Martinborough and Cape Pallister

wooof its so hard to keep up with everything I have done! I guess I'm a week behind and I don't know how it happened. Time just flies here.
So last weekend we went to Martinborough  and Cape Pallister. Martinborough is a town with lots of wineries but instead of wine tasting we went Olive oil tasting! It was fantastic! The olive oil here is a bit different than others. This is because it is more damp here than other places giving the olive oil a grassier taste.
Cape Pallister is a beautiful piece of shore with a lighthouse. On our way we saw seals and then climbed about 250 steps up to the lighthouse. It was beautiful!
We stayed in a little hut thing with heating! and a communal kitchen and bathrooms.

This week has been busy. I have finally worked out my classes. It was a process but is all worked out!

 above is the view form the lighthouse and below is a cute little (ok not so little) seal!

 Tomorrow  IFSA Butler is taking us on a volunteer trip on some island. And last night we watched  the All Blacks play Figi. The All Blacks won.

That's all for now cheers!

This ones for you Krissy O'neill

So three nights ago I work up with a sore throat. But during the day it went away. Well then the next night it hurt again. So I decided I better have a look at what was going on. I got out my flashlight and opened my mouth wide with my tong down and what do you think I found?? Some very swollen tonsils and yes they had little white spots on them:(   So because everyone here in insured I decided to go to the heath office. I went up to the receptionist and explained to her that I thought I had strep throat. She thought it was pretty funny that I had diagnosed my self but then informed me that the doc was full today but that I could see a nurse. Well she then informed me that my insurance had run out. well that's funny I thought because I just got here a week ago! So she told me she would keep me on the list for the nurse and would call Victoria International. Well I finally got into the nurse and she moved me on to the doctor. ( I guess they did have room) And after looking at my for a few seconds she told me she would put me on antibiotics! No awful throat  swab no blood test no waiting! So after that I took my receipt up to Vic International and had to file an insurance clam. I then walked into town and again now waiting involved got my 30 giant pills of Penicillin. The good news is I'm 4 pills in and I feel fantastic! Thank you New Zealand health care!

Well that night we had a catch up dinner at a bar/restaurant in town by the waterfront. There was a fixed menu with a 57$ value. Well when you get a meal worth 57$ there is one downside. Expensive food means food I don't really care for. I know I know I call my self a foodie and there is food I don't like!??! Well its true! I am really not a big fan of lamb or of fish SO...lucky me I got to have risotto!
My meal started off with Pumpkin tomato soup with garlic bread and plain bread! It was fantastic! Next I had my risotto with mixed grilled veggies and salad on top with some really good dressing! It was the best meal I have had in a long time! And to finish things off I had sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce! I was the happiest camper and so full that I was afraid I wasn't going to make it back up the hill to my flat!

I got home and my Samoan flat mates were throwing down! They were very sad when I told them that I would not be going out. But were very understanding of the fact that I was sick.
Although they were understanding they did not really try to keep the noise level down. But thanks to my very tech savvy father I slipped in my noise canceling headphones and fell right to sleep!

I woke up this morning went to the gym went to class. Had my fist art history class...turns out I took it already at conn...much switch that tomorrow. Stole some Pizza from housing welcome party that I do not live in and here I am at about 8pm and I'm ready for bed!

Cheers all hope you have a fantastic 14th of July! I'm onto the 15th but I'll be back with you in November!

View from my flat! :)

Classes and FOOD

Cheers!

So classes started yesterday! And I just finished doing my first reading for film (took me 2 hours NDB) Doing home work in July is just not right! But at least it was interesting! It was reading for film and referenced the Wizard of Oz about a million times so at least I understood what they were talking about!

So my first class of the trimester yesterday was film where we started with a short lecture and them moved on to watching Back to the Future! (Why did I not consider taking film earlier?) I then moved on to abnormal Psych. where my professor was pretty amusing and really enjoyed rambling on about somewhat unrelated things. Today I had Sociology of New Zealand which was a bit dry as all the professor talked about was the course outline and how he would be posting power points after class not before hand. Which got one girl very riled up and she ended up yelling at the prof about how we are adults and she be treated like them which led to the entire class getting out of hand. Good thing it was time to go and the professor dismissed us.

So moving on to the FOOD part of this post. Someone (cant remember who) asked me to let y'all ( We were informed not to use this phrase in nz during orientation) know what I have been cooking here.

Well its been about 2.5 weeks so I don't know if I can remember everything but Ill give it a go. The first meal we had was a joint effort and not all that exciting. I believe it was pasta with pesto some bread and eggs. A different combo of foods I'm aware... I made that one with Gracie (she really likes eggs) and then for dessert Courtney and I made chocolate chip cookies. ( this has become a triweekly occurrence)

At our 4th of July party I made potato salad and Guac.

