My impressions of New Zealand 2012

New Zealand is a diverse, divine, gorgeous country. It's landscape reminded me of almost every state in the U.S. and Europe. Glacial mountains, fast flowing rivers, deep clear lakes, geysers, fjords, islands, pastures, rainforests, all in a country the size of the State of Oregon. You can find abundant native forests, deserted beaches, a great variety of plants and, of course, lots of sheep.
I liked the 1950s feel of the country. No blockhouses, just houses built in close relationship with the ground, there are height restrictions and the houses are following the natural hills and mountains.
New Zealanders, Kiwis, are the warmest, friendliest, polite people with a wonderful sense of humor. The society seems a little more balanced than elsewhere, with young and old, European and Maori mixing without the status symbol awareness of Americans. They seem more relaxed, enjoying their social and many outdoor activities. "Work to live, don't live to work" ethos is well engrained in the national psyche.
There are many B&Bs to stay at and surprisingly wonderful motels. They are not the large-sized chain motels but mostly small (5-15 units) and family-operated. Most of them are self-contained with full kitchens and refrigerators. They are super clean and the owners take a lot of pride in their establishments. On arrival they give you a small bottle of milk for your tea. To my delight, there is always the electric hot water kettle to make tea.
Restaurants are excellent, multicultural and innovative, but very expensive. In fact, everything is a lot more expensive than here in the States.
Visiting Christchurch was quite an eye opener. Until you actually stand in front of the earthquake's devastation do you understand the impact it had on the city and its people.
One year after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake devastated the city of Christchurch, the central business district still looks like a ghost town. Behind fences that stretch block after block, giant office buildings without walls or windows wait to be demolished. Shops remain boarded up and houses sit empty, bearing  red signs warning that the premises are "unsafe." There have been 9,500 aftershocks which prompt fresh rounds of inspections and more structures are put on the demolition list. It will take between 15 to 20 years to rebuild the city.

I posted photos/commentaries throughout the 3 week trip on http://madeleinemcl.tumblr.com