It’s crazy to think that the semester is already halfway over! It feels like just yesterday I was getting off the plane in Auckland from that 12 hour flight and adjusting to the time difference. I am currently packing to head for a week long trip to Samoa for mid-semester break! I am so excited to finally get out of the cold weather and lay on the beach in a tropical island to tan and relax! Even though I originally wanted to go to Fiji, I looked at pictures of the island and our accommodations and I couldn’t be happier! Unfortunately I have three papers due when I return so it won’t be all fun and games but I am excited to get away!
I am so thankful for all the people I’ve met and friends I have made so far in my semester and I can’t wait to see what else is in store! My flatmates are so cool, my kiwi host is super chill, and I am so glad that they love going on spontaneous food and ice cream runs with me, whether it be to Velvet Burger for 2 for 1 burgers or Rob Roy for the greatest ice cream ever (even when it’s 30 degrees out!). Rob Roy has so many flavors and I am going to make it my mission to try every single one before I leave! I’ve already tried 5… not a bad start. Some other restaurants I frequent are Pizza Bella for dessert waffles (probably not what you were expecting me to say), and Capers for BOGO pancakes (which are simply irresistible).
These past 2 months have been absolutely incredible. I have literally been nonstop since I’ve gotten here. The fun started in Queenstown for our orientation where we visited the beautiful Milford Sound (considered the 8th wonder of the world), went luging with the most beautiful view of the Queenstown skyline, and even celebrated the 4th of July with bungee jumping! Then in Dunedin, even though we had classes, I was going on weekend trips to places like the Franz Joseph Glacier, the Blue Pools, Wanaka for skiing, and the Golden Bay, just to name a few! It’s amazing to think that I have visited so many places in just 2 months, but I still have so much to see! Just last night, TEAN got all of us tickets to see the much anticipated rugby match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian Wallabies! I’m going to be honest, I don’t completely understand the game but you just get so caught up in the commotion of the crowd that it doesn’t even matter!
With all the things going on around me, I haven’t forgotten about my family back home. I usually try to Skype them once a week just so they can see my face and know that everything is alright (and ask for some more money, because let’s face it, you’re only in New Zealand once, so might as well take advantage of every opportunity). It kind of sucks that they aren’t coming over here to visit and explore this beautiful country with me, but that will make our reunion in November that much sweeter!
That’s enough catchup for now! Signing off for now, but I’m sure I’ll have more adventures to write about in my next post. Stay tuned!