Lesson of the day- How to spot a Kiwi

Ok, its come to our attention that there is some (naturally) confusion back in the States about the difference between the Aussies and our neighbors across the ditch....the Kiwis in New Zealand. Allow me to blog about some pointers, and maybe it will become more clear before you (dare I say it) visit here and get it all mixed up in person. You will QUICKLY be told who is what and who is from where, who is better, etc. There is a rivalry here like I've never seen before.

Read on:

Our beloved Australia. The Land Down Under, full of sun, roos, and shrimps on the barbie.

Kiwis. The delicious fruit, obviously...from New Zealand.

Marmite. The yeast based spread from New Zealand.

Vegemite. Not to be confused with other yeast spreads, this is the original and totally Aussie.

The Kiwi (bird), found only in New Zealand...thus creating the nickname for New Zealanders (not Aussies). Read here to learn more about how the Kiwi bird influenced its home country.

The roo. (Kangaroo, that is). Definitely only Aussie!

Famous Hobbit house where the Lord of the Rings were filmed in New Zealand.

Rugby team, representing the yellow and green- viciously AUSSIE.

The Rugby NZ Warriors and the All-Blacks are notoriously intidmidating, and can be found doing the traditional Maori-influenced "Haka" during the halftime of the rugby game to scare off their competition. You must check this out! HERE

Of course, Steve Irwin. One of the most famous Aussies of all time.

The greatest comedy act/TV show to hail from New Zealand. These are the funniest Kiwis you will ever watch! Look for their popular show "Flight of the Conchords" on HBO and available to rent (season 1). You will DIE with laughter. Or I will refund your money, mate.

The highest grossing entertainers in all of Australia. The Wiggles are EVERYWHERE!

Lastly, the Covich boys. The first and most true blue Kiwis to ever cross our path. (Warning:Don't mess with them, and DON'T call them Aussie)

As for the accents....we have learned that the Aussie accent is TOTALLY different than the Kiwi accent. It's like people telling us Americans we "sound Canadian"....You'll have to come here to find out for yourself! :)