This one's for you Grandma Barb-
Kiara:
Mari 302: Biology and Behavior of Marine Vertebrates (Specific to NZ); Tues. and Wed. 9-10, Lab Wed. 2-6
Phse 115: Fundamentals of Dance; Mon. and Wed. 12-1, Practical Tues. 4-6
Phsl 345: Physiological Aspects of Health and Disease; Mon. and Thurs. 10-11, Lab Mon. 2-6
Caleb:
Gene 221:Molecular and Microbial Genetics; Mon. and Thurs. 10-11, Wed. 12-1, Lab Mon. 2-6
Gene 311: Genetic Analysis of Eukaryotes; Mon. 12-1, Tues. 11-12, Lab Thurs. 2-6
Micr 335: Microbial Gene Regulation; Mon. and Wed. 11-12, Lab (starting week six) Tues. 2-6 and Wed. All day, any free time.
Caleb and Kiara:
Maor 102: Maori Society; Tues. and Thurs. 1-2, Tutorial Tues. 12-1.
Thats right....NO CLASS FRIDAY!!!!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
It's the weekend! (Unofficially...)
Kiara and I finished our first week of school today. (Thursday) Classes seem to be going well and are interesting so far, but first week assessments may be overly premature.
Today, Kiara and I found a small farmer's market that is held on campus every Monday and Thursday. Unfortunately, we didn't have any money on us at the time, so we were only able to marvel at the selection (and amazing prices...a whole pineapple for 1 NZD!) and begin our grocery list for next Monday.
This week Kiara and I were able to experiment with recipes as well. It was nice to be able to cook for ourselves, though we both miss our mom's signature dishes already! More than anything, cooking and cleaning up our mess together provides an additional opportunity to...well...be together. (Snicker all you want.) Kiara and I have both remarked how less stressful school seems (to date) when we don't have to worry about when we will see each other next.
This weekend, we plan on visiting the Otago Museum (One of the top ten things to do in New Zealand, according to one of the guide books we have) and checking out the beach. Needless to say, we expect to have some great pictures which will be posted later.
Hope everyone is doing great back home.
CEL
Today, Kiara and I found a small farmer's market that is held on campus every Monday and Thursday. Unfortunately, we didn't have any money on us at the time, so we were only able to marvel at the selection (and amazing prices...a whole pineapple for 1 NZD!) and begin our grocery list for next Monday.
This week Kiara and I were able to experiment with recipes as well. It was nice to be able to cook for ourselves, though we both miss our mom's signature dishes already! More than anything, cooking and cleaning up our mess together provides an additional opportunity to...well...be together. (Snicker all you want.) Kiara and I have both remarked how less stressful school seems (to date) when we don't have to worry about when we will see each other next.
This weekend, we plan on visiting the Otago Museum (One of the top ten things to do in New Zealand, according to one of the guide books we have) and checking out the beach. Needless to say, we expect to have some great pictures which will be posted later.
Hope everyone is doing great back home.
CEL
Monday, February 25, 2008
School?!?
Kiara and I returned to school this week after the longest break either one of us will have for a long time. We were both surprised by the relaxed attitude on campus. Professors are called by their first names, students are sometimes shoe-less, lectures (speaking for myself) are much more casual, with off-color humor and swearing standard, and best of all...no textbooks!
The approach to studying is much different down here as well. It seems that the prevailing attitude is "drink yourself into a stupor for the first 90% of the semester and then cram for the final." (Finals are worth 70% of the grade in my four classes.) Many of the other AustrLearn students are fitting in quite well already...one even has 9 stitches due to a nasty fall his first night in Dunedin!
Kiara and I both have Friday off (pending final lab placements), so we will have extra-long weekends for getting out and seeing New Zealand...or studying.
Hope everyone is doing great!
Take care.
CEL
The approach to studying is much different down here as well. It seems that the prevailing attitude is "drink yourself into a stupor for the first 90% of the semester and then cram for the final." (Finals are worth 70% of the grade in my four classes.) Many of the other AustrLearn students are fitting in quite well already...one even has 9 stitches due to a nasty fall his first night in Dunedin!
Kiara and I both have Friday off (pending final lab placements), so we will have extra-long weekends for getting out and seeing New Zealand...or studying.
Hope everyone is doing great!
