Auckland

 

            If there is one thing that I have learned while abroad, it is that I am not a city person. Cities are difficult for me to navigate and get around, see what it all has to offer, and make the most of. Or maybe I just don't enjoy staying in cities. I can, however, appreciate certain aspects of a city, but just could never imagine myself being there. Auckland was nice as I waited for friends to arrive. I was surprised to find out that Auckland has a huge Chinese as well as Indian population. Some signs in particular areas are in both Chinese and English. There was a great Asian Market a few blocks from my hostel in the CBD that was great. Although the place smelled a little funny, I found very cheap food including fruits and veggies so I was more than happy.

          While in the CBD, I walked passed an interesting Metro Retro: Second-Hand "Opshop" area with several different small shops including a café. All of the chairs, tables, registers, and some of the smallest things were all old and antique looking. The place had a very unique and distinct feel to it. I am not one for thrifty, but it was an interesting place to see.
         Auckland had a more thriving nightlife and booming CBD than what we do at school. However, we were there during weekdays so pubs were not a very successful night out. I took a walk that was recommended in my travel guide, hitting lots of major attractions/sights. The art museum had endless Maori artwork and carvings, along with others from all over the world and also specifically NZ. I always enjoy the botanical gardens of the city along with the nighttime cityscape. The skytower gave a nice overlook over all of the city. I could never jump off the tower like so many other tourists do, but it was fun to watch other people do it. I would have liked to get a look at the lava pools, but it was time to travel on.













Take Care,

Scott Morin

 

 

Samoa

       It has been a very long time since I have blogged last and have lots to catch up on. I really have not had too much going on since my last time: lots of papers and planning before leaving for my break. It was so nice to finally have off.The first trip on my break was to Samoa. I chose Samoa because I have always wanted to experience a tropical place since I was young, and Samoa is a third world country, giving me the experience of both a tropical paradise and a country very different from my own. For those that do  not know, Samoa is just a little North and East of Fiji and also near the Cook Islands.

http://www.beautifulpacific.com/samoa/samoa-holidays.php

       Samoa has lots of attractions other than resorts. While in Samoa, I went to the To Sua Ocean trench. This was the highlight of that trip. It was amazing. Volcanic activity created a tunnel underground that filled up with water from the ocean. The trench allows you to swim underneath the ground with a cathedral rock ceiling to another opening to the ground surface. It sounds kind of dangerous, but it is not I promise. The tench is owned by a family village and require a donation as entrance. 

We had also went to an island nearby that was owned by a family to go snorkeling and to also see sea turtles, sadly we saw none. Snorkeling was successful, seeing sea horses, sea cucumbers, fish of all sizes and colors, and coral of all types.




    The sunsets every night were such a picture perfect sight. The night before my birthday, there was pink moon that lit up the sky. The moon was huge coming up the horizon. Pictures could just not capture the view. Later that night, my friends and I swam in the warm waters of the ocean while the lunar eclipse illuminated the night. At dinner I was given a banana cake and sang to by many different strangers and the workers, in both English and Samoan. It was very neat and uncomfortable at the same time haha. It was different from any other birthday I've had.





Take Care,

Scott