It's true. New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world. At least as far as I know now and I've been around. Driving down from Wellington to Christchurch with my Dutch friend Romy I've seen the most amazing landscapes. And a lot of sheep.

Romy has decided to become a Kiwi, a New Zealand citizen. She fell in love with the country.

New Zealand is so far down south that not that many people ever reach it. That's probably the biggest blessing the country has. With only 4 million people there is still more than enough room for nature to unfold. This is a feeling that the people of New Zealand treasure and a principle they uphold. Ecology is a big thing in N.Z. 80 % of the country's energy comes from renewable sources. The American Navy is welcome but not with their nuclear powered ships. Michael Jackson couldn't bring his pet python into the country, for it might escape and change the delicate balance of New Zealands wildlife forever.

Every day on Oriental Bay a typical Kiwi phenomenon occurs. Around lunchtime the downtown business people change their business suits for jogging suits and hit the road. I mean by the hundreds. And again at the end of the working day. This may be a typical Wellingtonian thing. I've never seen it anywhere before. I guess it fits in well with the awareness of their surroundings, an awareness many Kiwi's have. I only wish we could all have a place like this.