakers and a red hooded sweater (hood was on fully). I asked him how things were going and he replied ,"good, but I got a lot of reading and work so not soo good there." He was taking 2 papers which he said wasn't a lot but he was taking small bites. Togo is recovering from a bad accicent a few years ago which has affected his movement of his arms, legs and speech. He doesn't walk with a cane or has a visual scars but he speaks low and walks slow.

I asked him how his job was going and he said it was still busy. He's helped organize several events including inviting a hyponosis to come entertain the students. He stated that the biggest event he is working on now is the review of student policies. he says currently students are charged over $100 dollars for student service fees but the student has the right to opt out. Part of the review is deciding whether this will remain an opt-out fee or if it will become mandatory. Togo likes the way it is now because it "is good for them (administration) and for us (students)."

He asked how my lectures where going and if I was still traveling to Auckland everyday and I said "yes." Its funny that New Zealanders make a big deal about my travels but it really isn't all that bad. Its 2 hours on the bus where I nap, read, prepare for lectures and write some of my blogs. I leave home at 1pm and am back by 8pm three days out of the week. My NYC commute was about 1 and half and it consisted of me walking 10 minutes to the bus which took about 40 to 60 minutes into the city and then a 20 minute walk to work. Coming home to my honey and a home-cooked dinner shared over light conversation and laughs is worth the round-trip.

Well after the light chitter chatter, Togo asks me if I minded when he called me a "niggah" last time. I was so surprised (and grateful) that he asked me that question. As I stated in my last blog, there was so many thinks I thought of saying after the fact and didn't know if I would see him again or if the conversation would come up. I was also surprised that he asked if I minded. I didn't realize I gave off an uncomfortable or awkward signal or maybe I didnt and he just wanted to know more about the term. Anyway, I was glad for the segway.
I told him that I have said it but that I would not use it most of the time. Instead I was opt to use "your my boy, my homey, my friend" rather than niggah. I explained that the word is popularly used in urban/ hip hop culture in the same manner but that even in NYC and other parts of the US the word is still negatively associated with slavery and Jim Crow South. He knodded his head and asked if I would ever say to someone i considered my bro (Maori use "bro" for friends), "whatttt uppp nigggah" and I honestly stated that I probably have in the past with very very close friends that use the word as a term of endearment but that I probably would not do so now. I explained that even if I know that the other person understands that I am using it as a term of endearment that I still can offend anyone else listening. I explained that the word is quite degatory and even within the black/ brown commmunity there is a strong resistance against it. "Fair enough," he replied. I then asked him how did he understand the use of the n-word and if he used it.

He said that amongst Maori, they would use it in place of "bro." You know, "brown person to brown person. It is used positively." But there is times it can be negative, like if pakeha (white new zealanders) says, "Get out of here niggahs! Then you would be like ahhh man, really," after saying that he looks away and sways his left hand as if saying whatever. "Those are times you got to breath it out and not hold in the negativity...you know treat it like sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

I added that in the USA, even among blacks and browns one could use the n-word negatively. Togo agreed and said that the same is truth amongst the Maori.

He said the n-word had lots of barriers, "it like Toko, he bends his right hand straight up and faces his palm to me as he further explaains, "Toko mean sacred...like don't go there."

I shared with him that after our first conversation I had wondered about his understanding and usage and I was wanting to give a little more context about the usage in the states.

He said that the use of the n-word is a bit like the pronounication of Maori as "Maary" by Pakeha "and they don't even fix the way they say it." He said that even some Maoris learned it that way and say it that way too.

I asked him if the pronounciation of Maori in this way was considered offensive and he shook his head slowly up and down and said "yeah, it is."

He then asked me if I was a religious person and if I went to church which I answered that when I am with my family I go to church and that I believe in God and believe in living a good life respectful of people and nature and things but that I don't always go to a church.

I asked him if he was and he said that he was more spiritual then religious. He said that he believed in God and sometimes he doesn't but that when he is arguing with his uncle who is really religious he says he agrees in a God. "believing in God works with the way I live my life, I could understand it...I just liked to be forced to go to church or belief other things." He then asked his Maori was a religion, I told him that the maori had native spiritual beliefs and that many of them were also christians. He then replied, "but is it a religion." I just got out of a 1:40 minute lecture on religion and couldn't stir up a good enough answer to his question. He said, I get that we have a set of beliefs but how do I make them a religion. How can I make Maori a religion?" In probably a very unconvincing manner I explained that all religions have a set of beliefs but that what distinguished religions was the institutionalization of them. Honestly, I need to double check the recipe of religion making cause I am not sure about that but its the only thing I could conjure up at the time .

