Flat Warming turns to Burning

Well, sort of.  So apparently there's this tradition at Otago where they burn couches in the street.  Strange, yes, but I saw such an event the other night.  We hosted a flat warming for our friends in the complex, which turned out to be about 20 or so.  After a little while of mingling and hanging out we headed to this other party that was supposed to be lively and fun with music and drinks to go around.  We were there for a bit when someone started a fire, and yes, chairs and the like were burned to ash.  No worries, the police were there quickly and no one was hurt.  Strange things happen in Dunedin...

Yesterday was Friday and some of us are lucky enough to not have class,  so we went on a 5 hour tramp up to Flagstaff via the Pineapple Track.  I went with people who I didn't know too well and enjoyed their company a lot!  It's been fun to hear about other people's travels and home life and uni experiences, and I've definitely learned a lot of random facts since I've been here.  The route we took yesterday was challenging at some points, but the view at the top was soooo stunning.   It's indescribable by both words and photos, but please take my word for it.  When we rested at the top, Derrick had brought a loaf of bread and a jar of both peanut butter and jelly for sandwiches.  (No peanut butter for me sadly since I gave it up for Lent).  But the best thing about it was that Alan had never tasted one before and his face told it all.  He instantly fell in love.  Hahah!!

Today was spectacular as well.  Rachel and Stephen and I went to the farmer's market where I treated myself to raspberries and a lavender plant.  We also had breakfast there where I tried some dahl soup with fresh bakery bread (just like Harvest, Ma!)  The weather was perfect today and there was hardly a cloud in the sky, so for $4, the three of us took a bus out to the Otago Peninsula.  The beaches here are home to quite a few endangered species of birds and penguins and there are sea lions and seals basking in the sun depending on where you go.  I had it in my mind that I wanted to see a seal, so we walked 14 km to Allen's Beach and yes, I did in fact see a seal =)    Dinner tonight was grilled veggies and corn and Chardonnay.  Dessert was Hokey Pokey ice cream, which I'm not too keen on, but the Kiwis love it so I had to try it.  Tomorrow morning is river crossing training so that I can go on trips with the tramping club in the next few months.  Aye.  Busy busy.  Maybe I should figure out if I have homework....

I hope that Dance Marathon went well at Hope and that you are getting yourselves rested again!  You're on the home stretch for Spring Break (most of you).  I send my love.