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 […]

Sophia Horigan & Eli Baginski One of the classes we are taking is Life in the Extremes, and our first situated study of this topic was learning about geothermal hot springs and their micro-biomes. New Zealand is a very thermally active landscape due to it being situated on a plate boundary. Trapped heat below escapes […]

The UV index for Wellington is currently reading “extreme danger!” I’ve been told that’s normal. Today the linearized uv metric will peak around 12-13. Portlanders this time of year may be lucky enough to see just 1 at solar noon. Anyhow, I’ve always loved the smell of sunscreen. Its late January (the kiwi summer), I’m deep in […]

Drifting down the river, you are overcome with a sense of isolation. Though the rest of your classmates float all around, and even sit in the same boat, you are at peace in solitude. Moreover, you feel connected to your surroundings. You can see why this particular stretch of river has been used as a […]

  The day began with us taking a 20 minute stroll to the beach from our hostel in Paihia. Going on a rocky boat after several days of traveling and poor sleep was the last thing I wanted to do. As soon as we reached the dock a friendly man named Rowin who also happened […]