The students of Lincoln University are traveling around the southern island of New Zealand. We gave up our rooms to the rescue workers of the Christchurch earthquake. There are about 100 people going to embark upon this journey, including students, R.A.'s, staff and bus drivers.
March 1st: Day 1
Today we loaded up the buses at 8:00am. We headed into town to go to the warehouse so some of us could get sleeping bags etc for camping. Once we got all of our shopping done we were off on our grand journey. Our first stop was supposed to be Kaikoura, unfortunately we had to go to Hamner Springs instead. Due to our mass size of students we had to relocate due to the quake victims.
We ended up staying at a camp ground which used to be used by the forest service, but they provided us great room for all of our tents and gave us showers and kitchen facilities. Not long after we got there, the nation had a two minutes of silence in remembrance of the Christchurch earthquake. It was dead silent throughout the camp, and all I could think of were the images posted in the media and the people I met during my volunteer work. The camp was also full of fragile families from the earthquake who had no home to go home to. It was heartbreaking to see the children run around the camp and know they are used to a better lifestyle.
Once we got our tents put up we all went to town. Hamner Springs is well known for their hot spring pools. That's where a bunch of people ended up going. I wasn't planing on it originally. Something about me not knowing how to swim seemed to factor my decision making. However, after lunch I ended up running into JC and Naomi, they ended up dragging me to the springs. Ahh yes me and water haha.....great! Being a hot springs facility, of course they had suits to rent (just my luck). So I got stuck with one of those and headed to the pool. Haha well apparently JC and Naomi had different plans. Yes they drug me to the slides!! Shit!
They drug me up to the top and I had to jump in this slide and somehow not drown in the 8 feet of water waiting for me at the bottom..perfect. Well to my displeasure I did it. And yes I survived. But I wouldn't do it again.
The rest of the day we soaked in the hot pools. After our springs adventure we grabbed some diner and headed back to camp at 6:00pm. We all gathered around the camp, ate our food and sang to kiwi music. All through the night we had a few drinks and got to know each other. Unfortunately, through the night we got raided by sand flies. And for those of you who do no know what sand flies are, they are basically 10x worse than any living mosquito. Their bites are terrible, they itch like mad and they bleed. So you can get the idea when I tell you I had 21 on just one foot.
That night I bunked with Liza and Hekili, it started to rain so we had to put our luggage inside the tent which left no room for us. It was a long cold night, and its just the beginning.
The night before our road trip the R.A.'s got some of us to make signs to hang on our buses. New Zealand has a bit on their own slang. Uni stands for University. The phrase Sweet As, is often used to say: cool, awesome, I confirm what you are proposing is good to me.
March 2nd: Day 2
I started the day discovering it was raining outside our tent. I got ready and headed for breakfast, toast and cereal. We tried waiting for the rain to let up so we could take our tent down, well that didn't happen. After breakfast we went out in the poring cold rain and dissembled our tent. We got everyone loaded onto the bus and we headed down the road for Nelson. However, an hour into our drive we got stopped by a rock slide. Seeing as how our day started off great as it was, it just couldn't get any better. They told us it would be 4 hours before it got cleared. So there we were walking out in the rain passing time until we left. After 2 hours we were actually lucky enough to get by. We picked up the rest of the crew and continued our journey.
We didn't arrive in Nelson until 5:30. We set up our wet tents and waited for them to dry out.The campground had let us stay there free of charge because we were victims of the quake. The campground also gave free sites to those families who have been displaced by the quake.
In the meantime, we went down by the ocean and watched people fly kites and surf. The R.A.'s then gathered us all up to discuss the rest of the days activities. They had done some calling around local shops towards outdoors activities. And yes, sky diving was an option! Finally, after 10 years of wanting to do it I signed up! We were planning on jumping the next day at 1:00. I was excited!
