So, now with being right into the swing of things, it is a great time to look back about what I had anticipated about New Zealand before I left, and see how accurate some of my thoughts and predictions have been.

On a first note of meeting cool people and friends, it has definitely gone beyond what I had expected. There are such a variety of people at residence and classes whom I have met and spent some amazing time with. It has been so interesting to make friendships with other global citizens like myself. My flat-mates are great and it is always nice to have someone around to talk to. It is also a lot of fun to give each other a hard time about cultural differences, particularly to how we will pronounce words differently.

Many adventures have been had already! Last weekend, one day was spent by taking a ferry over to Devonport, where a couple flat-mates and I explored, viewing the Auckland city skyline from a-top Mt. Victoria, and lounging on a beach, as well as touring the village. On the Sunday I went on a day surf trip with a group and had a blast riding the waves.

Today I got home from a weekend in Paihia, where a bunch of us road-tripped to and spent the Saturday on a day cruise around the Bay of Islands, where we got to swim with the dolphins! We also got to spend the evenings on the beach, where I got a nice view of the Southern Cross!

Looking at some other expectations, there has been a very welcoming and friendly environment. At University, the classes are much bigger than my home institution, but they are going alright. The bigger campus definitely makes me feel a lot smaller, but thankfully having the residence, and other activities and chances to get involved with clubs and groups, I have been able to keep myself constantly busy and enjoying every moment here in New Zealand.