CONFLICTING IDEAS ABOUT CATS
Cats, much like Vegemite, seem to inspire either great love or wild hatred. Where in other countries, the topic is simply a matter of preference: ‘‘cat or dog person?’’. Here, it’s closer to ‘‘cats: sadists and natural bornkillers’’ (in the words of Gareth Morgan) versus ‘‘Cats – best friends and life companions’’. I understand the hate cats may get – after all, they are a real threat to native birds (see point 3). However, I can’t help being amused by the fact we live in a country where the most outrageous animals are cats and possums (and not snakes and spiders).
DON’TMESSWITH MY COFFEE
I grew up in Europe, spending holidays in Italy where coffee is revered in its simplest form: a piping hot espresso gulped down before dashing to work. I thought
Iwas pretty versed in religious respect for coffee. Nonetheless, since arriving in Aotearoa I have witnessed more conversations about coffee than you can count.
What I’ve learnt: bad coffee is more destructive to relationships than Monopoly.
If a person tells you they’re not doing well, you can bet it’s because someone mucked up their flat white this morning.
A PROUD SPORTING NATION
New Zealanders are known around the world for their athletes – from the legendary All Blacks to Edmund Hillary’s climb of the Everest.
Realistically, it’s no surprise Kiwis are revered for their sportsmanship: they grow up with national parks as their backyard, and even enjoy sports trivia when opening a beer.