When in Rome?

So the past week and a half has been absolutely amazing. I rode a bike along Tamaki Drive, the eastern coast south of Auckland (if that isn't confusing). We rode along to Mission Bay. It is gorgeous, however, I found out that it is an artificial beach. The sand is taken from a beach further north and brought down so that the beach front owners and tourists can enjoy it. The beach where they take the sand from has had an increase in the amount of beached whales. This is believed to be due to the dredging and changes to the ocean floor that impact the whale's migration pattern.

 I returned to Devonport, this time I climbed North Head. It is the smaller of the two points there. I walked in tunnels built in World War II, they were very scary. Upon rounding every corner I found I was prepared to scream. When we reached the top I could see Rangitoto from a new viewpoint, and although it was hazy, it is still magnificent. Saturday races took place, so I was able to see approximately 90 keel boats sail by with their spinnaker up. We also 'found' a beach. It reminded of The Hatch in Oregon because there were so many kite boarders.

While enjoying all of this play, there was a paper looming that brought me back to reality. Although writing the paper wasn't quite as fun as romping around Auckland, the pouring rain made it easier to write. The research that I did for this essay was very valuable on the trip we went on this weekend. We went to Omaha Marae where we learned about war techniques, musical intruments, and traditional songs and games. I felt truly welcomed to this Marae and learned not only about the traditions of their culture but also about their current lives and passions. B's powerpoint on the deep sea oil drilling was truly eye-opening as it made me realize the importance of being aware. Sleeping in the Marae with my whole group and waking up at 6am to watch the sunrise put my life in perspective. I am so lucky to be here. As I watched the colors of the sky slowly change, I thought "this is the prettiest place on earth." Little did I know that the days ahead would supply me with enough gorgeous views, landscapes, and beaches to make it an impossible feat to pick just one.