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California to New Zealand - Expat Interview With Kristen
| Published: | 12 Mar at 9 AM |
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Filed: Interviews,New Zealand
Kristen is an expat living and working in Christchurch, New Zealand. She moved to New Zealand for a break from ordinary life, and enjoys anything that has to do with travel, exercise, and food. She works full time as a nurse, and believes that you have to work hard to play hard. Kristen's husband Scott is a geologist and a mountain bike fanatic who also enjoys travel and good food. Together they are exploring all the adventures that New Zealand's south island has to offer. Kristen blogs about these adventures and more in her expat blog, titled The Bike Wife (see listing here)
Meet Kristen - Californian expat in New Zealand
Where are you originally from?
A little college/farming/art town in Northern California: Chico
In which country and city are you living now?
Christchurch, New Zealand
How long have you lived here and how long are you planning to stay?
My husband and I have been in Christchurch for 8 weeks, so we're still newbies. We plan on staying in New Zealand until at least summer of 2015.
Why did you move and what do you do?
I just moved for adventure. I always wanted to live abroad, but for a long time I didn't know where. My husband and I visited the south island of New Zealand 2 years ago (yes, during the February earthquake!) and loved the people and the outdoorsy culture. After that it wasn't at all a question of where we would live abroad, but when. I am a registered nurse.
The Family Photo! Scott and I had to leave our 3 chickens behind, but I refer to the girls from time to time in my blog. They're family!Did you bring family with you?
Just my husband, Scott.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
I find myself comparing a lot of things to how they are at "home", and I have to remind myself that THIS is home (for now). Things aren't that different though. It's quirky little things that get me... the day to day is similar. People are still people, and I think they function in similar ways worldwide.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
We do socialize with some other expats, its kind of the easy go-to way to make friends. Other expats are just as keen to meet up with a group of strangers for a beer. We've made a handful of Kiwi friends too though. It's not an easy process- but you have to remind yourself: you didn't meet all your friends back home in a few weeks time either. It takes time.
Me in Abel Tasman National Park, about 5 hours north of Christchurch. Definitely worth a visit when you are on the south island!What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Christchurch is unique because it's in the midst of a massive rebuild. The September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes pretty much demolished the most popular tourist attractions. But people here are resilient and super creative. So instead of going to see the Christchurch Cathedral, go see the container shops and restaurants in the CBD. Instead of walking the Avon, go to Hagley Park and take in the beautiful botanical gardens. Instead of a bus tour of the city (which you CAN still do), get up in to the Port Hills for some tramping and some breathtaking views. I would recommend to future expats coming to Christchurch: don't compare this city to what it was. Take it for what it is, because there's so much energy going into the revival. And focus on what it will be.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
I've never lived so close to the beach! We're about 5 minutes from Sumner, a little beach town adjacent to Christchurch. Sumner is where I go to clear my head... I love it there!
How does the cost of living compare to home?
It is more expensive. I hate to say it, because when we came I promised myself I'd just find ways to live cheaper and I wouldn't be affected. And I have found ways to cut costs- line drying, grouping errands together to minimize driving, cooking much more at home. But some things are just a lot more expensive here. Especially electricity and petrol.
What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
Christchurch does have a lot of traffic due to the rebuild. I would be lying if I said this wasn't a drawback! However, if you can either live close to work, bike to work, or try to avoid 8-9am and 4-6pm, it is much less crowded on the roads.
Sumner Beach. A lovely place for a a sunrise, a picnic or a surf.Do you find the medical profession different in New Zealand?
The healthcare system is so different here! I feel that everyone is well taken care of though, and everyone seems really thankful for your help. I enjoy the feeling of appreciation from patients that I get. Nursing isn't TOO different, because people are still people and require pretty much the same care, but it has been a challenge learning all of the NZ names for the drugs and instruments.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
I think this goes for anyone moving anywhere abroad, but get out of your routine! Go to concerts in the park and group events. Join clubs. Get social. Meet people. Battling homesickness and finding your place in a new country is way easier with friends!
Also, research. It's important to know where you are moving to and what it is like. How will the jobs be different? In my case (for nurses), researching New Zealand health care was key. I could have done quite a bit more and avoided some confusion in the beginning...
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Missing friends and family! It's got to be normal, but I think most of us would agree. Sometimes seeing everyone having fun without me is hard. I have to remind myself to get off Facebook!
The view from Mount Oxford, a great mountain bike track an hour or so outside of Christchurch. Would be great for a hike too!When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
It may be too soon to tell, but I'm sure that when we return to the States we'll be annoyed by the lack of conveniences that we got used to here. Having the beach, the mountains, lakes and rivers, and rainforest all within an hours' drive is pretty special. Things are a lot more laid back in New Zealand, and rarely does something need to happen "right now". I'm getting used to it, and I like it. When we move back, I'm sure it won't be to a big bustling city.
What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
I started blogging a few years ago about my experiences mountain biking with my husband. He would always take me on these ridiculous rides, so I started writing about our ridiculous adventures. When we decided to move to New Zealand, I started a new blog but kept the old title. Bikes are kind of what got us here (well, we fell in love with the phenomenal mountain bike trails) and they are a huge part of our expat adventure so far. But I also write about what it's like in Christchurch, the trials and triumphs of moving overseas, and my favorite recipes. I love being in my kitchen as much as I love my bike! Since moving here, I've also really enjoyed the catharsis of writing and blogging. It helps me process my emotions when things get difficult.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Via my blog.
Kristen blogs at http://www.thebikewife.com which we recommend a quick visit if you haven't been already. The Bike Wife has an ExpatsBlog.com listing here so add a review if you like! If you appreciated this interview with Kristen, please also drop her a quick comment below.