That evening we walked into town and scouted out some places to eat. Paul took us to a pub, but the prices said differently. So Liza, Mel, Thomas and I went across the street to McDonalds. It was probably the most delicious hamburger I have had from a McDonalds so I wasn't complaining any. I have noticed that fast food chains here in NZ are quite higher end. McDonalds for example has a Mc Cafe inside as well that sells danishes, wraps, cake, cookies, and even cheesecake. After dinner we walked back to the camp ground. On our way back we ran into a family that was from Christchurch, and they told us about there experience. It was hard to believe that everywhere we have gone there has been a family from the city. I watched the little girl hold her moms hand as they told there story. I'll never forget the look on that ladies face, her faith was gone. We shared our experiences and parted ways, but now I'm realizing that this earthquake is soo much more than what most people realize.
Once I got back to camp i decided to call it a day. I was going to jump out of a perfectly good airplane the next day, I needed all the rest I could muster.
Waiting for the road to be cleared.
March 3rd: Day 3
This morning I woke at 6:30 and got first dibs on the hot showers. The group all met up after breakfast as we loaded the buses and headed into Nelson. Once we arrived in Nelson, the people who were sky diving had an hour for lunch. The rest of the group would end up getting to go to Abel Tasman. Abel Tasman is NZ most visited national park. The park blankets the northern end of a range of marble and limestone hills extending from Kahurangi National parks. So in other words, I'm quite jealous.
After a quick lunch we load the bus and head for the sky diving place. We arrive around 1:00pm and got all of our paperwork done. They started with the people who were doing the 16,000 feet jump (the expensive one). So I had a long time to wait. I had signed up with Hekili and JC, my two Hawaiian friends, so we sat outside on the couch waiting our turn.
Of course after waiting a sum of six hours for everyone else to jump, we were second to last to go. We suited up and met our jumpers. My Jumper was Kevin, he had already done over 12,000 jumps in his life so that helped my comfort level. We loaded the plane and on our way up they pointed out the sights and gave us instructions on what was going to happen. We flew over Abel Tasman where we could see the Tasman Sea and even Mt. Taranaki, which is the volcano on the north island.
We finally reach 13,000 feet which was our jumping point. Hekili is first. They open the door and before I know it she disappeared. Then it was my turn. We edged our way up to the door where I was literally hanging out of the plane attacked to Kevin. Then all of a sudden we fall. My immediate thought was bungy jumping....shit! We did a 45 second free fall. We spread out our arms to help us slow down, the air pressure was harsh. The further you went down the pressure pounded on your chest, it was hard to breath and your ears kept popping. Then all of a sudden Kevin popped our chute. It yanked us up about 6 feet and from there all we did was spin in the air. We overlooked the Nelson valley and saw all of the sheep stations (ranch) and vineyards. I looked below and Hekili and JC had already landed.
As we approach, Kevin gives me instructions about the landing. I had to hold my legs out in front of me so we would land on our "bums". We go in for the landing and it was a success. I get detached from the chute and go running over to Hekili and JC. We all smiled and took our after pictures.
After our jump we were able to catch a ride back to camp and have diner. We go to the camp grounds kitchen where we discover that some boy scout troop had left us some food. So the rest of the night we engulfed on corn on the cob, roman, ice cream and cookies. The day was a success.
March 4th: Day 4
Today Im woken up by pouring rain outside the tent, go figure. We got our stuff packed and we all huddled in the kitchen waiting for the buses to arrive. Today we were headed to Hokitika, which is on the west coast by the Tasman and it is also the home of the Wildfoods Festival. Which draws thousands of people from all over the world to try eating things such as possum, testicles, and feet of various creatures.During our drive we made several stops along the way to take pictures of the sea. We stopped at the Pancake Rocks. We spent a majority of the day driving all along the coast trying to get to Hokitika.
It was 3:00 and we had decided to stop in Shanty Town to go to a gold mining tourist hot spot. We had the option to go to the buffet lunch and the tour or just go to the lunch. Well being from Colorado I could have honestly cared less about watching city people look for gold. So I just went for the lunch buffet.
