Well, we have survived our first few days in New Zealand with only a few bruises to bodies and egos. Let's start with some Do and Don't traveling advice based on personal experience
1) DO NOT pack your visa in your checked luggage. This is highly frowned upon when attempting to enter a foreign country, and you will find yourself holding up the queue (line) as you receive sighs of exhasperation and rolled eyes - all of which only solidify the fact that you are indeed a "stupid american"
2) DO sign your travellers checks before taking them to be cashed at the airport. If you forget to do this DO NOT sign them and then lie to the next person you ask to cash your checks when she asks "Did you just sign these sir?" because she received an email from her colleague that a tall, thin American is trying to cash unsigned Travellers Checks in the airport.
3) DO NOT assume that just because you are walking on the sidewalk, a fancy sports car won't suddenly pull into your path, force you out of the way while it cruises on up the walk to the following street to turn.
4) DO expect to pay $8 for 2 cups of coffee.
5) DO NOT expect to set up a bank account (or anything really) in less than 2 1/2 hours. Though it will be a pleasant 2 1/2 hours in which the banker proceeds to tell you all the local hot-spots, her travels as a kid in the states and even takes the time to Google Mac stores in the area for you.
6)DO PACK LESS.
All in all we are doing well. Catching up on sleep, working out details of daily living and exploring the streets of Auckland where birds fly in and dine next to you in restaurants and the kebab shops specialize in woodfire pizza! Hope everyone is well back home and we will come up with a more proper post soon!
~Theresa & Andy
