Orientation...Is this real life?!

Whew, what a week! My time here in New Zealand is flying by already, but have done so many different and unique things that it seems to be almost a dream. After the pre-semester trip to Fiji, I flew into Auckland, New Zealand. I had some expectations for this particular week just because of the stories and photos I’ve seen of other people’s experience abroad. Museums, bus tours, group activities and perhaps a nice dinner here and there were a few things I mentally jotted down. I was right, for the most part, however The Education Abroad Network went straight past my expectations and more.

When I first arrived, along with the rest of the group from Fiji plus one, we quickly had some lunch and had a little discussion about what to anticipate for the following five days. We later checked into our rooms, and settled in. Prior to our welcome dinner, we took a walking tour around the city of Auckland. Now, before you freak out, the city is not at all that big, yet there are HUMONGOUS hills that you must trek to get anywhere from our hotel. Besides that small detail, Auckland took me by surprise by its cleanliness and gorgeous waterfront harbor. You can try to compare this city to other’s in the world, but wouldn’t come close to its unique style. Fast paced, VERY DIVERSE, and a great nightlife is just the beginning of what I experienced.

As soon as the introduction to the city and to the program, TEAN, was complete I was able to explore the city in my own way. Of course it included several trips to the Gelato shop, high-end fashions boutiques, and the oh-so-sketchy bars filled with locals and travelers alike. I won’t ever forget that first night out without any guides or leaders. I now understand why people say that Kiwis are very friendly people, some more than others. Anyway, it was a great first night in New Zealand and had to get to bed early because of what I was about to face the next day.

My 2^nd day in New Zealand consisted of a 20-30 minute hike UPHILL, then repelling down cliffs and waterfalls, all while trying to take-in the scene around me. Everyone had his or her own experience with Canyoning, as for me, it was one I will NEVER EVER forget or regret doing. I would for sure do it again if the opportunity came around, as for now I am proud that I accomplished something extraordinary.

When the adrenaline pumping activity for the week was over, we had a day off to relax and get immersed in the Kiwi culture. One thing I was excited for, just because I am always excited regardless of where I am, was the food. New Zealand has a lot of similar restaurants and fast food places as we do in the states, but with a little twist. Yes there is Burger King, McDonald’s, and even a Subway, although I try to avoid those places altogether. Sandwich shops and kebab stores were on my list to try out before anything else.

On the 3^rd day, which was Saturday February 12^th, my group that went Canyoning on Thursday, went on a Maori Tour. This day included a visit to the Auckland Museum, where we watched Maori’s do their traditional dances and Haka. We then moved onto a black sand beach and a hike to a waterfall where we did some flax weaving. I did find out that I am not a very skilled weaver. Lol At the end of the day, the whole orientation group got together one last time and had a nice dinner at SPQR and a champagne toast to celebrate the beginning of our study abroad experience. I’m not going to lie, I will miss some people in our group and the leaders that were really helpful in getting me where I am today, but am excited that I have an excuse to go visit other places in New Zealand.

Can’t wait to explore this amazing country!

Till next time! Cheers!

BULA!!

So, it's been a while since I have posted last but I have been going nonstop since the minute we arrived in the Southern Hemisphere! I'll give you guys a little overview of what my trip to Naviti Island, Botaira Resort was like and of my first couple of days in Auckland, New Zealand.

Besides the whole "SURPRISE, you have to pay more money for another bag"deal at the LAX airport, the beginning of my trip went pretty smooth. We arrived in Nadi, Fiji on February 5th at 5:30 in the morning, and had to pack a backpack of clothes to use on Island we were going to. After dropping off our bags at a hotel, we headed down to the wharf to catch our three hour long ferry boat ride to our island. Of course, everyone in our group wanted a great view, so stupidly we took the top deck of the ferry...don't get me wrong, the views were incredible, and it was so nice to be in the warm weather. However, I, along with most of our group, only put on a little sunscreen, so we all got fried!!! I know I'm speaking for everyone when I say that first night in the bunks was rough. Other than the sunburn, Fiji was the most amazing place. They have no sense of time so you knew when to eat when your heard the drum! Very peaceful, relaxed and chill place, which helped a lot with the jet leg.

Everyday I got up, ate breakfast, sat in the hammocks, went for a swim and just enjoyed the scenery. Although, everyday was not all chilling out on the beach, playing volleyball and snorkeling, we also made a hike to the village where the staff members are from. Ok, so it said on the black board that it was a walk to the village of Sosa, haha i beg to differ. This was an intense, hike and climb you ass up the mountain and hope that you don't fall because it's a long way down kind of journey. It was the single most difficult thing I have ever done in my life up to this point. I'm so proud that I did it, and it was sooo well worth the hike because the views were incredible and the people were very gracious. Never have I ever met so friendly and giving people. I honesty admire them, and wish I could view the world the way they do. Not needing anything but a roof over my head and food for myself and family. A very humbling experience if I say so myself.

Every night, we would have dinner and then some sort of entertainment afterward. One night, the choir from the village came over and sang for us. Another night, some staff and other village members did a dance number for us, which included them grabbing us from our seats and letting us join in on the fun. Later we sat around in a circle and did a Kava ceremony. Alright, before I talk about anything else, you should know what Kava really is...

What Kava is: Literally, "bitter". An intoxicating drink brewed from the root or leaves of a plant of the pepper family.

They told us that if you consume too much Kave you could hallucinate, so that was little nerve racking when accepting each bowl they gave to you. It really wasn't the best tasting thing in the world, kind of like soap, but I tried it!! So, overall, the Fiji trip was a great success and I will never forget it. I am, however, glad to have a shower and air conditioning again haha

I am currently in Auckland, New Zealand doing my orientation to the TEAN program. I will be leaving in a few days for Wellington, which is where I will be living for the next 4 months!!! Ill update again about my orientation soon!!

Till next time! Cheers!