It's been a really great weekend! beautiful weather and kind of low key which was nice after the hectic week.
It's funny, Wednesday is THE night to go out, almost bigger than weekends. We went out to use a free drink voucher, and bounced around to a few different bars/clubs. My favorite is still Maya. http://www.mayabar.co.nz/ . You can always count on good dancing and good, less expensive drinks! It's also very well decorated which is fun. It has a Mayan theme, so there are cave type sculptures etc. very fun.
Friday, Donna and I just wandered around town all day and did some shopping! I finally bought some sunnies..now I am hoping that under eyes don't swell from the sun!
During the day Saturday, there was a small festival to promote green living. It was on one street and had a lot of booths and sustainable practice suggestions and food.. There were bands and belly dancers, which was cool to watch. It was very Burlington-y.
Leah and I won tickets to some venue where a few good bands were supposed to be playing. Diana, Leah, Britta, and I went there and it was pretty quiet. VERY low key. So we headed off to a foam party (thought it would be cool - never go.) It was at the Big Kumara bar, http://www.bigkumara.com/page/photos.aspx , which seems to be the scene for young, under agers (not like RJs though..). Anyways, words to describe the scene: sweat, condensation, heat, body odor, sluts, grinding, wet, moisture, "loving". Sound inviting? We literally got in, looked for Leah's flatmates and left. I was very overwhelmed and felt old for the place. It felt like I was at a middle school social with foam and very advanced children. I am always up for a good time, drinking, and dancing, but this was an adventure and definitely not the the least bit exciting. I should have taken a video.
Last night, Donna and I went to see Shutter Island. It was amazing! I highly recommend you all go watch it right now. Very well done with an interesting plot.
My favorite thing to do here is go explore and stumble upon coffee shops/cafes. It is by far the most rewarding thing to discover a new spot. Today I went to Martha's Cupboard.. I am afraid it might beat Cafe Doria.... it was a BEAUTIFUL "tea shop" that has lovely english tea cups, amazing desserts, and just a great atmosphere. I loved it. I guess I can't ditch out on Cafe Doria, I'll just go on coffee overload... which brings me to another subject. Milkshakes. They are very popular and are sold everywhere... maybe it's just because I am from VT where it's cold and not a good product but here.. they have the best milkshakes everywhere I go. It's awful yet amazing.
This morning, Donna and I went to the fruit and vege market. It's a huge open air market with varieties of fruit and vegs offered for the cheapest price in town. I got so much stuff and paid 1/4 of what I wouldve paid at the grocery store. I saw one of the American businessmen I went to the botanical gardens with a week and a half ago on the street. It was ironic and funny to see him again. He is such a dorky old man haha.
As a result of the Chile earthquake, there was a tsunami warning to Pacific islands all day. It was SO WINDY this morning walking around. Dirt was going into my mouth, hair blowing everywhere. The govt warning said no sightseeing, beach visits, or going near the water alone. Apparently the sea levels and waves were higher than normal.
My ruptured eardrum did not welcomely invite the wind either.. but oh well! I am not in Chile so no complaining!
Theres a great coffee shop (obviously..) that plays jazz music and has phenominal desserts and coffees... so we went to that tonight. There's usually a small group of internationals that go everyweek, I hadn't been the past few times but got my act together and enjoyed it tonight. Maybe that's because I actually have reading to do for classes and I was procrastinating. Regardless, I loved it and will go back next time!
It's hard to believe I am actually here to study and not to wander the city and find coffee shops, take pictures, and be a tourist. I guess I need to get on train and get my act together, UVM has been in session for over a month!
I have to get my stuff situated for Monday morning! Lots of accomplish tomorrow! Cheers :)

2/28/10

Wednesday, 2/24/10

Things are crazy crazy crazy right now! Classes have just begun and I am trying to drop one but it’s really hard finding a new one.. they don’t allow you to add online or see which dates they meet. I think I complained about that in the last blog, but it is the most obnoxious thing and really inefficient. It’s hard to drop that course though because I already have a 3 group meeting set up for it etc.. blah!
I’m also in the middle of planning a trip to Australia, possibly March or May.. we’ll see. I am really excited to get traveling, even though I LOVE Wellington.
Things are pretty good here right now.. my face is a bit swollen from the sun.. there are huge holes in the ozone down here and my irish skin is not taking a liking to that. No matter how many times I reapply, I get burnt. Momma dearest is sending sunscreen from the dermatologist :)
It’s funny, I feel like professors don’t have as much control over students here, or they are nervous to yell at them. In consumer behaviour these girls were having full on conversations while the prof was streaming videos and teaching. Everyone noticed and kept looking but he didn’t really do anything, then he felt bad for telling them to be quiet. I was just imagining that scene going down in Kalkin.. not.
It’s finally starting to hit me that I’m here for the semester (as school started) and not just on holiday. Everything is still going well and I am already looking forward to all the upcoming trips, which are supposed to start next weekend as the internationals are off to a winery!
The internet is up and running in my flat now which is VERY exciting. So I am connected, email or skype me!!! :)
or send letters, even cooler:
6C2
240 Taranaki Street
Mount Cook
Wellington, 6011
New Zealand



The pic is of me at my FAVORITE coffee shop (I am now on a first name basis with the owners!)
Check out the heart in my coffee!!!!

