Thank goodness for Jamie and his breakfast... being up at 6:30 in the morning does not agree with me. But being out of the door by 8 am was a must so we could go white water rafting! I have never done anything like it before, but i have heard it is fun!
OMG I ALMOST DIED. The river that we used was a cemetery river for the Maori, so in order for us to get into it we had to chant a prayer to the gods. It was great until the instructor said that we had to get out of the raft and hang on while we go down a waterfall. Yeah, I almost died... But I would say it was worth it ;) We were soaking wet and tired, but it defiantly lots of fun. I even got the pictures to prove it.
On our way back, we grabbed lunch at the Fat Dog Cafe. A big thing here is the BLAT--bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato sandwich. Add a big pile of fries/spuds/chips and it was one of the best meals ever. I walked back with the guys and then headed off to work on laundry, chat with mom over wifi, and chill before the rest of the night!
We were honored at a Hangi diner tonight put on by the Maori tribe. It was kinda like a luau with a little bit more yelling. There was lamb, chicken, and kumara (sweet potatoes) cooked in an underground pit, salad made from very fresh veggies, traditional bread pudding served with ice cream, and lots of other goodies. But before we could eat, we had to go through a few ceremonies. We took a walk through the jungle where we saw glow worms and a few "natives" walking through the forest with fire. We then watched and listened to a group of men paddle a wooden canoe back and forth in a shallow river. We were then taken to a hut where we sat and watched as there was a welcome ceremony, the explanation of tattoos and weapons, and lots of songs. It was such a cool experience, and as an anthropology major I don't think I could have geeked out any other way. :)
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
New Zealand -- Day 8
This whole thing where breakfast is provided and already out is something I think I could get used to :) We needed to head out about 10 am this morning, so we made sure everyone was up and ready before then.
Our tour today was at Te Puia-- a national geyser park owned by the local Maori! It smelled like a chemistry experiment gone wrong because of all the sulfur, but otherwise the place was super cool. There were naturally hot mud pools as well, but there was no touching because your skin would melt off. In other areas of the park, there were places where one could watch basket weaving, wood carving, learn the different greetings, and even learn a little about the gods that the Maori have. There was even an exhibit where you could see the nocturnal Kiwi bird :)
After the tour, Jamie told us about these naturally warm rivers where the locals go take a dive! So as a group, we went and got lunch at a food court and grabbed some beer before heading out! The river was awesome--there were both warm and cool currents depending on the movement of the water. We were there for about 3 hours......so naturally we looked like raisins when we got out.
After everyone showered and got their stuff together for tomorrow, we headed out to the local grocery store to grab stuff for dinner! Jamie showed us where there was a grill at the hostel, so the majority of us wanted to get stuff for that. One of the guys that was with us was nice enough to grill everyone's food while each person got other stuff ready. The night then consisted of hanging out on the patio relaxing with some music and making memories :)
Our tour today was at Te Puia-- a national geyser park owned by the local Maori! It smelled like a chemistry experiment gone wrong because of all the sulfur, but otherwise the place was super cool. There were naturally hot mud pools as well, but there was no touching because your skin would melt off. In other areas of the park, there were places where one could watch basket weaving, wood carving, learn the different greetings, and even learn a little about the gods that the Maori have. There was even an exhibit where you could see the nocturnal Kiwi bird :)
After the tour, Jamie told us about these naturally warm rivers where the locals go take a dive! So as a group, we went and got lunch at a food court and grabbed some beer before heading out! The river was awesome--there were both warm and cool currents depending on the movement of the water. We were there for about 3 hours......so naturally we looked like raisins when we got out.
After everyone showered and got their stuff together for tomorrow, we headed out to the local grocery store to grab stuff for dinner! Jamie showed us where there was a grill at the hostel, so the majority of us wanted to get stuff for that. One of the guys that was with us was nice enough to grill everyone's food while each person got other stuff ready. The night then consisted of hanging out on the patio relaxing with some music and making memories :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
New Zealand--Day 7
Last night I had to pack up my bag so that we could be on the bus and ready to go by 7:30 am. That meant that breakfast was super early and people were cranky. There wasn't much that happened today because we had to be on the bus for such a long ride, but we did get to go to one place that was super cool.... HOBBITTON!
Let me tell you how cool that place is. I could not believe that I was standing in the same places where they filmed Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit! It was just amazing to see how everything looked so real and legit, but the majority of it was plastic. They had all different sizes of doors so they could make people seem very big or very small. I got to go inside of one of the houses (baker's house) and even see Bag End! It was such an amazing experience :)
We ate lunch there as well, and while I enjoyed my veggie roll Jamie told us stories about how he was an extra for the Lord of the Rings movies and worked on the set of the Hobbit. That guy has done much with his life it is ridiculous!
