Bay of Islands

Things have been a bit crazy lately! Last Monday was the beginning of school since spring break. Then on Wednesday, I left for the Bay of Islands. It was AWESOME. I flew into Auckland with Jarad and Lizzy then stayed overnight in a hostel right in the city. Most people in New Zealand do NOT like Auckland whatsoever. They actually refer to the people who live there as "Jafa" (sounds like Jeff-ah when it's pronounced) which stands for: Just Another Fucking Aucklander. Even adults use this termonology. So it was kind of interesting to be in the city and figure out what all the hype was about. Apparently Auckland uses all the tax dollars and other towns aren't too keen on that. Also, Wellington is the capital and the people here actually dispise Auckland even more because they think the funding should go to the capital city. Interesting little debate.
But anyways... we arrived at the hostel put our stuff down and went next door to a bar for some beer. It was nice to actually sit down and relax. I felt like I had been on the go constantly with getting back from Fiji, school, laundry, then repacking! The hostel was a bit dodgy too. It was my first time staying in one and it was kind of cool just to see all of the different travelers.
The next day I woke up, walked around for a few and grabbed a coffee. Lizzy and Jarad took the bus to the Bay of Islands and I ended up catching a flight so I was alone during my 20 minutes of city exploring. I felt cool being a "backpacker"- as I see them everywhere in Wellington and it's just such a cool concept. I wasn't really "backpacking" (with a normal outfit, sperrys, clean, and a North Face school bag) but just the concept was exciting! The city just seemed like a version of NYC and Boston.. which sounds funny because the two are completely different. It seemed to have what Wellington has, but more spread out and definitely not the artsy vibe the Welly has. So maybe I'm bias.. but I didn't really like Auckland all that much.
I met Jess at the airport and we flew to Kerikeri, had some confusion with the connecting bus but made it to Paihia. Paihia is the big town in the Bay of Islands and is kind of like a Cape Cod, but definitely smaller and extremely mountainous. The hostel was really nice here. The beds were amazing, free kayak and bike rentals, and so clean. We only planned a few days for this trip so we all wanted to get the ball rolling and plan stuff. I couldn't decide what to do... but the others found a trip they were excited about and signed up.
There ended up being a spot for parasailing at 5pm so I took that! I was really excited and nervous.. that was the one thing I wanted to do in the Islands. I am also terrrrrified of heights so this is my version of a bungy/sky dive. So many people were signed up so we had to ride doubles. I ended up with a guy from the UK and he was cool to talk to up in the air. There's a picture on here from the ride up.. I look pretty scared haha.
The next day I ended up signing up for a cruise around the Bay of Islands. We went dolphin watching- which was cool because the dolphins came right next to the boat, splashed up, swam in and out of the wake, and were very playful. Different than the ones at the Marlborough Sounds that I swam with about 2 months ago (already?!?!).
The cruise was 9:30-4:30 and we basically just drove around and learned about the islands and saw famous stuff (The Hole in the Rock- picture below), Black Rocks (Lava rocks), etc. It sounds boring but it was really cool. Since I was the for 1 full day and 2 half days, it was nice to actually see everything. We also stopped at an island where no one lives and relaxed for an hour.
The next day we took the ferry to Russell which is a small little town. It reminded me a lot of a town that would be in Vermont. There was one police station that housed the ONE police officer of the town. It was a victorian style home, which was really pretty. We flew back that day. The flight was unreal. 16-seater, no flight attendants. We were able to see the captains the entire time. I just kept thinking of that happening in the states, which would not even be an option. To get on that plane, we passed through no security, checked in at the one desk, walked past the one toilet, and took off from the one runway. Tiny little airport. Makes BTV looks like JFK.
It's going to be a pretty crazy week. I have all my stuff to do for this week, next week, and the week after because................. I'M AUSTRALIA BOUND on friday! I'll be staying with Marnie's parents for a few days right outside of Melbourne. That should be great.. I am excited to stay in an actual house and they are great people too. After that, I'm visiting JP on the Gold Coast. That will be tons of fun too. I haven't been there so it will be cool to explore that area and visit with him.
There won't really be any excitement this week besides me complaining about insane amount of schoolwork (which serves me justice after I don't work on anyyyyyything here). I'll check in when I'm back the week of May 10th.

