This is a picture from our Iconic New Zealand Food Night, hosted by our interim director Mark Pierson and his lovely family. Iconic New Zealand foods from candies, unique drinks, a number of different main dishes (steak and kidney pies!), and a variety of desserts were served up. A bit of entertainment was provided by Mark's friend Pete afterwards while we leaned back and let our bellies expand.
The Orientation period has come to a close, time flying by quickly as usual with CCSP. We have spent the week settling into our new residence, getting to know neighbors, visiting local beaches and waterfalls, and getting to know each other a bit better. One of the goals of Orientation has been to allow students time and space to explore this new country, acquire a sense of place at our curren home, and spend some recreational time in some of the beautiful places nearby. Oratia is small area in West Auckland, at the eastern feet of the Waitakere Range. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful land!
A few notables:
We live next door to a winery called Artisan. Julie coordinated with the vintner Rex to have our students help with putting nets over a few sections of the vineyard in exchange for a nice lunch. One of the sections of the vineyard borders up against our driveway!
We have visited the Auckland Museum, Piha Beach and Kitekite falls, visited a well known Marine reserve called Goat Island for some snorkeling, participated in a few heart pounding night games of murder-in-the-dark, and even enjoyed a traditional Maori feast called a hangi. We invited a few Kiwis to the hangi to talk to us a bit about Maori culture as well as New Zealand culture. It has been a meaningful albeit quickly passing Orientation period, and after this weekend's student trips, classes will begin on Monday.
More Iconic New Zealand Food Night pictures. It's too nice outside at dusk to stay indoors!
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