Through no fault of my own, I was born in New Plymouth, North Island, NZ. Most forebears came here from southern England in the 1840s, with later blood from Norway and Scotland. Since then, I've lived in most parts of New Zealand, but through every fault of my own (poverty induced by "Nick Atteen" and "Al K Whole"), I have never moved beyond these shores - apart from via books and the Internet.

I always ask punters on bus tours where they are from. It's great fun trying to relate their "place of origin" to Stewart Island - and not too difficult for most folk from the "western world" - we had a pretty cosmopolitan community here in the 1870s

Most folk give their current location, rather than place of birth, which can be a grin when a strong "accent" comes from an entirely different part of the world...;)

Anway.... It's a ball trying to relate to people's backgound. Teaches you a lot about this crazy world we live in....;)

As does Mudcat! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Cheers _ Sam