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Time for some halfway evaluation. How kiwi are we after almost half a year? Well, first we need to establish a definition of what a kiwi is.

- A flightless bird
- A citrus fruit
- The colloquial demonym for New Zealanders

We can establish that we are definitely not turning into flightless birds or citrus fruit. But how much are we in the progress of turning from Dutchies to New Zealanders? From my observations New Zealanders or Kiwi’s are a friendly bunch of active do-ers. They have adopted a great taste for food, wines and beer. Kiwi’s adore nature and happy to be active in it. Although this might be without any shame in a big jet boat or large, no, enormous mobile home. In the eye of many foreigner they are very entrepreneurial, however from a Dutch (not only ours) perspective they are a bit lazy (rush hour is finished at 5!) and take things for granted. Or to say it from a more positive perspective not as stressed and less complaining as the Dutch are.

How far are we in the process of becoming Kiwi’s? Dirk is quite good in mimicking the accent, although most people hear that he is not an born and raised kiwi. Me, I am horrible. They always ask me where I am from and if I enjoy my holiday. “Holland? Yeah, I thought so. Awesome! I’ve been there too, you know.” Or a variety on the last part “My grandparents are from Holland.” But that’s just superficial. We do appreciate the food and wines here. I adopted a lot of Kiwi recipes and we try out every New Zealand wine. We drink mostly native beers, because it is not as expensive as imported beer. It is still twice as expensive as in Holland, see here. Today I could not resist on buying a pack of Heineken on sale…

Are we less stressed and becoming a bit more lazy? That is different for the both of us. Dirk found the love of his life, airplanes. Although he says I am always on the first place, I do think I have to share that spot. And in order to become a pilot he is studying his ass off (sorry for the langauge, but see more here). I must say I admire that a lot. For me it is different. I was always so busy in the Netherlands doing two or three things at the same time. Here, I can’t. I wanted too, but it didn’t work out that way. And now I appreciate the time off, to learn a new rhythm of life.  Enjoy the now, which I still struggle with some days. Mostly Mondays somehow.

As you might guess, this will lead to the conclusion we are not yet true Kiwi’s, but there are things I want to merge with my Dutch attributes. I love the daily friendliness of people you meet. At the shop counter they always ask you how your day is and asks a few more questions after your answer. Try that in Holland, you are lucky if you are treated with a smile. Also I love the sharing of food and drinks at barbies (Bbq’s) and parties. People bring the best home-made pies and fresh caught fish. Lovely!