Random Days, Exams, and Farewells

Lastly we had exams. I had 4 of them, so like most exam days, they were chock full of studying and procrastinating. Overall they went pretty well though. There were a few highlights in the last few weeks despite lots of studying.
First the All-Blacks (NZ’s National Rugby Team) who played France in Dunedin. A whole bunch of my flat went together but eventually got separated. I met up with a whole bunch of other buddies. The game was quite fun…I had my face painted and a NZ flag served as a cape. A few days later we had an Arcadia Program farewell dinner at an amazingly delicious restaurant. It was cool to have everyone back together in the same room sharing a great dinner.
Speaking of great dinners, the Frisbee team had a similar farewell dinner at Filadelphios, a great gourmet pizza place. Aftewards we hopped over to the sports center and played two hours of disc slightly tipsy and fuller than I cared to be. It was fun as always yet the wrap up hugs and hand shakes was a little sad. The next few days was filled with last nights with people and sad moments at the airport. Right now I’m one of the last international kids here in Dunedin, all alone in my flat. Both Dan and Shan are gone for good, while Emma is over in London visiting family.
Other random notes I just remembered. I went to Sandfly Bay one day to scope out the wildlife. Out on the beach are seals just lounging about and eventually, after
much patience and good timing, a few penguins emerge from the sea to hop up the side of the hill. Was quite cool to see, especially since the Blue Eyed Penguins I saw are the rarest kind. Right now I’m just waiting to go to dinner with a two friends and trying to figure out my weekend. Research starts Monday.
Reflecting on the whole trip now that everyone else is gone is bitter sweet. It makes me nostalgic for those who have left, but also elated recalling all the times in NZ. It has been the best few months of my life.

PS If you want to see all my other photos, check out my facebook which I recently uploaded almost all my photos.