Exploratory Excursions

Parker, 24. In pursuit of figuring out what life is all about. This blog exists because I once documented semester abroad in New Zealand. I was there for 5 months. I had a phenomenal experience. 

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I walked by this sign on the way home from the grocery store today, at sunset. A very colorful elementary school is on the other side of the fence.

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Tea time.

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An advertisement on a bulletin board on campus. 

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Te Uenga, Bay of Islands

Where we dove Danger Rock (extremely cool) and The Avenue (more like Crayfish Avenue).

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NZ All Blacks vs France

If there is one thing you need to know about rugby, it's that the All Blacks always win. This was the first thing I was taught about rugby after my arrival to NZ.

The All Blacks won.

Ticked that one off the bucket list.

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Rock Lobster or "Crayfish"

While 2 full boats of divers scrambled to rinse off all of their gear after a day of diving, I snapped this picture of the lineup of crayfish we snagged throughout the day (one is missing). 

We harvested these guys while diving in the Bay of Islands a couple weeks back. Look at the size of these! They are massive!

And boy, were they tasty.

I should go diving more often.

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Headed down Mt. Roy over mid semester break. 1300m climb - it took the majority of the day but was SO WORTH IT.

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Riding a beach cruiser from Whatipu to Huia. Google maps didn't show the 250m climb up the gravel road. 

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We didn't have much fun... 

What a fun group of people.

I have yet to meet a diver that isn't interesting.

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Lunch on the beach between dives

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Day 2 - headed to the Canterbury.

Yes, this is a real place. 

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Here's how the diving trip started... I contacted the president of BBS Dive Club on Tuesday; heard I could join on Thursday night (I didn't see the email until 10am Friday morning); frantically tried to find a ride up to the Bay of Islands; and this guy pulls through big. Thanks Ken for answering your phone 1.5 hours before take off and letting me bum a ride with you.

Definitely one of the most memorable weekends of my experience in New Zealand at The Cowshed. 

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Bay of Islands, Canterbury Wreck.

First wreck dive. Amazing weather and visibility. 

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I guess the red notification boxes don't represent anything that requires my attention. 

I don't know how I feel about not having any grades available 11 weeks into the semester though...

Hmmm. 

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Claris Regional Airport. The weather on Friday was amazing.

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Landing on Great Barrier, Claris Regional Airport

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Soaked in some Kaitoke hot springs after hiking down from Mt. Hobson. The nicest natural hot springs I've been in.