Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
International orientation day
Today was a beautiful day: blue skies, crisp air, and slightly warmer. At 9:00 am here all the international students had an orientation. I think it was interesting to be treated as an international student... Anyway, I then was able to obtain the course that I am currently enrolled in. Tomorrow, however, I will need to have the courses approved. Apparently, this will require most of the day, as some of the 22,000 students will all be trying to have courses approved tomorrow. It will be especially frustrating because I do not want all of my classes and I do want others -- I have no idea how it all works here. To say the least, tomorrow will be hectic. Also, tomorrow is supposed to have awful winter weather. I like winter but here that means really really cold rain. Oh well.
After the orientation stuff, I decided to go for a walk. There is the this mountain behind the flat that seems to overlook the ocean and city, so I thought it might be cool to go up there. Of course, I did not know how to get up there. I ended up somewhere completely different. There are many trails all around me, which is good to know because it seems I will have plenty of time to explore. Today I found a graveyard, which then turned into a rugby field on top of a massive hill, which is linked the botanic gardens that runs all the way to uni. cool!
I then texted James, a climber I met here, and I went slacklining for a bit and then met three other guys from new jersey, who seemed to share my sense of humor. We went to a coffee shop while James went to get something to eat and I was laughing away with these guys talking about random experiences so far in New Zealand. We met back up with James and went buildering. We tried to do some problems on a building on campus, and they were actually really really good problems. We were caught once by the campus watch (which really have no power) and then by the police (who didn't do anything). Getting noticed two times in one night seemed good enough, so we called it quits. I had a really good time and it was encouraging to be around people and share some laughs!
Now, I am looking at timetables for classes, seeing what I can do to be ready for tomorrow, and I am going to bed soon so I can get up and watch the germany/ spain game at 6:30 am.
After the orientation stuff, I decided to go for a walk. There is the this mountain behind the flat that seems to overlook the ocean and city, so I thought it might be cool to go up there. Of course, I did not know how to get up there. I ended up somewhere completely different. There are many trails all around me, which is good to know because it seems I will have plenty of time to explore. Today I found a graveyard, which then turned into a rugby field on top of a massive hill, which is linked the botanic gardens that runs all the way to uni. cool!
I then texted James, a climber I met here, and I went slacklining for a bit and then met three other guys from new jersey, who seemed to share my sense of humor. We went to a coffee shop while James went to get something to eat and I was laughing away with these guys talking about random experiences so far in New Zealand. We met back up with James and went buildering. We tried to do some problems on a building on campus, and they were actually really really good problems. We were caught once by the campus watch (which really have no power) and then by the police (who didn't do anything). Getting noticed two times in one night seemed good enough, so we called it quits. I had a really good time and it was encouraging to be around people and share some laughs!
Now, I am looking at timetables for classes, seeing what I can do to be ready for tomorrow, and I am going to bed soon so I can get up and watch the germany/ spain game at 6:30 am.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Rotorua and initial Dunedin
"Today was cold again in Rotorua. We went around to look at the local flora and fauna and discuss the formation of enzed. Then we went zorbing – look it up online if you wish. It was not that exciting but it was fun.
The best part of the day was going to see a Maori tribe and eat a dinner cooked by them. It was cool to look into a different culture. Also, this allowed good time to get to know more people on the group and I seemed to get along with everyone I was sitting next too. It might have been the coffee-hot chocolate that got me hyper, but being in a more lively mood seemed to help.
I am leaving for Dunedin tomorrow and it will be very cold there. "
That was two days ago. It is cold in Dunedin. I would say that it is no colder than winter in north carolina. it probably stays a good 4-8 ºC during the day and -2-0 at night. But the difference lies in the fact that my flat does not have heating. I have heard that it is the coldest flat on campus. Making dinner tonight, which consisted of a peanut butter sandwich and an apple, I could see my breath.
That brings me to a good story: the stupidest thing I have done in a long time. I went to the store to get some things. I wanted to purchase at least on sheet for the bed because sleeping in a sleeping bag on top of a bare mattress seemed strange. I also needed to obtain soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and food to last awhile, seeing as the store is a good 20 minute walk away. I was completely overwhelmed in the grocery store. I guess I have never really had to think and plan about so many meals, know how much I could cook for a meal or how long food would last. I think, unfortunately, I became rather compulsory in that 1.5 hr I spent going down every isle. I have plenty of food...
