life here in new zealand has been amazing! its been like being on vacation in the most beautiful place in the world while taking classes about my favorite subject and hanging out and living with my friends. needless to say, i’m in heaven! here are some of the things that have been filling my time and making life awesome

the evening sky from the living room – this is the view out our living room windows. everyday, i look forward to the beautiful sky and sunsets over these hills. i always mean to take a picture but i finally got this one just as the sun was going down. views like this makes doing dinner dishes seem not so much like a chore

paella at the rotorua farmers market – my roommate works at the farmers market on saturdays so i went to visit her a few weekends ago. farmers markets are one of my favorite things in the world and though this one was small, i still had a great time eating crepes, buying fresh produce and looking at all the odd local buys like possum hair socks and taro roots.

rugby games – rugby is one of those sports i don’t think i will ever fully understand but i still love a good game. on weekend, we pile into one of our instructors houses to watch the all blacks (the national team) and i even went to a local game a few fridays ago! though it was freezing, it was still a blast to hang out with my friends and cheer loud like americans.

homework at local cafes – since our biggest assignment of the week is due on mondays, the weekends are always full of cramming homework and lots of coffee. there is a darling cafe we found by the local redwood forest that has private rooms for studying (score!) and great coffees and drinks. i tried a hot carmel and it was delicious! i think i may have a new addiction