Kiwi Dreams

Welcome Home

2004-07-01T09:15:00.000+12:00

Welcome home, Lorna, safe and sound!?! I have no interest in jumping out of an airplane, but I envy you your opportunities to see the All Blacks in action. In fact your whole experience is enviable. Thanks for giving us the play-by-play.

Home Again

2004-06-30T10:16:00.000+12:00

The ice bar in Auckland was really neat and I ended up catching a ride to the airport from Muffy (a girl from my floor) and her brother. My flight left at 2:45pm so of course I wasn't tired. I watched four movies and then I was tired but it was time for breakfast and the final flight time when people are active and lights come on. I had a bit of a layover in LA and then caught a little rest on the short flight. Connect in Denver and finally to Bismarck at 9pm. Total travel time was just over 24 hours. I'm glad to be back, though, and am starting softball tonight. I hope you all enjoyed reading about my journey.

Final Days

2004-06-27T11:44:00.000+12:00

Last night was my final night in Hamilton and I spent it at the All Blacks game. Since Argentina isn't as tough as England, most of the reserves were in and the Chiefs players got in the last ten minutes since it was their home field. It was a decent game and I hope my pictures turned out but they were all motion shots so maybe not. I missed Rokocoko's tri because I was excited and fumbling my camera. Final score NZ 41-AR 7. After that Freshy and I had coffee and then met Greg and Deirdre at the arcade for a few games. Today we head up to Auckland and are visiting the ice bar (Minus Five) where everything is made of ice or iced over. Tomorrow I hope to stop at a market before I have to head to the airport for my flight home. See you all State-side.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2004-06-24T16:57:00.000+12:00

We just got back after a long day in town to find out the rugby on our field was the All Blacks! I threw my purse in my room and ran downstairs to go watch the end of the practice. Only when we got to the field did I realize my camera was in my purse:( Once Adrienne got there we took some with her camera, though. The better players were surrounded by fans and signing and posing with them. Adrienne got nervous but I took a picture of her and Freshy with Daniel Carter. It was so exciting! I'll get some action photos at the game on Saturday.

Before and During

2004-06-23T12:51:00.000+12:00

These are a couple of the photos from my skydive. There are no after pictures or close-up landing pictures because the photographer couldn't run from one landing to the other in the amount of time between the landings.

Taupo

2004-06-22T20:54:00.001+12:00

I sat my last exam on Saturday. Easy. Then I watched the All Blacks defeat England again. Sunday was the craft fair. It was different from home in that they held seminars on how to do certain things and also sold supplies. I did buy a few things that were neat, though. Yesterday, I took a bus to Taupo. The weather while I was on the bus was mostly sunny with scattered showers but I had heard it would have those showers all day. Not convenient since I went to skydive.

I pulled into town and got to the hostel and the lady said they hadn't jumped for the last four days and they justed picked up the jumpers, maybe I could get a later jump (sounded doubtful). I got one at three and was picked up in a limo. I got to watch a few landings including a missed catch by a rival company. That means that the jumpers (tandem) touched the ground but the wind caught the parachute before the people could get it and dragged the jumpers along the ground. It actually looked kind of fun. We decided to jump and I was the second jumper at 12,000 feet and the third guy was climbing to 15,000. The wind had come up so we couldn't do any spirals or tricks like the previous jumpers. The first guy missed the area of the drop zone he needed but we were right on target. No problem...for me. As we looked up, we saw the third jumper was not going to land anywhere near the drop zone and a couple people jumped in a van and drove to try and catch them. They landed in a field full of sheep.

Later at the pub, as I was leaving, I saw my jumpmaster and the pilot. We started talking and I asked if the wind came up as we were jumping or had started previously. They said we never should have jumped! My guy was very nervous and said he normally talks a lot, unless he's nervous...did he say much to me? Uh, no. Just terse words to remove my goggles and DON"T TOUCH ANY OF HIS HANDLES! I then related what had happened to Holly on her jump in April on the South Island (previously unmentioned so mom didn't freak out). Holly did her freefall and the chute opened. All of a sudden, they started falling again. Somehow the chute had collapsed! No problem, the guy pulled the second chute...nothing happened. He started swearing and yanking the cord repeatedly. Eventually it opened. Holly said she hadn't really realized the extent of the situation (pros, right?) but as soon as they landed, the jumpmaster just sat down on the ground in a daze. My pilot couldn't believe I would still jump after hearing that story. I did and everything went well for my jump despite all the screw-ups by everyone else.

Two Down

2004-06-18T10:51:00.000+12:00

Two of my classes are done now, one finished with an essay and another with a test. They're very serious about the exams here and people study for at least two weeks before hand. Personally, I didn't, but the test was super easy. I studied with a group of Kiwis for awhile and some of their techniques didn't seem very efficient. Oh well, to each his own. My final test is tomorrow at 2, on a Saturday! Talk about ruining a whole day. I had wanted to be in Auckland for the second test against England (rugby) but I have a test. At least I can watch it on tv and I'll be at the game next weekend. Mostly, all I've done this week is go to movies for entertainment. They were all enjoyable. We're going to the big craft show on Sunday and next week has a few plans developing.

