Author: rsobrinski@rollins.edu

I can’t believe that in just two days, I will be back in Pennsylvania.  I’ve had such an incredible experience in New Zealand, and as sad as I am to leave this beautiful country, it’ll be nice to go home and see my family. Throughout the semester, it’s been so interesting to meet people from…

A few weeks ago, some of my best friends from Rollins visited me in New Zealand.  We all went on a road trip in the North Island.  I went to Auckland for the first time (unless you count the hour I was in the airport there in February).  Since my phone malfunctioned a while ago and…

Two more jam-packed weekends in New Zealand… No matter how much of this beautiful country I explore, there is always so much more to see.  Last weekend, I went on a road trip with three of my friends.  I have recently rekindled my baking obsession and brought along heaps of homemade muffins and chocolate chip…

After 17 days in the wilderness of New Zealand, I have finally returned to civilization.  I had a jam-packed break, and skipped an extra week of class so I had more time to explore this beautiful country.  My friend and I hopped into his van and started driving across the country.  First stop: Castle Hill,…

Every trip here in New Zealand is full of amazing views and landscapes.  Last week, I visited the Cadbury chocolate factory which is located in central Dunedin, just a half hour walk from my flat.  The food at the Cadbury cafe was out of this world, and their chocolate bars were discounted compared to the grocery…

I’ve spent most of my time in and around Dunedin the last few weeks.  My 21st birthday was last weekend – a cause for celebration!  I went to a BYO at a Turkish restaurant and the food was wonderful (as was my $7 bottle of wine).  My lovely friend Ariana surprised me by baking me…

New Zealand is awesome.  I’ve been going so many incredible places and doing so many amazing things in the past few weeks.  Two weekends ago I visited some of my friends in Wellington.  It rained the whole time which was unfortunate but I still managed to have a good time!  We built a blanket fort…

It’s been almost a month since arriving in New Zealand, and I’ve already done so much here.  My week-long orientation in Queenstown was jam-packed with cool activities such as hiking to the top of Queenstown Hill, luging, kayaking, and jet boating. After jet boating up the river, we “funyaked” back down it in these inflatable…

It’s funny noticing the similarities and differences between New Zealand and home.  I never felt like I grew up with a strong focus on culture and tradition, but after being in a foreign country, it became clear that all the little things we do form a culture.  I immediately stand out as American because of…