The images are of: the police station in Russell, the island I stopped at during the day cruise, the "hole in the rock" (very well known), the sunset that I parasailed through, and lastly- heading up parasailing (1200 feet!)

Post Spring Break

“Do something everyday that scares you” - Eleanor Roosevelt

I have seen this quote everywhere. I first read it on a card written in a nice font and ever since it seems to be haunting me. It’s an amazing, inspiring quote that really has got me thinking. I feel like I have grown up so much since being on the complete other side of the world, alone. Which is not entirely true, as I’ve said before, the international students are quite the family. I just feel so independent - especially on voyages. I left Fiji traveling to Auckland, rechecking bags, transferring airlines, going through customs, and repeating to Wellington. If you know me well enough, it is well understood that I would be frustrated and extremely confused during this process. But I felt under control doing all this. That’s only one example. But in all honesty, going abroad is the best thing I could’ve done and am SO happy I decided to face all fears and just go.

Today was the first day back to uni. My plan was to wake up at 7, head up at 7:30 and do tons of work before my 12pm lecture. That didn’t go so well, I slept in a bit but ended up getting there at 9 and monkeying around on the internet. Which I guess is justifiable, as I still have not gotten connected at my flat. I just felt so exhausted all day- catching up with people, lecture, and just that “back to school” feeling. I’ve also been thinking about Bailey and how weird it’s going to be when I go back home and she isn’t there :( . So it’s been kind of a weird, exhausting day.

The trip to Fiji was absolutely AMAZING. I highly recommend you all travel to Fiji. Tell all professors, bosses, families that I “made” you go and just drop everything. Hey, you can even come stay in Wellington for a few nights! :)
My favorite day there was traveling to an inhabited island. We were able to snorkel, lay on the beach, and drink. Our favorite was probably floating around in the clear beautiful blue water drinking a beer. Megan kept picking up sand dollars like they were rocks... so common there. The snorkeling was pretty. We saw some tropical fish and lots of blue/indigo star fish. The coral was all alive and pretty as well. Megan asked the Captain if she could drive back and sure enough, he allowed her to drive the yacht (with other families aboard) for about 45 minutes. I was amazed!
Fiji genuinely was paradise. I definitely would love to go back at somepoint and spend a good two weeks there. The time flew far too quickly. Any takers?

Hopefully tomorrow (Tuesday) is a more productive day! I leave for the Bay of Islands Wednesday night at 8:30pm. I’ll be flying into Auckland (1 hour flight) and leave in the morning for the Bay of Islands (45 minute flight). I’m super excited and will hopefully have a chance to do some snorkeling and/or parasailing. It’s supposed to be “the” vacation spot of New Zealand.. so we’ll see! I come back on Saturday at 6:30 pm. Then that week is going to be insane! I will really have to focus, do homework, and go to all classes as.... I’LL BE IN AUSTRALIA the week after! I am veryyyy excited for that trip!
The first few days I’ll be right outside of Melbourne with Marnie’s parents and family then I’ll be heading to the Gold Coast to visit JP at his school abroad.
Should be heaps of fun.. I can’t wait to continue all my traveling!
Lots of pictures here... I will update Picasa (Album connected to blog) at somepoint.

