And class begins...

Monday was the kick off for classes. They aren't too bad lots and lots of biology but that's what I'm here for. I found out that I will be exercising in one of my labs in order to get hands on experience for the class and to understand everything better. So that means I have to go buy a bunch of workout clothes... ew. Haha I got my bank card on Monday also so that was good for me because I now have money, so on Tuesday I went and bought my first batch of groceries. It was very exciting because I now have my own food!!!

Tuesday was a pretty easy day, classes again but I also had a lab in Vertebrate Biology so I got to dissect a giant Barracouta. It is not the same as a Barracuda, which is found in tropical waters. The Barracouta is the New Zealand species. It was huge and ugly and scary looking, not to mention fresh - frozen so it reeked in the lab. The class size was about 20 - 24 people so just imagine the pleasant smell of 24 thawing barracoutas. Tuesday night was fun it was Quiz Night at the Foundry, which is the bar on campus. My team, the Misfits, came in fourth behind Heather's team who beat us by a half point, all because she got Meg Ryan as the actress in French Kiss. We also celebrated Cameron's birthday Tuesday night into Wednesday morning by playing a bunch of games that were very frustrating until the rules were explained to everyone. But it was a good time.

I only had one class on Wednesday so it was a pretty relaxing day. I had to get my book for my Art class. It was kind of nice cause the book is a collection of readings that the professors put together in one book along with the course outline and qualifications. So you don't have a bunch of books or papers everywhere, they're all in this book that you buy that's called the Reader. Then I had to go to orientation again. That sucked cause it was a repeat of the part I was at, but whatever. I also got my phone back on Wednesday I was super excited cause I can actually get in contact with people now. I have been told that I got the wrong company by a bunch of people but it was cheaper, so I don't care.

Yesterday I had class for most of the day, and Rebecca and I have started a new tradition of tea in between our 10 and noon classes since we have like an hour break in between. It's going to be a fun tradition to keep. After class I took a nice two hour nap that was much needed. I then put my bargain hunting skills to work and bought all my biology books for the price of one them. It's amazing how much the Universities gouge you for books and supplies. Last night we had a party, which was a good time. It started out slow but picked up and then kept moving from flat to flat. It eventually got broken up by the RA's cause people kept calling about noise level. The flat's a mess again but then again I do live with 3 guys, so I'll probably end up cleaning this weekend. One thing I did realize last night was that I keep meeting all these people that are first years and they all act way older than that. Normally, whereever I go I meet people who are older than me, but coming here it's been nothing but younger people it's completely throwing me off.

Today, Friday the 18th, I had one class this morning although it doesn't feel like I did. I went to class and then came back and slept for like 3 hours which was nice. Tonight I'm going to operation friendship. It's a program for International students to get to know Kiwi families and other students, and my friends. It should be a good time then maybe Harry Potter with Heather and some others. Tomorrow, Tom and I are going to the Williowbank Wildlife Reserve for a fun day learning about the Maroi. Then tomorrow night might be a night of clubbing, which will be a lot of fun. Not sure what's going on on Sunday yet but it might just be a relaxing day.

Tom and I are trying to get a group together to go to Wellington in September to see an All - Blacks game (Rugby). It should be a good time especially if we make a weekend out of it. Other adventures have to be deteremined still but shall be soon. I think I might join the tramping club and maybe some other club but I'm gonna need to get boots or have them sent to me.

I posted all my pictures on photobucket so you can go check those out.

http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e111/ramgrl07/Kia%20Ora%20New%20Zealand/

Some more words to know:

Jandals - flip flops
Togs - beach wear
Skulling - Chugging
Tramping - hiking
Gone off - expire
Jug - pitcher
Pint - glass of beer
Mug - glass of beer


Oh I posted the wrong address on my email to those who got the email. The correct one is

This one is for letters:

Kaitlin Paker
Flat H66, Room 5
Ilam Apartments
P.O. Box 6362
Christchurch 8442
New Zealand

This one is for packages:

Kaitlin Paker
Flat H66, Room 5
Ilam Apartments
Homestead Lane
Christchurch 8442
New Zealand

Don't ask me why there are two I have no idea I'm sure if you use the first one it won't be a problem.

That's all for now I'll let you know how the weekend goes.