We got off the bus and I walked the Innercity Bus stop and he walked to take the #12. I beleive this meeting solidified our aquaintance-ship or even a friendship, so if I was wrong about the religion/institution thing I am likely to have the chance to clean it up soon...LOL!

Our NZ to East Coast USA English Dictionary

Clinton and I thought it would be fun to track the different lingo we hear here in NZ. When possible, we will also provide explanation or sentences of how its used.

New Zealand Word=US or East Coast Equivalent

Carpark=Garage

Paper=Course/Class
Explanation: The Universities here consider "course" your course of study and the classes you take are "papers."

Entree=Appetizer
Explanation: All the menus here start off with "entrees" which would be for us appetizers

Fanny= Deragatory word for Vagina
Explanation: So it's not cool to ask someone if they have a fanny-pack to lend you...LOL. Instead you should ask for a bum-bag.

Keen=Cool,I'm down

Mains=Entrees
Explanations: The main course at dinner; what we would call our entrees

Mate=Friend

Rock-melon=cantaloupe

Take Away = Take out

Give way = Yield

Badly dubbed English commercials = English

Gridiron = American Football

Sunnies = Sunglasses

Fizzy Drinks = Soda, Pop, Coke (depending on where in the US you are from)

Clinton's 31st @ Part 1

Clinton's was making segway into the 30's and I thought it was the perfect excuse to take our first weekend trip away from Auckland.

I did LOTS of searching online looking at everything from campervans to luxury spas to figure out what kind of trip would be "Clinton." Areas that were too beachy or too spa-related or even too cultural would have been too "Yadi." So I decided on Rototua. It was a city about 3 hours South of Auckland and was famed for being the world's hottest spot (in terms of thermal/ volcanic activity) in the world. It was also know for its adventure-sports which was definitely up Clinton's ally. Just to make sure I was on the right track, I tell Clinton the plan...Rotorua, rental car, and hotel...which he replied with a shoulder-shrug, "Sure!" I was hoping for something a bit more enthusiastic since it seems Clinton (fortunately for me) says "sure" about 90% of the time. Clinton says it's because he likes to put a smile on my face...ahhh but also I know it's because he's just an easy going person to begin with.

In short, I was really hoping for some more excitement. So, I tell him about the secret activity I had planned for us to see if it would rattle-up some "umph." "We can go white-water rafting there too," I snuck into the conversation. His eyes broke from the hynoposis that the TV had him in, and gave me a big squinty-eye smile... that said it all! Rotorua and whitewater rafting it was!

On Friday, Feb. 26th I met Clinton at Hertz car rental on Victoria Street to begin our three day adventure. Picking up the car was part of the adventure because it would be the first time we drive on the right-side of the road...eekkk! Clinton took the driver seat (think shot-gun) and I sat in the front passenger seat (think driver seat) and we drove out of Hertz, making our first left turn onto a two-way street and barred left. We made it home (about 3/4 of the mile away...hehehe) and celebrated our successful drive into the carpark (garage). We weren't leaving to Rotorua till the next morning (saturday) 8am so the car would stay and wait for us at home.

Next on the iternary was the Chinese Lantern Festival in Albert Park. I told Clinton we would be meeting some people there and that we would eat dinner afterwards in hopes of him NOT choosing to eat before then. The "real plan" was that we would walk around the Lantern festival for about 40 minutes till our friends secretly congregated at an Indian Restuarant that I picked in Parnell for his bday dinner. Clinton is usually not keen to eat dinner before 6pm on any day BUT of course on this day he is asking to eat fish & chips before the festival. I tell him again that I had planned to meet these new friends and possibly have dinner with them afterwards....

Ok let me digress a bit and explain the term "New Friends," since I know you're thinking that we have been here less than 2 months which should make every friend "new." Well not exactly. Clinton arrived a month before me and in this time he made about 2 different circles of friends in Auckland...1) the urban professionals and 2) the young and cool Hawaiians who where actually from Fiji but said Hawaiian so that they can claim the states (LOL). When I arrived, he brought me into this social scene. In a matter of about a week, we hung out about 3 times with the urban professionals which opened them up to being "our" friends and not just Clinton's friends. I didn't hang out with the Hawaiian_Fijians much...so, they stayed Clinton's drinking/clubbing boys. Ok, so when I say "new friends" I literaly mean "people who we have not met yet." People who we came into contact with over email due to membership in the American NZ expat listeserve (meetup.com) or through American friends who have generousily extended thier NZ networks to us. So I really relly mean "new"...like blind-date new. wink.

