Orientation Week in Dunedin!

So I have been in Dunedin for exactly a week and I'm finding it difficult to find the words to explain how amazing my experience has been so far.
First - the town of Dunedin is precious. It is a tiny city on the east coast with rolling green hills wherever you look. The people here are all about outdoor activity. We stay up late and wake up very early. The town has a adorable dowtown area called the Octagon. There are so many cafes and pubs - and a lifesize chess board! We've spent our days going downtown, to the beach, walking through the hills, and we spend our nights dancing and pub hopping. My two kiwi flatmates both do fire performance. They have a long stick and the two ends light on fire and at night there are fire shows on the side of the streets. I live in a college town - it reminds me a lot of Burlington VT, but a lot crazier. Kiwi people have no off button. Orientation week has been the most insane experience of my life. I'm not trying to worry my family back at home but there are couch burnings which turn into crazy street parties around burning couches, fire perfomances on the side of the road, BBQ's in almost every backyard - and there are low fences separating each lawn so it's really easy to hop the fence and go visit other yards, and blasting music wherever you walk. I was warned from my program coordinator that O week was complete insanity, but I did not expect this!
I'm getting my flatmate's bike fixed up because in a city like this I NEED a bike. I need to tear up this town in every way possible before I leave. I've found a few great cafes as well. One is a vegan cafe with the most delicious chai smoothies and potatoe and pea tortillas. They have board games - I actually just got back from there - we played a game of clue over wine and chai smoothies. There is also another favorite of mine called The Green Acorn where there is a patio with waterfalls and comfy pillows to sit on.
I'm absolutely in love with Dunedin. It is exactly the kind of place I've been wanting to live in.
I took a train trip the other day (you can see pictures that I posted). It was a six hour train trip for all the international students so that was a great way to meet other study abroad students! It was beautiful, and I feel silly saying this, but it was my first up-close Lord of the Rings experience.
I've been doing a lot of camping since I've been here, too. My flatmates have a tent and a few nights this week we went to the beach and slept next to ocean. We also went camping in backyard, which isn't that exciting, but sleeping outside is just better than sleeping inside so I was still pumped.
Oh! And I registered for classes. Im taking Pacific Societies, Theories of Social Power, and Post-Colonial Literature. I met with the Anthropolgy and English departments and they said my classes work really well together. As fun as these two weeks have been of outdoor activity and partying, I'm ready to be a student again. I can't wait to experience the Kiwi classroom!
I joined the Tramping Club, which is a club where we do things like tramping (hiking), mountaineering, mountain biking, and some water activities. Tomorrow we are going on our first hike to Mt. Cargill. For the month of March we have some beach camping planned, a trip to the Fiorland (yea!!!), and some other small day hikes. I'm already itching to get out to the bigger hills and mountains - I need to see all of New Zealand!
I love having conversation about politics with people here. Everyone knows about American politics and when they hear I'm from Boston (everyone so far LOVES that I'm from Boston -- "Oh Boston!!" And they want to hear all about it) they want to get into policital conversations. I never feel discriminated against though. Everyone is just curious and wants to know what it is like to be an American, how I feel about the war, the president, etc. I've been learning a lot about international politics as well. I've been reading the New York Times everyday and sparking up some very stimulating discussions with people.
Well, I have a BBQ at Leith St. to get over to, so Im going to end the post here. I'll have more soon about classes and my hike tomorrow!
I send my love to all of you back at home, I miss you all so much! I wish you could be here with me in this beautiful country! This trip is a natural stimulant and it just emphasizes the one thing I want to do with my life - travel. Take advantage of every moment of your life, no matter how young or old. There is an amazing world to be seen with fascinating people and places! Embrace the day! Be blessed with each breath taken! We are alive! Smile and celebrate!

Orientation Week in Dunedin!

Dunedin, New Zealand