2/22/10

It’s been a semi busy past few days. I went to the zoo on Sunday - which was an adventure on its own. We couldn’t find the bus station and the time tables were much different than reported so that was frustrating. Regardless, it was a good time and the zoo was fun! I saw a one legged kiwi! it was very cool haha. I have a million pictures from the zoo and all came out really well! Of course, i loved the monkeys the best though! Then I got to skype with my Mommma, then katie and margo. so that was a good time! I can’t wait to actually be able to talk to people on a more regular basis.
Today was the first day of “uni” (university-EVERYthing is shortened). I had Management Information Systems for 2 hours. The schedules are so confusing here. 3 of my classes have lectures, labs, and tutorials. Tutorials are shortened classes and I guess labs are more hands on. I don’t even really know the details of it but I do know which rooms to go to and when, so I guess that’s good! I switched one of my “papers” (classes) today also. That is succcch a process. I have to go to the business office, they have to review my transcript see if it’s okay, i fill out paper work, they fill it out, then print out my new schedule. 10 x more difficult than the UVM “add-drop” process. But oh well! So my papers that I am taking are: Consumer Behaviour, Management Information Systems, Public Relations, and Business Statistics.
Everything is really hectic up at uni and in the Cube (my residential building). Most are first years in the Cube so they are all running around freaking out.
Another funny thing, people at uni get SO dressed up. Massey University is the best design school in NZ so people come from all over the north and south islands to come here to study fashion etc. I have yet to see someone in a hooded sweatshirt and or sweatpants. I haven’t even seen a girl in yoga pants yet. It’s the weirdest thing. Let me tell you, when my 9-5 (no breaks) Wednesdays come along, I will be the grungiest girl on campus! I’m from Americccca!!!! My flat has decided to take turns making dinner for the week, I am Monday and Thursday. So today I was in charge.. you will never believe what I whipped up:
Asian Ginger marinated chicken (obviously) with green & red peppers, onions, spinach, carrots, over brown rice. Veg-overload!
My room is slowly becoming more homey. It’s hard to do that though because I don’t want to buy a bunch of decorations etc when I leave in July. But it’s really not looking too shabby!
The other night we discovered a shop with the BEST gelato I have ever tried. This is very dangerous because it is a) in walking distance b) expensive. But oh well!
I went back to my favorite coffee shop, only for the second time. And the man remembered me and said it was good to see me again and asked how things were going. He owns the shop (I think with his wife) and he is in his mid 50/60s. It was very sweet. When I was super jet lagged and grumpy I stopped on the way down into town and that man made my day! I think I am going to make it a regular thing, going once a week to read the paper and have a coffee. He made a little heart in the latte with milk the other day and the time before a smiley face! It’s so exciting.. oh the small things in life!
So things are running smoothly in Wellington! My ticket is booked for Fiji with my Mom and Megan.. something to look forward to! And I am working on getting tickets to Melbourne and The Gold Coast of Australia. I CAN NOT WAIT to travel all over the place down here.
I hope all is well with you all!! xo

2/20/10

These last few days have been absolutely beautiful! Sunny and in the 70s.. perfect. My freckles and red cheeks are back! Today we had an orientation scavenger hunt all over town, which literally entailed running around for 2 hours. At least it was sunny out! and my team (came in last) still won vouchers to some band.
I went out last night for a bit and had a good time. I still can't get over walking around in the dorm/apt/school building with alcohol. weirds me out!
I introduced my roommate Donna into brownie sundaes. they have them here but its not popular.. needless to say we have been having them everynight.
Donna's friend (Kiti?) goes to U. of Otago which is the very bottom of the south island. She roomed with 2 kids from my high school (karl christainson and ethan bellavance)... how weird is that? honestly.. i am ACROSS THE WORLD and we know the same people. scary. Kiti was saying how Solo cups are the coolest things ever. New Zealand doesn't have them, so when kids walk in with them at a party, they are a hit! i found this to be SO funny. honestly, since when is a solo cup "cool"? She also wishes they had: Marshmallow fluff, Reeses (YUUUUM), and poptarts. I found reeses for $2 the other day. a bit ridiculous.. if i was obsessed, maybe but definitely not worth it.
Another weird thing: I haven't been in school for 2 months and I can't believe the day is finally coming. Tomorrow is a SCHOOL night. i am so anxious and excited for it. I am hoping classes are easier (as i have heard of international classes) so i can skip a few and a travel around. I am starting to think of planning the weekends because i have SO many places i want to go.
I am catching on to watching for cars on one side of the road but still cant walk on the correct side of the sidewalk for some reason. I have to focus. haha
I bought my school supplies at the warehouse (1/4 the size of our walmart, but compared to that) .. they dont have regular folders and spiral notebooks are not popular. So i have a fluorescent pink 5-subject (the size of out 2 subject) notebook. sweeeet as.
thaaaaats the latest from n-zed!

