Blog of the month - May 2009
Marmalade.ca
My Name is Kelly, and Im from Toronto, Canada.
Although Ive been in New Zealand for five months, Im currently in Nelson, on the South Island. I'm only here for 3 weeks, working in a hostel in exchange for accomodation. Im planning to leave for Christchurch in the next week or two. I will be in New Zealand until either November 2009,or Feb 2010, depending on the work situation.
Have you ever lived abroad before?
This is my first time living abroad, although I think that I would like to do it again some time. Maybe Europe. I picked NZ as I was planning a holiday here to visit friends; when I realized I was eligible for a work visa I jumped at the opportunity.
Ive travelled a little bit though, having also visited Jamaica, the US, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia.
How would you describe New Zealand?
New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful country, and it seems that each town and city has its own very unique character. Im not sure what I love the most about it, as Ive not yet had a chance to do any of the quintessential NZ things yet (ie: adventure sports, see the glaciers, Maori cultural experiences), so I guess I could say that what I like best about this place it's the unlimited potential. Coming from Canada, there was almost no culture shock at all. There are a few things that give you pause, but nothing that makes your head spin.
Do you miss anything from your homeland?
Besides my friends, family and pets? No, not really
Your blog: when did you start it? For what reasons?
I started my blog in 2002, a very long time ago! It was originally just a thing I created bc it seemed a fun diversion. Over the years it's focus has changed (general geekwittery, knitting, running, gardening, photography), as has the amount of time I spend on it. I dont post on it anywhere as near as often as I would like, but I always try to include a few photographs and an honest retelling of my experiences.
Did you make new friends with your blog?
It's been a while since Ive really been a part of the blogging community, but there was a time when I was fairly active with the GTABloggers group at home in Toronto.
When did you register on expat-blog.com? Any particular reasons?
I think I registered shortly after arriving in NZ. Mostly it was because I was interested in being in touch with other expats, and sharing their experiences along the way.
Any 'memories of an expat' you would like to share with other bloggers? Your best souvenir? Or maybe your worst experience?
I think my worst experience so far has been over the last month. Almost completely broke, I was faced with the choice to either go home to Canada, or to leave Wellington (a city Id just moved to, and adored) because I couldnt find work and what money I did have was being sunk into rent in a house I detested. I swallowed my pride and came to Nelson to work as a housekeeper in a hostel. Still broke, at least being here as allowed me a chance to pause and try and sort out my next steps.
My best souvenir would be the friendships that Ive made since coming here. Ive met some really stellar people, and know that when I leave NZ, the friendships will come back to Canada with me.
I think my best experiences are yet to come! =)