After that I became the sole cook and dinner happened at my house almost every night. Out first dinner was Cesar salad and garlic bread. One night we had garlic mashed potatoes. Stir fry with rice. Omelets with mushroom, onions, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Today I also made banana bread. I believe we had pasta with chicken meet balls garlic bread and salad.

oh our staple to every night! Guac its a must! I make Guac feed it to my besties ( Gracie, Court, Laurne, and who ever else decides to join us.) and while they eat it all :( I make dinner. The night normally ends with court going "man i really need some cookies" so we make chocolate chip cookies and if we don't have everything we need we just make batter and eat that.

so you might be grossed out by all the food we eat BUT...you would need it too if you hiked a mountain every day! Today was the first day that I did not go into town at least once! It was a very sad day! My butt and caves are just not burning like they should be!

Well that's all for now! IFSA Butler catch up dinner tomorrow night and Court, Grace, Lauren, Kate and Chloe go camping this weekend!
Cheers mates!

Two weeks in! where has the time gone??

So for all that are wondering where the pictures are...well my computer has run out of room and I have not been able to get my pictures from my camera onto my computer to them get them onto the internet. Don't worry I have taken about 800 pics so far and am working on getting them on to the internet ASAP.

The past week hasn't really had any amusing stories so far. It has been a but of a struggle for me trying to get into classes. They don't tell you here if you classes overlap and it is fine if they do. Well not for me! If you know me and my sister at all you know that we DONT SKIP! soooo I had to find another class I wanted to take and found out about 3 times that there was either no more room in the class, or that I had to have special permission or that I could not take design as an elective. After tramping all over campus from faculty to faculty for three days I finally got into a sociology class.

The rest of my days have been filled with walking, window shopping for boots ( still cant find any that I a) like b) are in my size and c) cost under 400 NZ 332.72 US and I would really be happy if they were much cheeper than that! I did find one pair that I loved and that were a good price but sadly the size 42 was sold a few days before I got to them. damn my big feet!

Yesterday Gracie, Kate, and I went on an adventure to find a pool for Gracie and Courtney to play water polo in. We finally make it to the pool we were looking for on the outskirts of town to find out that the only pool that had polo was another 5k down the street. Well from there  it took us about 2 hours to find what we were looking for. After about  3-4 hours of walking we decided to take the buss back into town. The buss took us a different way and we made it back to down town in about 10 minutes. Turns out we took the long way! at least it was pretty. Our walk took us all along the bay and it happened to be a beautiful sunny day so it was quite enjoyable.

we had a quiet night. I made garlic mashed potatoes, greek salad and some chicken for dinner. I have become the cook which I love!

Today was filled with some more walking around town and a small farmers market where I got a fantastic raisin sticky bun! sooo goooood!

thats all for now
Cheers!

my first week all in one because I finally finished writing it all down!

So here are a few things that make New Zealand AWESOME and some of my reasons for why I am gong to move here

1.     Their apples are fantastic! ( got 4 for 1.50 NZ at a farmers market today)

2.     They have switches that turn the power off to outlets… how smart is that?!?!

3.     They don’t sue sooo…

4.     Everyone has insurance

5.     Everyone has an instant hot water device in there kitchens

6.     Their farmers markets are BOMB

7.     They have heated rooms (the only rooms that are heated) for drying your clothes! They are fantastic

they have heaters for your towel in the bathroom!

8.     They have even convinced me that driving on the left side of the road is the correct side to drive on.

WOW so much has happened in the past few days. I am not going to add all the little details because to tell you the truth I don’t remember everything that has happened. But we made it to Auckland and met up with the Butler staff. In the airport we found some payphones to call home. A small group of us made our way to the buss where they fed us some wonderful apples and oranges. I then discovered that I had left my laptop on the plane.  So I ran back to the rest of the group where I was then accompanied to the baggage area where I sat for about and 30 minutes only to find out that the plane had been moved with out being cleaned and that it was sitting in the middle of a parking area with no steps attached to it. There was also no one available to drive out to it and check. So we had to leave the airport leaving my laptop behind. We took an hour-long buss ride through Auckland to a MYCA in the most beautiful regional park I have seen in my life.

 When we arrived we were then fed a more extensive breakfast. We then had a meeting filling us in on what we would be doing the next few days. After we had lunch and some time to unpack. Many of us then went on a tramp on the park land. There were beautiful views of the ocean and of some towns. (look at my pictures on facebook that will be put up soon) The tramp was a lot of fun but we discovered that the land was very muddy! After our hike we put on the appropriate clothes for kayaking.

