You can probably guess why we specialize in New Zealand wines if you've been following us for a long time. Míša - the other half of our e-shop - has been living in New Zealand for several years. I asked her a few questions about how she lives in New Zealand and what we could learn from New Zealanders.

Míša, how did you get to New Zealand years ago?

I had a dream to travel for a long time. In 2007, I went to England for a few months, where I wanted to improve my English and try what it's like to live abroad. When I lost my job about 12 years ago and was without a partner at the time, I knew that if I didn't travel soon, my dream wouldn't come true. And so I didn't hesitate! The question was where. I have always been attracted to Australia and the southern hemisphere - Pacific islands like Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands and others. After a conversation with a friend who was just about to travel to New Zealand at the time and after finding out what I need to arrange for a legal stay and work visa in Australia, I finally decided to apply for a working holiday visa to New Zealand. Fortunately, at that time New Zealand was not that popular and I therefore received my work visa without any problems. So all that was left was to buy a plane ticket, pack a backpack and start planning my big adventure!

What would you say is typical of New Zealand? How do people spend their free time? What is the difference compared to the Czech Republic?

It is typical for New Zealand that people here are not in a hurry, they are not so stressed and a certain relaxation is also their lifestyle. I always lived by the sea most of the time in Zealand. The sea has its own charm, a soothing charm. Whether it's a walk by the sea, swimming or just driving along the sea to work or shopping. By taking a walk or running along the sea with the sound of the waves, you can organize your thoughts beautifully or get rid of stress and even release anger. And with that I partially answered the second question. Most people spend their free time actively - often by the sea. In the summer, on the beach - running, surfing, cycling or hiking in the mountains and national parks, of which there are many, but also in fitness centers.

Compared to the Czech Republic, I was surprised how friendly, helpful and smiling people are here. When I arrived in New Zealand for the first time and was looking for accommodation (I had to look confused, tired and with a big backpack on my back), the man on the street willingly offered to help me with anything. If you go for a walk or anywhere on a nature trek, almost everyone will greet you or at least nod their head. It immediately creates a friendly atmosphere and makes you feel very welcome.

What do you like most about living in Zealand? What do you think we should learn from New Zealanders back home?

I like their lifestyle the most, as I already mentioned. And New Zealanders try not to stress too much, although of course this does not apply to everyone and every day.

We could definitely learn from them to smile more and be kinder to each other. Start a business, transfer a personal vehicle to another person or other official performance? No problem. You can do it very simply without a lot of unnecessary paperwork and employing several officials. For example, you can arrange the transfer of a car at the post office. Visiting any office and especially the post office is not an unpleasant experience. The clerks are helpful and smiling. And in the supermarket, the lady at the checkout will ask you how your day was. It is not unusual for you to chat briefly and ask about their day or what they have planned after work, even if you don't know them at all. Of course, this is not always and everywhere the case, but in most cases it is.

Does living in Zealand have any negative aspects?

Of course, New Zealand is not just an idyllic island in the South Pacific, but it also has its negatives like any other country. From my point of view, the negative side is that New Zealand is too far from the Czech Republic. The flight takes almost 24 hours with transfers! That is, in the time before the pandemic. The price of international flights is also much higher than if you want to fly from Europe to the world.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected New Zealand? We know from the media that you handled the pandemic quite well.

Of course, the pandemic hit us too. But we had the advantage that it arrived later than, for example, in Italy, which was a frightening case for us and also a demonstration of how quickly Covid-19 spreads and what damage it can do. Quick actions and clear instructions from the government and the strong leadership of Prime Minister Jacinda Adern led to the fact that we managed to manage the pandemic quite well and quickly, with the fact that we had one nationwide lockdown lasting less than 6 weeks, which was very strict and controlled by the police. The people of New Zealand were very disciplined (of course there were exceptions) and followed the regulations issued by the government. This allowed us to get out of it relatively quickly and well.

And a final question. What is your favorite New Zealand wine? 😉

That depends on the weather. In the summer I mainly drink pink and white wines - Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris . Rose wine from the Two Rivers and Black Cottage wineries. In winter, rather red - Syrah and Merlot for their full, robust and soft taste.