Goodbyes Have Started

2004-06-15T13:47:00.000+12:00

The American girls on my floor, Deirdre's fiance, and I went out for a Thai dinner last night since it was the last time we would all be together. Adrienne had to go to Taranaki to meet some people today and Erin flies out tomorrow. She is the first one that I've spent much time with to leave. It's kind of sad but not too much yet since I still have some plans with the other girls. For instance, seeing Harry Potter. I actually tried yesterday with Freshy but I must have looked at the listing for one of the suburb's theatres by accident. There's also still Taupo and now we have plans for my last night as well. We'll all be in Auckland so we want to go to the ice bar. Finals have started and I have my last one on Saturday, which means seeing the craft fair on Sunday. There are a few other things in the works as well.

Napier

2004-06-11T14:11:00.000+12:00

After a night in prison, we were given a tour of the joint. It was a real prison only ten years ago and had some nasty problems with gangs and security. It was built for the army and had several uses before becoming a prison. We saw numerous grave sites and graffiti of fromer inmates. After that, we went on a tour of a sheepskin factory. Next was the National Aquarium and a diver hand-feeding the fish and sharks. We also visited Opossum World and checked out the shops. We stayed at an Art Deco backpackers that was pretty nice. We got a free drink coupon and went down to the pub for the live music and our drinks. It started out fine but then some guys (roughly aged 40-50) decided to accompany with the singer. They got out a plastic bucket, a stool (he brought drumsticks) and spoons to play along. It was kind of funny but also kind of annoying as they overpowered the guy's guitar and it was harder to hear the lyrics. It was around this time that I realized the office hours sign at the hostel said 8:30am-8:30pm. It hadn't registered until then that we planned to leave at 8am. Oops. We were only a half hour late returning the car, though.

Road Trip

2004-06-09T18:33:00.000+12:00

We hit the road right after lunch on Monday and spent some time at the Mount (Maunganui). The day was beautiful. That night we stayed in Whakatane at a decent hotel/backpacker. We go up at a decent time and headed to Gisborne. We spent the day looking around and stayed at a really chill surf lodge on the beach at Wainui. We woke up to be the first people in the world to see the sun this morning (closest to the date line) and then Adrienne went bodyboarding. Around 11:00 we headed out and drove to Napier with several scenic stops along the way. That's where we are now. Our accommodation is a former prison and guess what? our lights don't work! It's neat, though, and we'll take a tour tomorrow. We also ate at Mussel Boys and it was very good. We've been eating pretty decent on this trip with grocery meals supplemented by great restaurant meals. We'll stay in Napier again tomorrow at an Art Deco hostel and eat some food, the plan is sushi and Thai. Friday is a day of driving as we have to return to Hamilton by noon. It's been a very relaxing and fun trip (especially since the weather has been nice).

Off Again

2004-06-06T14:37:00.000+12:00

Tomorrow Adrienne, Freshy and I are renting a car and driving along the coast to Gisborne and Napier. None of us have been to these areas and since it is study week, why not? We don't really have anything planned once we get there but thought we should at least see the area. The only thing I know is that Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake that destroyed the town. It should be fun, though. Not many people are around this week as many are traveling and some have even left for good. It's kind of funny how dramatically the atmosphere can change so quickly. Maybe I just haven't noticed it before because I've always been the one leaving.

Two More

2004-06-03T18:10:00.000+12:00

Here are two more of mom's photos. The tree is the Party Tree from "Lord of the Rings." Doesn't it look fake? The other is a stream next to the road where we stopped for a little stretch.

Hobbiton fun

2004-06-03T12:18:00.000+12:00

This is a picture my mom took of me on the steps in front of Bag End. For those who aren't sure what that is, it is the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in the "Lord of the Rings."

Return to school

2004-05-30T14:07:00.000+12:00

This morning we woke up early (kind of) and drove to Raglan to comb the beach. We found some neat shells and then just after we decided to start back to the car, it started to downpour! We ended up soaked and changed clothes in the car before heading to Vinnie's for lunch. After that, it was time to head back to Hamilton and drop me off so my parents could drive to Auckland for their flight home. They had a great time. I talked to some of my friends here and I didn't miss much for the week. The noise ban starts tomorrow and lasts through the last week of classes, study week, and both weeks of finals. A total of four weeks! Personally, I think that's a little excessive since people can go to the library if the dorms happen to be too loud. Most people only have three things to do anyway. I guess most of them are first-years having finals for the first time but still, a whole month? I actually should start on some of my stuff but I only have to piece together a group project this week, write an essay for the 14th and then have two tests later that week. Nothing too difficult.

