Hi all. I'm starting to realise that I won't be very consistent with my entries, sorry about that.
I'm pretty knackered from it all so far, because we've been pretty full on with everything, so I'll give you the news in broad strokes.
School has finally started, and it feels right. It feels really good!
My teachers/lecturers are solid dudes, and so it seems for my classmates. We're a mixed bunch, but we're all down for getting dirty and don't mind the occasional scratch. Some have years of experience hanging up in the trees, they only lack the experience, so now their getting a proper formal training. Then there are complete noobs like myself.
I got all of my equipment today to start climbing the trees, now I just need some extra safety gear to make it all official. Otherwise, I'm ready to go!
We played paintball yesterday as well, which was fun. But a quite different from what I was used to playing, but fun nonetheless.
I busted my hand a bit, and was a worried that I got a hairline fracture, but I had it all checked out, and there's no problem with it. Got a cut or two my legs, but nothing serious.
Ok, that's it for now, but just wanted to throw up a flag to say I'm good, and pumped for more!
See'ya!
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Day 1 is over
As I wrote in yesterday's entry, today was the big one: Orientation Day.
I woke up early enough to get nice and ready for the up coming onslaught of the unknown, and it was great!
I walked to the student administration center, arrived 15 minutes early, and discovered I was in the wrong building completely!
After being escorted to the correct room, where there were already a fair bit of students, I knew I was on the right path. A few minutes later, a larger group of students descended into the room, and it became quickly apparent that I was going to be a minority. Not in the racial sense, but the nationality sense. We were 16 different nationalities, with the majority being German and Chinese (there was one other Swede there).
The Germans quickly congregated together and formed their own little group. Something I've seen all too many times happen. It's actually quite amazing.
It's not a German thing, it's a comforting thing. Hanging with people from your own country, and can speak the same language, etc. I get it.
What was of interest though, was one of the two Englishmen there, who was also going to be studying Arboriculture! I was told I was the only international student, but I guess they forgot one. Oh, well.
Once, we all got together, we had a briefing on what to expect from the school and New Zealand, and a little get-to-know-each-other exercise, where we stood up and gave brief explanation of who we are, and what we're going to be studying. It felt like high school, or like when you arrive to a new school. Which essentially we did, but I have to admit, it feels odd doing it when I'm 31 years old.
It was nice, because otherwise I wouldn't of known there was another Swede in the group. When we started to talk, it was weird speaking to someone in Swedish, in person. I've either talked on the phone, or via Skype, which isn't the same thing. I can't explain it, but it just feels different.
Once we did our song and dance infront of each other, we were given a guided tour of the school, and were treated to a nice lunch. After which we got more information about Dunedin and what to be expecting in the near future.
When all that was done, our respective course teachers came and collected us to show us around our specific, as they call it, schools.
I was given this same tour two weeks earlier when I asked what course material I needed, so I didn't learn too much more. And that tour didn't take all too long, so me and my new classmate went off to buy some of the course material we were told to buy, and along the way two other people from the orientation joined us, and we went for beers after we bought our course material. Which, I must add, is only two books (plus an optional one!). So three in total. Not bad.
My classmate was talking about how expensive it was, and I have to admit, it isn't cheap. But I quickly countered with that we should be happy that we're not studying to become doctors, or anything involving a lot of science (engineers, medicine, etc) where you have to buy a TON of books! He quickly agreed, and felt pretty good that we only need two books for our course.
While we were having our beers, we shared stories about ourselves, things we wouldn't guess about the other, and I told them about my kayaking experience at Hagaparken. If you haven't been told it, too bad, I'm not going to write about it. It's too good of story to just publish like that!
It's a story I need to tell you, so much gets lost in text.
And so, speaking of getting lost, I'm going to get lost in my dreams, and get ready for the morrow!
I woke up early enough to get nice and ready for the up coming onslaught of the unknown, and it was great!
I walked to the student administration center, arrived 15 minutes early, and discovered I was in the wrong building completely!
After being escorted to the correct room, where there were already a fair bit of students, I knew I was on the right path. A few minutes later, a larger group of students descended into the room, and it became quickly apparent that I was going to be a minority. Not in the racial sense, but the nationality sense. We were 16 different nationalities, with the majority being German and Chinese (there was one other Swede there).