Take care.
CEL
Friday, February 22, 2008
New Zealand Photos
Hi everyone,
Links to all of our New Zealand photo albums will now be posted at the top of our blog. Currently, we only have a few albums, but more will follow. Simply click on the link and you will be redirected to the album. Try the slideshow feature at the top of the page that comes up.
Enjoy!
Links to all of our New Zealand photo albums will now be posted at the top of our blog. Currently, we only have a few albums, but more will follow. Simply click on the link and you will be redirected to the album. Try the slideshow feature at the top of the page that comes up.
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Corn Syrup...
Recently, Mom and Dad have gone on a crusade against corn syrup. However, the sweetener/preservative is found in nearly everything these days. The list of everyday items containing corn syrup goes on and on.
Not so in New Zealand.
While grocery shopping with Kiara and comparing nutrition, price, etc, I couldn't help but look at the ingredients. No corn syrup in anything.
Isn't it amazing what government subsidies can do?
Did I mention the only really obese people I have seen here are Americans? New Zealand has its fair share of McDonald's and other fast food places, but the trend towards obesity (in my VERY limited experiance) seems to be an American phenomenon. I realize that equating a corn syrup rich diet with this trend is a very simplistic and narrow minded view, but hey, its great to have SOMETHING to blame.
Not so in New Zealand.
While grocery shopping with Kiara and comparing nutrition, price, etc, I couldn't help but look at the ingredients. No corn syrup in anything.
Isn't it amazing what government subsidies can do?
Did I mention the only really obese people I have seen here are Americans? New Zealand has its fair share of McDonald's and other fast food places, but the trend towards obesity (in my VERY limited experiance) seems to be an American phenomenon. I realize that equating a corn syrup rich diet with this trend is a very simplistic and narrow minded view, but hey, its great to have SOMETHING to blame.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Taieri Gorge Railway
Kiara and I were treated to a very scenic (and free!) train ride yesterday. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the Taieri Gorge had every type of environment you could think of, from tropical forest, to pine forest, scrub bush wastelands (Think Lord of The Rings, fields of Rohan), and rocky cliffs....and lots of sheep. The railway wound its way among mid-sized mountains, through tunnels, and over wrought iron/stone bridges. While Kiara dozed in the shade during the hour long stop in the middle of no-where, I took a nice walk through a few (empty) pastures to get a better view of the surrounding mountains and river valleys. Overall, a very worthwhile six hours.
Take care.
CEL
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Arival at Otago
Kia Ora! (Hello)
Kiara and I made it to our apartment this evening after a day of travel in shrinking planes. (We went from a 747-400, to a smaller twin jet , to a tiny twin prop) We are still in the process of getting settled in, mainly because Kiara (self admittedly) brought WAY too much stuff.
A short recap of the last few days:
Agrodome: Did you know that there are 19 different species of sheep? Or that one can be sheared in less than five minutes? The Agrodome is a world famous sheep farm that has live "sheep shows" exhibiting the 19 different species, a shearing demonstration, a "dog trial" (an course where a dog chases 3-4 sheep through/over various obstacles into a pen by responding to different pitched whistles from their trainer), and an auction.
Haggas Honking Holes: I never want to see a wet suit again...unless I go back to CaveWorld! Both Kiara and I were stuffed into wet suits and knee waders, and crawled, climbed, abseiled, and blundered through an amazing underground world. We were treated to drops through the dark, a repel through a waterfall, and best of all, cannibalistic shagging maggots with shiny shit. (aka . "glowworms")
Blue Lake: A beautiful 5k hike around a crystal clear (you guessed it) blue lake. Classified as a "crater lake", Blue Lake is a water filled volcanic crater, complete with white sand beaches, floating rocks, and surrounded by (at least) three widely different ecosystems. It was incredible to see the collision of the introduced redwood forest with the native jungle like bush.
Maori Village Experience: WOW. Watching the Haka is an experiance that I will never forget. Upon our arrival to the "living Maori village" we were greeted by armed warriors in full regalia performing the traditional dance intended to intimidate and impress their visitors. Both were accomplished immediately. We were then invited into the main village to observe the workings of Maori society, followed by one of the best meals I have ever had. (Dad's cannelonies still are number one) Most everything in the meal was cooked underground using white hot rocks. Check out some of the pictures from this one.
