Aboat Time
I finally got the chance to do some actually sailing here in Auckland! As one of our activities for the day, we had the opportunity to try one of New Zealand's primary sports. Though it is definitely not as popular as rugby, sailing is a sport that New Zealand considers popular amongst its citizens, yet also capable of excelling internationally. Sailing clubs can receive funding from the government, which allows for more competitive athletes. It was nice to sort of see the popularity of the sport while we were on the boat because Aukland has one of the largest boating ports in the country, so there was an entire shipping yard FILLED with personal sailboats. While we were on the water, we were racing another sailboat, so we were responsible for grinding the ropes. This was tough stuff! I felt like the oompa loompas on the boat while Willy Wonka creepily sings in his tunnel lol. Two of us at a time had to spin the crank to reel in the ropes and control the sail. Even though we were taking turns, we got tired pretty quickly. My other abroad friends and I may be tired and burnt, but it was totally worth it.