We got to the YHA in Rotorua around 3, so we hung out for a bit before we headed to Lone Star. It is just a local bar and grill, but it was super delicious! After everyone had lots of drinks and full bellies, some of us decided to take a walk and see if we could find a place to buy some drinks. Instead we got lost in a sketchy area and decided that we should just head back. Let me tell you, that shower and bed felt great!
Let me tell you how cool that place is. I could not believe that I was standing in the same places where they filmed Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit! It was just amazing to see how everything looked so real and legit, but the majority of it was plastic. They had all different sizes of doors so they could make people seem very big or very small. I got to go inside of one of the houses (baker's house) and even see Bag End! It was such an amazing experience :)
We ate lunch there as well, and while I enjoyed my veggie roll Jamie told us stories about how he was an extra for the Lord of the Rings movies and worked on the set of the Hobbit. That guy has done much with his life it is ridiculous!
We got to the YHA in Rotorua around 3, so we hung out for a bit before we headed to Lone Star. It is just a local bar and grill, but it was super delicious! After everyone had lots of drinks and full bellies, some of us decided to take a walk and see if we could find a place to buy some drinks. Instead we got lost in a sketchy area and decided that we should just head back. Let me tell you, that shower and bed felt great!
Monday, May 18, 2015
New Zealand--Day 6
Jamie is so sweet for setting up breakfast for us every day! Every night he gives us a time as to when breakfast will be available--and the dude is never late.
I HAVE HAD SO MUCH FREE TIME! And of course I have nothing else to do but to go walk about and find stores that catch my eye. At least this time I wasn't by myself--I had a few of the girlies with me. We went back to Cotton On, had NYC pizza at Sal's, headed back to LuLu Lemon, and ended at Factorie. Thank goodness for needing to be at the Sky Tower by 1 pm, otherwise I am sure I would have bought more stuff.
At the Sky Tower we watched a few girlies jump off the side and skydive! It looked like tons of fun, but there is no way I would do it. After they were done, we went up as a group. A few of them were afraid of heights, so they stuck close to the middle, otherwise the rest of us had our noses up against the glass. I think the best part was that there was wifi up that high with a pretty good connection. So I called Erin and Michelle from up there to give them the view! They were pretty impressed and said they missed me and could not wait till I came home. :) Love them both :)
Afterwards, there were more girls that wanted to go shopping with me. So of course we headed back to Queen St. where we hit all the good stores! I grabbed some more stuff at Cotton On and then a magazine for the bus ride tomorrow.
For dinner the squad went out to eat at small place called Da Vinci's. It was pretty good, but just like every other Italian restaurant that I have been to. We then headed down Queen St. one more time because a few of the guys wanted ice cream/churros/pretzels. A few others and myself tried bubble tea--the tea itself was delicious but the bubbles are a no go. Apparently they are made of something like a potato, but not a potato. They were slimy and squishy and gross. We then headed to the grocery store so that the guys could get some beer and snacks for tomorrow!
I HAVE HAD SO MUCH FREE TIME! And of course I have nothing else to do but to go walk about and find stores that catch my eye. At least this time I wasn't by myself--I had a few of the girlies with me. We went back to Cotton On, had NYC pizza at Sal's, headed back to LuLu Lemon, and ended at Factorie. Thank goodness for needing to be at the Sky Tower by 1 pm, otherwise I am sure I would have bought more stuff.
At the Sky Tower we watched a few girlies jump off the side and skydive! It looked like tons of fun, but there is no way I would do it. After they were done, we went up as a group. A few of them were afraid of heights, so they stuck close to the middle, otherwise the rest of us had our noses up against the glass. I think the best part was that there was wifi up that high with a pretty good connection. So I called Erin and Michelle from up there to give them the view! They were pretty impressed and said they missed me and could not wait till I came home. :) Love them both :)
Afterwards, there were more girls that wanted to go shopping with me. So of course we headed back to Queen St. where we hit all the good stores! I grabbed some more stuff at Cotton On and then a magazine for the bus ride tomorrow.
For dinner the squad went out to eat at small place called Da Vinci's. It was pretty good, but just like every other Italian restaurant that I have been to. We then headed down Queen St. one more time because a few of the guys wanted ice cream/churros/pretzels. A few others and myself tried bubble tea--the tea itself was delicious but the bubbles are a no go. Apparently they are made of something like a potato, but not a potato. They were slimy and squishy and gross. We then headed to the grocery store so that the guys could get some beer and snacks for tomorrow!