You may think that was pretty stupid but just you wait. I then needed to carry this load back to my flat. I had my small backpack and the bag jennie gave me for christmas. I thought I could just brave it out, so I went outside to begin my haul back to Dundas Street. As I begin to leave, a pleasant woman yells, "you left this!" pointing to the neglected laundry detergent. Walking back, she asks where I am going with ALL this stuff. I tell her. She laughs, She says I need a tax. I ask her the cost, She says that it is 10 min but probably more. Well, seeing as I spent some money already, I refused. I laughed to myself as I neared my apartment 35 minutes later that I looked like a crazy person or a mule loaded with gear. I still think everything I purchased was necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle here (like a peanut butter sandwich for dinner).
Anyway, tonight I went bouldering with this guy from uni. He and his girlfriend are both biology majors. He is a microbiologist and she a geneticist. The gym is really one small room but it is pretty nice place to hang out.. and i met a lot of people who seem keen on doing some climbing else where. I may be able to go to wanaka for mix climbing, queenstown for ice, or castle rock for bouldering this weekend. we shall see. tomorrow night, the guy I climbed with tonight and I will go buildering.
The best part of the day was going to see a Maori tribe and eat a dinner cooked by them. It was cool to look into a different culture. Also, this allowed good time to get to know more people on the group and I seemed to get along with everyone I was sitting next too. It might have been the coffee-hot chocolate that got me hyper, but being in a more lively mood seemed to help.
I am leaving for Dunedin tomorrow and it will be very cold there. "
That was two days ago. It is cold in Dunedin. I would say that it is no colder than winter in north carolina. it probably stays a good 4-8 ºC during the day and -2-0 at night. But the difference lies in the fact that my flat does not have heating. I have heard that it is the coldest flat on campus. Making dinner tonight, which consisted of a peanut butter sandwich and an apple, I could see my breath.
That brings me to a good story: the stupidest thing I have done in a long time. I went to the store to get some things. I wanted to purchase at least on sheet for the bed because sleeping in a sleeping bag on top of a bare mattress seemed strange. I also needed to obtain soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and food to last awhile, seeing as the store is a good 20 minute walk away. I was completely overwhelmed in the grocery store. I guess I have never really had to think and plan about so many meals, know how much I could cook for a meal or how long food would last. I think, unfortunately, I became rather compulsory in that 1.5 hr I spent going down every isle. I have plenty of food...
You may think that was pretty stupid but just you wait. I then needed to carry this load back to my flat. I had my small backpack and the bag jennie gave me for christmas. I thought I could just brave it out, so I went outside to begin my haul back to Dundas Street. As I begin to leave, a pleasant woman yells, "you left this!" pointing to the neglected laundry detergent. Walking back, she asks where I am going with ALL this stuff. I tell her. She laughs, She says I need a tax. I ask her the cost, She says that it is 10 min but probably more. Well, seeing as I spent some money already, I refused. I laughed to myself as I neared my apartment 35 minutes later that I looked like a crazy person or a mule loaded with gear. I still think everything I purchased was necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle here (like a peanut butter sandwich for dinner).
Anyway, tonight I went bouldering with this guy from uni. He and his girlfriend are both biology majors. He is a microbiologist and she a geneticist. The gym is really one small room but it is pretty nice place to hang out.. and i met a lot of people who seem keen on doing some climbing else where. I may be able to go to wanaka for mix climbing, queenstown for ice, or castle rock for bouldering this weekend. we shall see. tomorrow night, the guy I climbed with tonight and I will go buildering.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Arrival
So I have been here two days now. And it is gorgeous. I have not even been to the scenic areas either! Auckland for the first day where we were dragged around in order to fight the jet lag and saw most of the city, and then today we made the coach ride to Rotorua and had a short stop at Hobbiton (the shire). We also went through the reserve to see some kiwis and tuataras (martha i purchased a kiwi stuffed animal for you, which makes a noise when squeezed -- perfect for the baby, eh?).
