It's been a pretty easy going week. Nothing too exciting to report on- just the same old!
Except for oneeeee major thing: I GOT A PACKAGE. honestly, it was the most exciting thing ever. I got all sorts of goodies from "mum". VT maple syrup, fluff (they dont have it here, Kiwis were interested), Solo cups (also not found here), VT goodies, decorations, GIRL SCOUT COOKIES, and the easter bunny decided she wanted to put in reese eggs. yummo!
It's rather rainy/windy out right now. The day started off sunny and beautiful, so I decided to take the afternoon off from classes (hey, I'm only in NZ for the semester, have to live it up!) and as I was walking home, the clouds turned grey! Donna and I went down to Cuba St for a little shopping and have been lazy ever since.
Last night we went out for Dani's birthday. We started out in her room with cake, headed down to Chow for Buy 1 Get 1 cocktails (yum!), and to The Establishment ( http://www.theestablishment.co.nz/ ), Maya (linked previousl), and Rain (http://www.rainbar.co.nz/). Rain was soo much fun. The DJ played a lot of rap/dance music which was amazing. Clubs around here tend to play very similar music ("Tonights gonna be a good night" - every place, and remixes of it) which gets to be a bit annoying. But needless to say, I have not had a "bad" night out yet- so that's good news!
Tomorrow is the big trip! Meeting time is 7:15 at Massey to leave for a shuttle down to the ferry.
It's about a 3-hour ferry ride to get to the South Island, but look how amazing it's going to be:
http://www.interislander.co.nz/?gclid=CNetwNWIsKACFcQtpAodcR-3UA
The views on the interislander (ferry name) are talked about worldwide and the Marlborough sounds (which we travel through) are supposed to be unreal - it's in the 1000 things to do before you die book.
Then a day of kayaking.. we stay overnight in cabins and wake up to go swimming with dolphins bright and early!
I feel like a kid on the first day of school - I have butterflies because I am SO. SO!!! excited.
It feels kind of funny being cooped up with the rain. Usually if I am not doing anything at this time i go for walks downtown with people or alone to explore and take pictures. But I am not bored.. which is funny, I don't think I have been since I've arrived over a month ago.
Tuesday I spoke in one of my classes and a student came up to me after and mentioned my accent and her desire to spend next semester abroad in America. Funny how I am the one with the accent now! Her perceptions on the US were funny. Ella thought that everything in the east coast was old and out dated, where as the west coast was the only spot where things were up to date and modern. She also seemed a bit confused as to which states are cold...and what states were. Here, the South Island is colder whereas it is very well known that the Northern regions are bitter at home.

On another note.. I've been told that Bailey isn't doing too well. Her tumor is growing back soo rapidly and it kind of makes her limp around. The vet doesn't think she is going to make it through July (when I get home)... so this was pretty alarming news to hear. Everyone who knows me well understand that I am overly obsessed with my dog and I just feel like "the news" isn't real. But obviously I just want her to be comfortable and not in pain- so we'll see. Keep your fingers crossed!!!

Sorry to drop that bomb.. just felt like I should tell people and I forget who's been told etc.

I'll be back Saturday afternoon with lots of good stories to share!




- Sunset view from my window -