Sunday, May 17, 2015
New Zealand--Day 5
Today we had a free day, which meant that my butt stayed in bed as long as I wanted. :) Eventually though I got up and went to Starbucks where I snacked on some pound cake and drank a coffee. I even tried to call Keianna but she was busy and/or ignored my call. So instead I called my sister. I felt bad because it was the day of her graduation party and I was out of the country, so I spent some time on the phone with her and the family. It sounded like she was enjoying her day so far.
After out talk, I headed down Queen St. to take a look and see what kind of places they had to shop for warmer clothes. I new it was going to be winter there, but I didn't think I would be that cold. I found one of my favorite stores that I haven't seen since my trip to the Mall of America freshmen year of college with my roommate: Cotton On. I could live in that store! By the way, I love the fact that they add tax on to the price tags. It makes life so much easier.
There was a group of people that decided they wanted to go kayaking early in the morning and then meet up at a different island. So I headed to Waiheke with one of the girls to meet the rest of the crew. Unfortunately, we never did meet up with the rest of the crew because they got back later than they expected. But we still had a fun time walking around the island and checking out the small village. We even found another beach where there was tons of full sea shells and starfish all over the place.
We got back to the city of Auckland around 5pm. I decided that I was hungry, so I split to get some food. I tired looking for a new place, but Burger Fuel sounded so good. After getting that, I headed back to YHA to have a relaxing night with some food and friends.
After out talk, I headed down Queen St. to take a look and see what kind of places they had to shop for warmer clothes. I new it was going to be winter there, but I didn't think I would be that cold. I found one of my favorite stores that I haven't seen since my trip to the Mall of America freshmen year of college with my roommate: Cotton On. I could live in that store! By the way, I love the fact that they add tax on to the price tags. It makes life so much easier.
There was a group of people that decided they wanted to go kayaking early in the morning and then meet up at a different island. So I headed to Waiheke with one of the girls to meet the rest of the crew. Unfortunately, we never did meet up with the rest of the crew because they got back later than they expected. But we still had a fun time walking around the island and checking out the small village. We even found another beach where there was tons of full sea shells and starfish all over the place.
We got back to the city of Auckland around 5pm. I decided that I was hungry, so I split to get some food. I tired looking for a new place, but Burger Fuel sounded so good. After getting that, I headed back to YHA to have a relaxing night with some food and friends.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
New Zealand--Day 4
This morning Jamie was super nice and set up breakfast for those who wanted to eat at the hostel. Otherwise he was willing to take a group to a place called Al's for breakfast instead. I went a long just to see what it was all about. Al's turned out to be a Canadian restaurant what had a pretty great breakfast. They made their own bread and had all fresh products, including freshly squeezed orange juice. :)
We had nothing to do as a group until 12:30 pm, so after I ate I headed down Queen St. and did a little shopping for the girls. After grabbing Starbucks, I found a Hello Kitty store where they would have had a blast looking around at all the stuff. A little before 12:30, I headed down to the Maritime Museum where we looked at all the items on display and then took a sailboat ride! The crew even had some of the squad help pull in the sails. :)
After all of that, we had more free time so I did some more shopping. I found a LuLu Lemon and Champion (Rugby) store that were pretty sweet. Also found a store called T2, which was literally a tea shop. They had every flavor imaginable and all the cups and supplies you could need. If I lived anywhere near a store like that I would be in heaven.
Walking back I grabbed a slice of pizza to snack on thinking that everyone had already gone and ate supper. But I met up with a few that wanted to go out and grab a bite. So we took our stuff back to the YHA and headed back down to Queen St. and the viaduct where we finally found a cute little Italian place--grabbed some pear ale and spaghetti. I would say that so far the trip is great, but I wish we didn't have so much free time--whatevs!
Friday, May 15, 2015
New Zealand--Day 3
I hate allergies. I don't know why they are a thing, but they suck. Of course I was thinking I wouldn't have a problem with it, but by today I thought I might die. Again we had breakfast around 8 am, thanks to Jamie. We then followed our UNI instructor to the University of New Zealand, Auckland!
The building itself was pretty great, but the fact that they set up a private tour and lunch for us was even better. I grabbed some hot chocolate before we headed off to the hospitality college. They gave us a little tour and talk then told us why it is important to them to have a college like this. The hospitality is a very big industry for them, so to have the proper training is very important (that's the gist of it). We also go to see the areas there they work on mini films and special effects. I was an extra for King Kong... just saying. The next place was all about electronics and 3D printing. The lunch, by the way, was pretty impressive--chicken mixed with veggies, german potatoes, salad, and cookies. :)
For the rest of the day, we thought we were going to a kiwi fruit farm. We ended up at a place where all they did was talk about onions for at least an hour. That was probably the least exciting thing about my day. Eventually we made it to the fruit farm, where we climbed under the vines that stood about 5 feet tall and had kiwis dangling down below. The farmers were cool though and they let us try some golden kiwis...way better than normal ones! Between all the mud and the kiwis that were rolling around from the farmers the bus was filthy, but hey it was a good experience.