2/18/10

Last night i went out for my first official kiwi night on the town. It was insane. Everyone goes wild on the streets! The bars/clubs were really cool and definitely a few steps up from Burlington. We went out with a group of 10 or so.. mix of Americans and Kiwis. While we were leaving, one girl was BLACKED out and lying on a couch next to the residential manager (a step up from the RA).. the main authority for all accomodation services. And the lady couldn't do a thing because the girl was 18, and it's legal. VERY weird to see. It's funny to be able to walk around the apartments/dorm with cans of beer in my hand!
I am really excited for school to start! It's weird, because I haven't been this excited since UVM started.. it will be cool to have a new atmosphere.
I guess next weekend we are going to winery which should be a good time.
Tonight there's a movie at the botanical gardens, if the weather shapes up me and a group are going and bringing a little picnic with alocholllll.
The flatties (flatmates=roommates) and I talked about drinking games and I am going to introduce dodge beer and thumper. can't wait.
We are getting internet in 4-6 days so I'll be more connected then!
I put up a bunch of pictures on facebook

February 16, 2010

Ah i have been so busy with orientation stuff.. things have been a bit crazy.
2 Days ago, I had lunch on a balcony over looking Courtenay place and some man came over, started talking. Turns out he was from Orlando, in Wellington on business for the past 5 months. He and his business friend were talking for a while and they were like grandpas/uncles. They ended up buying my meal and were so astonished that I hadn't made it up to the botanical gardens and insisted i go with them before my orientation. So, we went they paid for EVERYTHING cabs.. etc. i am sure a lot of you think I am sketchy for doing this but they were not creepy and it was fine!
but one is leaving the other said he had $400 corporate to spend a day and would take me and friends/flatmates, whatever, out to dinner! they felt bad that we are "college kids". SWEEET AS! (hehe)
Last night I went to the "Dairy" (convenient store) and bought some beer! I got carded and almost didnt get sold to because it was an american license.. apparently i need my passport for that stuff. But we went to Leah's room and drank.. it was a lot of fun, about 20 of us were there.
here are my flatmates thoughts on what americans are like: super sweet 16 and the hills from MTV. great
a kiwi introduced me to the show "summer heights high" an australian comedy. PLEASE watch it. it's funnier than the office. sooooooo good.
off to some more orientation awkwardness. CHEERS!

February 14, 2010

I went to “Te Papa” today, the official NZ museum. It was 5 floors but I only made it through 3 for 4.. could definitely spend 6 hours there. I was EXTREMELY jet lagged today, even after my “short white” (shot of espresso mixed with steamed milk). I honestly was on a search for exhibits that has the movies playing so I could sit down and watch them haha. I felt like a lazy bum! but i knew if I went back to the flat I would sleep all day. It was SO windy. Probably windier than i have ever seen it in Vermont. It wasn’t cold but the wind makes the climate a bit uncomfortable but why am i complaining when you guys are suffering and i am getting warm in jeans and a teeshirt. I continued on my journey and found a bagel shop!!!! YUMMO! At this point, I got a bit calky thinking I knew my way all over the city... well...not true. I wandered into the suburbs by accident then realized i was about an hour from my apartment. I then figured I “knew the shortcut”... wrong. Long story short, I was lost for quite sometime and definitely got a workout in. I found an amazing place to eat (Monteith’s is like the magic hat of NZ) and this restraunt is called Monteiths.. they have the beer tastings. So i am very excited to head back there. I had dinner with 2 girls i met the other day. We all went out for ice cream and walked around.. the night life is really cool and made me excited for next weekend. I was sober all weekend (mom and dad).
My boy roommate came today...seems nice. the girl should be here later and orientation is tonight through tuesday. So that should be good. Bring on awkward games and introductions, baby!
Yesterday, some man was following me around for like 3 blocks so i looked back and gave him the “can i help you” look.. he said “Hi doll, you’re beautiful. Are you from Mexico” and looked at my butt.. hahaha I was not creeped out but laughed and said no.. America. Popped my ear buds back in and peaced.

That’s all for now! Happy Valentines Day to alllll my babies!!!

