American Visit 2013 - Blog
|
Our Ambassador team
kept a journal during the stay in New Zealand The adults select an ambassador's entry to send from NZ each day, and the webhost adds links to the text and posts it as a web log. |
|
February 27: Bluff and the Marae
- By Ambassador Leah
Today we started off the day at the Marae. A Marae is a traditional Māori meeting place. We were greeted by 5 adults and around 10 children. The children sang songs to us and we sang one our our songs back to them. They gave us a tour of the Marae and told us a story that connected to the picture on the wall. The picture was about the sun god and a lizard that represents death. Then we were served morning tea.
After we left the Marae we visited Bluff. At Bluff I learned a lot of facts about New Zealand wildlife and history. After taking so many photos and being bugged by the sand flies (get it… bugged!) at Bluff we walked up to lunch. After lunch we had lots of fun at a local park.
Editor’s Notes: That’s all folks! We cannot believe how fast the trip went. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There were ups, downs, tears, laughter, “growth opportunities”, and complete joy – just to name a few of the emotions. We learned at the Marae that kia ora literally means “let there be life between us.” So on behalf of all chaperones, teachers, and ambassadors, KIA ORA to our beloved Kiwi family. Let there be life between us!
Aroha nui,
Cerena, Leah, Haylie, Sam, Ben, Aspen, Savahn, Toni, Trent, Megan, Kat, Kyle, Tori, Thomas, Cami, Riley, JB, Lucas, Jordy, Dan, Paula, and Kristin
- By Ambassador Leah
Today we started off the day at the Marae. A Marae is a traditional Māori meeting place. We were greeted by 5 adults and around 10 children. The children sang songs to us and we sang one our our songs back to them. They gave us a tour of the Marae and told us a story that connected to the picture on the wall. The picture was about the sun god and a lizard that represents death. Then we were served morning tea.
After we left the Marae we visited Bluff. At Bluff I learned a lot of facts about New Zealand wildlife and history. After taking so many photos and being bugged by the sand flies (get it… bugged!) at Bluff we walked up to lunch. After lunch we had lots of fun at a local park.
Editor’s Notes: That’s all folks! We cannot believe how fast the trip went. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There were ups, downs, tears, laughter, “growth opportunities”, and complete joy – just to name a few of the emotions. We learned at the Marae that kia ora literally means “let there be life between us.” So on behalf of all chaperones, teachers, and ambassadors, KIA ORA to our beloved Kiwi family. Let there be life between us!
Aroha nui,
Cerena, Leah, Haylie, Sam, Ben, Aspen, Savahn, Toni, Trent, Megan, Kat, Kyle, Tori, Thomas, Cami, Riley, JB, Lucas, Jordy, Dan, Paula, and Kristin
February 26: Adventure Day and the Farewell Dinner
- By Ambassador Tori
Today we did the Adventure Southland. We split in to two groups and my group went out to Oreti Beach for some surf kayaking. It was so much fun it was definitely up there in the tops thing we did for the trip. We all fell out at least five times. I fell out 16 times but Thomas and John fell out like over 20. It was like boogie boarding in a kayak, and you would go super-fast until you turned sideways and flipped your boat. Aspen took a full wave backwards so then of course the rest of us had to try it and I flipped my boat many times. But the funniest thing was how we would all fall out, and when we came back up our tour guide would be like “look at you, busting out tricks already” and then we would look at him like he was crazy and laugh. Kayaking was “fun as” and is definitely one of the best things we did on are trip.
After that we all got harnessed up for the ropes course. We all walked up to the ropes course and then the guide goes “ok who is going first”. We also got taught how to hold the rope and stuff with you partner attached to the other end. So when I went up on the ladder thing and Kat was at the other end of my rope. It was crazy! We were like 40 feet up in the air walking on two ropes.
Tonight we also had the farewell dinner it was kind of sad to see how fast this wonderful trip is coming to an end. We also heard the results to the amazing race so first place was the yellow team was first and that was Gary my host dad’s team, and in second was the black team which was my team. But it was super funny to hear about all the stories that have happened in our homes the past 3 weeks. Today was so much fun and I never want this trip to be over.
Editor’s notes: Nice work, Tori! We all had such a blast today. I don’t think any of us expected the day to be so fun. The Farewell Dinner was AMAZING! Thank you so much to all our incredible Kiwi hosts who have made us feel so welcome and a part of your lives.
- By Ambassador Tori
Today we did the Adventure Southland. We split in to two groups and my group went out to Oreti Beach for some surf kayaking. It was so much fun it was definitely up there in the tops thing we did for the trip. We all fell out at least five times. I fell out 16 times but Thomas and John fell out like over 20. It was like boogie boarding in a kayak, and you would go super-fast until you turned sideways and flipped your boat. Aspen took a full wave backwards so then of course the rest of us had to try it and I flipped my boat many times. But the funniest thing was how we would all fall out, and when we came back up our tour guide would be like “look at you, busting out tricks already” and then we would look at him like he was crazy and laugh. Kayaking was “fun as” and is definitely one of the best things we did on are trip.
After that we all got harnessed up for the ropes course. We all walked up to the ropes course and then the guide goes “ok who is going first”. We also got taught how to hold the rope and stuff with you partner attached to the other end. So when I went up on the ladder thing and Kat was at the other end of my rope. It was crazy! We were like 40 feet up in the air walking on two ropes.
Tonight we also had the farewell dinner it was kind of sad to see how fast this wonderful trip is coming to an end. We also heard the results to the amazing race so first place was the yellow team was first and that was Gary my host dad’s team, and in second was the black team which was my team. But it was super funny to hear about all the stories that have happened in our homes the past 3 weeks. Today was so much fun and I never want this trip to be over.
