Hi all!
Sorry it’s been so long since I last updated. Nothing too exciting has happened since then, as I haven’t traveled much since Dunedin. All the traveling finally started to wear on me after I returned from Dunedin. To be perfectly honest, I was getting tired of all the planning, the bus rides, and living out of a backpack. It really hit me when I got sick the week after Dunedin and found myself laying in bed all day for an entire weekend. So I decided to stick around Christchurch for the majority of second term. As a result, I feel like I’ve gotten to explore Christchurch more and get to know some amazing (albeit mostly American) people. I’ve been able to travel around areas Christchurch that I would have never been able to see if I had been traveling as much as I had been. Last weekend, Daniel and I went to an awesome restaurant called Styx and Stones. We ordered two delicious appetizers, one scallop dish and one chicken fingers(I had been craving chicken fingers allll week). Those two dishes were my favorite. For the main course we shared a stone-grill lamb meal. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurants, and all the other dishes that passed us looked equally great. So I guess that means we’ll just have to go back before we come home!
Within 24 hours this week, I witnessed my first New Zealand snow and earthquake. On Tuesday, it snowed as I headed into my first final, but not enough to stick on the ground. The port hills near Christchurch are now covered in snow, though. On Wednesday, I woke up with a start, as I experienced my first earthquake! Thankfully it was only a 3.5M, but it was still enough to scare me for a few seconds. It was also strong enough to wake many of my friends up (it was at 6:50 am)! Daniel still does not believe me.
Today (Friday), was officially the last day of class. But for me, my classes ended on Tuesday. So I decided to take a short day trip up to Kaikoura, which is about two and a half hours north of Christchurch. I was only there for a day, but I was able to do the Kaikoura Penninsula Walkway, which was a beautiful hike around the peninsula. The weather cooperated with me on my hike, which was important because I wanted to see all the mountains in the background throughout my hike. The mountains were all covered in snow, offering a stunning view of the New Zealand landscape. Also, there were seals. Everywhere. I was actually terrified that I was going to step on one.
how many seals can you count?
seal trying to get a sun tan
sheep with snow-capped mountains in the background
This upcoming week is our official “study week” before finals. Daniel and I will be taking full advantage of this “study week” as we travel around the North Island. Our trip includes a cave rafting tour, a trip to Hobbiton (YES, I did just say Hobbiton), and a hike near Mt. Doom (YES, I did just say Mt. Doom...actually known as the Tongarriro Crossing).
Go Pacers!
Erin
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