The Germans quickly congregated together and formed their own little group. Something I've seen all too many times happen. It's actually quite amazing.
It's not a German thing, it's a comforting thing. Hanging with people from your own country, and can speak the same language, etc. I get it.
What was of interest though, was one of the two Englishmen there, who was also going to be studying Arboriculture! I was told I was the only international student, but I guess they forgot one. Oh, well.
Once, we all got together, we had a briefing on what to expect from the school and New Zealand, and a little get-to-know-each-other exercise, where we stood up and gave brief explanation of who we are, and what we're going to be studying. It felt like high school, or like when you arrive to a new school. Which essentially we did, but I have to admit, it feels odd doing it when I'm 31 years old.
It was nice, because otherwise I wouldn't of known there was another Swede in the group. When we started to talk, it was weird speaking to someone in Swedish, in person. I've either talked on the phone, or via Skype, which isn't the same thing. I can't explain it, but it just feels different.
Once we did our song and dance infront of each other, we were given a guided tour of the school, and were treated to a nice lunch. After which we got more information about Dunedin and what to be expecting in the near future.
When all that was done, our respective course teachers came and collected us to show us around our specific, as they call it, schools.
I was given this same tour two weeks earlier when I asked what course material I needed, so I didn't learn too much more. And that tour didn't take all too long, so me and my new classmate went off to buy some of the course material we were told to buy, and along the way two other people from the orientation joined us, and we went for beers after we bought our course material. Which, I must add, is only two books (plus an optional one!). So three in total. Not bad.
My classmate was talking about how expensive it was, and I have to admit, it isn't cheap. But I quickly countered with that we should be happy that we're not studying to become doctors, or anything involving a lot of science (engineers, medicine, etc) where you have to buy a TON of books! He quickly agreed, and felt pretty good that we only need two books for our course.
While we were having our beers, we shared stories about ourselves, things we wouldn't guess about the other, and I told them about my kayaking experience at Hagaparken. If you haven't been told it, too bad, I'm not going to write about it. It's too good of story to just publish like that!
It's a story I need to tell you, so much gets lost in text.
And so, speaking of getting lost, I'm going to get lost in my dreams, and get ready for the morrow!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
I am a viking...
...this is what my flatmate thought I said, when I actually said "I went out biking."
Quite an interesting, non-provoked statement if you ask me. Just walk into a room, and say "I am a viking," and then just leave. Don't wear anything viking related. Just walk in, make the statement, while having the 1000 yard stare, and then just turn to leave the room. Wonder how the room would react.
Any who, I'm drinking a beer, and watching "The Little Death" on the side. Won't say anything about it, except it's an Australian comedy with a lot of the cast from "The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting." I might of recommended it to you, if not, then I am now :D
So, it's been a while since I last wrote something up here, so I'll bring you up to speed!
Let's start with the juicy bit! Sosa (aka my girlfriend)
It is going well with us, but I won't lie, it is pretty difficult. I don't even know where to begin on this topic. We chat via Facebook Messenger all the time, and Skype on a regular basis, and still, that one important bit is missing: the physical contact. I'm not talking about the sexual aspect of it (although, that does play a small factor in it) but more of the smaller things, like holding hands, a kiss good night, or a small pat. You all know what I'm talking about! If not, then in some odd way, I envy you! Yet, I don't, because you don't know what you're missing!
Gah! On the bright side of things, we're both counting down (with the help of apps) until we meet again, which will be down here in New Zealand! And I fully think that it's great that we're counting down, and not counting up. Even better, after she's left, we'll be counting down again till we meet again!
All I can say is that it's a beautiful time to be alive with regards to the available forms of communications. We can talk (not chat) either via mobile phone, Skype, or even Facebook (which uses Skype technology). And when it comes to simple text messaging, we have a plethora of options!
Speaking of communications, my new flatmate! He's pretty easy going, without a doubt. Although, I am starting to realise that he's keen on keeping it a simple business arrangement. How does that feel? Feels alright I guess. He lives a pretty simple live: work, school, child and World of Warcraft. Anything past that, he's not all that interested in getting into. He's been burned more than I have from what I've understood. It'll be good, and I'm not too worried about it. He comes off as a solid dude, as long as you're not a complete jackass to him, which I'm not, so it should be good.
Any who, we'll see how it all plays out.