After lunch a bus load of us kept driving towards Hokitika. Once we got there we unloaded our things at a camp ground and tried to find a dry place to place our tent. Well that was impossible. The ground was soaked and our tents were wet. So we settled for what we could find at the time. Once we set up our tent, Hekili and I walked into town to see if we could go to the jade factory. Unfortunately, by the time we go there the entire town had closed down and it was only 6:00pm. So we headed towards New World super market instead. As we were walking out we ran into the R.A.'s and they gave us a ride back to camp.
The rest of the night we hung out around the camp and had a couple of drinks. I was able to use the internet for the first time. But of course you had to pay $1.00 for only 10 minutes. So I sent emails to my family about my sky diving adventures and kept my communication short.
Word has it that tomorrow on our way to Wanaka we are going to stop by Fox Glacier! Fox Glacier is one of the things I wanted to do before I left NZ, so I stoked for tomorrows adventure. We didn't really accomplish anything amazing today, but hopefully tomorrow will be more eventful.
March 5th: Day 5
Well I wish I could say I had a great nights sleep and it was going to be a fabulous day, but I'd be lying if I did. The fact of the mater was I was pissed. We woke up with a flooded tent and soaked sleeping bags and clothes. What a great way to start the day. After we ate breakfast and got our wet things packed up we headed into town. The R.A.'s let us stay in town for an hour to do some shopping etc.. since we were late getting in yesterday.
So Taylor and I decided to go to the jade factory. We shopped around for an hour and visited the various shops in Hokitika. After we were done I had gotten a jade necklace that has the Maori symbol of Koru. Koru is a design inspired by traditional symbols of growth and life. Symbolizing new beginnings, growth and harmony.
After an hour passed we were on our way to Fox Glacier. Fed by four alpine glaciers, Fox Glacier falls 2,600m on its 13km journey from the Southern Alps down to the coast, with it having the distinction of being one of the few glaciers to end among lush rain forest only 300 metres above sea level. Although retreating throughout most of the last 100 years, it has been advancing since 1985.
Once we got to the glacier it was a lot colder than we expected. We were not able to go right up to the glacier (unless you paid for a guided tour, starting at $150.00) So we all gathered around the area and took our photos. I come from one of the coldest places in the US, even I was impressed by the mass and the depth of the glacier.
Before we arrived in Wanaka we stopped off at Knights Point. It is a tourist attraction along the coast that overlooks the Tasman. It was so gorgeous. Once we stepped off the bus you could smell the fresh crisp air of the sea. The sea was a soft glacier blue and it roared against the rocks below. This is when I wished I knew how to swim ( not that it would really help any).
After our visit to the glacier we stopped for lunch and then kept heading towards Wanaka. Once we arrived in Wanaka we were pleased to find out we were sleeping inside tonight. I think I was actually more excited about having a pillow for the first time in four days since I had been using my wet towel. It took us a while to split up into our rooms and get organized, but it was worth the wait.
The rest of the night I had some roman for dinner and was able to use the internet for an hour for only $5.00. I spent my time sending family emails and I scheduled a day trip to Milford Sound for tomorrow. I have been wanting to go to Milford Sound over my Easter break, but since I have free transportation on this trip Im making the most of it.
Fox Glacier
March 6th: Day 6
This morning I woke up to Thomas’s alarm. In the hostels you have 6-8 people in a room and I must say it can get quite annoying. I started the day with the nicest shower yet. I went down to the kitchen and had some breakfast with Liza. The crew had originally scheduled a speed boat trip with a company here in Wanaka. They would give you a boat ride and a short tour of some of the sights that were used in the Lord of the Rings movies. However, the company decided to raise their prices and we had to back out. Instead, Mike and Heather organized a day hike in the area. However, this is day six in the trip and honestly I’m wanting to get away from some of these people at this point. I don’t think hiking up a mountain with annoying company would really put me in a good mood.
