Today New Zealand celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's birthday. Her birthday is actually 21 April, but New Zealand celebrates on the first Monday of June. The country enjoys a three day weekend, and there are a few ceremonies held here and there (though there was nothing special going on here in Wellington).
The nation-wide excitement that happens on the Queen's Birthday is the Queen's Birthday Honours list. This is a list that the Queen comes out with to acknowledge those New Zealand citizens who contribute to New Zealand's culture and society. You can see some of the recipients here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=513&objectid=10385054
As far as I can tell, most people use the weekend a lot like Americans use the President's Day weekend: make home improvements, take skiing trips, visit family, go shopping, etc. One of the main differences is that here, any business that chooses to stay open on a public holiday like this has to pay their employees holiday pay. This means that restaurants will tack a 15% surcharge to your meal (a very fair thing to do, I must say), and some stores and shops choose to close in order to avoid the added operational costs. So it's a crap shoot as to what's open and what isn't. We spent the day in classic kiwi style: we went shopping for furniture for the new apartment and went out for lunch. After all, it's our new patriotic duty. :)
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3 comments:
Speaking of important birthdays, did everyone take the time wish Peter a happy natal day on the 15th. I didn't quite make it to send greetings on the actual day, but then I am only his aunt who should know better. Happy Birthday Peter from me and all the total strangers who read your blog.
Love, Aunt Linda
Thank you, Auntie Linda!
Oh, goodness, I can't believe I forgot. You are so sly, Peter, moving out of the country to avoid birthday wishes. Anyway, I hope your patriotic day was excellent and that you are enjoying life in NZ. Ben's wedding was amazing.
Oh, and check this: there may be a girl entering my life through Colorado.
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