Kia Ora! As every week goes by, classes are getting more hectic so I've had less time to adventure. But regardless, my priority is student first so I'm trying my hardest to keep up with my studies. However, here are a couple of places I went went I had some free time to spare. Also, I have listed a couple of food places to head if you want to try really great food! Auckland Art Museum Admission: Free!! (Bring your student ID) Location: In City Campus directly next to Albert Park Other things to note: There is mojo (a chain coffee shop in the museum in case you need a drink or snack. Mt. Eden Admission: Free! Other things to note: This is Auckland's highest volcano and worth checking out (especially during sunset)! Difficulty: A very refreshing 2k hike that takes under an hour to do! Piha Day Trip! Cost: $42.00 NZD Site to Book: https://www.bookme.co.nz/things-to-do/auckland/activity/piha-paradise-full-day-trip/4172 Other things to note: If you want a reasonably priced tour that takes you outside Auckland, I highly recommend doing this tour. We saw a waterfall, did a lot of hiking along the coast and went to the beach afterwards. While on this tour, I would bring packed lunch so that you don't have to spend time walking to the restaurants since you only have a certain allotted time there. Also, on this hike, you will be learning about the kauri trees which is one of the trees that New Zealand is trying to preserve since these trees are dying out from a fungal disease. Additionally, the prices of the tours change depending on the day you go so it may be more expensive or cheaper than the day I went! Mission Bay Beach
Cost: Just pay bus fare! Things to Note: I didn't know sandflies were a thing when I got here. So don't bury yourself in the sand which a common sense thing to not do. You don't really realize when they bite you so you end up with blood on your legs. But don't worry, just be sure to treat it and put a band-aid and you all good to go! Along the beach, there is a huge fountain surrounded by lots of adorable birds and a line full of various restaurants to check out!
0 Comments
After I got settled in, I was scared that I wasn't going to make any friends. However, I am happy to say that I've met some amazing people that I am lucky to call my friends today! Here is some short stories of I ended up making friends in different ways. Posting on UOA International Exchange Facebook Page When I first arrived to the Huia Residence, I wanted to go visit the Auckland Domain Wintergardens but I had no one to go with. So what I ended up doing was sending out a post on Facebook asking if anyone wanted to come with me. That is how I met Sam! When we toured the gardens together, we clicked so well and ended becoming great friends afterward! The crazy part is that we've started making plans to the South Island over semester break. Even though I've known her for a week now, I know that I've made a lifelong friend so don't be afraid to post!! Commenting on UOA International Exchange Facebook Page Similarly, don't be afraid to comment on people's post if you want to join them! On the first week, Justin posted if anyone wanted to join in for board game night and little did I know that a lot of people that came were on my floor! After a savage game of monopoly, I ended up becoming quick friends with Justin and Shubhashri and we all ended up going to Devonport days afterward! A friend of a friend is my friend When I went to Devonport with Shubhashri and Justin, Shubhashri invited Rebecca along for the day trip. While I didn't know her at first, we talked a lot with each other and enjoyed our time exploring Mt. Victoria and getting our feet burned on the beach. But point being, be open to meeting new people and enjoy the company! You'll eventually find groups of people that you can easily connect with! Meeting people outside...or in the kitchen! Days before my trip to Devonport, Sam and I went to Tiritiri Matangi Island with Hannah and Iris. I met Hannah the first day I came to New Zealand and Sam and I met Iris during orientation. Despite the chilly day, we explored the bird sanctuary island together and endured a very windy but delicious picnic. Even though we aren't taking the same classes, we still find time to see each other! Also, the kitchen is a good way to make friends (and try foods from other cultures). When I was cooking one day on my floor, I met Sae'ed who was kind enough to teach me how to debone a chicken and make maqluba. Originally, he is from Jordan and was more than happy enough to share his culture with me. To be able to learn more about him and his country opened my eyes since I've had little exposure to Middle East culture. Because of that, we would teach other things about where we came from and hopefully, I'll be able to show him the foods we make here in Hawaii.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
July 2019
Categories |