Ello Mates-
Can't believe I've been away for over 2 months, it seems like yesterday I was hopping off the plane into New Zealand. This entire experience has been amazing. It's going to take a while for me to process all that's occurred. Lady Elliott was incredible. Studied a lot about Great Barrier Reefs. Went snorkeling in clear blue waters with fish of all sorts of colors and many venomous and poisonous creatures. Saw a shark, a sting ray, lots of turtles and so much more. Earth hour occurred while we were on the island, which started in Sydney a few years ago ands has spread to thousands of places since. All power is turned off for an hour to raise awareness about the am mount of electricity we all use. During earth hour we went out to the beach and watched freshly hatched sea turtles make their way into the ocean- then sat in the candlelit old island bar listening to Billy Joel ( there was a generator running in that one place). The birds were crazy at Lady Elliott, there can be over 170,000 of them at one time on the little island- let's just say good sleep was not to be had- these birds cried like baby monkeys the whole night through. It's necessary though, as most of the coral gets it's nutrients from their waste ( a few of us got a few nutrients on our clothes as well...)An interesting concept we've discussed has been that of shifting baselines...or the failure to notice change as it occurs slowly over time. For example, I wasn't disappointed by going to the GBR and seeing 1 shark and lots of turtles. But if I had known how many more their used to be I might have been. I recommend everyone checking out the website . Pretty amazing info that we could all take something from.
I'm sad to be leaving soon, as I could stay here happily for a while longer, but so thankful for the experiences I've had. I'll be updating more as I continue to have time to reflect!
Cheers
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
OZ!!!
Sorry I have not been able to update my blog properly. I will most likely further expound on my travels oncve I have a spare moment to really sit and reflect Have spent many a days in the bush! Just got back from Binna Burra/Lamington National Park. It's surrounded by rain forests with lots of little pademelons hopping around at night.
A lot of the trees there are over 2000 years old., and they've got over 200 species of birds in this one area. Went for a long hike through the forest and got to see some Blue Lamington crayfish, which are rare and endangered.
One of the best parts about Australia is the wildlife. We've seen snakes, so many different kinds of lizards, spiders, marsupials etc. Off to Hervey Bay tomrrow and then to Lady Elliott Island!
A lot of the trees there are over 2000 years old., and they've got over 200 species of birds in this one area. Went for a long hike through the forest and got to see some Blue Lamington crayfish, which are rare and endangered.
One of the best parts about Australia is the wildlife. We've seen snakes, so many different kinds of lizards, spiders, marsupials etc. Off to Hervey Bay tomrrow and then to Lady Elliott Island!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Motueka
Sitting in a Holiday Park in Motueka- a short drive away from Nelson way up North on the South island. It's a cute little town. Homestays were a treat. It was wonderful to be in one place for a little while as we've been moving around so much. I'm really going to miss Christchurch as it has become our home away from home. Spent last night at an Alpine lodge in St. Amaud via Lewis Pass. Nothing there but a convenience store and a lake filled with eels. We sat on the beach last night and as soon as we shone a light into the water they all swam up.
Tomorrow we'll be "slumming" it, camping at the beach in Abel Tasman and going kayaking. Time's up-, will write more when I can !
Cheers!
Tomorrow we'll be "slumming" it, camping at the beach in Abel Tasman and going kayaking. Time's up-, will write more when I can !
Cheers!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
homestays
After driving across the country (can't do that in one day in America) from Fox Glacier to Christchurch yesterday evening, we met up with our host family for the next week or so. Me and Megan are staying with Sue and Ross Vesey and their kids who are 18 and 22. Sue owns a uniform shop and Ross works for the city council managing rivers and he also rebuilds old Brittish cars in his spare time.They have a beautiful home, with a garden full of wonderful produce. They've treated us to a delicious tea with things from the garden the past few nights. It's so nice to be in one place for a while and finally get some good rest as we've been moving locations every day or two for the past few weeks. They've got 2 rescued cats and 3 adorable dogs. Having "heaps" of fun as they say.
Started our International Affairs comparitive politics class today and will be finished within a weeks time. Lots of work to do so I gotta get to it.
Started our International Affairs comparitive politics class today and will be finished within a weeks time. Lots of work to do so I gotta get to it.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The last few weeks...
G'day!!
Can't believe I've been in this country almost 2 weeks. Loving every second, but time is flying by! We've been going going going everyday and all day, leaving me little time to catch y'all up, so I will try my best now to recap! Access to Internet has been spotty and it seems to be easier to upload my pics to my face book account than picasa at the moment.
