Crisps, Lollies, and Biscuits

Thank you for the wonderful comments! Again, the delay would be due to 1) internet and 2) trying to get my life in order. I have a few new uber important updates so I'll jump right in.

I have told a few of you about my amazing encounter on the flight from LA to Auckland but I'll take a minute to update the rest of you. I normally am not very social on flights, contrary to my normal behavior, but this fateful flight proved to be an exception that has made all the difference. Upon boarding the plane, I realized a family of 5 was in my seat (naturally) and in order to preserve the parent's sanity, I offered to sit in their original seat. A second couple realized they also were displaced by the large family and after much moving around, I ended up with an aisle seat (thank heaven) next to a wonderful woman who introduced herself as Glenda. As fate would have it, Glenda was en route to Dunedin, her hometown, AND works extensively with children who have Autism spectrum disorders. [Background info: I have been extremely interested in the human genetics research being done at a University in Dunedin] Could we be even more perfectly matched? We spent the majority of the flight chatting about her work, human genetics, genetic counseling, the prevalence of autism, and common Kiwi slang. After landing, we exchanged info and were able to Skype a few times before and after my road trip with Mareill. I have been corresponding with a professor at the University of Otago in Dunedin (which is the oldest University in the country) and decided to head down to reunite with Ms. Glenda, as well as meet with this professor.

I took a regional flight from Auck. to Queenstown, a popular and wildly scenic ski, bungy, skydive mecca, stayed for a night and took the bus to Dunedin during the wee morning hours. The airports are much more efficient and laid back than in the States. I supressed a giggle as "crisps, lollies, or biscuits" were offered while in the air-- I must be adapting as I knew what all of those things were! [US Translation= chips, candy (not just suckers, all candy is called a lolly), and cookies]. I was happy to stay over in QT as Mareill, who lived there over the winter, had told me so many great things about the place. A girl I met at the International Exchange Program, Katie R., had relocated to QT that same day, so we met up to explore. I had an infamous FergBurger (Google it) called "Little Bambi" complete with lettuce, tomato, onion, and plum chutney. The burgers are massive and creative AND the place is open until 5am = Late night heaven. It certainly topped the "beet burger" from previous post.

I made an effort to NOT be in the hostel I stayed in at QT because one of my roomies was still sleeping when I arrived at 4pm- drinking has been described as a kind of sport down there so I felt obliged to give him some peace. Other than that, the place was cute. It was called the Black Sheep, so I kind of couldn't resist staying there..can't get enough of the sheep jokes. Due to my being kind of exiled from my room, I made quite a few stops to sample the local food. My Lonely Planet NZ book suggested this chocolatier called Patagonia and I would KILL to have another ginger hot chocolate from this place. It literally was like liquid velvet. I am not sure if I can ever drink the powdered Nestle's again. Shame, really. Patagonia also had an array of choco bars. Dark chocolate with rose petals is one exotic example. Some people complain that QT is very small and very touristy, but I found it charming. Once the clouds clear to allow a view of the mountains along the lake, anyone will be sold.

Glenda so graciously picked me up after my bus ride through Central Otago, and gave me a mini tiki tour of Dunedin and the Uni of Otago. [ tiki tour roughly means traveling around without a purpose, just seeing the sights, exploring] To my surprise, she even arranged for me to stay with her cousin and his partner until I was able to find a place. I have been blown away by the Kiwi hospitality since coming to Dunedin. The couple I have been staying with owns this fantastic cafe/wine bar that I have been practically living in since my arrival. They also have this great cat,Willis, who has more personality than I do.

Lending even more examples to the Kiwi hospitality, Glenda invited me to a dinner party for Sunday evening. I had quite a bit of fun meeting everyone, the food was utterly delish, and better yet, they all pitched in with the flat search! It really helped to have local knowledge and it was from the "acceptable" group of postings that I was able to find the place I am moving into tomorrow (Wednesday)!! [Side note: this truly is a blessing as one place I was viewing happened to have been featured in what I suspect is an Animal House type film called Scarfies. I have yet to see it, however I am told it is about a 1st year girl looking for a flat (irony? anyone?) who ends up in this dump of a place. Students at U of Otago are called "Scarfies" because they are often bundled up in scarfs due to the cold during the semester.] I also got a long list of "must listen" NZ bands and various offers and advice if the job situation looks bleak.

Before anyone starts freaking out about my living situation, just Google Olveston House, Dunedin. That happens to be across the street. The flat is somewhere around 100 years old and is cute as a button. We'll see how the first week goes, but for now, I love it. I have a studio flat including bed, fridge, iron (?!) microwave, jug (electric kettle), electrice blanket (a must- the weather is iffy) and...internet!!!! I share a kitchen and a bathroom with 3 other people, which compared to the PBP house should be a breeze. If things happen to be hellacious, the lease is only until Dec 31 so I can relocate if needed. Most places are up for renewal around that time so luckily there are tons of options. Other amenities along the street include a Buddhist temple and a pool. Woop!

Take note, I have a real address: email me if you haven't seen it on Fb!

If you sent anything to the one in Auckland, they will forward it to me here in Dunedin.

I have two meetings in the next few days with researchers at respective programs related to genetics and developmental disabilities. Hoping they push me closer to finding employment! Though I must say, I don't mind spending my days lounging in the art museum ;)

Wish me luck!

PS I can't think of witty labels for these posts so I've given up. May be reinstated at a later date.