Thursday was probably the most adventurous I have ever been in my life. I woke up feeling completely exhausted (as noted before) and thought it was going to be the worst day EVER. I figured out my schedule (“time table”) and after blogging, went to grab a magazine at the store across the street from Massey and the high school. Turns out, buying a soda and “lollies” is the cool thing to do. The store was full of about 20 high school kids just chatting and shopping for soda. it was a bit overwhelming but interesting. I went back to my flat, relaxed for a bit then went to Courteney place to open my bank account.. which was an interesting place. The uniform is a rugby shirt and the music playing was “Down” - Jay Sean, and “Sexy bitch” akon.. really? haha. I was very surprised. Also went to starbucks today.. they have an additional size option “short” so it’s: short, tall, grande, venti. Cool America, way to ditch the small size. I literally walked around all day and browsed some shops on Cuba Street, which reminded me more of Burlington than anything. People on the street were playing guitar, hanging out, and there were street performers (juggling/playing with fire).. literally, this was church street. The street was also similar in that cars can’t drive on it, but it is brick and looked as if it has once been a street.
I skyped with the fam earlier in the day and Megan and momma bear convinced me to go down to a bar and grab a drink and an appey. So, after all my adventuring - i started looking for a hip bar.. all seemed a bit quiet around 6 ish.. so I went back to my flat to change and headed back down - I jammed to Britney and strutted down. I found a place called “Mish Mash” which had sweet music and seemed a bit trendy. I went in, sat at the bar, and asked for the most New Zealand-ish beer I could get (forget the name).. but it was delicious. No one was sitting at the bar at any place.. so I was the only one. Regardless, I loved it. The bartenders were a little stuck up but I got past it and enjoyed myself. When would I EVER go to a bar alone and sit by myself at the bar, and try to start conversation? never-eva! It feels so amazing to be this independent..i absolutely love wandering the streets and discovering new stuff. but I am excited to have roommates and for things to liven up.. it’s weird to be on my own and only talk to people in shops and coming back to the empty flat, with no connection to the outside world.
but ANYWAYS- this afternoon i saw the most hilarious site. I saved this story for last because you will laugh outloud.. there was a new zealand man (dark skin, dark hair, largely built) wandering the street in a g-string talking to himself. it was the craziest thing.
Crazy things:
- My hair straightener blew up
- The only deodorant they have is liquid. So I always feel like im sweating
- I am afraid of heights and look at the picture of how high i am.. the window opens with no screen..
you know you love me,
XoXo SMS

February 11, 2010

Day 2 as a kiwi! I am more tired today, even after my 12 hours of sleep. I am really trying to adjust but the 16 hour difference is very hard!
Yesterday was just a day of busy errands and picking up stuff for the apartment. I went grocery shopping and it was kind of cool to see all the different things than our typical Hannafords with tons of brands. They have this granola thing called Muesli, which is a mix of nuts, granola, fruit, seeds, all this realllly good stuff. But it's not as sugary and intense as our granola, a little more hearty. I hiked about 20 minutes to my flat and today my arms are killing me!
Last night, me and 2 other girls (Leah and Evelyn) went to Courtney Place, which is similar (but way more happenin') than Church Street.
The weather has been a little iffy the last 2 days. Rainy, but warm. So jeans and a t-shirt work just fine.
I found out my roommates are a girl and a boy. The girl comes Sunday and I don't know about the boy, both Kiwis.
There are really pretty houses up on the mountains that are pretty well known, called hillside houses i think? And basically look like they will fall over but it's really pretty and they are secure.
I'll put some pictures up when I get internet in my flat.. (which is hopefully soon?).
I DESPERATELY need coffee, more than anyone in the world right now. I look like a high-Asian (not to be offensive, haha). Soooo I am going to do that and hope it wakes me up!
Keep it real in VT!

Day One

Wednesday- Feb 10, 2010 (16 hours ahead of VT)

I AM HERE!! It's very strange and honestly feels like I am dreaming.
The flat I am living in is pretty basic, but nice. Comes with basics, but I have to buy the sheets, toilet paper, set up internet, electricity.. etc. Which I have no idea how to do. So, that could be interesting!
Flights weren't that bad, I actually enjoyed the LA to Aukland flight with allll Air New Zealand ammenidies, aka - NZ wine. It was super comfy and I had my own tv with on demand! There was an Aussie kid on the plane and he was sooo cute throwing a fit. I know, sounds like I am joke but I am not. I couldn't get past his accent! so i guess that means I should never adopt a child with an accent?
It's a bit lonely here right now. There aren't any other international kids here yet because orientation is Monday. I also have to go buy everything which is weird.
This probably doesn't really make sense because I am EXHAUSTED but I will try to make another one over the next few days