So instead a couple of us decide to walk around Wanaka and go down by the lake. We first came upon a art in the park type show. There were various things for sale. Things such as, smashed beer bottle clocks, socks, jewelry, and even dessert shaped soap. We spent a majority of the day just relaxing down by the water and getting chased by ducks. Yes ducks! Hekili had started eating a granola bar at our picnic table and then there was this mass swarm of ducks following her around. It was a battle between ducks and seagulls at this point.
After our relaxation we walked back to where we were to meet the buses. We loaded up and headed towards Queenstown. We plan on spending two nights in Queenstown and since I’ve already done the extreme sports there I am pumped for my Milford Sound day trip.
We arrive in Queenstown around 6:00pm. We sort into roommates and unpack our things. At this point we are still trying to get our clothes and sleeping bags dry from camping. And of course since I have this fettish for Fergburgers, I had to go get one for dinner. Hekili and I go get a burger and head back to the hostel.
Tonight we were all invited to a pub crawl. You pay $25 to get 6 drinks. Which is actually really cheap here. You can get a bottled drink for at least $7.00 here. However, I decided to go down to the warf and have a relaxing walk. On my way I came across a benefit concert for Christchurch. I spent a majority of the night there listening to music and gave donations for a great cause.
The rest of the evening I got a few gifts for family and then then called it a day. Tomorrow the bus leaves at 7:30am so I have some packing to do for Milford Sound.
Lake Wanaka
This is just the beginning of the duck attack.
March 7th: Day 7
I slept through my alarm today, which was not good considering I was leaving at 7:30. However, I did set it early so I was able to get ready and have some breakfast. A little after 7:00, Hekili and I walked down town to meet our bus. We kept waiting and waiting and it never came. I’m starting to wonder if I had the right directions. Then it finally came and we were on our way to Milford Sound. Along the drive we were able to see the sunrise over the Queenstown area, it was beautiful. We took several pictures all the way. We finally took a thirty minute stop at Lake Te Anau where we stretched our legs and got a snack. We were no half way there. All of the land between the Queenstown area and Lake Te Anau is nothing but lush farm land. Thousands of acres full of cattle and sheep, what more could a person ask for!?
The second half of the drive was a bit more challenging. It was nothing but windy roads that curved through the glacial mountains. We came to a tunnel in the road that actually took 50 years to build, and only takes 2 minutes to drive through it. Inside it is completely dark, there is no light whatsoever. And just to top it off it is a one-way tunnel. The traffic is regulated by a light on each side. However, you can end up waiting 30minutes or more just for the light to change. Lucky for us we approached it while it was still green.
After we got through the tunnel the landscape opened up into a beautiful glacial area. The mountains are thousands of feet tall right next to the sea. Glaciers laid on top of them and glistened in the sun. We also stoped off at the Chasm, which was just a cool mountain/water formation.
We arrived at Milford Sound at 1:00 and our cruise was at 1:30. So we walked around some and then loaded the cruise ship. This was my first time on a cruise, let alone a big boat. It was such a neat experience. There were two floors inside the ship that contained dinning areas and then the top deck for observation.
Hekili and I grabbed a spot on the deck in the front of the ship to get the great views. After we stsrted on our journey I took some pictures and then went tinside to claim my picnic lunch. Here in NZ they make sandwhiches with three pieces of bread. Meat between two slices and veggies/ dressings between the other two. And let me just say….I think they are onto something here.
I had my lunch and went back on deck to enjoy the view. Through out the cruise I got to see the oceans tallest mountain, and even seals. It was very astonishing to see the view that Milford Sound withheld.
On our way back in to dock the captain steered the boat under a waterfall, so we had the pleasure of getting wet with one of the only waterfalls that runs 24/7, 365.
After the cruise we had to meet the bus to take us back to Queenstown. We didn’t arrive back to town until 8:00pm. It was a great day and I highly recommend going to see any of the sounds if you are ever in NZ. It is such a beautiful area that holds a lot of history it is hard not to go.