Travel with parents continued

2004-05-29T19:39:00.000+12:00

I forgot to mention that we went to Hobbiton (where the hobbit holes for the movie were) in Matamata and a Maori concert in Rotorua which was the same place I had gone during orientation with Australearn. In Wellington, we went to the Te Papa Museum and spent most of the day there. We drove up to Masterton that night and had some really good food and stayed in a very nice room. Today, we drove all the way back to Hamilton along a different route. It was very scenic and we stopped at a few scenic lookouts. Tomorrow we plan to go to Raglan beach for the morning and then my parents have to head back to Auckland for their flight home. Overall, their company has been fun but still seems a little like a whirlwind. I let mom take most of the pictures with their digital camera and I'll post a few when she emails them to me. I can't believe I only have four weeks left! There's still time for some rugby (All Blacks v Argentina in Hamilton) and some skydiving in Taupo. I have a few things to get done for class yet too.

Travel with parents

2004-05-27T20:48:00.000+12:00

It can basically be described so far as a misadventure. First, I spontaneaously decided to go to Auckland the day before and upon finally reaching the hostel (after a few minor mishaps), there were no vacancies. I then walked 3 miles to the airport at dusk along a major motorway. I wanted to watch rugby in a pub but I couldn't find one. The airport was playing the game but since NZ was losing to AU badly in the first 15 minutes, they shut it off. I spent the night there only to find out in the morning my parents had missed a connecting flight. My sister told me the wrong flight information for the new flight so I basically wasted a whole day there. Then I spent the night, again. We finally hooked up but the loss of a day forced us to skip the Bay of Islands and go to the Coromandel instead. It was pretty but the morning we were supposed to go on a boat tour, it started pouring as we got on the boat. Therefore it was canceled. We are currently in Wellington but, man, was it scary getting here! Mom freaked out as dad wandered over to the edge of the cliffs and neither have gotten used to the driving on the left yet. I sit behind dad with my sightline blocked. Call it a sanity saver. We are trying to work out seeing some whales but that is pretty iffy right now. Our alternative is a balloon ride in the region. Maybe we'd luck out with that and see a whale off in the distance. Mom thinks I should mention the fact that I'm skipping school this week to travel with them. I did go to my presentation, though. Back to the travel agent's life.

Finally!

2004-05-21T11:14:00.000+12:00

Well, just as I was going to leave, the scanner opened up. The first picture I'm posting is of a dusky dolphin that I took from the boat after I swam with them in Kaikoura. The picture of the monkeys is just so cute with that little baby! They were at the Hamilton Zoo and entertained us for quite a while!

Pictures

2004-05-21T10:28:00.000+12:00

I've been trying to post some pictures for you all for three days now. Unfortunately, there are only two computers with scanners in the library and those two also happen to be the only computers with zip drives (they use memory cards or H drives here). As the semester is nearing its end, people are always on them! This week has been somewhat eventful with helping plan my parents trip, getting school work done and having to change my summer plans. I've decided to meet my parents in Auckland and travel with them so next week will be very busy as well. We'll be seeing some places I haven't been and revisiting others. I'll keep trying to get on the scanner so eventually the pictures will get posted.

Exciting News

2004-05-16T15:49:00.000+12:00

I recently received the exciting news that I'll be having visitors next week! My parents will be coming to New Zealand! I was so excited that I stayed up until 3am on Saturday night just to phone them! (Actually, I was still up from a exciting game of hide and seek in a darkened dorm.) It was a night filled of movies, games and pizza while many dormies were at either the Hall Ball (a formal) or the Home Ball (eighties theme). Both had some expensive tickets so we decided to have our own party. I heard the Hall Ball was only ok and the Home Bar was fun but ended a little early with a fire alarm. I think I had more fun. I also saw Troy on Friday and then went to the Frankton markets again and the zoo on Saturday. I finished off some film and should get it developed sometime this week.

Hamilton Weekend

2004-05-10T13:40:00.000+12:00

This was the first entire weekend that I've spent in Hamilton. Seems hard to believe considering how long I've been here. Not that I didn't keep myself occupied with the rugby match and the food festival. First, the game. The #3 Chiefs played the #1 Brumbies (Australian) and the game would determine whether the Chiefs made the semi-finals. We lost the game by 3 (after a missed penalty kick worth 3 points) but since we were within 7, we got a bonus point and then had enough points to guarantee a playoff spot. The game was intense with even a fight and five yellow cards given out (only 2 from the fight). I hope one of the semi games are in Hamilton!

The food festival was very different from the one in Auckland. Auckland had cheeses, and meats with a focus on wine whereas Hamilton had a variety of foods from toffee apples and chocolate to meats, soups and portabella mushrooms (and of course wine). They also had a range of Asian foods available and a Mother's Day dining area. Another difference was the guy who sculpted sea horses out of margarine. They were really neat but I don't know about keeping them around for art without a good sealant! Over the weekend I also went to town with some new friends and had lots of fun. We did face a little situation at the end of the night but everything worked out in the end.

