The first week of classes flew by with ease. This semester (SO happy to be off the quarter system for a little while!) I am taking four classes:
1. EDUC 352: Adolescence
2. PYSCH 313: Psychology of Communication Disorders
3. WOMEN 205: Women's Texts of Experience
4. POLITICS 106: International Relations
All of the classes are so different and so interesting. It's really making for an easy and fun semester! I had some difficulty choosing classes initially, but everything fell into place, and this schedule allows me to have only one class on Tuesday and one class on Friday. Sweet!!
Erin, Anni, and I went to a movie in the park middle of 1st week which was a blast! We saw "Goodbye Pork Pie", a hilarious Kiwi classic. We went to a BBQ and beach day out at Long Bay that weekend as well, which was a great time to meet new people and soak up some sun!
Erin and I have been spending so much time together, and I LOVE it! It is SOOO amazing to have her here with me! We meet up just about every other day to do a group fitness class at the rec center (Abs, Butt and Thighs class has literally been kicking my butt). When we aren't working out, we're getting coffee together, running errands, giving each other advice (face to face taking for the first time during the school year since we started college almost 3 years ago!), or just hanging out in each others company. We are running a 10k in Rotorua on May 1st with a bunch of other friends, so we are starting to train for that this week as well! So excited!
I had the full intention of joining the crew/rowing team while I was here...signed up, went to the first practice, and got out on the water in an 8 for the first time in a year and a half! It was one of the most freeing feelings I have experienced in a long time. Unfortunately, there is only one regatta on the schedule during the time that I'm here, and it's just too much money to drop for one race. I would have been training all semester for no racing, so crew didn't end up working out. But it's all good, because there are MANY more exciting things to look forward to! :)
This last weekend I went diving for the first time since my certification! I went with the Auckland University Underwater Club out to the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Absolutely stunning. The world underwater is so incredible. Its such a freeing feeling to drop below the surface of the ocean and float weightless through such beauty. The kelp covered all of the rocks in a thick blanket, and I found myself pushing through it as if it was a giant blanket. When you could see through the kelp, the rocks were covered in a beautiful magenta colored coating, and little snails in beautiful shells were everywhere. Giant snapper also liked to swim right by us, staring at us inquisitively as we explored their underwater world. I was able to get two dives in that day, and I can't wait for other trips in the future.
On Sunday, Erin and I along with her two guy roommates Matt and Brian, all took the ferry out to Rangitoto Island with the Tramping Club (tramping here means hiking, in case you were confused). We hiked to the summit (the island is a volcano), and then down to McKenzie Bay where we laid out and played in the ocean. Perfect day for a great outdoor adventure!
This week has been great so far as well. Classes are good. Erin and I are headed to Newmarket today for some girls time...shopping (most likely window shopping for me) and lunch. Then it's home to shower and make dinner (my flatmates and I have agreed to do group dinners 4 nights a week which should be fun), and then off to downtown Auckland to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day! Hello temporary shamrock tattoos!
More to come soon! Miss you all and love you tons!
P.S. Erin and I have officially booked our tickets to Australia for mid-semester break while her dad is here! So excited for this trip! :)
Amanda :)
