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I still haven't wrapped my head around the reality of being in New Zealand, but I have been here for almost a full 24 hours now. We got to campus yesterday around 11:30 am on Julyl 3rd (4:30pm on July 2nd Colorado time). It scares me to think that I am so far ahead "in the future" so I just consider home to be six hours ahead... It's easier to figure out the time difference that way too.
My cabin, or "flat" as they call it here, is a five minute walk from the center of campus and is in a small neighborhood of student housing. I have only met my Chinese roommate, Huling, so far. She calls me Christina, which actually works out well because then I don't feel so bad calling her Lynn. She speaks English very well and was extremely welcoming to me. My other two roommates, one from New Zealand and one from Austria, should be arriving today or over the weekend.
Campus here has a completely different dynamic than a campus in the states. I truly feel like I am at camp. Everyone lives on campus and there are constantly "field trips" to go on and activities to partake in (aka wine mixers). Everyone, including the locals, are beyond friendly. I have never had an experience where I could relate to someone from Germany, New Zealnd, Norway, Finland, China, and the US all at the same time because we are all going through the same experience of studying abroad. On campus at home, it seems like the abroad students are welcomed but treated differently because they are "not the same" as the majority of the kids on campus.
To put it simply, I have only been here 24 hours and am already having an amazing time. I thought the first few days would be the hardest, but turns out I was sad when yesterday was over. Today we have orientation and tomorrow I will be setting up my class schedule. On Sunday, we are going on a field trip to Hanmer Springs, known as The Alpine Spa Village. The list of possible activities are natural hot pools, hiking, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jetboating, and wine tasting. Can't wait!
The pictures I am posting today are from the flight from Auckland to Christchurch. I will try to keep my posts as updated as possible, but I have a feeling that being on my computer is going to be the least of my concerns for the next few days... or weeks... or months!
Missing you all!! XO
- comments
Carole Blocher Hi Christie! I am so excited to read what your are experiencing so far away! I am missing you and will look forward to your next entry....it sure helps me feel closer to you. I love you so much...you are in my heart! Grandma xoxo
john knew it would be you! have a jolly good time! xoxo John