No Diet Day

2004-05-06T16:33:00.000+12:00

Today was No Diet Day and I headed down to the banks (on campus) to see the festivities. The Nexus crew was on New Zealand time so things didn't get started until almost two (when I had a test). They decided to start the first keg and then get the bbq on the way. I had a drink and then headed off to my test. After the test was over I headed back to the banks for some food and another drink. I think it helped my aim because I pitched a barbie into the farthest bucket (on the first try) and won a package of numerous hair products from the campus salon. So far, I only have loose plans for the weekend but I am definately going to the rugby match and have plans to hit up the food festival on Sunday.

A Weekend in the Region

2004-05-02T15:49:00.000+12:00

It's been an interesting weekend. Friday we saw "Big Fish" and then went to the Home Bar for a while. Saturday was an awful field trip where it rained all day as we were supposed to be looking out the window at things the tutors pointed out. Then, in the downpours, we had to get off the bus and do sketch maps of what we could see. This lasted seven hours! That night we again went to the Home Bar for some entertainment (advertised as an Idol take-off with prizes but actually karaoke and a drawing). Most people sang slow songs and only a few were any good. That gave Stephanie and myself the idea to liven things up and sing. We did ok. We sang New Kids On the Block's The Right Stuff to be funny. There was one quiet section where Stephanie refused to sing and I didn't remember the tune which caused Nick to start heckling us. We had fun doing it, though, and as the rest of the bar drank, the songs got worse and the end of the night was literally torture! Today was the craft fair at the Hamilton Gardens. They had some neat stuff with good prices so of course I bought a few things. After the fair, we walked around the gardens and had a nice afternoon. We took the sceninc route back and for the last few blocks got rained on. It started with just a light mist but by the time we got back, we were very wet! Definately fun!

Day in the Sun

2004-04-30T19:22:00.000+12:00

Today was Open Day on campus where a bunch of high schoolers visit the campus and attend mock classes and get tours. They also had some bands on the field outside my dorm so I spent much of the day there. I got sunburned! Not bad but it seems weird because the sun hasn't been shining enough for it to happen lately, or I just haven't been outside that long. I don't know. Catchafire was a good reggae start to the day and then some ok cover bands played. The second cover band threw in a few of their own songs as well. I almost went to Raglan (the beach) today but I wanted to see the bands while there was something happening on campus.

High Flying

2004-04-28T18:51:00.000+12:00

You can easily tell what the photos are of, the start of an adventure. The parabungy is in Queenstown just before I jumped and the hang gliding is 2000 feet up a mountain in the Remarkables. Both were wonderful experiences and I would definately do them again! I haven't done much here this week and I have a field trip on Saturday around the region. I do have plans to see Big Fish on campus and to also go to a local craft fair at the Hamilton Gardens (a place I haven't been). Next week we are going to the final regular season rugby match and the Chiefs may make the semi-finals! I still have plans for after my finals because I now know that I'm done on the 19th but my flight leaves the 28th. Let's see, what haven't I done yet?

Dusky Dolphins

2004-04-23T18:52:00.000+12:00

Today was absolutely amazing! I went swimming with the dolphins in Kaikoura and there was around 300 of them. They got so close but we weren't supposed to touch them (they might decide to leave). They wanted to play and would circle you going faster and faster if you tried to keep up. Next thing you know, eight dolphins are within a few feet of you circling and darting to and fro. I swear one jumped over me. They also liked you to dive with them but only after they circled you and by then I was too dizzy to dive. The water was freezing upon entry but we had several layers on with our wetsuits. After swimming we got to motor around for some pictures and the playful dolphins were definately showing off! Tomorrow the return to Hamilton starts and it is back to the grindstone ;) This trip has been absolutely wonderful!

A much later Day 9

2004-04-17T13:41:00.000+12:00

Wow, have I been busy! Since my last post, I've done lots of things so I'll only go into detail on the big ones. I spent a full day climbing the glacier at Franz Josef which was amazing. We squeezed through tight crevasses, ducked through tunnels, and hiked around. The rock/ice combo at one section gave way under my feet but I only slid to my bum and not into a hole. There were dangerous falls and deep crevasses but we jumped over or went around those. The next day we went to Wanaka with a few stops for photos along the way. This was a more chill spot and the next morning we went to Puzzle World. This place was kind of neat and was interactive with a museum and a labyrinth. The driver advised all Americans and Germans to avoid the labyrinth as they have a tendency to get very lost. Challenge accepted! I did it fairly easily but found two towers twice before I found the exit. I never cheated like several of the others.

