More of Wellington

With less than three weeks remaining, I’m not ready for this adventure to be over! The month or so since my last post has been much less interesting as previous periods, so this is sure to be short-winded update.

I have been spending much more time on school since the end of April because I have had papers due weekly. Though my time in the library has decreased, I have end up working long hours in my residence room (complete with many distractions).

Soccer has played a significant role in my time away from my studies. The Uni team has come around recently after a few slumping weeks. We are the best team in the league when we are motivated. Since the beginning of the season, I've been getting closer with many of the players. One of the strikers and I have been engaging in lots of little competitions throughout the season in training and this past week. We’ve ended up with some great highlights as he managed two goals against me in our last training session together while I completely robbed him of an entirely empty net after giving up a juicy rebound. Since I won't be seeing him until I end make I way back to NZ (or if he makes his way to Canada), it was a bittersweet ending to the practice. There are a bunch of quality individuals on the squad that I will not soon forget. From our Argentinean coach to my 40 year old Maori center back to our talented French and German midfeilders and the rest of the team, these are great people that have left a lasting impression of Kiwi culture and all around good memories in my heart.

Other than school and soccer, my main pastime has been kitesurfing. Though I haven’t been out as often as I would have liked, I am rapidly falling in love with the sport. A Finnish friend of mine, Mikko, has been helping me out by organizing rides out to Waikanae beach (which is about an hour outside of Wellington). While he quickly developed into a better rider than me, he is one of the most positive people I have ever met as torrential downpours won’t discourage this fellow from hoping for sunny skies. I’ve secured a few photos of our excursions so be sure to check them out. I’m very excited to get a chance to try kitesurfing back at camp on the windy days!

As for my last three weeks, I’m flying to Australia in just a few hours. I’m heading over to the Gold Coast to stay with Ben McDade (a former roommate out in Halifax) who is on exchange in Brisbane. I’m going to be there from the 6th until the 13th to hopefully experience some of the good life of surf and beach. Afterwards I’m heading flying to Auckland, NZ where I’ll drive to the very Northern tip of the North Island on my last road trip of New Zealand. I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be seeing as I haven’t got any set plans yet… I’m just excited to see more of this incredible country!

Since I handed in my last paper today, and have only got one exam left (Conflict Analysis – I’m not worried at all and really don't plan on styding for it) the only thing which has got me worried is saying goodbyes. I knew it was going to be a challenge. Just having returned from a dinner where I had to say goodbye (potentially for the last time) to my wife and a few other friends was tougher than expected. I’m really no looking forward to these last few weeks where every time I see someone, it may be for the last. I’m doing my best to enjoy every moment, and I guess that’s all I can do.

So it’s nearly 2 am here now, and I’ve got to meet my friend at 3:30 so we can catch a cab to the airport. I’m looking forward to some sleep as the bottle of wine with dinner hasn’t made staying awake any easier!

I really can’t believe that this incredible adventure is almost over…