Ok, recap. It was Friday evening and I had a surprise birthday dinner planned for Clinton at an Indian restuarunt in parnell with our urban professional friends and I was taking Clinton to the Lantern Festival for a little while to give them time to arrive. I told Clinton that we were going to the lantern festival to meet "new friends" and didn't want to eat before just in case we wanted to eat with our new friends if we liked them (LOL).

We got to the Lantern festival which was filled with people. There were electric-lit lanterns set up along the fountains, pathways and on several trees. There was a music concert and several other family activities scattered around the park. Clinton keeps asking me to call the "new friends" to see where they were. I make believe-text them and tell him that they replied saying that they left already and are at a restuarant in Parnell...(Do you get my hook...lol). Clinton somehow smells food in the park and nearly begs me to go get something to nibble on. Knowing that the state of hunger is not a pleasant one, I tell him to go. In the time that he went to go get some dumplings (which happen to be very good so we go back for seconds), I get a text from yet another "new friend" who I had not met yet stating that they were at the Lantern Festival. So when Clinton returns, we meet up with the different "new friends" which 2 are American but recently arrived to NZ for graduate school. I remind Clinton that we still have the original set of "new friends" waiting for us at the restuarant and that we should go. We jump in the cab, officially 20 minutes late and find our way to the restuarunt. As we walk to the back, Clinton spots our friends and is VERY surprised to figure out that the dinner was planned.

We had a lovely 2 and a half our dinner that consisted of 4 bottles of wine and several courses of food and a lovely fruit & custard cake (all for five people, total...lol). After dinner we did a few more cocktails and then off to bed to prepare for Rotorua at 8am.

Needless to say, it was a bit difficult to get out of bed the next morning. Clinton somehow found enough energy to get himself ready and then coax me through getting myself together. We made it out the house at 8am, we got into the car and excitedly road South to motorway 1. We stop real quick to get a signature hang-over breakfast to-go, aka McDonald's, and then rode to Rotorua commenting on the gorgeous blue skies, the layers of pillow-white clouds and the hilarious public announcement signs along the way.

As we approached Rotorua, we could smell the signature sulfur-filled air...yeah, we were close. The first stop in Rotorua was the tourist center so that we can pick up our white-water rafting and "Hell's Gate" tickets. I was hoping we would arrive in time for the 12:30 whitewater rafting but by the time we got there at 11:30am there was no room. So we booked the 2:45 rafting tour and decided to do Hell's Gate first. The best way for me to describe Hell Gate is like a park with about an hour long trail along ponds and waterfalls...excpet that the water was boiling at at times steaming...i.e the name "Hell's Gate." We enjoyed seeing the maginifence of mother nature. It reminded the both of us how blessed we are that mother-nature just doesn't decide to open up and shoot out all that lava right now. Instead for decades if not hundreds of years she is content with just letting out some of her gasses (literally) through spot like this on earth. Alleluyah.

Next, white-water rafting...whoohoo. The meeting spot for the rafting was supposedly close by. So I asks the Hell's Gate ticket lady just to make sure and she tells me to look for a green house not far a long the bend. Clinton and I hop into the car and drive for about 20 minutes (back and forth) BUT can't find this green house. It was about 2:45pm and didn't want to miss the rafting group so we go back to Hell's Gate and ask again. This time Clinton asks and he gets similar directions; however the lady adds that you don't have to leave the outdoor garage. Well, Ok...we ride up this rocky rode to a house that had very little green on it and no signs saying it was a rafting office. Clinton figured he would just get out and ask again. He returns to the car telling me to get out, we found it. So, we are unsure if it was our understanding of the directions or that New Zealanders give bad directions but we could have bunny-hopped to the office from Hell's gate. No need to harp on it since we've arrived and our minutes from white-water rafting.

to be continued....