On to Queenstown. This town is a base for many things such as skiing, hang gliding, anything involving a parachute, horse treks, Lord of the Rings tours, and so much more! Personally, I went hang gliding which felt as though I was just floating in the air. We did a few tricks and I got to steer for a while ( it was a tandem flight). This morning was my big day, the Parabungy! I was harnessed and strapped into a chair that was then lifted off the boat by a parachute (like parasailing) and after I reached 165 meters and took some photos that are very interesting (to be posted later), I jumped out of the chair! It was a lot of fun and not scary at all. It also wasn't as bouncy as a normal bungy but everyone I told about it said I was insane (as they were jumping off a 43m bridge). It was amazing! I don't have any other major adrenaline events planned but I am swimming with dolphins in Kaikora. Tomorrow is Milford Sound and beautiful scenery. There is so much more adventure to come! Also, I've met some more people I have personal connections with back home and run into classmates from Hamilton, it is such a small world! ;)

Day 4 in the South

2004-04-12T16:50:00.000+12:00

Well so far there has been some driving and a lot of stops. We really never drive more than an hour without stopping to get out and see or do something. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. So far I have mostly done hiking and tomorrow I am climbing Franz Josef. I'm really excited and I also found out some of the people in my dorm at school didn't know what they were talking about so I'm back to doing the parabungy (instead of Nevis). There are a lot of people traveling with Kiwi Experience so I'm meeting lots more people. We'll be together until Queenstown and then I'll be getting on a different bus. Off for more adventure!

Building Excitement

2004-04-08T15:10:00.000+12:00

I leave for my trip tonight on the night train to Wellington and will arrive with just enough time to catch the ferry across to the South Island. From there, I hop on a green bus and start my travel around the island. I'm looking forward to it and the first big thing I plan on doing is hiking a glacier in Franz Josef. If anyone wants to follow me on a map, I'll be working my way south along the west coast before I go to Queenstown. From Queenstown, I'll be going to Milford Sound and then back to Christchurch and north along the east coast. I'll hit Picton just in time on the 24th to catch the ferry and then I'll have a couple hours in Wellington before I catch the train back to Hamilton. I figured I might need to rest so I'm coming back the day before classes restart. The bad thing about Easter Break is that it is considered a break to study not from study. Several classes are including the break as time for assignments and several people have assignments due during it. I don't have any due during break but I have some due shortly after I get back! Somehow I doubt that'll put a damper on my trip!

Back From the Bay

2004-04-04T18:50:00.000+12:00

Well, we made it back from the Bay of Islands. We also went to Ninety Mile Beach and the Fine Food Festival in Auckland, all with six people in a five person car. We had a few road adventures that included things from sign confusion to a flat tire. All good, though, just a thrill! The sites were amazing and I hope my pictures turn out well enough to post! We were going the cheaper route so we didn't do any commercial tours, just travelled. We stayed in Paihia and I guess the fishing tours from there are great, as is snorkelling and swimming with dolpins.

By the time we got to the food festival, we were all pretty hungry so we loaded up on all the cheeses, crackers and meat and then had a glass of wine (that definately tasted bettter with some cheeses over others!) and tried a lighter wheat beer. We also listened to a seminar on wine. We did tasting, how to store, temperatures and debunking various myths. Good to know! Thursday is when I leave for the South Island so posts may or may not be a few more days apart. Just keep thinking of all the fun I'm having that's keeping me away from a computer!

A Good Joke

2004-04-01T15:18:00.000+12:00

As with any university course, assignments come due in the week or two before any major break. Since Easter break is two weeks long, project deadlines and tests are consuming everyone's time. Some people are taking things too far and I tried to advise a Kiwi who hasn't slept in three days that he'll do much better on each assignment and complete them faster if he gets some sleep. As for myself, I haven't been too worried over getting my essays done. Just the same, I decided to have a little fun to relieve any stress.

The first thing that put the idea into my head was the fact that we are a day ahead of North America so no one would be suspicious of an April Fools' Day prank (realization courtesy of Deirdre). Next, I thought of posting a fake message on this blog but decided the potential emotional damage needed to be controlled better (plus it posts the date). In the end I decided to call my parents and play on my mom's fear of my desire to skydive. I told them that I had gone skydiving in Taupo yesterday and now had some restrictions on what I could do over the Easter break. When they asked why, I claimed the instructor for my tandem jump was shorter than me (many Kiwis are) and upon landing, his weight plus the force broke my ankle. I kind of blew it when they started asking technical questions but before they realized the haux I asked them to look at the calendar...March 31st...what's the date here?....April Fools' Day. I was then subjected to numerous threats of bodily harm but laugther soon released the tension. Mom decided it wasn't a great joke, though, and ruined it when I started to play it on Brett. This has been the highlight of my day.

Rangitoto Station

2004-03-28T14:25:00.000+12:00

Rangitoto Station was a great preseve in the hills/mountains. It is recovering farmland that is being allowed to return to bush. We helped it along by planting flax and harvesting some seeds for later planting. We went on several walks, unfortunately the weather was not cooperative. We also went on a kiwi survey (Emily and I went on two) but didn't hear any. I guess they haven't heard any for about four years there. This morning Emily, Susie and I went along on a kokako survey and heard two but didn't see them. We also heard or saw three other endangered species of birds. It was about a three hour tramp that set out by 5:30 am. Chris wanted to come but he was dead to the world and Susie's kick didn't even elicit a noise. It was fun even though we lost the trail a few times and recrossed the same stream three times!

