Weekend Recap + Some

Thursday I decided get up early and I took advantage of the good weather since I know it isn't typical of Wellington. I walked to Oriental bay, my go-to beach, and worked on my tan, before taking a little meditation break on these cement blocks that jet out into the water on the left side of the beach. It was amazing. Even though there were others on the beach, when I got to this spot it was like I was the only one there. This is why Wellington can't be compared to any other city.
Let's just think about this: I live smack dab in the middle of a huge city.. but I woke up, took a short walk, and spent my morning HERE before class. What? I love it.


Friday I had my creative writing class, which was once again amazing. I forgot to bring my camera and get a picture of the view/room. I'll get one this week! Everyone liked the piece I brought in and read. Very encouraging! Everyone else is so talented in there. I really love it.

After class I spent an hour or so in the Botanical gardens reading. So relaxing. Such a long walk home in sandals though. I was not well prepared.

Friday night I spent far too much money out at the bars, so I figure it is worth posting a few pictures of my fun. I won't be going out for a few more weeks after that spending spree..

Yes, that's rugby on the TV behind me! Love it!

Saturday was low key and relaxing. We had planned to do some kayaking and go to the beach, but those plans were quickly derailed by the tsunami warning we had here after the earthquake in Japan. (By the time the wave reached NZ it was only a 30cm rise in water level. Still a good idea to stay away from the water.) So, instead of kayaking, a few of my friends and I went to campus and downloaded some TV shows, a nap was taken, and Alexis and I wrapped up the night by taking a night-time walk around the harbor and going back to my apartment to make mashed potatoes and watch Planet Earth. I'd call it a success.

Sunday, today, was exhausting but great. I did so much walking. I woke up and walked to the farmers market and did some fruit and veggie shopping, then I walked to the Warehouse to pick up a few things I needed, and then lugged everything all the way back to the Stafford house. By this time I was so hot so I called up Alexis and we headed all the way out to the beach, pretty much retracing the long walk I had just taken. It was an ideal beach day. After hanging out there for awhile I went grocery shopping and lugged all my groceries home the long way and wanted to die of exhaustion by the time I got home. I must have covered at least 8 miles today.

Then I made an EXCELLENT dinner! A variation of my favorite dinner back home: Spicy Thai Tofu. I used chicken instead though, since it's cheaper than tofu here, and I forgot to buy spinach. It tasted awesome, though. I'm very proud. I was going to make mango and beet root salad for dessert but I just ended up eating cookies. I'm going to make that tomorrow instead. I was inspired by the burger they serve at Burger Fuel here that has mango and beets on it.. they go so well together! Who would've thought?!

So Auntie Lisa, Auntie Sherry, and all you other wine lovers out there... look what I got!!!
Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay on sale for $10.99 today. That's about $8.25 American.

I also bought a dehumidifier for my super damp room. I don't know what it is about my room in particular but it is more damp than anyone else's. When it rains, the windows get so much condensation on them that I can't see out of them and puddles form on the window sills. My rug feels almost wet when you walk on it, and my bed always feels damp like I'm camping or something! I've been trying to ignore it but I'm afraid it might start getting moldy in here if the rug is always damp! Ew! I complained to the landlord RD people but they just said "keep your windows open." Tried that. So I thought a little dehumidifier would definitely improve my experience. It should be here in 2 weeks. Can't wait.

I also bought a new quilt. I splurged because I figured my one from home is getting pretty old so it'd be worth it because I'll use it for a long time. The duvet I had originally was not my style, I just had to buy it because I had no bedding when I arrived. I could have survived with it, obviously, but having a nice room to come home to is pretty important to me so personally it's worth it. My room is shaping up a bit. Here's a before and after from when I first got here until now.Raggles is wearing the same outfit in both pictures. ... How embarrassing!

Oh! Also, I forgot to mention I went to a Tramping Club meeting on Tuesday. It seemed really awesome. There were rock climbing trips for all ability levels, big hikes (tramps), and all kinds of things offered. They said their biggest and most awesome trips were planned during holidays, so I thought "sweet, maybe I'll just go on a big tramping club camping/hiking adventure on my two week vacation in April, and that will save me a lot of money and I won't even have to do any of the planning!" .... that seemed like a great idea until the end of the meeting, when they started listing everything you need to have to go on these hikes; All kinds of expensive equipment and clothes that I don't have. I mean, I'm sure I could pull it off if I really wanted to; Hunt down some bargains, borrow things from friends. I'm just not that into it I guess. I just don't think that's where I want to spend my money.

So now I'm off to do some reading for class before bed and then a new week begins! Tomorrow marks a month since I've been here in New Zealand. I have loved every minute of it so far. I think it's time to venture out of Wellington though and go on some bigger adventures. I can't wait to see where I end up :)