This will be a series on my blog with around 5 or 6 installments. Just like a monthly favorites post about books or makeup, I'll be highlighting my favorite study abroad moments of the month! I wasn't in New Zealand for the full month of January, but I definitely found a lot of things I loved. Here are a few...
#1) The friendly, relaxed vibe
I heard from many people that Kiwis were extremely welcoming and very laid-back, but I didn't realize just how true this was until I got here. Many strangers will strike up a conversation with you and ask if you're alright, need help or simply have a "yarn" (which I recently learned is slang for "chat" in New Zealand). Families gather together at night and watch TV for a few hours, and everything seems to move at a slower pace. In America, lounging around the house for most of the day is seen as lazy, but it's completely normal for people here to take a nap, lounge about or just stay at the beach all day in the summer. It's such a refreshing change from the "always moving" mindset in America.
#2) The beautiful scenery
If I were going to design the ideal city it would be just like the North Shore. It's a perfect balance between city and country, and everyone lives in harmony with nature. It's not uncommon to pitch a tent and spend your days on the beach, or take long walks down the coast. The air is fresh, the grass is (super) green and the weather is perfect. Cute little cafes line the bay and there are tons of quaint shops as well. Everyone is outside, and it's amazing to see everyone appreciating nature and caring for it the way Kiwis do. Just a 20 minute drive north takes you to the country side, where the night sky is clear and the stars are (insanely) bright. Twenty minutes south brings you into downtown Auckland, which is alive with fun shops and incredible views. It really feels like I'm in an alternate universe, how does it get better than this?
Like I said, this is only what I've gathered from my first few days here. I'll be starting school in February, which is sure to bring a lot more favorites to my next list!
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