Reporting from New Zealand

So my website is not constructing itself like I thought. It's more of a time issue though, I think, because who would have thought that teacher's college would be so busy? What with lesson plans, classes (27 hours per week!), and weekend parties and being a tourist... time is a hard thing to find.

Anyways, this is going to be one of those pointform "quick updates" people do and that I've never done. Here we go:

New Zealand is actually a pretty cool country and the people are fantabulous.

The Canadians are the largest minority at our school, with us making up 1/3 of the secondary stream class.

There are 80 - 100 people in our course... no wonder they're desperate for secondary teachers here.

Teaching is a lot harder than it looks. And a lot scarier.

Even half way across the world, I cannot escape Barrie. A guy I went to North with is here and is in three of my classes. Crazy!

Tim Tams are the cookies of the Gods. I will be sure to send some back home for people to try. They are deathly addictive... so chocolatey.

I'm going through Timmy's withdrawl.

I miss Canadian TV because my ip address hider isn't working. And we get 4 channels here... but Shortland Street is an amazing show! I *heart* Joey.

The theatre crowd in Christchurch is very warm and friendly. Everyone is conected, and I went and saw the New Zealand Colin Mocharie in a play on Monday. His daughter is in my Teaching Drama class. How cool is that?

Last night a group of us went and saw an improv show mixing Shakespeare with Resevoir Dogs. It's called "Pulp William". Very odd, very funny, very cool, very clever. I have a crush on one of the actors in it now.

My placement is in an all-boys highschool. Should I be worried?

Because of the way things work here, I am actually going to be qualified to teach English, History, and DRAMA!!! FINALLY! I'm going to be a drama teacher!! Very excited about that one.

I'm planning out my first break travel schedule. So far Dunedin, Invercargill, Lake Tekapo, Kaikoura, and Nelson are on the list.

I'm going to a wild foods festival next weeked. Eating bugs there is a must apparently.

And to Hamner Springs and Kaikoura the weekend. It'll be Easter here... and they get 5 days off in a row for Easter: Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Easter Tuesday. I think Canada should adopt this.

I've become addicted to the Maori Language. I love it. Ko ngati Kanata toku iwi. I am of the Canadian people.


On a sadder note however, a guy I tutored in English several years ago (and whose older brother is one of my best friends) was in a very serious snow mobile accident a few days ago. He is currently in the ICU of St. Mike's in TO. I ask everyone, whether you are religious or not, to pray or send well wishings his way. Two broken legs with 13 breaks in each and a damaged spine... we're hoping for the best. Please take the time to send good thoughts for Jeff. Thank you.

I'll write more soon, I promise.