March 7th: Day 7
I slept through my alarm today, which was not good considering I was leaving at 7:30. However, I did set it early so I was able to get ready and have some breakfast. A little after 7:00, Hekili and I walked down town to meet our bus. We kept waiting and waiting and it never came. I’m starting to wonder if I had the right directions. Then it finally came and we were on our way to Milford Sound. Along the drive we were able to see the sunrise over the Queenstown area, it was beautiful. We took several pictures all the way. We finally took a thirty minute stop at Lake Te Anau where we stretched our legs and got a snack. We were no half way there. All of the land between the Queenstown area and Lake Te Anau is nothing but lush farm land. Thousands of acres full of cattle and sheep, what more could a person ask for!?
The second half of the drive was a bit more challenging. It was nothing but windy roads that curved through the glacial mountains. We came to a tunnel in the road that actually took 50 years to build, and only takes 2 minutes to drive through it. Inside it is completely dark, there is no light whatsoever. And just to top it off it is a one-way tunnel. The traffic is regulated by a light on each side. However, you can end up waiting 30minutes or more just for the light to change. Lucky for us we approached it while it was still green.
After we got through the tunnel the landscape opened up into a beautiful glacial area. The mountains are thousands of feet tall right next to the sea. Glaciers laid on top of them and glistened in the sun. We also stoped off at the Chasm, which was just a cool mountain/water formation.
We arrived at Milford Sound at 1:00 and our cruise was at 1:30. So we walked around some and then loaded the cruise ship. This was my first time on a cruise, let alone a big boat. It was such a neat experience. There were two floors inside the ship that contained dinning areas and then the top deck for observation.
Hekili and I grabbed a spot on the deck in the front of the ship to get the great views. After we stsrted on our journey I took some pictures and then went tinside to claim my picnic lunch. Here in NZ they make sandwhiches with three pieces of bread. Meat between two slices and veggies/ dressings between the other two. And let me just say….I think they are onto something here.
I had my lunch and went back on deck to enjoy the view. Through out the cruise I got to see the oceans tallest mountain, and even seals. It was very astonishing to see the view that Milford Sound withheld.
On our way back in to dock the captain steered the boat under a waterfall, so we had the pleasure of getting wet with one of the only waterfalls that runs 24/7, 365.
After the cruise we had to meet the bus to take us back to Queenstown. We didn’t arrive back to town until 8:00pm. It was a great day and I highly recommend going to see any of the sounds if you are ever in NZ. It is such a beautiful area that holds a lot of history it is hard not to go.
The Mirror Lakes.
This valley is carved entirely out of glaciers.
First sight of Milford Sound.
The tallest mountain in the ocean.
March 8th: Day 8
It’s finally day eight and I’m starting to get egar about school. It has been three months since I was last in school and I’m ready to get it over with. CSU starts there spring break next week, and yet I havn’t even started. I’m really starting to notice all of the effects of the quake around the island. The people are very understanding and open to help you.
Everywhere you go people ask where your from and your story with the quake. They ask about your experience and how you feel being a study abroad student through all of the caos. Everyone in the communities are coming together to help raise funds for the victims of Christchurch. It is amazing to see an entire country come together and help one another out.
Today our destination was Dundein. Which is considered the student capital of New Zealand. After I got my things packed I went and got another memory card for my camera. Going to Milford Sound the day before I ended up using all of the memory on my card and I still had three days left in my road trip. I get to the store and ask for a memory card, and ask about prices. Well a 2GB card was $35.00 and a 4GB was $50.00. Wow this is ridiculous, I got a 2 GB in Colorado for under $10.00. I’m not getting used to the higher prices in NZ. After I got my card, Hekili and I walked to the bakery. I was able to pick up day old bread for a dollar, so it made my day. Once we got back to the hostel we were able to load our things on the bus and claim our seats. We waited on the bus for quite a while, and in the process everyone kept going to Fergburger and bringing it back. So of course Liza and I gave in and went and got one last burger, even though it was only 10:30am.
