5 things we're surprised by, now that we're back in the States:

So, you've decided to reacclimate to American society! Good for you!

Though it looks largely like you might remember, there are a few key changes. Here are some of the things that really struck Janwyn and I as we've travelled around California this past two weeks:

1. Cars here are ... wait for it ... GIGANTIC!

We had the thought as soon as we got on the highway in San Fran. Wow, you get like, 3.5 kilometers to the litre in that thing or what? 95% of cars in NZ were the size of our Nissan Sunny or smaller - the other 5% were work vehicles. Very remarkable.

2. Who the heck is Octomom?

I spent 5 months looking at tabloids where I had no idea who was on the cover, only to come back and be confronted with this phenomenon. Man, I find it really challenging to see any redeeming value here. Probably because there really is none.

3. Taxes are too high - getting higher and tipping is a really odd tradition.

(At the risk of sounding like Mr. Pink, "It's not my fault their employers don't pay them enough, it's a screwed up system, I just choose not to play ball.") In New Zealand, there is NO tipping (though the cafe culture is changing that, thanks Starbucks, and the price you see is the price you pay, everywhere. WHERE IS ALL THIS $$$ GOING??? And while we're on it,

3A. Thanks for taking care of the economy while we were away ... appreciate it ...

4. When did everyone pick up an iPhone?

I remember the first friend of mine who jumped on an iPhone last summer, but when did everyone find the time to plunk down $300 on a touch screen phone. I admit, I'm enthralled as much as the next person with what it can do, and it's a matter of time before I join the crowd. But the pace of price of "handheld items" has gone from: $2 bottle of pop to $4.50 cup of Starbucks to $100 cell phone to $300 iPhone. I'm confused, isn't there a recession going on?

And finally:

5. I wouldn't trade the Southern Alps views for extra pavement, but the US Interstate system is a thing of beauty!

See my coming article on getting to Lalomanu from Apia in Samoa and you'll truly appreciate the distance we've come in testing out road infrastructures! Sounds silly, but being able to drive from Fresno to LA in 5 hours is an amazing feat after that.