Making paradise ours

Our Trip to Waiheke

So Clinton and I worked out the following division of labor and dinero (money), he takes care of the primary overhead of the household and I am in charge (planing and paying) of our excursions in NZ and beyond. For many of you who know me, this division of labor/financial resources is right up my ally. I love travel planning (having been called upon by a variety of friends for travel and social outing tips) and of all the things I won't second guess spending money on, travel is #1 on my list. So, one of our first excursions was a day trip to Waiheke Island. However, since I hadn't started working yet, Clinton took care of this one...Smile!

Waiheke is a island about 50 minutes on ferry from Auckland and it houses a few dozen wineries and olive farms (hmm, are they called olive farms...not sure, but hopefully you get it). Clinton and I went a few Saturdays ago. Having gone out the night before (girl's night and boy's night), we woke up a little sluggish but managed to pull ourselves together. We packed our nappie (backpack) with a blanket, towel, books and snacks and walked to the Viaduct to catch the ferry. $70 NZ dollars later (for 2 roundtrip adult tickets), we boarded the ferry, climbed up the stairs to the top deck and situated ourselves close to the boat's edge securing our view of the surprisingly clear blue waters and Auckland city skyline. The boat stopped in Davenport and picked up heaps (lots) of people and then continued full steam ahead to Waiheke.

We arrived to the beautiful island filled with rollings hills that sat spectalar million dollar homes (or at least they seemed to fit that price tag). As we made our way through the crowds, I asked Clinton whether he wanted to jump on and off buses or if he wanted to rent a car. He begrudedly reminded me that I was the excursion planner and that it was up to me. I had thought we would by a bus day pass that would allow us to jump on and off the bus but after seeing the long lines at the bus stops at the Quay, I began to second guess myself and thus asked about the possiblilty of renting a car. "Unfortunately," the older male staff stated, 'there are no cars for hire on the entire island." There goes that idea! He offered an alternative of walking to the middle of town and going to the beach there.

Clinton and I began the trek which lasted about 20 minutes and wasn't as scenic as I would have liked. Once we entered the center of the city, there was a strip (maybe 2 blocks long) with stores,restuarunts and real-estate offices. We were ready for lunch so we found a cute restuaruant situated between two stores that offered waterviews and fish & chips...that basically sealed the deal for Clinton.

The picturesque view from the restuarunt was of the beach and the small bay. We had a nice lunch, despite the fact that the food wasn't spectacular and Clinton found more evidence for his theory that restuarunt staff in NZ don't wear deodorant. We walked down to the beach and found a spot under a tree, laid out our blanket and took a yummy nap. The breeze felt wonderful and lulled me right to sleep...not that I need help falling a sleep (wink, wink). Clinton isn't much for just sitting in the beach so he made his way to the water and as he placed his toes into the fridged bay he jumped back and spent about 6 minutes (probably more like 15 minutes) amping himself up. He finally took the plunge but came out just as fast. LOL! So warning, even in summer, the waters of Waiheke are as cold as beaches in New England (and thats COLD).

After about an hour and an half on the beach, I got us walking to one of the nearest vineyards, Mudbrook. Well, it wasn't really walking distance (20 minute walk with some of it being uphill) but there wasn't any buses that went there and I was up for the challenge. Clinton..hmmm..yeah he really wasn't. BUT after much convincing and the buying of an ice-cream bar, Clinton was on board to walk.

15 minutes later (so thats about 5 minutes from arriving to the winery), we pass a group of young folk that so genoursily shared with us that both vineyards in that direction (the one we were walking towards) were closed for special parties. We turned back around and decided to go to the toursit office in the center of town to ask about buses to other vineyards. We arrive just after 3 and were told that the next bus was in 50 minutes and that most tasting rooms closed at 4. They also recommended that if we were going to any of the vineyards that we make a reservation because they become quite crowded at this hour.

I was totally bumped. Clinton and I sat on the steps of the tourist office trying to figure out our next move. Clinton suggested that we plan another trip to Waiheke were we get a car and make reservations to eat at the wineries. I knew he was right...visiting a winery was basically a lost case, so I agreed with him but stated I needed to at least have some WINE while in waiheke. So I suggested that we go back to the center of town, buy a bottle of waiheke wine and sit on one of the many benches we saw walking (for some reason it seams there are benches eerywhere...even in some of the most random of non-scenic places...LOL). We went to the store and bought a Esk Valley Reisling with two plastic wine cups. We then found a bench near by, twisted the bottle open (not very good but drinkable) and drank the whole thing while chit-chatting about this and that. We both realized what though this wasn't our ideal outcome, we were quite blessed to be sitting on this bench located on the beautiful island of wiaheke, in New Zealand. So, even though it was a bit of a ghetto-fabulous take on Waiheke, it was still a blessed one and it was ours.

