In 2012, I packed my trusty backpack and left my birthplace New Zealand, ultimately settling down in California after a interval of journey. 

Nearly 10 years later, I am nonetheless right here in Lake Tahoe, having fun with a life centered across the nice open air. Although I nonetheless head again to New Zealand at any time when I can. 

Listed here are a number of the issues that stunned me about my worldwide transfer.

The California I stay in is completely different than the one I’ve at all times heard about 

With a convention of the “Massive O.E.” (abroad expertise), many New Zealanders journey. Some spend prolonged intervals in international nations or use a part of their annual depart (we get a minimal of 4 weeks) to go overseas. 

I realized lots about completely different elements of the world rising up, and most of the people I do know are acquainted with a minimum of somebody who’s well-traveled.

Although I used to be nonetheless fed stereotypes of California — normally by way of the tv display — comparable to palm-tree-lined streets, superstar haunts, surfers, fashions, and showbiz. From the surface wanting in, it appeared like an countless seaside trip.

Nevertheless, its panorama, climate, and inhabitants are extra various than popular culture portrays. I stay in Lake Tahoe, a well-liked vacationer vacation spot within the Sierra Nevadas.

Shoveling many toes of snow every winter, locals principally put on sensible, out of doors clothes and barely any designer outfits. And there are nonetheless some superstar haunts however in a extra enjoyable, hideaway sense.

The taxes aren’t almost as excessive as I anticipated 

I used to be fairly positive Uncle Sam was coming for me, contemplating many Californians warned me about how excessive the state’s taxes are, however I suppose it is a matter of perspective.

After I left New Zealand, I used to be on a tax charge of 33%, and the best earners have been on 39%. On high of that, there are subsequent to no deductions for bizarre working individuals, and also you pay a items and companies tax of 15% on most belongings you purchase.

Famously one of many most-taxed states, California has

income-tax

charges that vary from 1% to simply over 13%, and a statewide gross sales tax of about 7%. 

Federal revenue taxes vary from 10% to 37%, plus there are various obtainable deductions and credit that may considerably whittle down your invoice within the arms of a savvy accountant.

All the pieces is larger in California 

The US is large — California alone is barely over one-and-a-half instances bigger than the world of New Zealand. 

This was troublesome to understand till I moved. In New Zealand, you are by no means greater than a few hours from the ocean, however in California, you could be 5 or 6 hours from the Pacific the farther inland you go.

And it is not simply land dimension — it looks like the whole lot’s bigger.

I used to be struck by the various massive household autos on the roads and big restaurant parts. I as soon as ordered a salad and acquired half a head of iceberg lettuce and what appeared like a pound of different components. Although I am not complaining since leftovers are a bonus meal.

There are many bears

After I moved to Tahoe, I knew there have been bears close by, however I had no thought how carefully they interacted with city life. 

The California black bear is often seen in and round cities on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Conversely, New Zealand has nearly no fatherland mammals except for a few bat species. 

So I needed to be taught what residing with bears meant for my very own habits.

I be certain my automotive is locked and do not depart any kind of snack or delicious-smelling merchandise in it. I put trash in bear-proof bins and time once I take it out for assortment so the animals do not have an opportunity to get into it. I even keep away from rising vegetation that may draw their consideration.

All this mentioned, I like our bears and do what I can to assist protect their house.

It does not at all times seem to be we’re talking the identical sort of English

I’ve at all times been pretty assured in my English — I am a author, for crying out loud. However except for typical accent miscommunications, generally it felt like I wasn’t talking the identical language.

Phrases or phrases I would use as second nature usually confused the typical native. I would see their perplexed look and must rewind to contemplate what I simply mentioned that did not translate. 

Some Californians aren’t positive what I am speaking about once I use phrases like jandals (

flip-flops

), togs (swimsuits), capsicum (bell pepper), and chilly bin (cooler).

It was a studying curve, however I believe I’ve lastly cracked the native terminology. 

I actually acquired into Halloween

Halloween is large within the US however not a lot in New Zealand. I grew up seeing it as a business exercise that retailers tried to make a factor, so I by no means thought I would get into it.

However in America — particularly with a baby — the vacation grew on me, from the decorations and pleasure to the costumes. 

We put time and thought into our household costumes, and our neighborhood has a carnival-like environment for the vacation. Nonetheless, I am stunned by the sheer quantity of sweet individuals acquire.

My definition of ‘not that far-off’ has modified

I grew up in a village known as Havelock North. Going to Napier, a metropolis simply 20 kilometers (or about 12 miles) away, required planning. And driving two hours to Taupo for something shorter than just a few days’ trip was “a bit far.”

However many Californians routinely commute two or extra hours for work or over 4 hours for weekend journeys. It is a car-bound society, and other people do not appear to contemplate lengthy drives such a giant deal. 

I used to search for flights if the drive was greater than seven hours, however my definition of a “lengthy drive” has modified to usually imply someplace over eight hours away. 

If you happen to’re keen to drive, there’s a wide range of adventures available.

We have pushed throughout the huge deserts of Nevada to Nice Basin Nationwide Park and Salt Lake and traveled over eight hours to Joshua Tree. Throughout day journeys that have been three or extra hours away, we explored outdated ghost cities and wildflower fields.

The backcountry is wonderful

I did not anticipate how good wild parts of California could be. The backcountry right here is gorgeous and the scene for a lot of seasonal adventures. 

We snowshoe within the winter and hike, camp, or backpack throughout the summer season. We might fairly actually discover a brand new path daily.

Nationwide parks have been particular adventures for our household. We have been to nearly all of California’s parks and have normally discovered secluded areas to get pleasure from. 

As a bonus, lots of the parks are dark-sky preserves, the place you may observe spectacular views of the galaxy.

Most individuals are genuinely encouraging and sort

One of many stereotypes I heard about People — and Californians, particularly — is that they are not tremendous pleasant. However I am glad to report that hasn’t been my expertise in any respect.

Transferring away from family and friends could be daunting, however I’ve discovered most individuals right here should not solely pleasant however genuinely encouraging. They cheer on the achievements and pursuits of their mates and neighbors. 

I’ve made some treasured mates for all times in California.