Nueva Zealanda...One Hell of a Lugar

I feel kinda silly when I say New Zealand is nothing like Europa (sorta like when Anakin tells Padme her skin isn't sand), but I feel like it is something that needs to be clarified.

My experience here is entirely different, the excitement of the locale much more subtle, my culture shock moments a lot less shocking (similar language helps, and I am really beginning to appreciate the small, innate, differences that exists in such a different way!) all in all -- it doesn't feel as much like a trip as home.

So that's why I haven't been bloggin' much or posting tons of photos... mostly because I'm really comfortable. Also, the beauty is much more...I don't know how to explain it...you have to breathe it. It is so breathtaking, glorious and endless, but it's not something that can be captured. That may sound dumb but I promise you, I could take the same photo of a fierce sunset, the rolling green hills, JT and I looking goofily in love and you'd tire of it.



But, you should know I'm happy here. Very.

What else? I've made some good friends, adjusted to the larger class sizes, had a few adventures. Learned to appreciate Scrummy (hard cider, 8 percent alcohol and kinda delicious). Stressed out over graduation and how poor I am. Learned more Kiwi venacular and about tui adverts. Had a few assesments. Planned a spring trip to Sydney (hooray! we are going to the ballet at the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE -- QUE GUAY!!) and just lived a lot.

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for the Richter scholarship. Who knows which way it will go.

But, yes, I will keep you update. Take more photos. And miss you all.

Love,

Jza
PS: the photo is from the street where i live - Raethi Crescent

where I am...

Sorry I've been neglectful. My heart and mind and thoughts have been elsewhere and internet access is a bit hard to come by, which can be good and can be bad...

So far, I've moved in and around. I'm trying to get settled into my new university of 40K people and find out how people keep themselves feeling motivated and meaningful in a large uni. I've gone on loads of walks, learned more kiwi slang, gone to the beach and found perfect shells and stones, fallen more in love, eaten yummy food and thought quite a bit.

I'm behind on work, but after writing this I will go and catch up. This weekend I went to the beach with JT and his host family. I think we were near Whangarei, but the drive to the beach...it was...amazing. Rolling green hills, stretches of trees, wildflowers and greenery. All you imagine in a countryside. The sky stretches forever here...it's really daunting and fantastic.

What else?

The beach was gorgeous and unspoilt...the sun was SO strong. The waves were high and the first night JT and I just frolicked about in the rain and salty breeze and held hands.

I'm not sure what else to say that may or may not interest you. It's just a lot. All of it. I had a dream last night that Brad Gray fell in love with a kiwi and decided to stay here forever.

He was really excited.

All righty,

Jza