One of the not so great things about New Zealand is the intensity of the sun. I’m not complaining about the percentage of sunny days in my rainy little town but rather just how harmful the sun can be in New Zealand. The ozone isn’t as thick over here and it makes a HUGE difference. So many people travel to New Zealand thinking that they know how to handle the sun or how much sunscreen to wear and end up wishing they had listened to warnings. Thankfully I listened to everyone about how dangerous the sun can be here. Plus, having a mother who had a large melanoma in the past, I have always been aware of the sun and what it can do.
I spent the entire day outside in the sun with our whole school for Athletics Day. I covered myself from head to toe with sunblock. I put it all over my arms, legs, face, neck, hands, and even my ears! I even wore a huge sun hat! I bet my dad would have laughed at me since it’s the same kind of hat that he tries to get my mother to wear all the time but she won’t since they look ridiculous. Since everyone wears them over here, I guess they are a bit less ridiculous.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t thorough enough with my sunscreen in all the excitement and I missed just the bit of space above my socks.
And oh, did I pay for it. You can even see the spaces right around the burn where the sunscreen made it onto my skin. I have certainly learned my lesson for next time.
It could have been way worse.
Ouch! I burn terribly here in Ohio, I can’t even imagine how bad it would be in NZ!
Eep! I can’t even imagine. I have learned so many lessons growing up about sunburns since I always manage to get one every year at the beach, but last year was the icing on the cake. It was the most painful one yet.. I can’t imagine what it would be like in NZ, I would probably be sporting a silly sunhat, too, and covered in sunblock.
Oh wow that’s crazy. I’m glad you listened though and at least it was only a small portion of your body and you didn’t end up looking like that all over.
Ick, that looks like such an uncomfortable place to get a sunburn! Glad it was just that small space though.
Ouch! Sunburn in those odd places – ever have it on the backs of your knees?! – can hurt like a real bitch. I hope it heals up quickly.
You really took care of yourself Caity, I don’t blame you for getting that sunburn. :) Though you’re right, it could have been worse, and at least it was just a burn in a silly little spot like your ankle. I have a ridiculous sombrero that I use as a sunhat; certainly gets attention, but I don’t wear it out much for that reason.
I am not a fan of the sun but I also forget to put sunscreen on a lot. My mum is always reminding me and I’m pretty sure she would see living in New Zealand as a good experience to make sure you wear protection from the sun all the time. :B
Owwie! I hate getting sunburned. I hate how painful it can be and I hate the peeling. A few years ago I had it so bad on my face that if I smiled it brought tears to my eyes.
Ouch!! Not a good place for a sun burn!! I love looking at all your cat photos!
Ouch, so not fun. I never used to burn as a kid, but now that I’m indoors pretty much year round, I burn whenever I do venture outside. I can’t imagine being in NZ I’d be living in sunscreen just like I live with my chapstick.
Also, I tagged you if you’d like to do a meme: http://notquitepetite.hello-love.net/tagged-im-it/
Ouch poor you!
wow. It is funny how the sun can be different in different places. Here you constantly apply and then reapply in the summer. Hope it doesn’t hurt that bad.
Ooh that looks painful, hopefully it heels as soon as possible.
I struggle with putting enough suncream on for English summertime and always end up getting sun burn (luckily we rarely get weather that hot though so it’s not an every day occurrence). I don’t think my skin would be able to cope with the weather in New Zealand. Hope your burn gets better!!
xx
Oh my goodness. That’s crazy that the sun managed to peek it’s way in… just enough to burn your ankles! That’s crazy, lol. I wouldn’t have thought that the sun would be so dangerously hot & glaring there in NZ. I have learned something new again from your blog. :) …and yes! It could’ve been much worse — luckily, you are a smart lady and covered yourself in sunscreen. :) Couldn’t imagine how you’d be feeling if you hadn’t!
The Blogger
I'm Caity! I am a New Yorker who married a Kiwi and recently moved across the world to New Zealand. I'm a math teacher who enjoys the outdoors, photography, video games, music, and general geekery.
Life is a great big adventure and I am beginning a whole new journey. It isn't always easy but it is always worth it. ♥
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