Student Bloggers

Currently Studying at: University of Otago, New Zealand

Homeschool: Wofford College

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”

So the first week of papers (or classes) was a success! I made it to all of the correct rooms, and I made it on time. On Monday at noon, I had my Maori 108: Waiata: Te Tīmatanga paper, focusing on teaching us the performances and rituals of the traditional Maori culture. Afterward, a few of us went over to the OUSA building to eat a $3 lunch of a huge plate of pasta. Then at 2 o’clock, I headed over to my Tourism 103: Introduction to Hospitality paper. My lecturer (or professor) was incredibly welcoming and very funny.
On Tuesday at 1, I had my Maori 110: Introduction to Conversational Maori paper. Our lecturer began with a two-minute speech in Maori and then began speaking in English. We learned the pronunciation of the vowels, and how they can be long or short depending on whether or not they have a symbol above them. I then went to my Maori 108 tutorial. From 2 till 4, we met and played two traditional Maori games. Then, we went upstairs and sat in a circle, were given eye covers and the lights were turned off. We learned the words first and then put them to the tune. By the end, everyone was standing and singing. So we came back down and performed in the light, just as powerfully and loudly as we had in the dark. This way of learning was incredibly unique but also very effective. Some of my friends and I still just sing this song randomly because it has a catchy tune. That night, a group of us went to The Baaa sports bar and grill for trivia night. We came in 6th place out of about 15 teams, so we were pretty excited!

I did not have any classes this first Wednesday, so I slept in and did homework all morning. Then, I went over to a nearby flat to make some homemade brownies. That night, my flatmate and I went over to The Starters bar to hear a band, and so that I could meet some of the people from his program. On Thursday at 1, I had my second lecture of the week in Maori 110. We learned more about how to pronounce vowels and consonants, and we began to learn some diphthongs (combining the two.) At 2, I had my second lecture of the week in Tourism 103. We delved deeper into the understanding and definition of hospitality. That night I went to a housewarming party for a girl in my program.

I do not have class on Friday’s at all this semester, so I am trying to take advantage of my three-day weekends. So this Friday, I tramped up to Signal Hill with two neighbors. We stopped on the way at this cute bagel shop for lunch. We saw sheep and goats along the way. It took about an hour to get up there, but it was so worth it because the view was breathtaking. It was looking out over the ocean and all of Dunedin. We came back down and stopped at the grocery store, New Way. Then, I hung out at their flat and made friendship bracelets. That night we went to another flat’s housewarming party, which was outer-space themed.

On Saturday, a group of us took a bus up to the Pineapple track. We tramped to the top and got another angle of a breathtaking view of the ocean and all of Dunedin. We stayed up there for almost two hours just soaking in the sun and hanging out. We tramped down and caught the bus back to town. My kiwi host and I then went grocery shopping and stayed in for the night. Sunday morning I went to a church called Equippers. It was right down the road and full of university students. Afterward, I caught the bus with a friend and we went to St. Clair beach. We walked down to find a good spot and passed a sea lion sunbathing! We named him Charles and took loads of pictures. We stayed on the beach all afternoon and finally headed back to take showers and prepare for the new week.

It really is unbelievable how welcoming the Kiwis are, and how laid back the atmosphere is. I can make plans mere minutes before, and have an amazing time. I love being able to fly by the seat of my pants. I never feel rushed or unwanted. So far, everything has been so good. The forecast for this week is stunning, and I may hang out on the beach more than I will admit. So, for now, I will just play it by ear, and let you know this time next week where it takes me.

Kia Ora,

Liesel