Free Time!

Day 2 nightlife was the beginning of our free time! 4 awesome ladies and I got to eat dinner at a delicious Thai place where my pineapple fried rice was served in an actual pineapple shell. We then continued to walk around before coming back and meeting up with friends for one of the girl's 21st birthday. The majority of our group went to a bar/club called Number 9 and it was really fun. Here in NZ drinking is viewed very differently than in the states. People don't "rage" like they do in the states. It is very unattractive to be loud, obnoxious and outwardly drunk. In fact it is frowned upon.. so it is fun to have a drink or two and dance at the clubs because the music is great and the people are friendly if you are behaving. I feel very sophisticated and we had a great time together!

The next day we got to sleep in a little because there was nothing scheduled until the afternoon. So Megan and Morgan(Kappa) from drake, Patience and I met up with Hilary and Lauren (Also Kappas from Drake) for lunch at this delicious hole in the wall place called Flavour.  Flavour is an awesome place that is like an upscale Pita Pit. And they have delicious flavors here in their food.. they have sweet and spicy chili sauce that they use like us Americans use ketchup.. it is DELICIOUS!!

After that, I got to come back and skype with Claire and Maggie M before my orientation session! We then met at the library of Auckland University to go over logistics of studying abroad and to discuss cultural and academic differences. We then ate dinner together as a group in the park.. it was lovely and relaxing and there were all sorts of people surrounding us.. it is making me somewhat sad to know that there is only 2 more days that we are all together before we split to go to our different regions. This group that I have here is an amazing group of people who come from all walks of life. They all have taught me so much.. from facts about hunting to music and much more.. what an opportunity to be surrounded by these unique people.

After dinner in the park!

Beautiful park on Auckland's campus.

Just an awesome palm tree.

Colleen being awesome with her hula hoop.. yes that was packed in her bag on the plane!

This tree reminded me of the lion king.

Beautiful gazebo!

What a view.

Kappa follows me EVERYWHERE!

Tomorrow we are heading on a walking and cultural tour of Auckland. We will be learning about the Maori culture and learn new things about this city and this beautiful country. I cannot wait to share it with all of you!!

<3 A