Learning New Zealand: Rangitoto and more

The last couple days have been great. On Thursday, a group of us went to Rangitoto, which is this beautiful island situated off the shore of Auckland. The island is only about 600 years old, but it is so unbelievably beautiful. Such a fan. The seven (?) of us hiked up the mountain with a short stop to explore some lava caves - which were SO cool to go through. Unfortunately, my camera battery died while on the ferry to the island; fortunately, everyone else took bundles of pictures as well. It was amazingly wonderful, and I only managed to get the side of my neck (random) sunburned. I also swam in the Pacific that day, which was amazing, though I will admit the theme of "Jaws" was playing in my head. Yeah, not used to ocean creatures yet. But I made it through and was obviously not eaten by sharks.

Yesterday I ran a lot of errands - I got a sticker on my ID for discounts on the bus, got information on uni clubs to join, registered to use their rec center/take classes (pilates and zumba are some of the offered classes), got a tour of the library, and got a lot of groceries. Seriously, Nicole (the other IES girl who lives in PSV) and I went to this Asian supermarket where the fruits and vegetables were really cheap (I will also have to go back there to buy some tofu and seafood, as those were cheaper than Countdown as well), and then we walked to Countdown later to get some other foods - such as crisps (aka chips) and pizza dough. Mmm.

The last two nights I've spent hanging out with my flatmates, which has been really nice to get to know them and just hang out after tiring days. PSV had a charades night on Thursday as well, which was fun. Unfortunately my team lost. I then ended up playing two-person volleyball with one of my flatmates and another guy who lives in PSV. It's been very relaxing, though I'm ready to do hopefully do something a bit more exciting tonight.

Today two girl from IES (Meagan and Caitlyn) and one of my flatmates (David) went to Mount Eden, which is an old volcanic cone about a half hour out of my flat. The view of Auckland from up there was really cool! We also decided to spider-crawl down into the crater, which was really cool as well.

I'm starting to get used to it here - looking to the right first before crossing the street, not having to tip ever, understanding the slang better, and getting used to having a layer of sunscreen, and probably dirt, at almost anytime during the day. (I could go without the sunscreen and dirt 24/7.) There was supposed to be a bbq again tonight at PSV which means free food? I look forward to eating, I think I eat a lot more here than I do back in Minnesota. But then again, anytime I go anywhere, its' a long walk/hike in the sun, so there's that. But I know a lot of people went to this jazz festival somewhere faaaaar away, so if not, two of my flatmates and I are going to venture out and find food. Possibly fish and chips for me?

Picture time!:

Me, on the ferry to Rangitoto!