On Jan 29th, we went to the Tamaki Heritage experience near Christchurch. The Chronicles of Uitara, a powerful story of the Maori culture and of New Zealand, was told across many generations of a single family – the warrior line of Uitara. The story was called Lost in Our Own Land. Basically it was an amazing reenactment of how the Maori people dealt with British colonization of their land. We were lead by a storyteller through over 100 years of Maori history.
Jan 30th- ( Happy Birthday Brother!)
We departed early in the morning ( as we have every morning) to go for a day hike at the Hinewai Reserve with a stop along the way at Lake Ellesmere. It was beautiful. The land manager, Hugh Wilson, talked to us about the various aspects of managing invasive species in the area- as that is the main problem with most wilderness areas here. The Europeans brought stoats, possums, rabbits and others that have changed the eco-systems and landscapes forever.
The biggest problem is the many species of land birds that have been affected, as there were no mammals ( except bats and seals)in New Zealand before the Europeans brought them. Thus, they had evolved to not have to fly away from predators and were really vulnerable to them once they were here.
On the 31st we dwepqarted Christchurch and headed out to Mt. Cook and Twizel, stopping at some canals along the way to talk about hydropower and water issues. We then headed off to Ben Ohau at Lake Tekapo. Absolutely beautiful! At Ben Ohau we talked to a high country land owner about some various legal land management practices in NZ. We also saw the land where the scene from the battle of Pellanor was filmed in return of the King.
For the next few nights we stayed in bunks at Glentanner Park. The most beautiful view and lake you could imagine. Every place we've been has been so outstanding it's really hard to describe with words.
On the 1st, we went for a hike on the Hooker Valley trail on Mt. Cook. Stopped at a glacial area fro lunch. Again, some amazing scenery. We visited the Dept of Conservation center that day as well.
Feb 2nd
We departed Glentanner and headed out to Te Anau. It's a cute little town on the way to Milford Sound. The next day, we headed to Milford sound and took a boat cruise. More amazing sights. I will be adding pics ASAP!!
Feb 4th we went to a wildlife park and stopped at lake Manapouri inroute to Queenstown. And Yesterday we hiked 20 Kilometers ( roughly 13-14 miles) up the Routeburn Trail on Mt. Aspiring, I'm hurtin a lil bit today :).
That was short and sweet, but I'm being charged by the min so I must say Adieu. Will post pics soon as I can and try and share some more details!!!
Cheers!
Can't believe I've been in this country almost 2 weeks. Loving every second, but time is flying by! We've been going going going everyday and all day, leaving me little time to catch y'all up, so I will try my best now to recap! Access to Internet has been spotty and it seems to be easier to upload my pics to my face book account than picasa at the moment.
On Jan 29th, we went to the Tamaki Heritage experience near Christchurch. The Chronicles of Uitara, a powerful story of the Maori culture and of New Zealand, was told across many generations of a single family – the warrior line of Uitara. The story was called Lost in Our Own Land. Basically it was an amazing reenactment of how the Maori people dealt with British colonization of their land. We were lead by a storyteller through over 100 years of Maori history.
Jan 30th- ( Happy Birthday Brother!)
We departed early in the morning ( as we have every morning) to go for a day hike at the Hinewai Reserve with a stop along the way at Lake Ellesmere. It was beautiful. The land manager, Hugh Wilson, talked to us about the various aspects of managing invasive species in the area- as that is the main problem with most wilderness areas here. The Europeans brought stoats, possums, rabbits and others that have changed the eco-systems and landscapes forever.
The biggest problem is the many species of land birds that have been affected, as there were no mammals ( except bats and seals)in New Zealand before the Europeans brought them. Thus, they had evolved to not have to fly away from predators and were really vulnerable to them once they were here.
On the 31st we dwepqarted Christchurch and headed out to Mt. Cook and Twizel, stopping at some canals along the way to talk about hydropower and water issues. We then headed off to Ben Ohau at Lake Tekapo. Absolutely beautiful! At Ben Ohau we talked to a high country land owner about some various legal land management practices in NZ. We also saw the land where the scene from the battle of Pellanor was filmed in return of the King.
For the next few nights we stayed in bunks at Glentanner Park. The most beautiful view and lake you could imagine. Every place we've been has been so outstanding it's really hard to describe with words.
On the 1st, we went for a hike on the Hooker Valley trail on Mt. Cook. Stopped at a glacial area fro lunch. Again, some amazing scenery. We visited the Dept of Conservation center that day as well.
Feb 2nd
We departed Glentanner and headed out to Te Anau. It's a cute little town on the way to Milford Sound. The next day, we headed to Milford sound and took a boat cruise. More amazing sights. I will be adding pics ASAP!!
