Hosting New Zealand Student

 
This week, my family and I hosted Thomas, better known by his nick-name Moose, a water polo player from New Zealand. I had heard New Zealanders are some of the friendliest people around, and after meeting Moose, I can understand why. I learned so much about New Zealand - and Auckland, in particular - that it’s now a new destination on my “bucket list.”
According to Moose, most New Zealanders live in cities, although it’s true what they say, “There are more sheep than people in New Zealand - 10 sheep for every person.” Auckland, the city where Moose lives, is New Zealand’s most populous city. The city is surrounded by dormant volcanoes and hills covered in rainforest. Aukland is unique because it is among the few cities in the world to have harbors on two separate bodies of water. It’s also very cosmopolitan, and Moose shared that Aukland has seen an influx of immigrants in recent years, especially from China.
Not too surprisingly, Moose relayed that most New Zealanders tend not to emigrate out of New Zealand because of the country’s excellent quality of life in terms of  jobs, climate, education, and leisure activities. Surfing and sailing are popular pastimes; in fact, Auckland’s name derives from sailing. Rugby, Moose’s favorite sport (even though he plays water polo), is the country’s most popular sport, and New Zealanders pride themselves on their rugby teams.
On a final note, Moose jokingly shared that New Zealanders don’t have enemies. However, most tend to engage in a “healthy competition” with their Australian mates.
 





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