Everything seems so fresh here. The water tastes better, the food is more tasty, and the air is clean. It is also quite cold here, which i actually like better than the humid, hot weather back home. Stuff in general is really expensive (but the american dollar goes further). For example, i looked at this climbing guide book for the south island -- a small book -- and it was 60 bucks! I'll have to be smart with buying things. Today was also a good info sesh from the arcadia organizers, who told us what we needed to know about how to survive on our own in enzed.
I feel like i have more things to tell and share but my mind is blanking right now. I think it has been difficult here. Morning are hard. I am not too good and meeting new people it seems. It is a bit lonely here as well, most people are out getting slammed and I am looking for internet to communicate with people. (I will go have some dinner and maybe go as well soak in the thermal pools and then head to bed early because my head hurts -- the cold is still present). Despite the loneliness, I have had good interactions with most people on the trip... but after tomorrow I most likely will not see them again. The country is peaceful and I am hopeful for the coming days. All in all, things are going well.
I am trying to get this cell phone working. once i do, i should be able to communicate easily internationally using google voice. and texting is cheaper as well. also, it seems that Otago as great internet connection that is free and my flat might as well. I am looking forward to settling down for a bit.
I miss everyone! I will try and remember the things that I want to share on here... my mind is not working right now. So perhaps the next post will actually be coherent and full of good stories. Thank you for all the prayers! I know that I am being provided for and that brings me peace. I don't plan on trying to deny things that I believe in just to fit in, so I imagine there will be some "persecution".
Anyway, New Zealand is very pretty (I have I said that already?). It also seems to be a biologist dream world. All the animals and the diversity in ecosystems are fascinating. Everything is so unique to this area, from trees to little penguins.
anyway, gotta go
Everything seems so fresh here. The water tastes better, the food is more tasty, and the air is clean. It is also quite cold here, which i actually like better than the humid, hot weather back home. Stuff in general is really expensive (but the american dollar goes further). For example, i looked at this climbing guide book for the south island -- a small book -- and it was 60 bucks! I'll have to be smart with buying things. Today was also a good info sesh from the arcadia organizers, who told us what we needed to know about how to survive on our own in enzed.
I feel like i have more things to tell and share but my mind is blanking right now. I think it has been difficult here. Morning are hard. I am not too good and meeting new people it seems. It is a bit lonely here as well, most people are out getting slammed and I am looking for internet to communicate with people. (I will go have some dinner and maybe go as well soak in the thermal pools and then head to bed early because my head hurts -- the cold is still present). Despite the loneliness, I have had good interactions with most people on the trip... but after tomorrow I most likely will not see them again. The country is peaceful and I am hopeful for the coming days. All in all, things are going well.
I am trying to get this cell phone working. once i do, i should be able to communicate easily internationally using google voice. and texting is cheaper as well. also, it seems that Otago as great internet connection that is free and my flat might as well. I am looking forward to settling down for a bit.
I miss everyone! I will try and remember the things that I want to share on here... my mind is not working right now. So perhaps the next post will actually be coherent and full of good stories. Thank you for all the prayers! I know that I am being provided for and that brings me peace. I don't plan on trying to deny things that I believe in just to fit in, so I imagine there will be some "persecution".
Anyway, New Zealand is very pretty (I have I said that already?). It also seems to be a biologist dream world. All the animals and the diversity in ecosystems are fascinating. Everything is so unique to this area, from trees to little penguins.
anyway, gotta go
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Departure.2
So I am about to make my journey to New Zealand. I am currently waiting in the LA airport and my flight will not leave until 12:00 pm east coast time -- and will be there around 12:00 am east coast time tomorrow. It is a 16 hr difference from the east coast time zone.
Traveling today has been difficult, mainly due to discouraging thoughts but also due to a cold that i have, which gives little motivation for doing anything else but listen to my own thoughts. sucky. All the little details seem to be giving me a headache: how will i pay for books and food, will this be more expensive for my poor parents, will i meet people who are keen to do climbing, will i meet some christians, will i get along with my roommates?
I have already met a few international students who are traveling to new zealand. they seem nice but most are not going to otago, so there seems little point to getting to know them. I met one guy who is going to otago, but the first thing he said was he was super excited to do lots of partying. my brain said, "uh oh. Great, just what i need to hear." I guess it would be naive for me to think that i could meet people who are going to new zealand to party, not to do climbing, skiing, stuff like that. anyway, I suppose I don't really mind it because I think I will be able to avoid the partying.
