Weekly Blog #4

The main difference Annie and I have is our background. She and I were raised in different countries, different cultures, in vastly different physical environments. Each of these things and more have contributed to our differences as people.

I think one of the main things separating us is simply the country we were raised in. We may not realize it, as both America and New Zealand are western, developed countries that have democratic forms of government and similar access to modern resources. In that aspect, we are both very fortunate. However, culturally, New Zealand and America are vastly different. The streets of the American cities I was raised in, New York and Baltimore, are always busy, always lit up and filled with people trying to sell you various things. Even in the busiest city here, the streets seem calm compared to what I am used too. It is evident that this country isn't as materialistically driven, or commercially concerned as ours is.

The two opposing histories of the countries also have a noticeable impact on their modern cultures and overall attitudes. Annie has people in her family of Maori descent, and their culture is very important in their everyday lives. American is a melting pot of many families of different ethnicities and cultures, mine specifically being a mix of Dutch and German among other things. Not only does this change the way we celebrate holidays or other family traditions, it has an impact on the way we view the world as a whole. A big part of Maori culture is a recognizing and respecting the rivers and mountains one comes from, and many Maori tribes view these landscapes as beings that have just as many rights as humans do. There has been several legal battles over this issue. Although because I grew up on the Hudson River, I have a deep connection to the Hudson River Valley and have grown to love and cherish the area, it is still a much different outlook.

Besides being raised in two different countries and therefore in two different cultures, Annie and I also differ in our interests. I am a biology student, I love to learn about the sciences and our nature world. As I have previously mentioned, Annie is a business student who loves numbers. She wants to be an accountant. She loves math and solving problems, and I like to learn about the environment around us. Our differences in study lead to differences in class structure, she has weekly quizzes and assignments and I usually just have a few big assignments.

We both enjoy different hobbies, although some of them overlap. As I have previously mentioned, Annie loves to bake. As I enjoy baking, it is not my favorite thing to do. She finds a lot in joy in making food for others, which shows a lot about her character and they way she cares for those around her. She has talked of her grandma baking for her as a child, and then with her as she got older.

Annie is also part of the University of Auckland's Muay Thai club. Muay Thai is Thai boxing that involves a lot of physical skill and is a great workout. Monica and Annie go together and always come back together really happy and full of energy. They talk a lot about the sessions they go to and their instructors, always pushing me to go with them. I usually have class during the time they go, but I would love to try and go with them sometime.

Another difference Annie and I have is our relationship with our friends here. Annie and Monica have been friends since they were in grade school. They went through high school together, and now college. I am lucky enough to have friends I have known since I was in pre-school, but they are not the ones I am friends with in college. They have been through a lot together, and it has been interesting to watch their dynamic. They have been really accepting and kind to me as well, and that shows a lot about both of their characters. 

The final difference Annie and I have is our connection to America. Annie and Monica love to talk about America and going there one day. Annie and Monica know all of the state capitals and a lot of the state flowers. They are very interested in the politics and always want to know my opinion on everything that was happening. Often they know more about what is currently happening than I do.

Although Annie and I have our differences, its been really interesting to get to know her and her background and share mine. I am looking forward to knowing more about the culture as a whole as well as Annie's life.