Either which way, the room I have is very spacious. I don't feel cramped at all, and I have all the storage space I need. Also, I have unlimited internet and it's pretty well situated relative to school and other necessities.
Otherwise, I've been sussing everything out. I got my forklift license, applied for various jobs, and been biking a bit. And the biking here is amazing! Killer climbs, which will destroy your legs if you're not used to it, but the views you get from all that climbing, worth every second of pain.
Even on the crappier days that I've been out, the views have been astounding.
One main grief I have about it, are the quality of the roads. They're not exactly the same standard as what it is like in Sweden. Here the roads are a bit rougher, so they're a bit harder to bike on. There's more resistance and also a bit bumpier. It'll just take some getting used to, that's all! Also, need to remember that I haven't biked continuously since September/October, so I'm a bit out of shape compared to then.
It's now Sunday for me, and probably for you as well, however, tomorrow will be the big day for me. The start of my new course! Well, technically no, it's actually the orientation week, but it'll be good to get it all going either way!
So, it's late for me, and I need to go to bed so I'm ready prepped and ready to go!
Good night, all of you! And we'll be in touch!
Quite an interesting, non-provoked statement if you ask me. Just walk into a room, and say "I am a viking," and then just leave. Don't wear anything viking related. Just walk in, make the statement, while having the 1000 yard stare, and then just turn to leave the room. Wonder how the room would react.
Any who, I'm drinking a beer, and watching "The Little Death" on the side. Won't say anything about it, except it's an Australian comedy with a lot of the cast from "The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting." I might of recommended it to you, if not, then I am now :D
So, it's been a while since I last wrote something up here, so I'll bring you up to speed!
Let's start with the juicy bit! Sosa (aka my girlfriend)
It is going well with us, but I won't lie, it is pretty difficult. I don't even know where to begin on this topic. We chat via Facebook Messenger all the time, and Skype on a regular basis, and still, that one important bit is missing: the physical contact. I'm not talking about the sexual aspect of it (although, that does play a small factor in it) but more of the smaller things, like holding hands, a kiss good night, or a small pat. You all know what I'm talking about! If not, then in some odd way, I envy you! Yet, I don't, because you don't know what you're missing!
Gah! On the bright side of things, we're both counting down (with the help of apps) until we meet again, which will be down here in New Zealand! And I fully think that it's great that we're counting down, and not counting up. Even better, after she's left, we'll be counting down again till we meet again!
All I can say is that it's a beautiful time to be alive with regards to the available forms of communications. We can talk (not chat) either via mobile phone, Skype, or even Facebook (which uses Skype technology). And when it comes to simple text messaging, we have a plethora of options!
Speaking of communications, my new flatmate! He's pretty easy going, without a doubt. Although, I am starting to realise that he's keen on keeping it a simple business arrangement. How does that feel? Feels alright I guess. He lives a pretty simple live: work, school, child and World of Warcraft. Anything past that, he's not all that interested in getting into. He's been burned more than I have from what I've understood. It'll be good, and I'm not too worried about it. He comes off as a solid dude, as long as you're not a complete jackass to him, which I'm not, so it should be good.
Any who, we'll see how it all plays out.
Either which way, the room I have is very spacious. I don't feel cramped at all, and I have all the storage space I need. Also, I have unlimited internet and it's pretty well situated relative to school and other necessities.
Otherwise, I've been sussing everything out. I got my forklift license, applied for various jobs, and been biking a bit. And the biking here is amazing! Killer climbs, which will destroy your legs if you're not used to it, but the views you get from all that climbing, worth every second of pain.
Even on the crappier days that I've been out, the views have been astounding.
One main grief I have about it, are the quality of the roads. They're not exactly the same standard as what it is like in Sweden. Here the roads are a bit rougher, so they're a bit harder to bike on. There's more resistance and also a bit bumpier. It'll just take some getting used to, that's all! Also, need to remember that I haven't biked continuously since September/October, so I'm a bit out of shape compared to then.
It's now Sunday for me, and probably for you as well, however, tomorrow will be the big day for me. The start of my new course! Well, technically no, it's actually the orientation week, but it'll be good to get it all going either way!
So, it's late for me, and I need to go to bed so I'm ready prepped and ready to go!
Good night, all of you! And we'll be in touch!
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