I did quite a few fun things since my last entry.

For starters, who knew running in the morning could double as a bird watching extravangza?  I took a short jog at a local field a few mornings ago.  I heard the most amazing bird calls--really unique, sharp, and bold sounds--and looked up to the nearest tree to find a bird I had never witnessed before!  This happened quite a few times during the (very) short time I decided to exercise, and it was a really beautiful experience.

On Thursday, Joey and I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a Maori welcoming ceremony called the Powhiri (Pofiri).  The Maori culture is very unique and has customs and language that have very little in common with western attitudes.  The ceremony was rather detailed, with the international students approaching the Marae (meeting house) in careful rows while a Maori woman sang a call out to us.  The representative of the Maori side gave a speech to the group (which nobody understood because it was in Maori--but they  understandably find it important to keep the ceremony in their language) and a representative from our side spoke in response.  Then the Maori people sang a song, and we sang a different song in response (that we had practiced in great length before entering the ceremony).  Afterwards, when the international students were officially welcomed to become part of the whole group, we did the Hongi, which is where you face a Maori person and touch noses with each other.  It was one of the neatest things!  Example picture: (http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/7/0/0/7/Samoan_Head_Of_dae0.jpg). We also learned about Maori culture and had food, but it would be difficult to explain everything that happened because there was so much!

On Friday, I received the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of getting a ride to the grocery store.  For those of you with automobiles, you may not appreciate the immense difficulty of carrying groceries home up long, steep roads.  But this was like a dream come true for me, and I treated it that way by buying all the heavy, bulky stuff I could get!

Saturday provided many new and different experiences.  Joey and I boarded the train to the Wairarapa region.  Taking the train was fun, because it was enjoyable to witness the beautiful landscapes (and sheep, horses, and cows) the countryside has to offer.  When we arrived at our destination--the Wairarapa Food and Wine Festival--I was unpleasantly surprised to find that the $35/person admissions fee I paid only provided a souvenir wine glass and the rights to enter the grounds.  Food and wine were separate fees.  I did buy some yummy food, but quickly discovered that I'm not the best candidate for a wine festival: I had a glass and a third in five hours total and was about 45 years younger than the average person there.  However, Joey and I ended up playing hackey sack for a few hours with some really nice people, so it turned out to be lots of fun in the end.  Except for the fact that I ripped a huge hole in my pants when lunging for the hackey sack.  But that's a problem that The Paper Bag Princess consignment shop can easily remedy!

When we arrived back in Wellington, we headed straight to the Southeast Asian Night Market located on the harbor (or should I say harbour?).  It was ridiculously crowded and was very difficult to walk anywhere, which caused us to leave pretty quickly.  But before doing so, we bought some super cheap souvenirs and interesting craft items.  I now have a beautiful fair trade wall hanging in my room, which happens to match my curtains! 

On Sunday, I began the day by heading to the market, although the selection wasn't nearly as superb as in previous weeks.  I suppose the seasons are changing, so I'll be on the lookout for new products!  Afterwards, I located the organic supermarket in town, and it turned out that virtually the only thing I could afford was a bag of chips (which were very tasty anyway).  After that was the Passover foods sale at a synagogue, where it turned out the only thing I could afford there was a box of matzah for $9.50.  Oh vell, no need to kvell.

I wrapped up the day with a game of indoor soccer, which was absolutely exhausting because we had no substitutes and even four players at times (the other team had 6 substitutes).  Finally, I went to hang out with the Hare Krishnas for some chanting, discussion, and unlimited, massive dinner for the lofty price of $5NZ (that's 3.50 for you Americans!).  I don't know what defines 'bang for your buck' better than that.

Well thanks for staying tuned! Hope I haven't put you to sleep with my lenghty remarks!