White Water Wonderland

We spent the morning white water rafting, and I'm going to try my hardest to explain just how awesome it really was.

My favorite part of the trip was the variety in scenery. I cannot explain to you the mountains with rainbows, rapidly moving water and cliffs. It honestly looked as if someone came along and painted a backdrop of the most beautiful landscapes.

Layers of clothes went into this trip. Wetsuits, windbreakers, lifejackets, helmets and more... I can't say it was the most comfortable outfit, but it did keep me warmer than I expected.

Our guides were a lot of fun. Very laid back and funny, but good at what they did. I felt confident in leaving my life in their hands!

We started out with a Grade 2 "rapid" (Grade 5 is the highest). The river was actually way up last night and this morning, so we had to start further down the river to avoid any higher grade, possibly dangerous water.  

Two hours and 15 km (9.375 miles) later, we ended back at the lodge for a lunch and a slideshow of our adventures.

This trip has been my favorite adventure so far... This extreme sport makes me exciting for bungy jumping and skydiving. But that's another adventure for another day.

Box of Birds,

Kaity

Welcome to Sumner Beach

As if the view from Lyttelton wasn't already exciting, our second stop on our trip was at Sumner beach. This quaint little town is settled right on the South Pacific, which as you can see is quite attractive.


As we've learned, New Zealand weather is comparable to Missouri weather in that it can change quickly. It was in the 60s for this day, so most of us chose to enjoy the beach without getting all the way in the water. As Kaity explained, many of us spent our free day on the beach. We promise pictures soon!

Words and pictures hardly do justice for the amazing scenery on this island. Sure looks different than that snow and ice I'm hearing about from folks back home! We'll have even more to share when we get back from white water rafting!!

G'day mate!
Whitney

Visit to Lyttelton Harbor

Here's a look at Lyttelton Harbor, known as the Port of Christchurch. I think you'll agree it's quite pretty! But why does it matter? One word: EXPORTS!

We've learned from our lectures that New Zealand is quite reliant on the export market. One of the most interesting facts, I thought, is that 94% of the milk produced in this country is exported for dairy products around the world. With 1,300 ships entering this harbor each year, it is definitely important to trade in New Zealand.

But since I brought up the dairy topic, I thought you might like knowing we're set to visit a dairy farm. Promise to have more info about New Zealand dairies when we get back!

G'day mate!
Whitney

No Worries

So, last night I locked myself out of my dorm room for the second time. Very frustrated by this time, I walked to get the security guard, and as we walked back to my dorm, he managed to put this country in perspective very quickly. 

He said he was originally from Australia, and I asked him which he liked better: New Zealand or Australia. He said that was easy: New Zealand. He said it was less stressful. When I asked him how so, he asked if it was stressful in America, with a lot of traffic always worried about how things will get done. He said it's not like that here. There's no stress.

And that's just it. People still work and get things done here, live a good, honest life. But they just aren't as stressed in their every day lives like we often become. It's a good perspective to remember, honestly. No stress, no worries.

No worries,

Kaity

Starting 2010 with a Bang!

Here's our view of the fireworks that lit up the sky in Cathedral Square on New Year's. You can sort of see the large metal sculpture toward the bottom of the photo (as seen in previous post). We know our friends and family are celebrating 2010 now. It's been said a lot, but Happy New Year's from all of us in New Zealand!

G'day mate!

Whitney

2010 begins at the beach!

Happy New Year!!

New Zealand is in the first time zone to celebrate the New Year, and I can tell you that so far, 2010 is a great year! 

Yesterday we went to Sumner beach, and on the way we saw some amazing mountains! The water is millions of beautiful shades of blue. There are houses lining the mountain's sides. At the beach we played in the sand and walked around, enjoying the breathtaking scenery. 

Last night we went into Christchurch for the evening. We ate dinner at Bailey's, and Irish pub. Lorryn and I shared a pizza, and it was awesome! We spent the night out on the town, and then headed back to the square for some celebratory fireworks! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today we're headed back to the beach for a relaxing day of no "programme." I can't wait to enjoy some sun, water, and maybe even some local fish 'n' chips!

Enjoy your celebration of the new year... I know we did!

Box of Birds,

Kaity

Happy New Year!

Good morning from New Zealand! It's 7:20 a.m. on New Year's Eve, and I think it's safe to say we're all excited about welcoming 2010 from our current location!

Here's a photo I found of Christchurch's Cathedral Square, to give you an idea where we'll be later today!

Before the evening's festivities, we'll be visiting the harbor and beach located close to campus. Now, we're off to grab breakfast and a quick lesson on New Zealand agriculture, which will bring up even more great blog topics! As for breakfast...I'll be skipping the spaghetti!

G'day mate!

Whitney