Wednesday night was the Macklemore concert, which was awesome! However, people here are completely insane at concerts. Like way more than in the states. Sasha and I wormed our way up to the second row during the opening band, but I literally thought I was going to die, so we retreated. It ended up being way more fun a little farther back, you know, where the oxygen was. A few foot bruises and lots of other people's sweat later, it was a great time.
Friday night we attended the paint party, which is a themed dance party at which paint is squirted on the white-donning crowd out of giant squirt guns. This was equal parts fun and disgusting.
Then, the big event: Eight of us decided to head to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula for a two day trip! We got up relatively early on Saturday, scrubbed the last bits of paint out of our ears, and made the hour and a half journey. It was gorgeous weather both days (although a bit windy the first), and we took full advantage. Upon arrival we stopped at a locally famous fish and chips place, which definitely hit the spot. Then we took some time to explore, shop around, and take naps in the sunshine.
Talk about a scenic route! This is looking down on the bay.
Akaroa is on the Banks Peninsula, which is the part of New Zealand that was settled by France. Therefore, they fly the French flag instead of the New Zealand one! They also have French street names and a fair amount of other French influences.
Exploring on a beautiful day in a beautiful place!
This is where we took our naps. This kitty came to cuddle with us! It had a weird broken tail and it was sad. Also, that's Ian.
These are the moments when I literally stop and pinch myself. I can't believe I get to live here!
After several hours of exploring, we decided to make our way to our accommodation for the night. We stayed at Onuku Farm Hostel, which was absolutely beautiful. They have over a thousand acres of farmland, trails, camp ground, etc, all up in the mountains overlooking the bay. Everyone was really friendly, and it was a great place to stay. Elise and I bunked together, and the others slept outside. It worked out great!
After we made dinner at the hostel, we decided to explore a bit and find a good place to watch the sunset. Along the way, we met these guys--sheep with tails! Typically, farmers put a tight rubber ring around the tail so it falls of, thus preventing bacteria and crap (literally) from festering in it. As far as we could tell, these sheep were just hanging out and weren't going to be sold for anything, so they still had their tails. It was super weird.
This farm also had cows...and huge turd mines.
The view outside my window when I woke up this morning. Heaven exists, people.
After a lovely stay at the hostel, we headed back into town for the main event--sea kayaking! The woman we booked with was extremely generous and gave us a discount, so we had them for the whole day instead of just half. I was a bit nervous about my shoulder (I separated it last June), as this was the first significant test of its strength/endurance, but it held up really well! Elise and I were in a two person kayak, and let me just say that two six foot volleyballers do some serious work in the paddling department. We paddled into the wind/against the current for about three hours, then turned around and went back in two. But along the way we met some new friends...DOLPHINS.
Hector's dolphins are the rarest in the world and only live around New Zealand. They're super tiny--the adults look like babies--and also really friendly! We went for about two hours without seeing any, and were starting to give up, when a nice man on a jet ski came over to us and told us we were only 100 meters away from a group of them! So we paddled like fiends and sure enough, a group of six was right there. It was so incredible. They swam so close to us, I thought I could touch one (I couldn't). But they swam right with us for awhile, and it was the most magical experience.
Elise and I demonstrating our excellent form (or at least I am).
The view I was forced to endure for five hours...so painful.
The only picture we got of the dolphins...we were focusing on the experience. Also visible: the nice jet ski man!
Here's a photo I stole from the interwebz. This is exactly what we saw today. And that's how close they were to us!
Needless to say, it was a pretty incredible day/weekend. And although my arms now feel like they are going to fall off, and one awkward patch of my left arm got fried, I had the best day I've had in New Zealand so far.
Fun Facts/Updates:
-Here are some more facts about Hector's Dolphins!
-They can fit inside a bathtub
-They can be identified by their rounded dorsal fin, much like a Mickey Mouse ear (ha)
-There are only about 8000 left in the world
-Traditionally, Maori would watch these dolphins migratory patterns to predict the weather
-I went to Clubs Day at the University on Friday and perused the many club options that were available to me. As you have to pay to join them (what the heck) and most are centered around partying (the Engineering Club is known for their legendary ragers...again, what the heck) I had to choose a bit carefully. I joined the Brew Club, which teaches you how to brew beer, takes you on beer tasting tours, and teaches you how to pair beer with food. Surprisingly, this club parties less than the Engineering Club. I also joined the Thrifting Club, which is going to be super fun. They have "thrift store crawls," a Thrift Shop Ball (which gives you a $20 dollar budget to find a whole outfit), and many other fun events. Clubs here are weird. But I'm hoping to meet some interesting people.
-I am really excited for my family to come and visit in May/June. It's really true that experiences are made even better when you can share them with people you love, and I keep making mental lists of all the places I want to share with my parents, Aunt Susan, and Uncle Paul/Aunt Janet. It's going to be great to bring my worlds together in this beautiful place!
-Several requests have been made for my address, so if you would like to write me/mail me goodies (yes please), you will find me at:
Bethany Schulz
Ilam Apartments 47F
Homestead Lane
Ilam, Christchurch 8140
If you write me, I will return the favor. I have Hobbit stamps.
-Last week we completely ran out of toilet paper in my flat. It wasn't pretty.
I am really tired, as evidenced by the toilet paper update. It's been a long weekend. Anyway, I'd better go to bed before I fall asleep on the keyboard.
Cheers!
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