New Zealand – What can we say, it was love at first sight, from the city life to the conservation and activism happening around the general community. A childhood fantasy had become a reality that before seemed unattainable, but now feels like a dream become reality. We could not have asked for a better opportunity than to study abroad in beautiful New Zealand [(soooo windy and hilly) (Gaby’s & Jose’s dream)].
After the gruelling task of packing, unpacking and packing day after day our only stable solace was the wide rolling house we had come to know as the bus. With this mode of transportation we were able to traverse through the most menacing of obstacles until we reached the halls of Victoria University. Through this journey we moved from hostel to hostel learning about the many things New Zealand has to offer from their marine and forest conservation to the Maori revitalization that has occurred.
However, we were constantly on the go and had limited time to spend at one place (and limited wifi), so exploration and individual research was hard to do at the time. It was not until January 17, 2015 that we reached Wellington where a buffet of opportunities helped feed our educational endeavour (wifi was now available).
(Unpacking in Wellington)
When we reached Wellington, the dorm life called back to us, but for some reason it was much different than dorm life at Lewis & Clark. This new life came with a variety of things ranging from a new city to explore to having class in a larger university. During the first couple of days we were left to explore the new landscape and take a much needed break from 2 weeks of always being on the go. We saw Birdman, shows at the Botanical Garden, and explored the shopping centre that is just a few minutes away from the school.
After settling in and recharging our batteries we were ready for school and lecture to commence once again. Thus we all would meet at the cafeteria to get breakfast and walk to class together.
(Walking to Class).
So far we have had classes that focus on culture, and geography. In a single week, we’ve learned about the: origins of pacific people, Maori language and ceremony customs, origins and evolution of the New Zealand landmass, New Zealand geography and how it has shaped Zealandia, and about how the Cinema has contributed to New Zealand’s identity.
During one of our lectures we were exposed to different types of rocks and fossils- such as shark teeth and a rock with dinosaur bite marks! Not to forget, we have also taken part in laboratory conduct. After gathering many samples of arthropods, we separated them into their own species categories. We dressed up with lab coats and got a closer look at our samples using stereo microscopes. In addition to our educational process we also had a movie night where we learned about Sam Neil’s childhood and memories in New Zealand, through a documentary called Cinema of Unease: A Personal Journey by Sam Neil.
(Looking under a Stereo Microscope)
(Lecture with John Collen)
Aside from lectures, we’ve also taken class field trips to the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the Parliament Building called the Beehive. At the Te Papa Museum we met Hamish Campbell, a geologist and book author, who taught us about the plate boundaries that New Zealand resides on.
(Te Papa Lecture)
He taught us about the historical effects that plate collisions have had on New Zealand and what the future might entail in relation to tectonic plate movements. Lastly, we got to see some of the really interesting exhibits such as the one about the colossal squid that got captured in Antarctica by New Zealand scientists. Overall, Wellington, New Zealand has been phenomenal and full of opportunities to ignite our inner pioneering spirit.
We look forward to what the next couple of weeks have to offer.
(The Siblings: Gaby & Jose)
-Love (& hugs!)
~The Siblings~