7 days
2 am will mark my official first week in NZ. It has been school orientation jam packed with student friendly events. But the most exciting day this week was the day I got my new bike! I can already soar no hands down the bike lane with minimal swerving÷ (don't worry- christchurch has a helmet law). Adjusting to the "opposite" roads has required dedicated focus but it is becoming second nature. (When crossing the road look right, then left).
The town is beautifully peppered with obscure plants that seem neither palm tree nor pine. All the greenery paired with smooth bike lanes and vast parks makes for a very habitable feel.
The biggest shock is the sticker shock. Prices at the natural grocer, which I ventured 45 minutes by bike to find,
Absolutely blew my mind! The yogi tea which is so wonderful and tasty costs double what it does in new mexico. I guess island life is more expensive than landlocked.
Christchurch is called "Quake City" owing to the 2011 earthquake that rocked the whole city center. Construction workers are well employed all across the town. Many buildings have beautiful, colorful graffiti.
Aside from exploring beaches, trails, and shopping from the two wheels of my sleek pony Black Beauty, a highlight has been learning to roll sushi from my Japanese roommate. The yellow pieces are pickled radishes. .. a tart addition to contrast the savory seaweed wrapping. YUM.
Tomorrow and a week from tomorrow I am going or with the University ofCanterbury on a tramping excursion. Don't get too excited: tramping is just the kiwi word for hiking! Tomorrow I will go to Hinawei reserve, which is in the Akaroa region-- reputed to be one of the prettiest parts of the Canterbury region. The week after I will go to the popular tramping spots of Mt Isabel and Hanmer.
So tonight I will rest up for my hike tomorrow. I discovered the film section in the library and will watch a NZ indie film called Boy. Heard of it?
Aroha nui! (Much loooovvveee!)
2 am will mark my official first week in NZ. It has been school orientation jam packed with student friendly events. But the most exciting day this week was the day I got my new bike! I can already soar no hands down the bike lane with minimal swerving÷ (don't worry- christchurch has a helmet law). Adjusting to the "opposite" roads has required dedicated focus but it is becoming second nature. (When crossing the road look right, then left).
The town is beautifully peppered with obscure plants that seem neither palm tree nor pine. All the greenery paired with smooth bike lanes and vast parks makes for a very habitable feel.
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| Said greenery creatimg said habitable feeling reading spot. This is on campus but there are plenty of parks with the same green happy happy joy joy. |
The biggest shock is the sticker shock. Prices at the natural grocer, which I ventured 45 minutes by bike to find,
Absolutely blew my mind! The yogi tea which is so wonderful and tasty costs double what it does in new mexico. I guess island life is more expensive than landlocked.
 |
| Rice and beans is not a cheap meal here. |
Christchurch is called "Quake City" owing to the 2011 earthquake that rocked the whole city center. Construction workers are well employed all across the town. Many buildings have beautiful, colorful graffiti.
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| A building under construction in Christchurch after the 2011 quakes. |
Aside from exploring beaches, trails, and shopping from the two wheels of my sleek pony Black Beauty, a highlight has been learning to roll sushi from my Japanese roommate. The yellow pieces are pickled radishes. .. a tart addition to contrast the savory seaweed wrapping. YUM.
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| Final product |
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| Ingredient prep |
Tomorrow and a week from tomorrow I am going or with the University ofCanterbury on a tramping excursion. Don't get too excited: tramping is just the kiwi word for hiking! Tomorrow I will go to Hinawei reserve, which is in the Akaroa region-- reputed to be one of the prettiest parts of the Canterbury region. The week after I will go to the popular tramping spots of Mt Isabel and Hanmer.
So tonight I will rest up for my hike tomorrow. I discovered the film section in the library and will watch a NZ indie film called Boy. Heard of it?
Aroha nui! (Much loooovvveee!)
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