Gib,
I have two cousins, both with undergrad degrees, and both nice enough in their own way and they both think that New Zealand is something like Heaven on Earth and Nirvana combined, the real Holy Grail. Neither one has ever been there but one of them did go to Australia a few years ago on a two week bicycling enviro-tour. Neither one of them has ever "hit a lick at a snake" (North Georgia mountain lingo to describe a man who is unwilling to work) and they both used to have money but I guess by now they have about run through it. One of them is gay and the other likes gals, or he did years ago.
Over the years I have heard both of them say "I am going to move to New Zealand one day" time and again. It is like something that is always at the back of the mind. And I have heard this same sympathy expressed time and again over the years from other guys, but always folks similar to the cousins in many ways. I suppose they think your country is one big enviro-nuclear free multicultural Kumbayah singing, whale saving, environmentally sustainable, Bush free ....welfare state. They never mention this latter feature, but I bet this is at the back of their mind, it fits with the idea that there are going to go there ...someday, like when they finally run through the money. <grin>
Should I tell them to come on down? You will have to feed them.
Years ago, I invited one of them (the straight one) to go with me to Guatemala. He acted like I had insulted him, suggesting that he go to such an "exploited" country.
Those two cousins dream of New Zealand. The more rambunctious types enjoy Belize, Haiti, Philippines, Africa, and the holy grail, Bangkok.
Slagle |