Rotorua Thermal Zone: (Kiara and I did this one together) Hot springs to soak our feet in, bubbling mud, boiling water, sulfur spewing from the ground...what more can be said? Kiwi Paka ( our hostel) was located right on the edge of the park, and a short walk was all it took to get right into the middle of the park.
Though Kiara and I were not able to participate in the orientation activities together, we both got to do everything the other did, and were able to share the highs of each.
Kiara and I made it to our apartment this evening after a day of travel in shrinking planes. (We went from a 747-400, to a smaller twin jet , to a tiny twin prop) We are still in the process of getting settled in, mainly because Kiara (self admittedly) brought WAY too much stuff.
A short recap of the last few days:
Agrodome: Did you know that there are 19 different species of sheep? Or that one can be sheared in less than five minutes? The Agrodome is a world famous sheep farm that has live "sheep shows" exhibiting the 19 different species, a shearing demonstration, a "dog trial" (an course where a dog chases 3-4 sheep through/over various obstacles into a pen by responding to different pitched whistles from their trainer), and an auction.
Haggas Honking Holes: I never want to see a wet suit again...unless I go back to CaveWorld! Both Kiara and I were stuffed into wet suits and knee waders, and crawled, climbed, abseiled, and blundered through an amazing underground world. We were treated to drops through the dark, a repel through a waterfall, and best of all, cannibalistic shagging maggots with shiny shit. (aka . "glowworms")
Blue Lake: A beautiful 5k hike around a crystal clear (you guessed it) blue lake. Classified as a "crater lake", Blue Lake is a water filled volcanic crater, complete with white sand beaches, floating rocks, and surrounded by (at least) three widely different ecosystems. It was incredible to see the collision of the introduced redwood forest with the native jungle like bush.
Maori Village Experience: WOW. Watching the Haka is an experiance that I will never forget. Upon our arrival to the "living Maori village" we were greeted by armed warriors in full regalia performing the traditional dance intended to intimidate and impress their visitors. Both were accomplished immediately. We were then invited into the main village to observe the workings of Maori society, followed by one of the best meals I have ever had. (Dad's cannelonies still are number one) Most everything in the meal was cooked underground using white hot rocks. Check out some of the pictures from this one.
Rotorua Thermal Zone: (Kiara and I did this one together) Hot springs to soak our feet in, bubbling mud, boiling water, sulfur spewing from the ground...what more can be said? Kiwi Paka ( our hostel) was located right on the edge of the park, and a short walk was all it took to get right into the middle of the park.
Though Kiara and I were not able to participate in the orientation activities together, we both got to do everything the other did, and were able to share the highs of each.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
WE MADE IT!
We just wanted to let everyone know that we made it safely to New Zealand! We are currently at the program orientation and are staying at a youth hostel called Kiwi Paka. Unfortunately, Kiara and I are not in the same group, and we were not able to switch groups upon our arrival.
My internet connection is very limited, so a more complete update will follow when we get to the University or somewhere with a better connection.
Take care!
CEL
My internet connection is very limited, so a more complete update will follow when we get to the University or somewhere with a better connection.
Take care!
CEL
Monday, February 11, 2008
Getting ready to leave....
Hi Everyone!
Kiara and I are getting ready to leave for five months in New Zealand! Our plane leave MPS 11am this Thursday (Feb. 14) and we will arrive in New Zealand on the 16th. It is somewhat mind-boggling to think about crossing the International Date Line and loosing a day.
We have a four day orientation in Rotorua on the North Island, after which we will travel down to Dunedin on the South Island and get settled into our home for the next semester. We will be out of communications for a while, but will update as soon as we can.
We are both very excited, and are looking forward to sharing our experiences with you!
Take care!
CEL
Kiara and I are getting ready to leave for five months in New Zealand! Our plane leave MPS 11am this Thursday (Feb. 14) and we will arrive in New Zealand on the 16th. It is somewhat mind-boggling to think about crossing the International Date Line and loosing a day.
We have a four day orientation in Rotorua on the North Island, after which we will travel down to Dunedin on the South Island and get settled into our home for the next semester. We will be out of communications for a while, but will update as soon as we can.
We are both very excited, and are looking forward to sharing our experiences with you!
Take care!
CEL
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