Life Down Under

Frustrations of life in New Zealand

It's amazing how it's the unexpected, little things that can often be the most difficult parts of moving to and living in a different country. I thought I had a pretty good idea before I came the things that I would find most difficult to deal with; most annoying. After all, I did live here for three months last year and thought I had a pretty good idea what I was getting into. But one thing evaded my predictions. One seemingly insignificant thing, but rest assured - it is by far the most annoying, frustrating part of living here so far. Maybe it's because I wasn't mentally prepared for it, and it has taken me by surprise. What is it? Condensation. Yes, you heard me right. Condensation. You see, none of the windows here are double-glazed, and with no central heating in the house, there is condensation on the windows every morning. Not a big deal? Oh, yes. It is a big deal to this American who has never before dealt with such a nuisance in her life. You see, not only does the condensation collect on the windows, but every few days, it also collects in massive puddles on the window sill. Like, puddles big enough to soak a hand towel through. So then, not only is there condensation on the window and puddles of water on the window sill, but (this is the bad part....) if you leave it there, the windows and/or curtains get moldy. So, logic concludes that it's in one's best interest to get rid of the puddles of water and condensation on the windows. Easier said than done. Either you have to take a towel and wipe down every window in your house every morning, or you have to open the windows for half the day to let them dry. Which (in my short, limited experience) doesn't even seem to dry them well. So then, not only do you have windows that are still wet, but it's also absolutely freezing in the house. Remember, it's winter here. And for those who know me well, you know that I don't cope well with being cold. At all. I hate being cold. Grrr. To be honest, I must confess that most days I opt for a certain element of warmth in the house, close the windows (or, don't open them in the first place), and settle for condensation on the windows. It's situations like these that make me really long for the convenience, comfort, and ease of American life - and make me appreciate and love America all the more. Oh, what I would give for central heat right now.....

So, my "perspective-gaining" question to myself, in response to the said frustration? If I can't cope with living in New Zealand in the middle of winter, how am I going to cope with the end of the age?? Hmmm. That's a good question.

Now that's called perspective.