Paaawdy pawdy

That's what my Kiwi host, Nick, likes to say on a nightly basis while he's drinking Carters, a beer that costs $7 for a case of 12.  We like to live cheaply here in 4/46 and Weet-Bix, tea, and yogurt have become our staples.  It's been a lot of fun getting to know my flatmates so far and our nightly dinners are one of my favorite things about being here.  I can't wait to cook for you all when I get home!!

Last week is called "O-Week" at Otago (for orientation) and there are crazy things that go on that I know Hope College would never ever everrrrr allow to go on.  I can elaborate later if you wish.  It's definitely a different lifestyle here, but it's all about "no worries, mate" and I'm loving it!  There were a few events for us international students, such as a traffic light party (yes, I proudly wore red) and a two-hour train trip.  The train took us to this gorge in the middle of nowhere and they had a BBQ dinner there ready for us.   The scenery was breathtaking, especially when the sun was setting.  The hills and shades of green are never-ending.

        

I went for a run with the Harriers (their version of cross-country) which was a great way to meet some Kiwis and get my ass kicked into shape.  They go up and down these hills like they're nothing!!  I seriously thought this one hill was never going to end...just up, and up, and oh wait, up some more...but at the top was a gorgeous view that was all worth it.  I also went kayaking for a day with their club, but won't be joining them on future trips as it's a bit pricey to take up as a hobby.  I have, however, joined the tramping (hiking) club here which is a sweet way to see the country.  It's just a group of students who love the outdoors who plan trips...so hey, I'll be a part of that!!  On Sunday I went for a tramp with them up Mount Cargill, despite the rain, and found myself up in the clouds after a few hours.  I had great conversations with the girls around me, who are named Annie and Anna ironically =)  At the end of the hike there was another BBQ (very popular thing to do) and lots of beer to go around.  Yummm.  Speaking of food, the farmer's market here is great and I can't get enough of this freshness!

Oh right, I'm here to STUDY abroad.  So I decided to drop the enviro class since Hope is dumb and won't accept the credit.  The classes I am taking, however, are so awesome and I've really enjoyed the first few days.  Adventure education is more thought-provoking than I thought it would be (in a really good way) and Maori society is going to give me some good insight to the indigenous people of NZ!  My PE and Health class meets tomorrow, so I have yet to find out about that.  I'm hopefully going to be getting away with not buying textbooks since they are on reserve at the library (which is allllways packed by the way).

Ah and one more thing.  It's March.  Today was a school day.  My friends and I were done with classes by 1.  It was about 90ish degrees and we hit the beach.

Did I mention this is MARCH?!?!  I love New Zealand =)