Orient Express

I recently met an American and we got to talking about our respective Kiwi exploits. In describing my n-n-n-nevis bungy jump, I told him that I leaped from a purpose-built platform suspended 134m above a river. Despite my American accent, he questioned my nationality for some reason. Later in the evening, he said:

Him: Now I know why I didn't think you were American. You said the bungy platform was "purpose-built." Americans don't say that.
Me: Huh? Really? I meant that the platform is there solely for jumping.
Him: Yeah, but you wouldn't say that at home.

I recounted the conversation for Dawn and she agreed with our new American friend. She asked: "Don't you remember when we rented our apartment and the landlady described the building as being 'purpose-built'? You thought it was ridiculous." No, I don't remember that, but it got me thinking.

Purpose-built. Hmm, what does that mean? It does sound kind of silly. Isn't everything built for a purpose? Or are some new structures erected for no reason at all? Do some people just string up platforms and wait for a use to come along? Purpose-built... it IS a ridiculous Kiwi phrase! And I incorporated it into my vocabulary without even realising (oops, realiZing) it. SOS!

The moral of the story is... I've been in New Zealand way too long. It's time for a vacation! Don't hate me because I'm unemployed :)

On March 31, I'm leaving the Land of the Long White Cloud to spend about a week in China followed by 4 weeks in Thailand. I'm bracing myself for a shock because I'll be visiting cities that have triple and quadruple the population of the whole country of NZ. But I'm excited for a change of scenery, and I'm equally excited to pick up some traveling pals! Despite my predictions that this blog would be a boon to NZ's tourism industry, I have not convinced a single reader to visit me here (sniffle). Asia must hold more allure because I'm meeting 2 cousin companions along the way.

Check back soon! I hear internet cafes are almost as prevalent as mosquitos in Thailand, so I expect N to the ZED to be in full swing during the Asian adventure.

Adios, New Zealand, until we meet again in May.