Off Again!

2004-03-26T10:30:00.000+12:00

I'm off this afternoon to Rangitoto Station for a weekend of volunteering. The people who volunteered in the Waitomo Region two weeks ago said it was great so I'm expecting a good weekend! It's been a short week since I only got back on Tuesday but I've been being productive, mainly so I can travel again next weekend. Anyway, I thought I'd share a couple photos from Australia. One is at South Bend, Brisbane and was a great little park in the city. The other is the cute koala I pet.

I Come From a Land Down Under...

2004-03-23T15:42:00.000+12:00

I'm back after braving ferocious wild animals of the outback. Not all safely behind bars at the Australia Zoo either! The kangaroos and koalas had habitats where you could walk through without any barriers between you and the animals. I pet the koalas and kangaroos! They're so soft and cuddly! I also saw the crocodile show (of course), poisonous snakes, dingoes, tasmanian devils and more. No Crocodile Hunter, though. I also saw a nasty looking big spider on a lamp post and snorkeled in the ocean. The snorkeling was cool but we didn't see the baby sting rays, dolphins or anything unusual. Just a variety of fish. My kayaking partner and I had some coordination problems in the first half but we got on much better when I switched to the back. Something about going too fast? Anyway, it was fun. One of the guys on the trip goes to Concordia College in Moorhead! I also met the uncle of an old classmate of mine. Definately a small world.

Besides all the wild and exciting things I did, I also spent a couple days on the beach trying to get a tan or watching people. The surf was pretty big so it was fun to watch the surfers as well as play in the surf. I saw a cool version of wake boarding. People harnessed themselves to a kite/parachute and used it to pull them along the water. They caught some huge air off some of those waves! It looked fun but I'm not quite at that level of capability yet. I also wandered around Surfers Paradise and Brisbane in the markets and just around town. I called Nick's girlfriend in Brisbane but we couldn't connect. That's too bad because it would have been fun. I met tons of English people and was asked several times if I was Canadian, American and once even a Kiwi! Of course, I hadn't spoken yet when the guy thought I was Kiwi, I was just standing patiently in line! Then again I can't put too much in what everybody thinks along those lines because some thought I was only maybe 20 and I apparently gave Toni's friend an evil look that scared him into leaving the room. Honestly, I think that was just a ruse to reopen their conversation after a fight.

Names to Faces

2004-03-17T11:14:00.000+13:00

My parents requested that I name the girls in the photo with me so they know who I'm talking about! The standing picture from left is Denise, me obviously, Deirdre and Annie.

I'm a little disappointed that St. Patrick's Day isn't really celebrated here but there are enough Americans around to where it should still be fun! I can't stay out too late, though, since I have to catch the 4:50 am bus to Auckland (Australia here I come!) Nick gave me his grilfriend's contact info so I'll try to hook up with her in Brisbane on Sunday. At any rate, it will be lots of fun and I have plans to visit the Crocodile Hunter at the zoo!

Reliving the Surf

2004-03-14T15:04:00.000+13:00

Deirdre got her pictures back so I thought I would share some of the surfing ones! Of course, I'm posting the ones where I'm doing well instead of the others standing up while I'm tipped over! It was a lot of fun and I would encourage everyone to try surfing if they get the chance! These pictures should be a little clearer than the last ones since I've adjusted them better.

Auckland

2004-03-13T20:31:00.000+13:00

Well, Edgefest was different. It took forever and a day to get there so we missed a few of the bands but saw quite a few of the more popular ones. Have I mentioned that bands here do a lot of covers? Some extremes are rock n' roll covers of '50s songs. Interesting. Others were really good, though. I enjoyed Alien Ant Farm in your typical concert atmosphere under a large circus tent but I felt a little out of place when Pacifier came on and every person could sing every word to every song when I had never even heard of them. I was also one of the tall people there as well as a member of the older part of the crowd. Sound like fun? It was. Later we went back to the hostel and then down to the club next door. A lot of people from all over the world in town for only a short while. A poor young kiwi whose friends finally gave him the courage to talk to Deirdre slid along the bench right into a spilled glass of beer. Poor kid! We felt bad and politely disguised our laughter as a result of one of my jokes (Denise and I did while Deirdre held hers back and talked to the kid).