The kayaking was amazing! Because it is just now winter the water seemed to still be warm from the summer and I built up enough heat that putting my feet in the water felt fantastic! Because the weather changes on a dime ( even faster than New England) we saw 3 beautiful FULL rainbows on our first day! When we got back from kayaking we had tea! And then headed off to some hot pools. These hot pools felt fantastic seeing as we were all cold and wet from the days activitis. After the hot pools we were brought to a bar where a had a (cheep) glass of wine. Which after the long day, time change, and hot pools pretty much put me to sleep! When we returned it was dinnertime! 

Day 2

We had a Publess quiz about driving, culture, sex, alcohol, food…anything nonacademic we might need to know. ( In NZ they have pub quizzes here you go in and take a general knowledge quizzes after you have had a few beers)

We then had a scavenger hunt where we were split into groups and had to fun around with a map of the place and find these numbers with signs on them and copy the sings. It was a lot of fun but my group lost. It was the same group that I was in for the publess quiz and we won that part of the competition but we were not so good with the funning trough mud and strait up hills. When we got back from that it was lunchtime. We had another meeting and then picked activities we would like to do. There was mountain biking, tramping, archery, and rock climbing. I went for rock climbing. It was just on a wall and I wish I had done something more adventitious but I had a lot of fun! I even climbed one blindfolded.

That night we had a briefing on the Maori. We learned some songs that we would be singing for them the next day.

So on Thursday morning we had our academic briefing. We learned about where we would live and that we would be staying in a hostel for a few days before moving into your flats. This delay was because of the volcano that was putting ash into the sky so people’s flights were canceled and they had to leave later than expected. After that we packed up our stuff and headed to the maori. On the way we stopped at a museum where we spent about an hour. We then headed to the maori. We were welcomed on to the grounds with a woman speaking and a fighting dance thing. They then put on a performance for us with lots of dancing and singing. They showed us their instruments and weapons. One of the big things in their culture is bugging out the eyes and sticking out the tongue and beating your bare chest. These movements are meant to scare off the predators or enemies. The best part of the evening was when they invited our men up on stage and made them take their shirts off and bug their eyes and stick their tongues out and scream. It was hilarious.

For dinner they took us out to show us where they cook their food. The food is placed in large pans that sit on volcanic rocks that are then covered with cloth. I have to say it smelled really bad to me because there was lamb being cooked and I do not like lamb. So for dinner there was lamb, chicken, potatoes, and pork that was all cooked together so it all tasted like lamb. So needless to say I was not very fond of the dinner. We then set up the large sacred  room with mattresses and sleeping bags and all slept together as a group on the ground .

The next morning we woke up and had breakfast, which was much better than dinner! There was bread, eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, cereal and much much more. As we were eating breakfast everyone broke into song and sang me happy birthday! It was so sweet!

When we were leaving I was called aside and told I would be going in a truck to the airport early to get my laptop. We would then meet up with the group later on. But they would not tell us what they were doing. So I got back my laptop and this other kid got back his skis that had been lost. We then got back into the truck and were brought to meet up with the rest of the group. Turns out we were going to a winery for a tour and tasting! What a great birthday present!! So the tasting was fantastic. After having one of the wines I joked that it would be good with lamb because I felt like I could kind of taste some lamb in it. Seconds later the guy doing the tasting announced that it really was a good wine to have with lamb! I guess I should become a professional! After the wine tasting they gave me a cake and everyone sang to me again! It was so sweet!

We then went to the airport and got on our flight to wellington. We were picked up in wellington and brought to youth hostel. We got settled in and then went out for Thai food! It was so fun everyone toasted me and we had a great dinner.  After dinner we all hung out and then about 7 or 8 of us decided to go out. We found a very cool club and danced until 2 am! ( guess I wasn’t jetlag!  Yay) It was the best birthday of my life!

The next day we explored the city. Got phones and got to know where some things were.  We went on a long walk up to campus to see if we could find some of our houses. We found Courtney’s but later discovered it was not the correct one. The market was right across from where we were staying so I got to know it very well! We went out again for Mexican food and then later went dancing again! The next morning we were picked up and brought to our flats! When I arrived at my flat it was the first time that I had been on my own so I was feeling a little nervous because I didn’t have a phone and I could not get on to the internet! But everything worked out. I met uo with my friends and we walked down to town to get food for dinner.

We had a big pasta and egg dinner with chocolate chip cookies. I did most of the cooking ( no surprise there J) with Courtney and Gracie. Most of out friends were there and we all had a really good time. After I walked back to my flat and stayed up long enough to chat with my mum! Then I went to BED! We have been so active that every night I just pass out!

WOW I finally made it to TODAY!!!!