Finally we were bound for Dunedin. Outside of Queenstown we were stopped by the road crew blasting away part of the cliffs. We only had to wait about 20 minutes and we continued our drive. The buses ended up stopping in Alexandra for a lunch break. Liza and I decided to go around and look at the various shops. We found things such as Elvis statues and even mini tongs in all colors of the rainbow. It was 4:10 when we got to Dunedin and the crew had made plans for us to stay at Otago University.
The University truly welcomed us with open arms considering our predicerment. They split us up into groups and we stayed in classrooms and kitchens with our sleeping bags. They weren’t the best facilities but the thought was what mattered. The University sacrificed their time to help us out in a time of need. So in all honesty staying here in Dunedin was actually more meaningful.
Otago had organized a benefit concert for our entire group. So that night we went to the school pub and had drinks while listening to some of the local talent.
All night long staff from the University came and talked to us and learned our stories. The Dean on Law even gave out sweatshirts as a prize for a game of trivia.
Today I really start reflecting upon the trip and the effects of the quake. It wasn’t just the people of Christchurch who were badly hurt. The entire country has had a connection to the disaster. It is very promising to see the country come together to help out the international family of Lincoln. Everywhere we go we meet families who have left the city and we learn their stories and keep them in our hearts.
Otago University
March 9th: Day 9
Today we woke up and headed to the cafeteria at Otago. The school offered us both dinner and breakfast during our stay. The dean of the school has showed us great respect. He is actually from the United States and used to work in California. Seeing his generosity was amazing. Everytime he saw one us he would come up and ask us how he could help and if we were doing ok. The generosity from the Otago staff was fabulous. The student body even approached us and introduced themselves asking how we were doing.
After breakfast we walked back up “the hill” (if you picture the streets of San Fransisco, this was just like that) to load our bags. The crew gave us an hour in town to go to the Speights Brewery, Cadbury Factory, or just walk around. So a group of us headed towards the Cadbury factory. Once we got there we were sad to see that the next tour was going to be after we left. So instead we raided their chocolate shop and we even discovered, Sparkling Chocolate. Oh yes…a chocolate drink. I was skeptic at first so I waited for Liza to buy one and then see if she approved. Well it was a hit, so it was official I had to get one and try it. I wasn’t sure what to think of it at first but it was like nothing I have ever experienced. I’m not even sure how to discribe it to you but if you ever see it give it a try.
After we raided the factory we got back to the bus and headed to our last destination on the map, Lake Tekapo. If you have been keeping up on my blog you should already know that I have been to the Lake before and it holds some of the most beautiful lake water you could ever imagine. The water is a soft glacial blue and is absolutely clear.
After I get my tent set up with Hekili we let it air out before we put down our sleeping bags. It took quite a while for them to dry, considering they were flooded the last time we used them. That evening I decided not to go into town and just relax by the lake. I had the second half of my subway footlong from lunch so I was set!
I sat by the shore and watched the sun go down. I reflected the events of the south island tour as I gazed at the stars. The past 9 days have been a lot of fun, but very difficult at the same time. I was happy to give up my dorm room for rescue workers to use. However, 9 days with the same people was a little much. I’m glad I came on the trip. I got to know other students at the university and was able to physically see the effects of the quake throughout the southern island.
Cadbury Factory
The First Church in Dunedin.
March 10th: Our Return
This morning I woke up to my neighbors alarm at 6:00am. It didn’t rain last night which I was greatful for! I head my way to the showers and to my displeasure we had to pay for these showers. That was a new experience for me. You had to pay $2.00 for ten minutes. So that’s what I did. However, it was only later that I discovered, that if no one is out in the sink area, the lights go off. Ahh yes not only did I have to pay for this shower but I had the pleasure of experiencing it in the dark. Later on I went to breakfast and finished packing up my things for the bus trip home.
I’m quite excited to get back to a more stable predictable environment. We leave the camp at 10:00 and then stop for lunch in Ashburton. After our lunch break we get back to Lincoln Uni and unpack our things. I’m quick to realize that no one stayed in my room while I was gone. But there were still a lot of rescue workers on campus.