We had a free night, so naturally we found a sporting event to go to. It was my first rugby game, and they won 23-18...GO BLUES! Thankfully there was a free train ride back to Queen St... even though we had to walk up the dreadful hill just to go to sleep.
The building itself was pretty great, but the fact that they set up a private tour and lunch for us was even better. I grabbed some hot chocolate before we headed off to the hospitality college. They gave us a little tour and talk then told us why it is important to them to have a college like this. The hospitality is a very big industry for them, so to have the proper training is very important (that's the gist of it). We also go to see the areas there they work on mini films and special effects. I was an extra for King Kong... just saying. The next place was all about electronics and 3D printing. The lunch, by the way, was pretty impressive--chicken mixed with veggies, german potatoes, salad, and cookies. :)
For the rest of the day, we thought we were going to a kiwi fruit farm. We ended up at a place where all they did was talk about onions for at least an hour. That was probably the least exciting thing about my day. Eventually we made it to the fruit farm, where we climbed under the vines that stood about 5 feet tall and had kiwis dangling down below. The farmers were cool though and they let us try some golden kiwis...way better than normal ones! Between all the mud and the kiwis that were rolling around from the farmers the bus was filthy, but hey it was a good experience.
We had a free night, so naturally we found a sporting event to go to. It was my first rugby game, and they won 23-18...GO BLUES! Thankfully there was a free train ride back to Queen St... even though we had to walk up the dreadful hill just to go to sleep.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
New Zealand--Day 2
Getting up this morning was dreadful. 8 am did not agree with me, but that was the time Jamie was providing breakfast so I couldn't complain. After that, I sent a message to mom to let her know I was alright, and then we headed down Queen St. for our daily adventure. Let me just say, by the way, that Queen St. is a giant hill..... so doing down is great, but heading back up just about kills you.
We took a ferry ride to a near by island called Rangitoto. Fortunately we had a tour guide that took us to the summit of the mountain, so all we had to do was climb the rest of the way. I will never complain about having to use a stair master again... The view was beautiful though :)
We decided to take the trails down instead of using the tour guide. Hello calves. The walk was pretty sweet though because right away we saw some old bunkers that were empty but open. Kind of creepy but still cool. Later on we found caves that we had to crawl through and hike out of--still fun. We met up with the rest of the group by 12:30 pm and took the ferry back to Auckland. On our walk up Queen St. we stopped and grabbed burgers from Burger Fuel for lunch. I think they have some of the best burgers I have ever had, but that's just me.
After lunch it is always a good time to take a nap....which is what most of us did :) Then we all got up and got ready to head out to the bars! Ironically I think the favorite of the night was a place called Father Ted's (Irish bar). Not to shabby for being super exhausted!
We took a ferry ride to a near by island called Rangitoto. Fortunately we had a tour guide that took us to the summit of the mountain, so all we had to do was climb the rest of the way. I will never complain about having to use a stair master again... The view was beautiful though :)
We decided to take the trails down instead of using the tour guide. Hello calves. The walk was pretty sweet though because right away we saw some old bunkers that were empty but open. Kind of creepy but still cool. Later on we found caves that we had to crawl through and hike out of--still fun. We met up with the rest of the group by 12:30 pm and took the ferry back to Auckland. On our walk up Queen St. we stopped and grabbed burgers from Burger Fuel for lunch. I think they have some of the best burgers I have ever had, but that's just me.
After lunch it is always a good time to take a nap....which is what most of us did :) Then we all got up and got ready to head out to the bars! Ironically I think the favorite of the night was a place called Father Ted's (Irish bar). Not to shabby for being super exhausted!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
New Zealand--Day 1
I am alive and tired as hell, but being on the ground feels so good! We just got out of the air port in Auckland, NZ and met our tour guide Jamie from Haka Tours and Len from Odyssey Tours. We had some time to kill before we could check into our hostel, so Jamie took us to the top of Mt. Eden. It is an inactive volcano that blew and became a crater! Off to one side of the mountain, there are some fields where it looks like pastures--this is where the native Maori used to farm. The height of the volcano served as a vantage point from other tribes that would try to attack.
