New Zealand, it's been a few days

Sunday- We had orientation for about 3 days in Rotorua. While in Rotorua we were able to go through sessions were we learned New Zealand customs and how to "have a better semester." The sessions were fun mainly because Eilis, our coordinator, is sooo excited about study abroad students and opportunities. We also went to the Agrodome. It was a show that showcased the 19 different types of sheep here in New Zealand. Sooo funny to see Kiwis and those at the show get soo excited about sheep. Lamb is cheaper than chicken here. The dogs were called in and they began to run across the sheep's backs. One of the coolest things I've ever seen. We were able to watch a sheep get sheared and listen to his jokes about which ones made a better roast.

Australearn then had the option to go Zorbing, Looshing, or take a walk through a Redwood forest. It was hard to pick which one, but I went with Zorbing. $44 NZ to roll down a hill in a plastic ball, funner that it sounds. I'll be sure to post the video once school starts. Another selling point was that you can only Zorb in NZ in Rotorua. Each Zorb costs $12,000 to make. A ridiculous amount of money for a plastic ball.

That evening we went to the Tamaki Village. Similar to Plymouth Plantation, but way cooler! It goes over Maori culture and their history. We were able to go through, and like the Indians at PP, ask questions about there history. All I could think of was Ryan reinacting and how awesome it would be to do the Haka- the warrior dance done before battle. It's truely intense to watch, especially when the warrior is waving a huge stick in front of you and his face is tatooed with traditional markings and then he stickes his tongue out at you to tell you he's going to eat you. (Similar to what Dave and I did in my facebook picture). Woo-ha! We also where able to eat a traditional meal called the hangi. It's food cooked in the ground for about 6 hours. Similar to what Jeremy, Dad, and I had in Peru. They cooked lamb, chicken, sweet potatoes, potatoes, fish, and carrots. We also had some salads, but they weren't cooked in the ground. I was a great cultural experience. We learned how to make a hangi, so when I get back, get ready to have a party!

On the way home from the Tamaki village we did Karaoke on the bus ride home. I busted out Ice, Ice baby and Twist and Shout by the Beatles. It was B-E-A-utiful. There was a hot tube at the KiwiPaka, where we stayed for those 3 days.

The terrain here is amazing. Great for four wheelers and dirt bikes. The hills just continue to roll and hills come out of other hills. Robby, you would have a great time here.

I'll be posting later on, so keep watching! And tell everyone you know to check it out, for those of you who aren't on facebook. Keep in touch