It's actually a great deal colder here than I had anticipated, about 54F each day, which was a bit of a shock considering the fact that I packed more shorts and T-shirts than anything. Apparently I was also supposed to bring my own blanket but not sheets which I brought, so it looks like I'll be sleeping in my sleeping bag for 5 months. It's one of those that can keep you warm in below freezing temperatures, so I'm not worried. Really, bring it on New Zealand. When I woke up this morning there were two of my roommates already here and asleep. I met them and one 20 named Brianna and one is 19 and named Shelby. Shelby is in my Adventure DTS program as well. I was a little worried I would be the only girl in my program because yesterday is was basically me and 5 guys chilling playing cards, Settlers of Catan, and we went for a climb on Mt. Maunganui (aka the mount), and although it was a little drizzly and cold it was still a really nice view. Hopefully we'll go when it's a lot nicer out so I can get some good pictures.
I tried to unpack and organize, but the room is about the size of mine at home with a closet and 2 small bureaus, but housing 4 people. Most everyone went to church this morning, but it was optional today, so I jumped on that and chilled at home with Shelby since she was the only other person who didn't go. We hung out and ate breakfast and chatted a bit before we hunkered down with a book to read. I started My Sister's Keeper while at the airport in San Francisco and I'm already halfway through it. It's a very intersting topic and I really like how the author switches points of view. I find Jesse's particularily entertaining. Anyway, I trekked over to the guys cabin for lunch with Shelby and since we were early, one of the staff, Simon, showed us how to play the card game scum and we played that until everyone got back from church. The entire day was pretty much eating and playing cards, very chill, but also fun. My roommate Brianna and one of the guys named Patrick taught us to play a card game called Mau which is so confusing and ridiculous because the rule is that no one can know the rules. The Fight Club of cards. So they knew the ground rules and we had to figure them out, and once someone won a round they could impose a rule of their own, and only told one person it to keep them honest. And one of the rules was no talking. It was pretty crazy but also kind of entertaining.
Since today was still not officially the start of the program, we got fish and chips for dinner from a local Tauranga restaurant that the staff claimed made the best fish and chips in the whole city. It was really good, even without ketchup (I know, I'm such an American). After dinner, there was another opportunity to go to church at 5, and surprisingly most everyone chose to go again. They said they wanted a few girls to stay back because another girl might be coming, so naturally I jumped at the chance. I hope they don't make note of the fact that I stayed back both times, but come on, it wasn't mandatory. So, right now I'm just chilling in the girls living room area with Megan who is 17 and from Texas, and Audra who is 23 and from Portland. I asked her if she had ever seen Portlandia and if people in Portland hate it, and she said she didn't mind it, but not everyone is like that in Portland. Good to know I guess. Right now we're all just sitting in the living room near the heater going on our computers. Pretty chill day in a pretty chill(y) country.
1 comment:
I noted and appreciated the pun at the end.
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