Word on the street that there is a demand for this blog! I’ll try to fill in the last two weeks of amazing events.
First of all, I would like to brag to everyone (New Zealand, Vermont – wherever you are) that I am writing this in Fiji. Hands down, the most beautiful place I have ever been. I am staying at the Sheraton Villas on the Denarau Island. The resort is magnificent. We have access to all other resorts on the island and can use the facilities at all (Westin, Sofitel, Sheraton Hotel.. etc). Almost every pool here is infinity style- which is beautiful on its own. I would be fine looking at those all day, but then there is a beach behind it. Unreal. I love looking out and seeing blue skies, palm trees, birds, cocktails, and music everyday.
I’ll start by rewinding 2 weeks to Easter. Leah threw a red-white-blue (US and NZ) party at her flat where everyone dressed in those colors. It was a blast! It was basically just a time for us all to go crazy on break and have a good time together before the internationals went separate ways for spring break. We also had a potluck Easter brunch because the Easter bunny didn’t come for any of us!
We internationals are quite the family! ☺
Then comes April 5th! Definitely the day of anticipation… my mom and Megan arrived! I went to the airport with Leah and her friend Caroline (they were departing for a trip at the same time my family was arriving) with a sign to welcome them. I obviously cried. It was so weird, I couldn’t even hold back even though I know it was absolutely ridiculous. I think it’s because I love what I am doing with my life, where I am, and the idea of sharing my experience with loved ones. I took them back to the cube, dropped off suitcases and ran them down Cuba Street. Yes, they were jetlagged but I didn’t care. They had lots to do in NZ for only one week! We walked around a bit and I am 100% sure that I overwhelmed them… but I think they enjoyed themselves. I forced them into eating my FAVORITE food in Wellington, Kaffe Eis gelato. It was a beautiful day for it too..sunny by the ocean, with gelato, Mom, and sister, IN NZ.. could I ask for anything else?
We had a busy week of activities which include: visiting the New Zealand national museum (Te Papa), Mac Brewery tastings with fish and chips, coffee, karaoke, Botanical gardens, cable car rides.. etc.
Consensous: favorite restraunt of the week was Istanbul, favorite beer was Macs, and favorite wine from the South Island, Wither Hills.
We also took the ferry to the South Island (as noted) for lots of wine tasting in Blenheim. The company that took us around was called Highlight Wine Tours. They picked us up and drove us to 5 wineries and a chocolate factory! We visited: Villa Maria Estate, Montana (Brandcott in the US), Gibson Bridge Wines (boutique wine), Auntsfield Estate (fabulous), Wither Hills (you can buy this in the USA- Cheesetraders in Burlington)
We stayed overnight, had a nice breakfast, and took the ferry back. Marlborough (the region) is known worldwide for it’s beauty and we definitely enjoyed the scenery. We enjoyed one of our last nights in Wellington by hitting the town! We kind of bar hopped to get the feel of a few but spent most of the time at Boogie Wonderland, a 70s-80s themed club which is AMAZING with a light up dance floor. Nanc enjoyed it. We also went to another bar called Alice’s which has an Alice in Wonderland theme (short bar, mirrors, tea cups)- very cool.
I couldn’t let them leave Wellington without visiting my favorite coffee shop, Café Doria. The owners were so excited to meet my family and gave us a scone one day and muffin the next to share. The second time, Sammy gave us a box of chocolates. It was nice for Mom and Megan to see places I love and share experiences with them. I can now share my stories for here on out with them understanding the context.
Then comes Fiji. We are here enjoying ourselves more than ever. My mom and I have done water aerobics twice, which is hilarious and fun. I literally laugh outloud for half of it, yet still get a nice stretch in. The breakfast is a huge buffet and tastes amazing. I don’t think I could ever get sick of it. It’s very difficult controlling myself, but I know I’ll be in a bathing suit all day so I hold back. The sun here is also strong, and I am extremely burnt on my back.- hurts so bad!
Everyone at the resort says “Bula” meaning Hi and “Fiji Time” which alludes to their laid back lifestyle. Tomorrow is my last day ☹ . I’ll be heading back to Wellington early Saturday AM while my mom and Megan fly back Saturday night.
I’ll share more about specific Fiji activities in the next entry.
I tried to add a few pictures, which didn't go so well. I'll add some soon as well.
A few links:
Mac’s Brewery: great craft beer, located on the waterfront of Wellington http://www.thebrewerybar.co.nz/

Te Papa: National museum
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/pages/default.aspx

Resort (look at the pictures too!)
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1158

Boogie Wonderland:
http://www.boogiewonderland.co.nz/gallery.aspx

Publicity on the Alice Bar “World’s Best Bars”:
http://www.worldsbestbars.com/public/venue_listing.jsp?categoryId=56¤tVenueId=16608874

xoxo