My Flat :: I live in a small complex of 8 flats (which should really be called "The Lodges" because all the walls/ceilings are wood) Each flat houses four (2 girls, 2 guys) and everyone has a Kiwi host. We're all mostly Americans and we've been getting along great! During previous semesters the 480 kids (we live at 480 Leith St.) have made sweatshirts repping this awesome complex, and I hope we will do the same.
Friends :: Yes, I do have friends. My roommates are Laurel (F- Vermont), Mirko (M- Germany), and Michael (M- New Zealand). I'm also very good friends with most of the people in my complex, especially Laurel and Anna (from Hawaii). We've all been hanging out together and partying (since we had a week of no classes and we're all LEGAL!) which leads me to...
Partying :: Very different from Richmond. Here we go to bars and clubs, no such thing as frats. Because alcohol is SOO expensive you'll never be offered a beer. People are very protective of their alcohol. They also don't sell anything as big as a handle, so most of us Americans have gotten used to drinking cheap wine and a little gem called BIGFOOT. This is a cheap premixed drink sold in a large soda bottle that also tastes like soda. Perfect.
Weather :: It's cold. Really cold. Well it's really no worse than winter at home, but imagine living in a house that's the same temp. inside and outside. Luckily I've found an equation that results in some comfort: 5 thermal layers + sleeping bag + normal bedding + hot water bottle = sufficient warmth to sleep through the night
Speaking of partying and the weather... I'm sick. It was bound to happen, but nonetheless embarrassing when you huck a loogie on the cute Kiwi boy in front of you in class.
Food :: quite expensive. It's almost cheaper to eat out. A few notes on food: 1. i just want some freakin pretzels. I don't know what they have against pretzels here, but they've banished them from the country. 2. Lamb. It's just as expensive as back home but they have more sheep than people here! 3. The Dairy is magical. Either that, or I'm not longer lactose intolerant.. you decide. 4. So much Thai! I haven't eaten out yet, but there are soo many Thai restaurants! 5. All eggs are organic fresh brown eggs, and they're not expensive! 6. Farmers Markets are CHEAPER! Every saturday we walk into town to grab some fruit and veggies :) Also, I'm happy to say I've been drinking more tea than the Queen of England.
Classes :: Education - Classroom Management; Geography - Economic Geography; History - U.S. Rise to Globalism; Business- Business Statistics
Activities :: So far I've taken a train trip through the mountains and a cruise around the Otago peninsula where we saw dolphins, seals, and albatrosses! Today is the Carnival at school and the International Food Festival! This week is also Cadbury Chocolate Week where there are tons of different chocolate-related events and activities. Tomorrow we are touring a local brewery ending with a beer and chocolate tasting!
What can be better than a city with local breweries and their very own Chocolate Factory?! I'm like the new Charlie in Willy Wonka!
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