This morning my friend Gracie came over and we walked over to Courtney’s and then into town. Where we met a bunch of our friends at this place called the ware house. It is kina like target but not as nice. But it was a good cheep place to get bedding and shampoo stuff. After that we climbed the hill (oh my god is it a big hill!) back up to my flat so that we could drop our stuff off. When we arrived a girl was moving in to my flat!!!! I had been all by my self until this point! Her name is Devin and is from Texas. After dropping our stuff off we went back in to town and had sushi and then did some shopping. I then set up a back account and then went shopping for dinner. Because it was the 4^th here we had a 4^th party where I made potato salad and guacamole and there were burgers and hot dogs. Devin came with me and fit right in! I then came back to my flat and there was another person moving in! His name is Craig. So after my shower Devin and I went down and talked with him for about an hour! They are both very nice and it think everything is going to be great here. Both Devin and Craig are clean and want to keep things clean so I think we are going to be all set!

WOW I cant believe I have caught up!

Good night all ( well morning for you)

cheers!

quick hello

Hey all. So my computer is about to run out of battery. But I just thought I would let you know how things are going.

Im here in wellington but will be moving into my house tomorrow. I had a fantastic birthday yesterday. That included a wine tasting cake and some clubbing ( don't tell mom) haha

We had a fantastic orientation that involved lots of great food, kayaking, rock climbing, and lots of mud! There is so much more to say but I dont have time now. So sorry!

I love you all and will write more soon!

Welcome and Airports...

Just a quick reminder to my friends and family.. I can't spell! So please hang in there and if you need to laugh do it in the privacy of your home and don't feel the need to tell me about it! Thanks :) I promise my bad spelling makes reading things like this more fun!

WARNING: This post is rated R for public nudity and drunkenness.

So I arrived at Logan airport at about 4:15 this morning. The entire family in tow. Standing in line Jane and I noticed a kid ( well ok young adult) with ski boots and skis. Jane being the friendly person she is asked him if he was going to New Zealand...and what do you know he was. His name is Dan...( I think. Im so bad with names you might think I was 60 years old love you mom!) Any way... He was ahead of me in line and they informed him that he had been moved to a later flight. I assumed the same might happen to me. And sure enough it did. My 6:10 flight had been over booked and we had been moved to one at 7:45

(good think I woke up at 3:20) Well I was pleased to discover that my bad weighed just 48 lbs 2 lbs under the limit! YAY!

Well my bags were check and I was ready to go. I said goodbye to my fam and headed to security. I was more flustered than normal and forgot to take my computer out of my bag. The TSA guy yelled at me but I made it through without a full body scan! 

It was not about 5am and I had 2 hours to kill in the terminal. There were about 3 people there so i st in a corner and had some tea. Finally my travel buddy Dan showed up but awkwardly sat behind me and all the way at the other end of the row. So we talked across the room for a bit before the terminal started to fill up. Finally they started to board and of course I was the last section to be called. I was worried I would have no place to put my backpack because they said the flight was full but to my great surprise I had plenty of overhead room and who was I next to??? Dan. And even better we had a free seat between us! on the other side of the aisle were two more kids going to New Zealand! 

The flight was fine I think I fell asleep for a bit and before I knew it I had arrived in San Francisco. 

I had originally planned to sit in the airport for 12 hours but when I got there I decided quickly that would not be a good idea! So I made my way to the BART station where I asked for directions to the Golden Gate State Park. The woman explained that I would have to go to the Civic Center and then switch to a buss. She then warned me that I was going to have a hard time in the Civic Center  because today was the Gay Pride Parade! She suggested maybe I just go to that. WHAT A GOOD IDEA! I made it to the Civic Center and walked into a sea of rainbow flags, diamond bras, fake eyelashes and the most public nudity I have seen since I patted by a nude beach on the west river! I found myself a piece of sidewalk and stood on tiptoes to try and see over the gobs and gobs of people. A man standing on a newspaper stand asked if I would like him to take a picture of the crowd for me and lated of the parade. He was very kind and a few minutes later offered me a place on his perch. I spend about two hours snapping photos of ( don't read on if you don't want to know...) Men in ball gowns, rainbows in all forms, men in their undies/speedos ( WAY smaller and more colorful than Andy's) topless girls, men in assless chaps and much much more! It was like noting I had seen before. 

Well when the parade was over I headed back on the BART. The craziness continued. The train was packed! People were holding open the doors and the conductor was getting ticked off. Just when I thought the craziness had subsided I was invited to sit amongst 3 enthusiastic and drunk parade attendees. They were two girls that were a couple and a man. But it took a minute to figure everything out. One of the girls was flopped on the guy but he kept telling me how hot his girlfriend was while the other two agreed. The guy who named me "camera girl" was quite inebriated and felt the need to let me know that I was good looking too but that he as in love with his HOTT girlfriend. I was glad to hear this because I was not ready to fend of a drunk sweaty man wearing a feather boa, as much fun as that would have been...not!

Well I finally made it back to the international terminal and got something to eat...I should be going through security in about and hour or 2. Just 17 hours and I should (fingers crossed) be in New Zealand!
Thats all for now!
Cheers!