We will be back!

Urban Culture in NZ....Hip Hop in full effect

Before arriving to New Zealand, I was told that hip hop was big here, especially amongst the Maori. And it sure is, but just a few years behind. Walking around the Waitangi festival felt like South Beach Memorial Day weekend circa 2003 with basketball jerseys, baggy jeans, basketball caps and Jay-Z. Clinton and I smiled as we watched the familiar scene take place in this unfamiliar place.

In the last month, I have seen continued evidence of the globalization of black urban culture. Last week, I had an interesting conversation with a young man, a student and Director of Student Union @ Waikato. I was sitting on the bus headed to the Hamilton bus terminal, when he asked me what papers (courses) I was taking. I told him I was teaching at Waikato and he smiled. I said I taught anthropology to which he looked confused so I explained it was the study of cultures. An older women with a heavy NZ accent overheard out conversation and asked me "how much land do we Maori have left?" I turned around and explained that I did not know that. "You said you study culture," she replied. I smiled awkwardly and stated that though I study culture and I've heard about the Maori struggle for land, I regrettably don't know how much land is left. The young man asked me what papers I taught and then explained to me that he is in his 3 year of Maori studies. We shared a few more details about ourselves, when he asked me where I was from. I am guessing he heard my accent. I told him I was from the US, from NYC. He smiled excitedly and said "Ahh, so you are a niggah," with his head cocked to the side and his right hand signalling a pistol. I smirked and shook my head and said "No, in NYC city they would consider me Latina." "Sweet As (meaning cool)! Laaatiiinna!" he replied as if having heard the term before. Beyond his NZ/Maori accented English, I still recognized his performance of US hip hop culture and use of niggah. And in this context, I understood his use of the n word as "are you part of the black NYC urban group" and not in the Jim Crow South put-down. I think back and consider a variety of other things I could have explained to him but didn't. I guess I was a bit surprised when I heard him say it, even though I got what his context was.

Well, we rode to the bus terminal and he walked me to my next bus to auckland. He explained that he liked talking to people and thus really liked his new job as director of the student union. He lives in the Coromandels (beautiful mountain range area in the east coast of Auckland) and his Iwi (Maori word for largest social unit of extended kin)is in Auckland. He gave me his business card and asked to stay in touch. As we walked away, two Maori guys, thin-built and in their upper 20s asked him how to get to some location in Hamilton. They explained that they were from south island and where trying to find this spot. The guys went back and forth sharing information about where they were from and calling each other "cous." The guys were really excited to be in Hamilton and didn't seem to mind talking to the guy for 3 minutes and not getting the bus information they needed. It was interesting to see thier interaction...it reminded me of seeing my puerto rican uncles in NYC asking a man for directions and then excitedly finding out he was puerto rican too.

Valentine's and Good Eats

Last weekend was Valentine's and Clinton and I decided to have dinner on Saturday night (13th) instead of Valentine's Day. We spent the morning and early afternoon shopping in Newmarket, where there are LOTZ of stores to dip in and out of. Clinton and I bought our first "for the rest of our life" piece of furniture there. It is a beautiful rectangular, 2-level mahogany TV stand.

After a full day of shopping, where Clinton and I trooped it home on the BUS with 4 bags, stereo, 2 outdoor beach-type chairs and a glass coffee table, we got dressed up and went out for my surprise v-day dinner. We arrived at Le DeBrett Hotel in CBD (City Business District). We walked up to the 2nd floor where there was a beautiful atrium and a private party happening. To the left was the cute restaurant called The Kitchen. Clinton ordered a nice bottle of SOHO wine and about 35 to 40 minutes later we were served savory plates of steak and lamb. The food was delicious and definitely worth the wait. What's cool is that you can see the chefs cooking your meal from where you sit because the kitchen is open-air and situated on the right hand corner of the restaurant. Clinton claims that this is one of the best places he has found to eat in Auckland because they actually season the food.

After dinner, we went to a small dessert place on Vulcan Lane off of Queen street (picture above) and then to Atrium where we met up with Linda (Bronx friend) and her husband and friends. After a few glasses of wine and champagne we danced into Valentine's day.

Wishing all of you love, peace and inspiration! Hugs, Yadi

Out in Auckland with Collegues and Friends

So in the last 2 weeks, We have been up to a few things...

