Much Has Happened...

Since I last wrote.  Last weekend, several friends and I caught a bus 5 hours north, through farmland, country side, and desert to arrive in what we thought was the city of Turungi.  When we got there we soon realized that it was not a city.  Not even close- Turungi makes Warrensburg NY look like a booming metropolis.  Anyway, we got of the bus and walked the kilometer or so to our campgrounds.  Upon arrival we tried to book tickets the next day to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, renowned as one of the worlds best day hikes.  Unfortunately the weather was supposed to be terrible the following day, but after some scrambling we finally booked a shuttle to the trail head with company our campgrounds receptionist said had perviously "drove to fast and then accidentally left people stranded" when it forgot to pick them up later that day.  Nevertheless we managed transport to the from the crossing.  After a dry but very windy night, we piled into the big busted old yellow bus that arrived at 7am.  The driver did not drive to fast, nor did he forget to pick us up later that day, but it was still by far one of the most bootleg operations I have had the privilege of experiencing.  The fair was $40, exact change and cash only- and I kid you not it went straight into the wallet of the old, overweight Maori driver.

Finally we get to the trail head, and start off.  It was windy and chilly, but great tramping weather.  As we climbed it got colder and windier.  Unfortunately all views were cut off as we were totally socked in by clouds as soon as we gained any significant elevation.  70kph+ winds threatened to tip us off, and more than a few times we had to crouch down to wait for the stronger gusts to pass.  The trail is very well traveled, almost three-quarters of a million people hike it each year, but in spots it was extremely trecherous, hiking along a loose and icy ridge, plummeting off into nothingness on either side.  We passed by two of the regions three highest peaks, stunning but extinct volcanoes without even knowing, as everything was blocked by clouds.  If anyone remembered Mt Doom from the Lord of the Rings, know that we passed within 2 miles of its summit without knowing until later.  We had lunch by the Emerald Lakes, a pair of brightly colored volcanic lakes, and made it through the pass and down into the surrounding valleys by mid-afternoon.  the last 2km of the hike were the most surprising- we had spent the last 6 hours and 2000 calories trekking through some of the most alpine terrain I have ever experienced, and within a matter of feet the landscape changed from low lying kiwi bush to lush dense rainforest.  It was stunning and a welcomed changed in scenery.  Our driver picked us up no problem, and we spent a nice evening at the campground grilling, playing cards, and drinking cheap wine from the bottle.  The ride home was uneventful as well, and in wellington it finally poured on us as we stepped off the bus and made the 2km trek back up to our flats.

A weekend well spent.

We arrived home on Saturday in time for the farmers market on Sunday, and then on Monday classes started.  All my lectures are easily over 80 people, in large lecture halls and I am really coming to appreciate the liberal arts philosophy.  Not that mass education is a bad thing, and perhaps I am biased (ok I know I am) but i find it much more difficult to pay attention, and also much more dangerous as not everything we are tested on is included in our lecture.  I find that bit rather annoying especially after walking into a bookstore to find the average "throw-away" paperback novels to be well over $20.  Island living in some ways is not all its cracked up to be.  Also, minimum wage in NZ is over $13 per hour so even with the exchange rate everything here is priced higher than it would be at home.

This weekend proved different, as I stayed in Wellington, but just as fun.  Yesterday I got up for the sunrise over the harbor, spent a great morning slack-lining in the park just off the water, and then later on climbed Mt Victoria, not a "Mt" at all, but rather a mound overlooking Wellington with breathtaking, 360 degree views of the city, harbor, surrounding suburbs, and on a good day even the north tip of the south island.  It was a true summer day, and after my dinner at an actual restaurant we struggled on the hill with full stomachs.

Next weekend the Arcadia group is heading off to Able Tasmen National Park- apparently one of the most beautiful places in NZ, across Cook Strait on the south island so stay tuned!

6000 miles later

And so after months of waiting I'm finally here.  We arrived in Auckland Thursday morning and spent the day touring and swimming in the pouring rain.  Its the first time I've been in the Pacific in years and it has not changed much, but it was good to get back in.  

The next day we drove several hours to Rotorua, and on our way passed through "hobbeton" aka The Shire.  Took a picture with Smeagol, his statue is quite prominent, and stopped at a farm to see a sheep show.  Never have I seen a sheep sheared, but these guys can do it in under a minute, quite impressive.  There are also over 20 types of sheep here, some used for their wool, others more for bbq's.  That night we had some down time to catch up on sleep.  

The next day we toured the area's main attraction, a geothermal "wonderland" which was very similar to parts of our Yellowstone, which made the whole town reek of sulfur.  It was great for a few days but I can't understand how anyone with a functioning nose could live there.  Then we were off to go Zorbing, a kiwi phenomena where you jump into a massive inflated, round 3D donut of sorts, partly filled with water and then roll at break neck speeds down a hill.  Sounds overrated but it was actually quite a ball.  You see what I did there?  That night we visited a Maori village, learned heaps (kiwi slang) about their culture, song, dance, traditions and most importantly, food.  We were treated to a most delicious dinner, cooked traditionally over piping hot rocks in an underground oven.  After much singing we returned to the hotel for one final night before departing for Wellington in the morning.

We flew into Welly yesterday, and I made it to my flat and then we walked around the city to start to get our bearings.  Its a very hilly but beautiful and vibrant city.  This morning I started to wrap up some loose ends, got a voltage converter so I don't fry my computer and also went to the grocery.  Although the dollar is stronger here food is still relatively pricey- after dropping $80 NZ dollars I hope I'll be able to eat for the week.  We'll see.  Tomorrow we have the international students orientation, never before have I been an international so we'll see how that all goes.  The rest of the week then is totally unstructured and I'd love to get out and maybe get in some trekking.  

Thats all for now, more to come later.  

One Week and Counting...

Next week at this time I'll be somewhere high over the Pacific, dozing to Simon & Garfunkel or The Band, eating bland airplane dinners, or drooling as I nap on my little fold down desk.  I packed today- 50lbs in the suitcase and 15lbs in my climbing pack and it seems like so little to trek off halfway around the world with, but at this point I figure if I haven't packed it (save for a few items I'm still using, like this here computer) I won't need it.  Its weird to seal all the sentimental pieces for my new room in a 1 gallon zip-lock bag and fit it in between my sweaters, but at the same time its liberating.  Actually I lied, I have a Dead poster (props to Ben) and the 2012 composite too.  Embracing my hidden 'type-A' side (yea apparently I do have one) has been interesting while getting organized but I'm starting to scare myself.  I'm getting more OCD over how my lists look than I did my physics homework last semester, oops.  Anywho all the build up is starting to give way and I'm thinking soon enough I'll be that kid with the accent and I can't wait.  

See you on the other side.

I Wanted To Get This Off The Ground...

...before I leave, Feb 21. You're seeing this because I while I want to stay in touch with many people, I foresee myself getting caught up and forgetting. I want to share my experiences with my family and friends, and also to keep a log for myself. I've been on break since late December and must admit there has been quite a build up, and I still have three weeks to go! Thanks to all who I have talked to for info so far and everyone else for their excitement