That evening at dinner we were joined by numerous police officers and volunteer workers. The students that stayed behind told us about their volunteer work and showed us pictures.
It was about 8:30 that I felt a pretty good sized aftershock. I’m finally to the point where I expect to feel them. And when I do feel them, I’m no longer scared. The quake has had a huge impact on this chapter in my life. I have experienced things that most people don’t ever see or fathom.
We plan to start school on Monday and we have word that the buses are up and running into the city. Liza and I plan on going in as soon as we can. I plan to continue my volunteer work and help the community of Christchurch rebuild the heart of its city.
March 11th:
This morning I woke up early to work on my blog before I had to go to registration. I had the pleasure of dry sheets, a pillow, and a hot shower that I didn’t have to pay for. I went to registration at 9:15 where I signed up for sheep production, plant production, consumer behavior and animal breeding/genetics. However, my labs for both of my animal sciences classes are at the same time. So I will need to talk to my professors once classes start.
I had lunch with Joslyn and Hekili and then was able to skype my family and friends back home. I spent the afternoon reading a book and took a relaxing nap. It feels great to be back in my own space.
I’m actually excited for classes to start. I feel like I havnt’ been in school for soo long. It’s awkward to have a three month winter break, but considering the circumstances I have no room to complain.
March 8th: Day 8
It’s finally day eight and I’m starting to get egar about school. It has been three months since I was last in school and I’m ready to get it over with. CSU starts there spring break next week, and yet I havn’t even started. I’m really starting to notice all of the effects of the quake around the island. The people are very understanding and open to help you.
Everywhere you go people ask where your from and your story with the quake. They ask about your experience and how you feel being a study abroad student through all of the caos. Everyone in the communities are coming together to help raise funds for the victims of Christchurch. It is amazing to see an entire country come together and help one another out.
Today our destination was Dundein. Which is considered the student capital of New Zealand. After I got my things packed I went and got another memory card for my camera. Going to Milford Sound the day before I ended up using all of the memory on my card and I still had three days left in my road trip. I get to the store and ask for a memory card, and ask about prices. Well a 2GB card was $35.00 and a 4GB was $50.00. Wow this is ridiculous, I got a 2 GB in Colorado for under $10.00. I’m not getting used to the higher prices in NZ. After I got my card, Hekili and I walked to the bakery. I was able to pick up day old bread for a dollar, so it made my day. Once we got back to the hostel we were able to load our things on the bus and claim our seats. We waited on the bus for quite a while, and in the process everyone kept going to Fergburger and bringing it back. So of course Liza and I gave in and went and got one last burger, even though it was only 10:30am.
Finally we were bound for Dunedin. Outside of Queenstown we were stopped by the road crew blasting away part of the cliffs. We only had to wait about 20 minutes and we continued our drive. The buses ended up stopping in Alexandra for a lunch break. Liza and I decided to go around and look at the various shops. We found things such as Elvis statues and even mini tongs in all colors of the rainbow. It was 4:10 when we got to Dunedin and the crew had made plans for us to stay at Otago University.
The University truly welcomed us with open arms considering our predicerment. They split us up into groups and we stayed in classrooms and kitchens with our sleeping bags. They weren’t the best facilities but the thought was what mattered. The University sacrificed their time to help us out in a time of need. So in all honesty staying here in Dunedin was actually more meaningful.
Otago had organized a benefit concert for our entire group. So that night we went to the school pub and had drinks while listening to some of the local talent.
All night long staff from the University came and talked to us and learned our stories. The Dean on Law even gave out sweatshirts as a prize for a game of trivia.
Today I really start reflecting upon the trip and the effects of the quake. It wasn’t just the people of Christchurch who were badly hurt. The entire country has had a connection to the disaster. It is very promising to see the country come together to help out the international family of Lincoln. Everywhere we go we meet families who have left the city and we learn their stories and keep them in our hearts.
