Day 1

I arrived in Auckland at 430am, 2 days after I left DC. The plane was nice enough; it had decent legroom and a personal TV system with a large selection of movies and series. I ended up watching Atonement, after which I cried (embarrassing; luckily, most people were asleep), and several episodes of CSI and Cold Case. While waiting at the gate for the plane to Dunedin, I ran into Spenser, which was a great surprise. It was a bit of a relief to have someone I knew around. We got a shuttle to our respective flats, which first took us all over the city while it dropped off the other 7 people in the bus. The ride was about 45min, taking us through the countryside- green rolling hills and acres of farmland. It was a little chilly today, only because it was windy and overcast. Kiwi locals said it never really snows here, so it can’t get but so cold (famous last words, right?)

My flat is #24 at 8 Willowbank, room 5 on the third floor (I have a balcony! See picture). The previous tenant in this room left me a nice note, his name is Patrick from Clemson University. There are 4 other people living here: Oliver (Germany), Martin (Sweden) and Becky (US) live on the first 2 floors. Sharing my floor is Natalie from Canada, and so far we are getting along really well. She and I attended a campus tour together and hung out most of the day.

I just got back from the grocery store which is a couple blocks south of here. Somewhat cheap, although it is strange what is more expensive than what; example: peanut butter is ~$3 for one jar. Fortunately, the NZ$ is cheaper than US$ (does that make sense?). Campus is pretty spread out, and most shops close around 5pm. There are a few 24/7 computer labs around, but by Saturday we will have internet here.

When we came back from our tour, and dinner at a cute Vegan café, the rest of our flatmates were hanging out in the lounge with a neighbor, Kelly. All are either vegetarian or vegan and two are lactose intolerant. Fun cooking times ahead! Everyone is into hiking (or tramping as they call it here), and Kelly climbs. Woot! She was upset I didn’t bring my harness, but, I’m sure I’ll manage… it isn’t like this is a great spot for bouldering.

Tomorrow we start our course selection, and I think my schedule should be pretty, well, easy. I’m looking to take a couple Māori classes, one in Geology, maybe environmental something or other, and of course, Cellular and Molecular Bio – just so I don’t have to take it at UR. We are also getting our student ID cards, which gives us internet access and local discounts. Next week we will be spending time in orientations and club fairs. I’m hoping to join the MTB and Water Polo clubs; I think they would keep me quite busy. I shipped my bike here in pieces, and although I need to get wheels, a headset, chain…and a helmet, I should have it built back up in a week or so.

I’m exhausted, we’re going to watch a movie and I hope I don’t fall asleep. Accents here are funny. Although I have to remember, that I’m the one with the accent.