By the time we left, it was about noon. Jamie took us to the edge of the area where there were some beach front shops and restaurants to hang out for the remainder of our time. Of course, as any american would, the first food I eat while I am abroad is MEXICAN. But it was super good so I can't be mad. Afterwards we went to the beach and ran around with the birdies and debated about collecting sea shells before deciding that ice cream was good idea. By the way, strawberry is the best.
Eventually we headed to the hostel-- YHA Auckland--and showered! We had a group dinner that night at Sky City, but we didn't have to be back at the hostel for a little bit. A squad of us went walking down Queen St. and found a group of college looking kids playing ping pong outside. So naturally we made friends and played with them for a bit! After eating dinner (and putting ourselves into a food coma), we finally relaxing for the day which meant we all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow. Overall, it was a pretty successful first day :)
By the time we left, it was about noon. Jamie took us to the edge of the area where there were some beach front shops and restaurants to hang out for the remainder of our time. Of course, as any american would, the first food I eat while I am abroad is MEXICAN. But it was super good so I can't be mad. Afterwards we went to the beach and ran around with the birdies and debated about collecting sea shells before deciding that ice cream was good idea. By the way, strawberry is the best.
Eventually we headed to the hostel-- YHA Auckland--and showered! We had a group dinner that night at Sky City, but we didn't have to be back at the hostel for a little bit. A squad of us went walking down Queen St. and found a group of college looking kids playing ping pong outside. So naturally we made friends and played with them for a bit! After eating dinner (and putting ourselves into a food coma), we finally relaxing for the day which meant we all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow. Overall, it was a pretty successful first day :)
Monday, May 11, 2015
New Zealand Airtime--Part 2
Well, we landed in LA on time.. but there was a slight problem. When we got here there was no open terminals for us to pull into. That means that we had to sit on the plane for another 45 minutes while they moved some planes around.
RUNNING THROUG THE LOS ANGELES AIR PORT IS NOT FUN. The flight attendees from the New Zealand Airlines were calling for us over the PA system because we were that late. This time we went through security super slow. Between taking off our shoes and getting everything out of backpacks and purses it took forever. But we made our flight, and are currently sitting in some of the comfiest chairs I have seen on a plane. :)
People told me to sleep as much as possible on the plane as I could, and before I thought that wouldn't be a problem... wrongo. I think I might have slept like 5 hours during my 13 hour plane ride.. granted that isn't bad but it is not as much as I had hoped to sleep. At least I got to watch some movies I haven't seen yet.....
RUNNING THROUG THE LOS ANGELES AIR PORT IS NOT FUN. The flight attendees from the New Zealand Airlines were calling for us over the PA system because we were that late. This time we went through security super slow. Between taking off our shoes and getting everything out of backpacks and purses it took forever. But we made our flight, and are currently sitting in some of the comfiest chairs I have seen on a plane. :)
People told me to sleep as much as possible on the plane as I could, and before I thought that wouldn't be a problem... wrongo. I think I might have slept like 5 hours during my 13 hour plane ride.. granted that isn't bad but it is not as much as I had hoped to sleep. At least I got to watch some movies I haven't seen yet.....
New Zealand AirTime
Yesterday morning, I woke up and was overly excited because today is the day that I leave for New Zealand! My drive from mom's to Keianna's is usually a fine drive--2 hours, not bad-- but today it seemed to take forever. But as soon as I arrived, I hopped into another car and off we go to Chicago!
After we arrived and checked into our hotel, we went on a search for something to eat. Ended up at a local bar so we could grab some drinks ;) Afterwards we went back to the hotel, ordered pizza, and crashed while watching something random on TV.
My flight did not leave until about 6:30 pm, so we had some time to kill. We found the fashion outlet mall that is usually fun to shop around and hung out there for a while. After we got bored we went and found something else to eat and chill for a few more hours till I needed to be dropped off at the airport.
I totally thought Keianna was going to cry when we pulled up to the curb.. she at least had the look on her face. This was my first time traveling by myself, let alone flying on a plane by myself so you would think it would have been interesting. Think again. As soon as I walked in, I used a kiosk thingy and got my tickets and placed the sticker on my suitcase. Took that to the people so it could be taken then headed off to security. I think I was through security in like 5 minutes. I didn't have to take off my shoes or take anything out of my backpack or purse. I just placed my stuff into a bin, pushed it through the scanner, walked through the metal detector with my hands up, got my stuff and left. Now I have three more hours to wait.
I eventually met up with some of the people who were going on the trip with me--there was about 12 of us all on the same flight. We grabbed some food and water and chilled in the terminal area. The only down side was that the flight was pushed back by about 45 minutes because of a delay in the same terminal we were supposed to use. Good thing we had someone go check the board because there was a terminal change for our flight-- and we are off to LA!
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