Meet Kristen - Californian expat in New Zealand
Here's the interview with Kristen...
Where are you originally from?
A little college/farming/art town in Northern California: Chico
In which country and city are you living now?
Christchurch, New Zealand
How long have you lived here and how long are you planning to stay?
My husband and I have been in Christchurch for 8 weeks, so we're still newbies. We plan on staying in New Zealand until at least summer of 2015.
Why did you move and what do you do?
I just moved for adventure. I always wanted to live abroad, but for a long time I didn't know where. My husband and I visited the south island of New Zealand 2 years ago (yes, during the February earthquake!) and loved the people and the outdoorsy culture. After that it wasn't at all a question of where we would live abroad, but when. I am a registered nurse.
The Family Photo! Scott and I had to leave our 3 chickens behind, but I refer to the girls from time to time in my blog. They're family!
Just my husband, Scott.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
I find myself comparing a lot of things to how they are at "home", and I have to remind myself that THIS is home (for now). Things aren't that different though. It's quirky little things that get me... the day to day is similar. People are still people, and I think they function in similar ways worldwide.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
We do socialize with some other expats, its kind of the easy go-to way to make friends. Other expats are just as keen to meet up with a group of strangers for a beer. We've made a handful of Kiwi friends too though. It's not an easy process- but you have to remind yourself: you didn't meet all your friends back home in a few weeks time either. It takes time.
Me in Abel Tasman National Park, about 5 hours north of Christchurch. Definitely worth a visit when you are on the south island!
Christchurch is unique because it's in the midst of a massive rebuild. The September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes pretty much demolished the most popular tourist attractions. But people here are resilient and super creative. So instead of going to see the Christchurch Cathedral, go see the container shops and restaurants in the CBD. Instead of walking the Avon, go to Hagley Park and take in the beautiful botanical gardens. Instead of a bus tour of the city (which you CAN still do), get up in to the Port Hills for some tramping and some breathtaking views. I would recommend to future expats coming to Christchurch: don't compare this city to what it was. Take it for what it is, because there's so much energy going into the revival. And focus on what it will be.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
I've never lived so close to the beach! We're about 5 minutes from Sumner, a little beach town adjacent to Christchurch. Sumner is where I go to clear my head... I love it there!
How does the cost of living compare to home?
It is more expensive. I hate to say it, because when we came I promised myself I'd just find ways to live cheaper and I wouldn't be affected. And I have found ways to cut costs- line drying, grouping errands together to minimize driving, cooking much more at home. But some things are just a lot more expensive here. Especially electricity and petrol.
What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
Christchurch does have a lot of traffic due to the rebuild. I would be lying if I said this wasn't a drawback! However, if you can either live close to work, bike to work, or try to avoid 8-9am and 4-6pm, it is much less crowded on the roads.
Sumner Beach. A lovely place for a a sunrise, a picnic or a surf.
The healthcare system is so different here! I feel that everyone is well taken care of though, and everyone seems really thankful for your help. I enjoy the feeling of appreciation from patients that I get. Nursing isn't TOO different, because people are still people and require pretty much the same care, but it has been a challenge learning all of the NZ names for the drugs and instruments.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
I think this goes for anyone moving anywhere abroad, but get out of your routine! Go to concerts in the park and group events. Join clubs. Get social. Meet people. Battling homesickness and finding your place in a new country is way easier with friends!
Also, research. It's important to know where you are moving to and what it is like. How will the jobs be different? In my case (for nurses), researching New Zealand health care was key. I could have done quite a bit more and avoided some confusion in the beginning...
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Missing friends and family! It's got to be normal, but I think most of us would agree. Sometimes seeing everyone having fun without me is hard. I have to remind myself to get off Facebook!
The view from Mount Oxford, a great mountain bike track an hour or so outside of Christchurch. Would be great for a hike too!
It may be too soon to tell, but I'm sure that when we return to the States we'll be annoyed by the lack of conveniences that we got used to here. Having the beach, the mountains, lakes and rivers, and rainforest all within an hours' drive is pretty special. Things are a lot more laid back in New Zealand, and rarely does something need to happen "right now". I'm getting used to it, and I like it. When we move back, I'm sure it won't be to a big bustling city.
What are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
- Skype with friends and family to avoid isolation AND share your adventures with people who want to hear about them!
- Do your homework before coming. The more you know before you arrive, the smoother your arrival will go, and that's the beginning of your new life!
- Soak up the culture. You will have these memories for the rest of your life.
- Save up money. Its amazing how the bills stack up at first... I think financial burden could ruin an expat's experience. Have a bit of cash reserves.
- Get involved with anything and everything local that you can. Make friends.
Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
I started blogging a few years ago about my experiences mountain biking with my husband. He would always take me on these ridiculous rides, so I started writing about our ridiculous adventures. When we decided to move to New Zealand, I started a new blog but kept the old title. Bikes are kind of what got us here (well, we fell in love with the phenomenal mountain bike trails) and they are a huge part of our expat adventure so far. But I also write about what it's like in Christchurch, the trials and triumphs of moving overseas, and my favorite recipes. I love being in my kitchen as much as I love my bike! Since moving here, I've also really enjoyed the catharsis of writing and blogging. It helps me process my emotions when things get difficult.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Via my blog.
Kristen blogs at http://www.thebikewife.com which we recommend a quick visit if you haven't been already. The Bike Wife has an ExpatsBlog.com listing here so add a review if you like! If you appreciated this interview with Kristen, please also drop her a quick comment below.
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