Today we went to the Pasifika Festival. As usual, group efforts were not on time and it took the others 45 minutes to even get out of bed! We also took a more scenic route to the bus stop. Only partly on purpose. We wanted to walk along a new street to see what we could see and ended up going a little too far and having to backtrack. We happened to end up on the same bus as some girls from our floor who left the hostel 30 minutes after us. Ooops! We did have a few planned detours, though. The Festival was set up in villages according to the Island location and I did very well. I only bought food. I drank from a coconut, had lamb kabobs with bread and garlic sauce, fresh pineapple with mint chip ice cream, a pineapple fruit popsicle, as well as a taste of everything Denise had boughten. She wasn't all that fond of her spicy chicken, raw fish, weird vegetable thing or coconut thing. All the better for me! Of course, by the time we got back to campus dinner was a disappointment but my memories should last me awhile!

Classes?

2004-03-11T12:40:00.000+13:00

That word sounds familiar, but...? Actually they seem really easy so far. They are lower level classes because I'm taking things outside my major but definately nothing hard so far. I'm taking Resources and Environment, Rethinking Women, Sex and Gender, and Intro to Tourism and Hospitality. Lectures are once (2 classes) or twice (one class) a week and tutorials (I only have 2) are once a week. I have a lot of free time. I think it's meant for studying? I have Fridays free so I'm going to Auckland for Edgefest tomorrow. Alien Ant Farm, Yellowcard and I've heard Good Charlotte along with numerous local bands will be there. Then Saturday is the Pasifika Festival and Sunday we may go watch some cricket and try to figure it out. Should be an exciting weekend!

Studious. . . .

2004-03-10T15:46:00.000+13:00

Hey Lorna, some of us are wondering if you have any, like, CLASSES there in Hamilton?

Surfing NZ

2004-03-07T19:37:00.000+13:00

Friday was a fun but really late night that ended with a long, cold walk back to the dorms (ah, freshman year). Of course we had plans to get up early and take a bus to the flea market. It was decent but we didn't try any of the delicious looking food since we had just eaten and also had a packed lunch with us. We were done early so thought we would take the early bus to Raglan. Nope, the lady told me the wrong time the day before. So we went to the mall. Again. Annie was hungry and without a packed lunch so we said we'd sit with her as she ate. That didn't last long since I had been hearing good things about sushi and there was a bar there. I tried fish eggs, urchin, shrimp, raw salmon, and a raw white fish. It was all very good but I didn't really care for the ginger.

Deirdre and I sat there for two hours because we didn't want to pay for two more half-hour bus rides. We talked and people watched. We think we may have seen a guy doing some kind of candid reaction stunt because his attire was definately not typical! We saw a few friends and then caught the afternoon bus to Raglan. We ended up at a campground with a bunch of people we knew. Deirdre and I froze all night because we ended up in the bunks by the door without sleeping bags. Darn group decisions! It was fun talking and walking along the beach even though it was really cloudy when the sun set. I found lots of whole shells and sand dollars and then proceeded to break four of them while I was showing others.

Then this morning we walked into town and set up a time for surfing lessons. We had two hours to kill so we visited a few shops and then laid on the beach. We were carefully trying not to burn. Our surfing lessons were very fun even though I never stood up fully (I always had at least one hand still on the board). Nose dives, wheelies, a few tip overs and lots of partial rides later, it was time to go. Luckily, Deirdre had an underwater camera so I should be able to show you some of our attempts! Our lessons lasted roughly three hours. Of course, being in the water for that duration, the skin that wasn't covered by the wetsuit got a little pink. We'll see what I look like tomorrow!

Vices

2004-03-05T20:01:00.000+13:00

I've just boughten my second pair of shoes here. I bought two necklaces for myself in the first week, too. It's so hard to resist these things! I must have been in a shopping mood because I also bought an outfit, sunglasses, and a trip to Australia. I'm also planning on going to a flea market and the beach at Raglan to learn how to surf this weekend. I'm sure I'll find some treasures along the way. I'm really going to have to behave myself each night to keep up with my vices! Tonight doesn't count, though, it's Deirdre's birthday. Adrienne's is Sunday. Mine's in less than two weeks...hmmm, I can name a few others coming up, too. Guess I'm only buying one drink for each of them!

Travel Plans

2004-03-04T16:33:00.000+13:00

I have most of my weekends through the beginning of May planned already. Some are just Saturday day-trips, while the longest one is two weeks. Today, I went to the STA Travel branch on campus and booked my train and ferry tickets for Easter Holiday. While I was there, I looked at the specials board and I can get get a trip to Brisbane, Australia for a really good price! The funny thing is that I leave the day after my birthday but it will still be my birthday back home. Call it a present to myself! One of the Americans I met here has a girlfriend studying in Brisbane now and he offered to get me loads of information so my trip should be really cool! I'm so excited! The weather there is hot now but I think I can still find a way to enjoy myself at the beach or in town...in Australia.

Pictures

2004-03-03T09:49:00.000+13:00

I decided to get my pictures developed here so that I could share some of them. That was the easy part. Scanning them here took awhile because the software is not what I am used to and there are restrictions on the computers as well as different rules for saving photos. Luckily, I had time to spare.