My attitude has been pretty negative toward this trip because I want to be able to control my future. I want to know that I will have friends and be able to go climbing. I want to know that I will have good roommates. I have to trust God... hmmm. I don't think I have done it to this degree before.
I think it would be good to end on a good note. I received an email from a church called "the reformed church of dunedin", which basically means it subscribes the creeds, the westminister catechism, etc, saying that they would be able to pick me up because they have a member of the church who lives near me. This is very good news since I would have no way to get to the church otherwise. This gives me a lot of hope because I know that with a christian community I will be able to handle most everything that is thrown at me. I think this is probably the thing I was most worried about, so God is good to give me some hope in, quite literally, the eleventh hour.
And now I am listening to Peter Kreeft give an exposition of Christianity in the "Lord of the Rings".
Traveling today has been difficult, mainly due to discouraging thoughts but also due to a cold that i have, which gives little motivation for doing anything else but listen to my own thoughts. sucky. All the little details seem to be giving me a headache: how will i pay for books and food, will this be more expensive for my poor parents, will i meet people who are keen to do climbing, will i meet some christians, will i get along with my roommates?
I have already met a few international students who are traveling to new zealand. they seem nice but most are not going to otago, so there seems little point to getting to know them. I met one guy who is going to otago, but the first thing he said was he was super excited to do lots of partying. my brain said, "uh oh. Great, just what i need to hear." I guess it would be naive for me to think that i could meet people who are going to new zealand to party, not to do climbing, skiing, stuff like that. anyway, I suppose I don't really mind it because I think I will be able to avoid the partying.
My attitude has been pretty negative toward this trip because I want to be able to control my future. I want to know that I will have friends and be able to go climbing. I want to know that I will have good roommates. I have to trust God... hmmm. I don't think I have done it to this degree before.
I think it would be good to end on a good note. I received an email from a church called "the reformed church of dunedin", which basically means it subscribes the creeds, the westminister catechism, etc, saying that they would be able to pick me up because they have a member of the church who lives near me. This is very good news since I would have no way to get to the church otherwise. This gives me a lot of hope because I know that with a christian community I will be able to handle most everything that is thrown at me. I think this is probably the thing I was most worried about, so God is good to give me some hope in, quite literally, the eleventh hour.
And now I am listening to Peter Kreeft give an exposition of Christianity in the "Lord of the Rings".
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Departure
Well. I can't say that I am REALLY excited to be going to New Zealand. It is strange how when I planned for this trip, I never really thought of all the implications. Now, as I get ready to go, I realize that this trip will be a difficult one for me.
There are many unknowns. Will I get to climb? Will I find a church community? Will I make friends? Will I be able to communicate back home with the ones I love? All of these questions (and more) have made the "getting stoked for the trip" difficult. Having said that, there are moments of excitement. I suppose this is normal when a person is leaving everything behind for four and a half months, 10,000 miles away.
I hope that this blog will be used as a journal of sorts. Many friends and family will be reading this (I think), so I hope to communicate the things that I am experiencing on this adventure of a lifetime.
Now, I need to somehow fit everything I think I need in two 44 lbs. max bags and one carry-on. I still haven't packed everything... motivation is a little difficult right now. I love you all, and hopefully I will come back to see everyone again!
You all know what to pray for.
There are many unknowns. Will I get to climb? Will I find a church community? Will I make friends? Will I be able to communicate back home with the ones I love? All of these questions (and more) have made the "getting stoked for the trip" difficult. Having said that, there are moments of excitement. I suppose this is normal when a person is leaving everything behind for four and a half months, 10,000 miles away.
I hope that this blog will be used as a journal of sorts. Many friends and family will be reading this (I think), so I hope to communicate the things that I am experiencing on this adventure of a lifetime.
Now, I need to somehow fit everything I think I need in two 44 lbs. max bags and one carry-on. I still haven't packed everything... motivation is a little difficult right now. I love you all, and hopefully I will come back to see everyone again!
You all know what to pray for.
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