March 9th: Day 9
Today we woke up and headed to the cafeteria at Otago. The school offered us both dinner and breakfast during our stay. The dean of the school has showed us great respect. He is actually from the United States and used to work in California. Seeing his generosity was amazing. Everytime he saw one us he would come up and ask us how he could help and if we were doing ok. The generosity from the Otago staff was fabulous. The student body even approached us and introduced themselves asking how we were doing.
After breakfast we walked back up “the hill” (if you picture the streets of San Fransisco, this was just like that) to load our bags. The crew gave us an hour in town to go to the Speights Brewery, Cadbury Factory, or just walk around. So a group of us headed towards the Cadbury factory. Once we got there we were sad to see that the next tour was going to be after we left. So instead we raided their chocolate shop and we even discovered, Sparkling Chocolate. Oh yes…a chocolate drink. I was skeptic at first so I waited for Liza to buy one and then see if she approved. Well it was a hit, so it was official I had to get one and try it. I wasn’t sure what to think of it at first but it was like nothing I have ever experienced. I’m not even sure how to discribe it to you but if you ever see it give it a try.
After we raided the factory we got back to the bus and headed to our last destination on the map, Lake Tekapo. If you have been keeping up on my blog you should already know that I have been to the Lake before and it holds some of the most beautiful lake water you could ever imagine. The water is a soft glacial blue and is absolutely clear.
After I get my tent set up with Hekili we let it air out before we put down our sleeping bags. It took quite a while for them to dry, considering they were flooded the last time we used them. That evening I decided not to go into town and just relax by the lake. I had the second half of my subway footlong from lunch so I was set!
I sat by the shore and watched the sun go down. I reflected the events of the south island tour as I gazed at the stars. The past 9 days have been a lot of fun, but very difficult at the same time. I was happy to give up my dorm room for rescue workers to use. However, 9 days with the same people was a little much. I’m glad I came on the trip. I got to know other students at the university and was able to physically see the effects of the quake throughout the southern island.
March 10th: Our Return
This morning I woke up to my neighbors alarm at 6:00am. It didn’t rain last night which I was greatful for! I head my way to the showers and to my displeasure we had to pay for these showers. That was a new experience for me. You had to pay $2.00 for ten minutes. So that’s what I did. However, it was only later that I discovered, that if no one is out in the sink area, the lights go off. Ahh yes not only did I have to pay for this shower but I had the pleasure of experiencing it in the dark. Later on I went to breakfast and finished packing up my things for the bus trip home.
I’m quite excited to get back to a more stable predictable environment. We leave the camp at 10:00 and then stop for lunch in Ashburton. After our lunch break we get back to Lincoln Uni and unpack our things. I’m quick to realize that no one stayed in my room while I was gone. But there were still a lot of rescue workers on campus.
That evening at dinner we were joined by numerous police officers and volunteer workers. The students that stayed behind told us about their volunteer work and showed us pictures.
It was about 8:30 that I felt a pretty good sized aftershock. I’m finally to the point where I expect to feel them. And when I do feel them, I’m no longer scared. The quake has had a huge impact on this chapter in my life. I have experienced things that most people don’t ever see or fathom.
We plan to start school on Monday and we have word that the buses are up and running into the city. Liza and I plan on going in as soon as we can. I plan to continue my volunteer work and help the community of Christchurch rebuild the heart of its city.
Lake Tekapo
March 11th:
This morning I woke up early to work on my blog before I had to go to registration. I had the pleasure of dry sheets, a pillow, and a hot shower that I didn’t have to pay for. I went to registration at 9:15 where I signed up for sheep production, plant production, consumer behavior and animal breeding/genetics. However, my labs for both of my animal sciences classes are at the same time. So I will need to talk to my professors once classes start.
I had lunch with Joslyn and Hekili and then was able to skype my family and friends back home. I spent the afternoon reading a book and took a relaxing nap. It feels great to be back in my own space.
I’m actually excited for classes to start. I feel like I havnt’ been in school for soo long. It’s awkward to have a three month winter break, but considering the circumstances I have no room to complain.
Love it :)
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