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.
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;)
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!
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!
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!
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!
