One can survive here on very little money. My roommate has been here for 5 weeks and has spent 20 dollars. Of course he doesn’t drink. I suppose I would be at about fifty dollars for four weeks, before drinks. They are not that expensive though, and I really am to tired to get up to too much serious trouble. I have been partaking a bit on Thursday night when we (The Americans) have our standing invite to the Kiwi base, ad of course Saturday night, with no need to get up Sunday morning. You just have to be careful you don’t get caught in the party till the sun goes down (In Feb) routine. But this was supposed to be about spending, not drinking. A lot of what people have to spend money on at home, we get for free. For instance,

Laundry-with soap
Food
Rent
Taxi/shuttle-not that we go very far
Work clothes
Internet/email
Computer courses
Haircuts
video rentals
cable TV (limited)
Movies in the makeshift cinema
Gym access
No ATM fees at the Wells Fargo ATM (unless our bank charges us, mine does not for 6 withdrawls a month, I love credit unions.)

All these things are provided for us, and of course save A LOT of money, especially the rent thing. It’s sad to say really but if you factor all that in, I am being compensated for more to be a janitor than I was as an assistant manager for Trek America.

There are of course places we can spend money here, but unless you are a huge suvinior junkie or a raging alcoholic, it won’t be to much.

The places we can spend our money are:

Bowling 2 dollars a game one for shoes, plus tip for the volunteer pin jockies (that’s right no machine to reset them) By the way Pin Jockey was Homer Simpsons dream job.

Burger bar three times a week if we want a change from the cafeteria-$5

Bingo, every other week I think $5 entry

The bars-varies, but beers cost $2, wine $3-5 liquor $3-5,

Weekly poker games, although officially gambling is not allowed here.

The store, which mainly sells junk food, souveniers, alcohol and soda and toiletries.

Gear issue. They generally have outdoor gear (like skis), costumes (for the many parties we have here, CD and some other misc. stuff. Lots of stuff is free here, with only a refundable deposit required, and if it does cost it is nominal. For instance my roommate got a snowboard for a week and paid $10, plus a $20 refundable deposit.

The internet, mail order. A big problem for some, but it does not interest me really.
And that’s it really. So our money is safe, tucked away in our bank accounts, where it arrives by direct deposit twice a month, until we go on a drinking bender an blow it all. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go to the bar.