Publisher's Synopsis
For a long time she was there, never here, until she discovered New Zealand. Of course, seafaring discoverers found it first. Nevertheless, author Silke Noll eventually discovered the far ends of the Earth for herself. A certified cross-cultural trainer, author and New Zealand expert, Silke has always been keenly interested in other cultures and peoples. As an Agile Coach and Kanban trainer, she has worked in projects all over the world. Recently, she mutated from world traveller to New Zealand immigrant, and lives (most of the time) in her beach house in Wellington. A New Zealand Christmas tree, a pohutukawa, grows in her front yard and blooms in the Antipodean summer. In this book, Silke shares her very personal experiences of the multicultural world of New Zealand. She interweaves many other stories from visits to other countries into this comprehensive look at New Zealand from a cross-cultural perspective. Her trainer expertise and her background in the Palatinate region of Germany provides an additional dimension. (That is, as a Palatinate, not as a German - she would probably be the first to admit to actually being typically German, something Germans don't typically do!) Silke's love of both countries shines through every hurdle and stumbling block to successful immigration. With Middle-earth now at the centre of her life, only a closer look unmasks what at first appear to be similarities with other Western cultures. Yet, there are so many unexpected challenges - even one that made her lowly wall clock go crazy. Germans are not usually known for their humour. Trying the impossible, Silke luckily had lots of support for the writing of this book from her multilingual companion and mentor, the cheeky New Zealand tui, a native bird - named Kaitiaki. Without his help, the attempt to keep a light-hearted tone throughout might have failed.