Classes started this week and they don't sound like they'll be too bad. Normally on the first day I wonder what I got myself into and how I'll possibly get it all done with all the projects, readings, and tests scheduled. So far, though, each class has less reading than I'm used to and fewer assignments (they're just worth more).

Anyway, I'm putting in a photo of my zorbing experience (I'm in the Zorb with two other girls) and of the beach on the day of the cyclone. The other photo is of the hot mineral springs park in Rotorua and you can see smoke rising behind the bridge. photos.doc

A Cyclone

2004-02-28T19:16:00.000+13:00

Today was my trip to Mount Maunganui and yep the rumors of a cyclone nearing were true. The sky was cloudy and visibility was not very far but the sea was still pretty. It also rained quite a bit but I like playing in the rain. Of course, I was the only one on the trip who had been stubbornly optimistic and refused to bring pants or a coat. I did have an umbrella, though. So since I had never been in the Pacific Ocean before, I went into the water. I didn't intend to swim but an extra large wave came by and soaked my skirt. I still didn't submerge but I didn't shy away from future swells either! I'll definately have to go back when it's nice out. The adventure in the rain did not end when we got back on the bus either. It was pouring in Hamilton and my poor umbrella couldn't handle the wind. I was forced to cross campus with a big grin and a sense of humor. The big sports fields that I cut across had some standing water and a lot of the campus ducks decided to visit and walk along with me for a while (with or away, it was the same direction). It's still pouring outside but O week officially starts with the opening of the HOME bar on campus tonight. I may have to venture out again.

An update

2004-02-27T18:33:00.000+13:00

I received a question as to the time difference between us. New Zealand is 19 hours ahead of the Central Time Zone. There is another difference here that could be interesting: hurricanes. I've heard rumors of a hurricane forming but I also heard it was on both coasts. Hopefully it is just a rumor since I have a trip to the beach on the east coast scheduled for tomorrow! Some guys from my Australearn group bought a car today and were telling terrifying stories of their day of driving at dinner. I am definately going to try to avoid driving in a city, round-abouts are scary!

The Kiwi students have finally moved in (most of them are first and second years) and seeing them makes me feel my age as my birthday draws near. I'd swear some of them are only 15! I hope to meet some of the other students near my level once classes start but I am taking some level ones in new fields so that may not happen. Maybe I'll have to get creative;)

Freedom

2004-02-24T15:30:00.000+13:00

I finally have all my access codes and information so that I can use the internet and computers freely at the university. It has been quite a process to get that done. I'm also registered for classes but I was unable to take my number one choice. Maori studies conflicted with my two other main choices so I had to drop it :(

Off campus I have been partaking in free O week tours and trying to meet lots of new people. The kiwi students haven't moved in yet so most of the people have been international students. By the way, the rugby game was awesome! I guess the Waikato Chiefs aren't supposed to be very good (only 2 wins last year) but we upset Wellington holding them to only a penalty tri. I ended up sitting in front of a group of teenage boys cheering for Wellington and behind a group for Waikato. It got interesting.

Of course, I've also visited a few pubs and tried several New Zealand beers and a wine. Most were pretty good but I like the Tui beer the best so far. Pool is different here, too. The balls are smaller and the corners of the pockets are rounded so you have to be more accurate as they may bounce out again. It's been fun trying though. Guess I just need more practice at the pub!

The Beginning

2004-02-21T15:09:00.000+13:00

It's been quite an adventure my first few days in New Zealand! The first day was travel to Waitomo and a hike. The next morning we (the Australearn group) went caving for about 2 hours. It was so beautiful. I ended up buying the photos of myself down in the caves to show everyone when I can. Next came Rotorua and there we went sightseeing, of course. We Zorbed and attended a concert at the Marae (of the Maori) the next day. I hope the pictures turn out. They performed a challenge, many songs and dances as well as feeding us a meal cooked traditionally.

When we got to campus I was a little disappointed to find out that I ended up on the only all-female floor on campus! Several things are different, such as one phone for the floor. Stores keep different hours, too, but the scenery is gorgeous despite all the storms and rain that uncharacteristically have been clouding the days. Tonight we have tickets to see the Chiefs play the Hurricanes in rugby (we cheer for the Chiefs). I'll have to update you all on that experience after I've calmed down!

Packed

2004-02-15T14:13:00.000+13:00

I'm finally packed and ready to go. I condensed as much luggage as I could but I still have five pairs of shoes and clothes enough to last at least nine days without visiting the laundry. I even have a duffle bag packed within the green backpack!

Getting Ready

2004-02-06T13:37:00.000+13:00

There are so many last minute things that I have to get done, and I thought I was organized! I'm still making lists, final confirmations, and picking up last minute items to pack. The excitement is building, though, and I can hardly wait to begin!

Beginning the Blog

2004-01-31T11:48:00.000+13:00

This weblog is created at NDSU for Lorna Meidinger, who will depart for study abroad in New Zealand on 15 February. Good luck, Lorna! Stay in touch!