From the internet cafe

Check it out, I made it to the internet cafe. This is my best option for posting pictures on this little thing, so you will soon have proof that I still look exactly the same. You have to suffer through my day first, though.

Watching the rugby match last night in Courtenay Place was an experience that I can liken only to being in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Imagine this. There are a couple thousand people all crammed into a block area watching this massive big screen. This sounds slightly unimpressive, but when you figure in the fact that New Zealand only has a population of 4 million, and Wellington 300,000, it becomes more astonishing. The All Blacks won, of course, because they are the best rugby team in the world. Afterwards, I went to Hotel Bristol for drinks with some people, but I was in bed by midnight. I keep waking up early, so I keep getting tired early!

On Sunday mornings a cute little farmers market opens up across the street from me. I ventured out to go check it out, and while I was wandering around, I got a call from another Rotary scholar, Amy Carrington, saying that she and Meredith were on their way and would I like to join them? I met them, and then walked them part way home because I was heading downtown. I pre-oredered Harry Potter (I will have a different cover!) down on Lambton Quey, then headed over to Te Papa museum. After learning all about the Maori origins of NZ and how the settlers arrived, I set off to track down this internet cafe.

Now, Tim and Hanneman, you should know that I am really using your advice. Both recommended iPlay, so I am here now. I went to Cozy Noodle last night, and I am going to go to Cuba Kabob after I leave here, or perhaps later tonight. I am excited about this turkish style food. I ate it all the time in Germany and wasn't able to get it in the States! There is great malaysian food here, too. Hanneman - I am following your advice on restaurants!

I did get a little lost walking from the bookstore to Te Papa (I decided to use cross streets instead of following the wharf), but it all worked out for the best. I have now discovered where all of the streets meet each other, and I accidentally found every little restaurant, etc, that people had reccommended. Good for me!

Today is what I am calling the first true "Wellington Winter" day. It is very windy and colder than it has been. It's still in the upper 40s or lower 50s (just guessing), but that wind is harsh. I have already gotten that feeling that I am going to be blown over. It's only a matter of time!

Now, for some pictures.

This is me right after the powhiri yesterday. I am really not sure exactly who this figure is representing, but you get the idea.

This is the view of Wellington from a little spot by the VUW Student Union building. I used to walk by it on my way up the hill, but I discovered a new shortcut and no longer pass it.

Now, this is only a part of the hill I have to walk up every day. This is part of The Terrace. I walk up one side of it, then turn left and finish climbing the mountain. Really, you people need to walk this with me.

This is the view from a rest stop up on the western coast of the north island. I took it yesterday when Anna and Mark drove me up the coast. It wasn't a very nice day (all overcast and whatnot), but normally you can see the south island and everything.

I am still enjoying my time here, and I love exploring this city.