Trip to the North

The past two weeks have been full of activities and surprises, so brace yourself: this could be a long post. Who am I kidding, all of my posts are long. I read somewhere that good blogs have posts that are like short stories, quick and accessible. Unfortunately, I have not been able to maintain a regular posting schedule so I understand if you take one look at the update and decide to save it for the weekend.

On the 18th I headed up to Auckland for a networking-holiday within a working-holiday. Back in October, I shadowed a Genetic Counselor who told me about an upcoming yearly meeting regarding clinical and diagnostic research related to Human Genetics here in NZ. I managed to claim a seat at the conference, a spot at the Hotel Papatoetoe (aka Glenda's daughter-in-law/son Rachael and Jeremy's couch) and a plane ticket all on a relatively short notice. The conference was exactly what I have been looking for- a way to learn about the practice of Genetic Counseling, and all that surrounds it, in New Zealand. Unfortunately, I was bogged down with a horrible sore throat, which I suspect was Strep, just in time for the trip. Thankfully, I was able to pop into the doctor's, get a $3 script for Penicilin (the cost is insane, I know), and was on my way to feeling better two days later. I think the meds probably helped with the bugs, but my symptoms wouldn't have been eased if it wasn't for Monique and Glenda's care package of Manuka honey, lemon, ginger, lolly party pack, PerkyNanas, and other assorted "comforts of kiwiana." Feeling sick really made me miss home, so I was really touched to have some TLC from my Kiwi family :) Overall, I met some interesting professionals and had an insightful exposure to what's happening in the field. I really have been considering what it might be like to practice down here after getting my Master's and had a few good converstations with some GC expats who have done just that. Just something for me to think about in the future...

Glenda and I @ Sky Tower- she was visiting Akl too, mere coincidence!

Rachael and Primrose on their thousandth escalator ride.

It wasn't all business in Auckland, though I did spend most of my time navigating the bus/train system to the hospital and actually sitting in the conference. As I said, I was staying with Rachael and Jeremy (R/J) for the days I was in town and managed to assimilate just a wee bit further into Kiwi culture thanks to their efforts. When I arrived, I was pretty bogged down with my illness, but by the next day I was feeling much more like myself. R/J nursed me back to health with an assortment of food and alcohol, mainly Rachael's mom's prize winning Pavlova, NZ wine and Jeremy's homebrew. I also had the chance to go out for Yum Cha for an assortment of Chinese goodies. R/J have the cutest, spunkiest little girls in the S. Hemisphere, so there was never a dull moment over the weekend. The highlight definitely was being dubbed "My other favorite person" by little Loveday. Win!

National Dessert of NZ- Pavlova

After two helpings of Pavlova- yummmm.

Yum Cha

I've mentioned my friend Jenna (she has a blog as well) a few times but since we've settled in opposite ends of the country, we've only been in touch via text and Fb. She and I met at the International Exchange Program office orientation where we realized we both had strong ties to NC (she went to Elon) & Greek life (haha). Realizing the opportunity of being in close proximity during my Auckland trip, I hopped a bus to the town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands to visit her for a few days for a reunion. Paihia is a sleepy little beach town with a big tourism pull for diving and ocean cruises that offer dolphin swims and whale sightings. Since Jenna is a photog for one of the tour boats, we were able to do a free all day tour around the islands, which was really fantastic. The best part was sharing stories and catching up on the past months. I also got to wear dresses and shorts, because it is in the 20s up there....Finally summer, haha.

Jenna & I

Dolphins on our cruise!

It was nice to see a different part of the country, and to see some of my favorite people down here, but I found myself feeling ready to get back "home" to Dunnas. I really am becoming attached to my little city in the Deep South :)