Otago Letters: People and Classes

So, the first week of classes is over and life is still a whirlwind right now! I am very intrigued by my biological anthropology class- in lab we each had a 1/2 skeleton (actual bones) and a worksheet packet. The professor just turned us loose to explore the bones and joints, what an opprotunity! it's still strange to have such large classes, but I'm sure I'll get used to it in due time- and be all the more thankful for the small classes and professor interaction at UR. There are about 4 people that have to be emailed first, before you can even contact the professor personally. The environmental history class is a lot of fun, although the reading is quite intensive. Each week not only are there articles and a textbook to read, but there are 5 or more library books to read small sections of. So far we have had an environmental historian and a Maori studies professor teach lectures, and the material is fascinating. The Maori professor asked the class why north was "up" on maps? If explorers had reached NZ first, do you think north would be "down"? Interesting to think about.

The flat is finally complete, Becky is here now after spending most of the pre-lecture time away on geology fieldtrips. We have a great system of dinners worked out and there is a farmers market on weekends where we load up on fruits and veges (as they are spelled here).

I am meeting some wonderful Kiwis as well! The other students in the mountain biking club are such a blast to hang out with! I went on my first ride here with the club, and after just an intro to many of the local trails, we met up on a soccer field and played mtb soccer- exactly as you are probably imagining it! about 15-20 bikes riding around and people kicking or slidding into the ball to (sort of) move it around the field. There was no "out" so the game went all over. Hilarious.

That night, I went to my first major rugby game. I think it was a semi-pro team, kind of like the Richmond Kickers or the Idaho Falls Padres. The Highlanders were, as you can expect, huge. There is a 200lb minimum to play on the team! It rained all night but everyone was dressed up in blue, gold and maroon and having a blast. There were thousands of people there! What a fascinating game, and I still have no idea what the rules or strategies are.

I also tried out for the Otago water polo team. There were 37 girls there for a team of 13, and many many very good players. I made the team (yay!) and I now get the chance to represent University of Otago at the University Games in April. I'm stoked and I'm sure I will learn a ton from these girls, all of whom have some incredible polo abilities.

In addition to climbing at the little boulder gym, Room14, several of the girls here in Willowbank flats have joined a Yoga class a couple nights a week. It's an interesting style, one in which the poses are held for several minutes (up to 10) and the class runs about 2 hours. Needless to say, I am very "stiff" as the instructor calls it. I am also very very "sore," as I call it.

Anyway, another week of classes coming up and I have a lot of studying to do! There are no real assignments and only 1 or 2 tests for each class all year. But, it seems like there is just so much information- I really have to make sure I stay on top of it. I have included several "people" pictures, just to give you some perspective.

(the 4 of us at the Cadbury Factory)