Friday, March 20, 2009

Catching Up


We’ve been a “wee bit” silent the last few days, mostly because we have both been working like crazy to ensure we can enjoy the weekends (only two full weekends left – this weekend and the next). Our week was somewhat non-eventful. Kenn did have his second fire drill of the term WHILE he was teaching class. Can you believe they have fire drills at the university?! We also had the two other US couples who are here teaching over for Happy Hour and sharing of weekend trips. That was helpful to know what to do in future travels. Finally, on Thursday evening, the Vice Chancellor (i.e., the head honcho of the university) put on a cocktail party for all Erskine Fellows and spouses/“partners” (term they use for any kind of relationship). It was held in the University Staff Club and was quite nice. Turns out there are Erskine Fellows here from around the world: US, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Sri Lanka…..

We’re sitting in a cool, old (but nice) hotel room in Oamaru (3 hours south of Christchurch). The ceiling in our room is probably 16 feet high! Last night (Friday night), we first went out to see yellow-eyed penguins. We saw one (we were there early. Plus, they were molting so they hide in bushes). See the attached pictures for the GORGEOUS scenery we sat in as we watched: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27117889@N08/?saved=1 Then, we went and saw the blue penguins come in from the ocean for the night. Blue penguins are the smallest penguins in the world. Sorry, no pictures (unlike the yellow penguins). You’re not allowed to take any. But it was a blast to see them waddle up out of the water and head to their homes in a hillside. We also ate dinner at an Italian restaurant across the street. Chick, we found your brick (see picture in link above) and added one of ours. We’re now off to Dunedin to see more penguins and Royal Albatrosses. Will write again with more pictures asap.

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