Feb 4th we went to a wildlife park and stopped at lake Manapouri inroute to Queenstown. And Yesterday we hiked 20 Kilometers ( roughly 13-14 miles) up the Routeburn Trail on Mt. Aspiring, I'm hurtin a lil bit today :).
That was short and sweet, but I'm being charged by the min so I must say Adieu. Will post pics soon as I can and try and share some more details!!!
Cheers!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
WOW
Have been so busy, it's been hard to find the spare time to write! I'm really loving this town. We've got a heavy workload so that's been taking up lots of time, but we've gotten to see some pretty amazing places. The water here tastes AMAZING. The weather is most interesting. It can go from hot and humid to rainy and windy in minutes. Since the ozone here is really thin, you can really feel the sunlight, regardless of clouds. Overall, it's just really energizing to be here.
Went to Riccarton House and Bush yesterday: http://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz
It's one of few remaining untouched bush areas in NZ. They're also working on raising the Kiwi population within the bush, as many non-native species have become predators to the little guys.
Went to the botanical Gardens today and had dinner on the grass. Wonderful.
Have been having our anthropology lectures every day this week, our first final exam is on Friday so I have a lot of work to do! We depart on Sunday morning for Mt. Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Will update as often as possible.
Cheers.
Went to Riccarton House and Bush yesterday: http://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz
It's one of few remaining untouched bush areas in NZ. They're also working on raising the Kiwi population within the bush, as many non-native species have become predators to the little guys.
Went to the botanical Gardens today and had dinner on the grass. Wonderful.
Have been having our anthropology lectures every day this week, our first final exam is on Friday so I have a lot of work to do! We depart on Sunday morning for Mt. Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Will update as often as possible.
Cheers.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I'm finally here!!!
Kia ora!!! That's the traditional Maori greeting here. I'm just sitting in the hotel lobby taking a break from all the running around and exploring.
After over 30 hours of being awake and in the airport and/or plane, we finally made it to Hotel So in the early evening yesterday (which was the 23rd here). This place is awesome. All the walls are white, and it's very futuristic. To use any lights you have to insert your room key ( and leave it there) into a little slot, making it very difficult to EVER accidentally leave any lights on. I had the best sleep of my life last night, after being awake for almost 2 days ( I have a really hard time sleeping sitting up on a plane.) Everyone in the group seems really awesome. There's 8 girls and 7 guys so it's a good dynamic.
While still delirious, but after a good meal and program orientation we went to the Pack n save ( pretty much a local Wal-mart where you pack your own groceries and save lots of money) for a few essential items. I have just been taking in all of the sights and little nuances of the town today. We had a scavenger hunt this morning just to orient ourselves with New Zealand customs and culture. Had to take pics with our difgital camera of things like 3 different types of kiwis, an instant kiwi which is a lottery ticket ( I didn't win:( ), and about 18 other items/sights
The buskers festival is going on right now, so there is a TON to do and see. Check it out: http://www.worldbuskersfestival.com
We had our first lecture today on the bio-geographical history of New Zealand, pretty interesting stuff! Afterwards, went to an awesome vegetarian place for lunch called Soulfood. mmmm.... it hasn't been hard at all to find good veggie food which is a plus. Today has been a free day so I think a bunch of us are going to head down to Sumner beach before dinner. I'll post pics soon. I love this country!!
After over 30 hours of being awake and in the airport and/or plane, we finally made it to Hotel So in the early evening yesterday (which was the 23rd here). This place is awesome. All the walls are white, and it's very futuristic. To use any lights you have to insert your room key ( and leave it there) into a little slot, making it very difficult to EVER accidentally leave any lights on. I had the best sleep of my life last night, after being awake for almost 2 days ( I have a really hard time sleeping sitting up on a plane.) Everyone in the group seems really awesome. There's 8 girls and 7 guys so it's a good dynamic.
While still delirious, but after a good meal and program orientation we went to the Pack n save ( pretty much a local Wal-mart where you pack your own groceries and save lots of money) for a few essential items. I have just been taking in all of the sights and little nuances of the town today. We had a scavenger hunt this morning just to orient ourselves with New Zealand customs and culture. Had to take pics with our difgital camera of things like 3 different types of kiwis, an instant kiwi which is a lottery ticket ( I didn't win:( ), and about 18 other items/sights
The buskers festival is going on right now, so there is a TON to do and see. Check it out: http://www.worldbuskersfestival.com
We had our first lecture today on the bio-geographical history of New Zealand, pretty interesting stuff! Afterwards, went to an awesome vegetarian place for lunch called Soulfood. mmmm.... it hasn't been hard at all to find good veggie food which is a plus. Today has been a free day so I think a bunch of us are going to head down to Sumner beach before dinner. I'll post pics soon. I love this country!!
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