A few observations

1) In NZ I have yet to master the casual encounter with an acquaintance, especially at work. Here it seems that during the workday, people's default mode is socializing, chatting, drinking tea, etc. So when I encounter someone in the hallway and say hi, or ask someone about the particulars of a protocol, or even mention that some folks are planning on going to dinner and would they like to join, then it is not enough just to say hi or answer the question. An entire conversation must be begun. Many times the other person doesn't really have anything more to say, but they keep looking at me and nodding or saying "eh, eh" like they desire the conversation to continue. All I wanted to do was ask where is the acrylamide and go on about my business! I have work to do! But in NZ brief social interactions are discouraged, at least in my experience so far in the biochem department.

2) The government cares about people here! It would not be an exaggeration to say that there are more public service announcements sponsored by the government on television than commercials. There are messages about fire safety, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding drunk driving. I was also aware of the government's watchful eye during the tramping expedition, in which many signs along the route warned of the dangers of avalanches and rapidly rising streams. Hut wardens gave us frequent updates on weather and recommended a rest day (although we didn't take it).

3) One solid thumbs up for universal heath care. This week I had my first experience with the NZ health system when I returned from tramping with a fair amount of knee pain. Concerned that I had re-injured the meniscus, on which I have now had three surgeries, I went to the university student health office. Immediately I was able to see a doctor who recommended that I visit the university physiotherapists across the street. There I made an appointment for the same day. The physiotherapist gave me the most thorough exam I've ever had on the knee and performed some maneuvers to increase the flexibility in the joint. Yesterday I returned to the therapist and explained that the pain was not actually in the meniscus but closer to the knee cap. I got another full exam by her and one of the senior therapists. They concluded that the removal of part of my meniscus in the most recent surgery altered the mechanics of my knee and has led to weakening of the medial aspect of the quadriceps muscle. They told me I need to train my neuro-circuitry to fire the medial section of the muscle before the lateral section and told me to work on this while sitting and pressing my foot against the ground. I'm not sure if I've made too much progress, but all their analysis seemed reasonable. I haven't paid a penny for any of this, as the NZ government pays the costs for rehab after any injury that occurred within the country, which I can claim. Now in the coming weeks we'll see if their treatment actually works.

4) Karaoke in a private room is fantastic. Last night we went to see the movie Australia, of which the best part involving driving cattle across a desert was cut way too short, followed by karaoke. The main bar was closed but for 30 bucks an hour the woman led us upstairs to our own "apartment." I just need to expand my vocal range to greater than three pitches.

5) Don't get a haircut at the Clip Joint. It cost $35 and I was made all the more miserable because on the walk home I went past a place advertising cuts for $15.

6) This morning I had nothing to do in lab so I sat in on two summer school lectures. The first was a history course called Travel: Modern Journeys and their Meanings. This lecture had little to do with travel or history for that matter but some interesting philosophical ideas on self-advancement vs. helping others and the importance of creativity and aestheticism. The second was a packed lecture on forensic biology. Taught by what appeared to be a police investigator, the lecture was heavy on forensics and the biology was very "wee" indeed. But there were lots of fun gruesome pictures. The lectures certainly held my attention, but with very few exceptions I'd choose a Williams lecture any day of the week.