We Are Here To Party!

Today Miranda and I decided that we would have a more relaxing Saturday and go on a wine tasting adventure on the beautiful Waiheke Island. To get to the island, we had to take a train into Auckland, which takes about an hour, and then catch a ferry to the island. The ferry is a 40 minute ride and has magnificent views the entire way.

When we got to the island, we were greeted by our tour bus driver and we were very excited to get on with our adventure! At first, we were quite concerned that we were going to be the youngest people on the tour but there ended up being a group from the UK who we were able to have some fun with!

The first vineyard that we went to was called Stonyridge. When we got off the bus, we were given a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and it was delicious. The man at this winery told us all about how the grapes are grown and the types of wines that were created at the winery. After our time with him, we were given another glass of wine,  red wine this time, that we had with our lunch. It was a beautiful place to start our wine tasting experience.

After Stonyridge, we headed to a place where we were tasting different types of olive oils. It was at this point when I had a revelation (being blonde and all...) that olive oil is actually made from olives! It was quite the moment for me. LOL! We tasted 4 different types of olive oils that all had very distinct flavors. There was a more fruity olive oil and then there was one that actually tasted like grass. I didn't necessarily like any of the oils but it was fun to have experienced it.

As we traveled around on the bus, we were able to see some beautiful scenery. This is one of the beaches that we saw as we were driving around with our tour guide who I liked to call Meg because she was Meg, from Bridesmaids, twin!





Next we went to a fun brewery called Wild On Waiheke. It was a vineyard as well but they were extremely proud of the brewery that they have created. They also made an extremely strong rum there. It was a very relaxed place with a fun atmosphere. While there, I was able to sample their red and white wines as well as 3 types of beer and ginger beer. I was able to try a pale ale that had a grapefruit flavor, a dark ale that was very chocolatey, and then their cider which was my favorite. At the end, we had some ginger beer "to clean our pallets".

The final place that we went to is called Mud Brick. It had spectacular views that were worth every dime that we spent on the tour. We were able to try a red and white wine there as well as a sparkling wine. It was an absolutely beautiful vineyard. The whole island was incredible and reminded me of the Caribbean. It was a very relaxed place that was wonderful to visit! If I ever had the opportunity to go back and enjoy some time on the beaches, I would for sure!

My First Teaching Day!

Today was my first day being at Swanson Primary School. New Zealand schooling looks quite different from American schooling so it was a lot to take in but I had a lot of fun. I am in a year 5/6 class, which is similar to our 4th and 5th graders. The students are a hoot and are just amazed that I am from America. We spent a lot of time together trying to figure out what New Zealand words and American words were different. They had a million questions for me and I had a million for them.

Our day is structured into 3 separate blocks. In the 1st block, we do maths and reading. Then, we have a break for 40 minutes. 10 of the minutes are spent having a snack for morning tea and the other 30 minutes are spent outside playing. The structure of their play is not what I am used to. Students are able to ride their scooters, play in the mud, run around barefoot, play with sticks, climb trees, etc. As long as students are back in the room when the bell rings and ready to learn (in clean clothes if they got dirty) the staff allows them to play as they wish during free play time. The second block of the day is spent with writing and administrative things, such as checking homework. The students then have another 40 minute break, 10 minutes for eating lunch and 30 for playing. We then have block 3, which is typically spent with content.

My first day was an adventure but I learned a lot and know that I am going to be learning the entire time that I am here!

Safe and Sound

After a long journey, I am finally safe and sound in Swanson, New Zealand. I have been here for the entire day, which is Monday here (Sunday in America) and have spent my time becoming familiar with the area and getting myself situated.

When we arrived in Auckland this morning, we had a somewhat interesting situation on the plane. We were told that we had an unwanted visitor on the plane with us. Miranda and I had no idea what they were referring to. Come to find out, a fly from America had come with us on the plane and New Zealand will not allow bugs form another country to be introduced into their environment for fear of destroying the agriculture. So, the agricultural department came on board with insecticide and sprayed down the entire plane until they knew that the culprit had been eliminated.

Once that was over, we had an easy time coming into the country and finding our bags. Miranda's house mum was able to pick us up form the airport and take us to a park where we were able to see the beautiful skyline.

These are some pictures of the island from on top of One Tree Hill. It's park of a gorgeous park that is close to the Auckland airport.

Once we got home, I made sure to get myself situated and take a short nap! I spent some time chatting with my host mum, Rachel, and learned a lot about her and the experiences that she has had. We then went to pick Miranda up and go see the school that we will be volunteering at, as well as the town. We then all had supper together.

Now it is time for me to get some sleep! I have had a long day but can't wait to see what tomorrow is going to bring when I am able to meet my kiddos! For those of you in the US, have a happy Monday. For me, tomorrow is happy Tuesday!

And The Journey Begins!

Today is finally the day that I am on my way to Swanson! Miranda, the other student teacher who is going, and I are extremely excited for our upcoming journey.

It has been an emotional roller coaster all week as well as today. With all of my excitement, there is also the feeling of being anxious with all of the unknown that is going to happen in my life. Saying goodbye to my kinder students yesterday was not an easy task because of how much they have impacted my life already. However, it is easier knowing that in a few short weeks I will be back with them in the classroom. Leaving my family and friends behind in a different country is a daunting thought but I know that the experience I am going to have is going to change my life forever!

My journey began at 11:00 am when Tony, Miranda's dad, came to De Pere to pick us up and bring us to Chicago. We had an easy drive to Chicago, with Tony making sure to entertain the entire way. We stopped in the smallest town I have ever been to for a little lunch and finally arrived in Chicago around 2:30 pm. There were no problems with getting through security and we made it here with plenty of time before out flight (a whole 5 hours!).

My flight leaves Chicago this evening, Saturday, October 20, and I will be in Auckland on Monday morning at 8:45 am! Wait! Where did Sunday go? I don't know, it's just gone. I have a layover in LA for a couple hours before the 10 hour flight to Auckland.  Right now, I am not really excited to get on the plane for such a long time but it will be over before I even know it.

When we get to Auckland, Miranda's host family will be picking us up and bringing us to our homes. I can't wait to finally be in New Zealand where I can embrace a new culture and learn from the people around me!

We are about 23 hours from officially getting to New Zealand!