Volleyball @ Mission Bay with IBM Co-workers
Clinton's team decided to do a little team-building exercise two Fridays ago at Mission Bay and generously invited me. I was at home most the morning applying for jobs (this is before I got the Waikato job) and bidding on beds on www.trademe.com (NZ version of craigslist where you can do everything from finding a job or date to buying a car). Clinton and I haven't been camping yet in NZ but we sure was roughing it the first two weeks I got here. We were sleeping on a sturdy camping double air mattress :-). Anyway, I lost track of time and ran to meet Clinton at IBM. We live about 12 minutes away but the sun is unforgiving at 3pm, so by the time I got there I was a sweaty mess...thank god I wasn't going to a formal event.

We got to Mission Bay (about 10 minute drive west from the city center) and played a few matches of volleyball. Sure wish I wasn't wearing jeans but I sucked it up and had a ball! After the match, Clinton attempted to play Rugby but after about 15 minutes he and the team stopped and joined us for beer. I still can't figure out Rugby, but with the NZ team "All Blacks" being one of the best teams in the world...I figure I better learn soon. I read somewhere that the reason why the NZ Rugby team choice "black" as their team color is because there are in mourning for all the teams they've beat. LOL!

After an early afternoon of volley, we got home changed and met our friends Nessa and Rana at Westin Hotel for some champagne and crab-cakes. The Westin here is gorgeous and has incredible views of the viaduct. Its a great place for first dates, romantic dates or a nice afterwork drink. It really has one of the most beautiful lobbies I have seen. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3015

After the Westin, we went to another wine bar and then to Pasha for hookah and more champagne. It was a long but fun night :-)

Clinton's Cameo: "Tell Dem Why Ya Mad, Son!" Crossing the Street

Look right when you step off the curb!

I don’t know if it’s a national law but pedestrians do not have the right of way in New Zealand. If you step off the curb and you don’t have the light, you are putting your owe life at risk. It’s true! New Zealand drivers will not slow down; they will not stop at a stop sign and they will gun it once the light changes green, even when they see you in the street.

I grew up in NYC and walking in New York is no picnic. But a New Yorker walks off the sidewalk with a kind of arrogance. If I may quote the famous Cedric the Entertainer, we have a, “I wish a muthafucka would” attitude. But here in Auckland you have to replace that with a “Run for your muthafuckin life” aptitude.

So always remember when you step off the curb in New Zealand look right and run for you muthafuckin life.

Yadi’s 2 cents: Clinton advice to RUN is especially real talk since one can’t sue the driver for hitting you! There is “no fault compensation” which means that injured patients receive government-funded compensation, in turn relinquishing the right to sue for damages arising from personal injury. So you can’t get rich of a car hitting you but you will receive medical services. I have heard that an NZ driver after hitting you will get out the car and say “you alright mate” and then drive away.

Clinton's Cameo: "Tell Dem Why Ya Mad, Son! Price of Chicken

DAMN $15 for a Small Pack Chicken!?!?!

One thing that everyone needs to know about New Zealand is that everything is fresh.. They do not use preservatives, growth hormones and there are no factory farms. Everything here is free ranged or grass fed. Which is great... but the problem is that the prices are through the roof. I’ve paid $15 NZD for a pack of chicken breast and that was the cheapest pack. Most packs were around the $17-$20 range. I can get cheaper breast at Sue’s. In the states I would have spent about $7-$10 USD for a pack of chicken.

Now granted, the chickens in the states are produced through what are called factory farms, meaning they are locked in cages and pumped with growth hormones. They also have their beaks cut off, so that when they go crazy from being confined to a small space they don’t pluck the other chickens in the cage. This factory treatment allows for better control and more output. So, when you increase supply you push down prices... if I remember correctly from my High School AP Economics class.

Apparently, New Zealand farms don’t do that which gives them the right to call their farms organic and charge $15 NZD for a pack of chicken. I’m not trying to enter the discussion of what’s right and humane that’s up to the people that read this blog. I’m just mad that I had to pay $15 NZD for a pack of Chicken.

I’m a black man and I love my chicken.

Disclaimer: These blog entries are used as a release to some of the small annoying things that I’ve experiences when moving to another country. This does not express my overall feeling about New Zealand. I love my new home and I’m having a great time and meeting wonderful people. But damn $15 for a pack of chicken, come-on son, you wild’n.