Editor’s notes: Nice work, Tori! We all had such a blast today. I don’t think any of us expected the day to be so fun. The Farewell Dinner was AMAZING! Thank you so much to all our incredible Kiwi hosts who have made us feel so welcome and a part of your lives.
February 25: Stewart Island
- By Ambassador Lucas
Today we went to Stewart Island! We all met up at the airport around 7:30, and waited for the planes. There was a delay because of all the fog for about 45 minutes. I got on the plane with Trent, Thomas, Me, Tori, Paula and Linda (Linda is one of the host parents). The plane was a 10 seater, and the flight was about 15 minutes.
On the flight, as we got closer to the island, the water become clearer and beautiful, and the island looked bigger than I thought. We landed the plane on a tiny runway that looked like a road, and had no buildings around it at all! A van picked us up, and took us into town.
The population of Stewart Island is about 400, and they only have one policeman! They dropped us off near the water, and we had ten minutes to explore. In those ten minutes, we went to a minimart and bought ice cream! Then, we all got on a bus to take a tour around the north part of the island. We stopped at a few beaches, and walked on trails to viewing points. On the ride, the bus driver told us lots of information about the island. After the tour, we went back into town, and ate lunch on a dock.
After we ate, we got on the fishing boat and went on a 20 minute boat ride to the fishing spot. We stopped, and took turns with the fishing poles. I caught four blue cod, but we had to let one go, because it was too small. It didn’t matter anyways, because when we threw it in the water these huge seagull looking birds swallowed it whole! These birds had like a wing span of like three to four feet, and they followed us wherever we went!
Everyone caught a decent amount of fish on the boat, so we went and stopped at Ulva Island to play on the beach, while others took a walk. At the beach, there was a rope swing that everyone was playing on. After it was time to leave, we all got on the boat, and headed back to the town.
After we got back, we all went to a fish and chip restaurant, and ate dinner. We had blue cod. It was delicious! Me and the group that flew on the plane left the restaurant first, because our flight was the first one to come. It was a nice ride back, even clearer than the morning, because there was no fog. We landed safely at the airport, and went home to our host families. That is the end of the day!
- By Ambassador Lucas
Today we went to Stewart Island! We all met up at the airport around 7:30, and waited for the planes. There was a delay because of all the fog for about 45 minutes. I got on the plane with Trent, Thomas, Me, Tori, Paula and Linda (Linda is one of the host parents). The plane was a 10 seater, and the flight was about 15 minutes.
On the flight, as we got closer to the island, the water become clearer and beautiful, and the island looked bigger than I thought. We landed the plane on a tiny runway that looked like a road, and had no buildings around it at all! A van picked us up, and took us into town.
The population of Stewart Island is about 400, and they only have one policeman! They dropped us off near the water, and we had ten minutes to explore. In those ten minutes, we went to a minimart and bought ice cream! Then, we all got on a bus to take a tour around the north part of the island. We stopped at a few beaches, and walked on trails to viewing points. On the ride, the bus driver told us lots of information about the island. After the tour, we went back into town, and ate lunch on a dock.
After we ate, we got on the fishing boat and went on a 20 minute boat ride to the fishing spot. We stopped, and took turns with the fishing poles. I caught four blue cod, but we had to let one go, because it was too small. It didn’t matter anyways, because when we threw it in the water these huge seagull looking birds swallowed it whole! These birds had like a wing span of like three to four feet, and they followed us wherever we went!
Everyone caught a decent amount of fish on the boat, so we went and stopped at Ulva Island to play on the beach, while others took a walk. At the beach, there was a rope swing that everyone was playing on. After it was time to leave, we all got on the boat, and headed back to the town.
After we got back, we all went to a fish and chip restaurant, and ate dinner. We had blue cod. It was delicious! Me and the group that flew on the plane left the restaurant first, because our flight was the first one to come. It was a nice ride back, even clearer than the morning, because there was no fog. We landed safely at the airport, and went home to our host families. That is the end of the day!
February 23 - 24: The Last Weekend in New Zealand...
Editor's notes: There was no ambassador assigned for the weekend blog update so editor thought he might add some of his own musings about the trip...
It's hard to believe there are only three days left. Wellington seems like ages ago and yet it seems like yesterday we were all trying to learn one another's names at Paula's house on the last day of school way back in June.
On behalf of all the adults on the trip, we are SO proud of these kids. We have watched them grow by leaps and bounds through all their hard work and preparation, dare to try new and unfamiliar things, represent their community and country with pride; and best of all, we have observed pure, unadulterated joy on so many occasions.
These are extraordinary kids on an extraordinary adventure. It's been the privilege of a lifetime to be able to accompany them along the way.
Long may you run, MCOW ambassadors. You give us hope for tomorrow.
Editor's notes: There was no ambassador assigned for the weekend blog update so editor thought he might add some of his own musings about the trip...
It's hard to believe there are only three days left. Wellington seems like ages ago and yet it seems like yesterday we were all trying to learn one another's names at Paula's house on the last day of school way back in June.
On behalf of all the adults on the trip, we are SO proud of these kids. We have watched them grow by leaps and bounds through all their hard work and preparation, dare to try new and unfamiliar things, represent their community and country with pride; and best of all, we have observed pure, unadulterated joy on so many occasions.
These are extraordinary kids on an extraordinary adventure. It's been the privilege of a lifetime to be able to accompany them along the way.
Long may you run, MCOW ambassadors. You give us hope for tomorrow.
February 22: Dunedin, Day 2
- By Ambassador Haylie
I woke up today next to the electricity display in Discovery World in the Otago Museum. I hadn’t slept well the night before due to the excess energy I had from running around all night.
We all began to stir, slowly at first as more people rubbed the sleep from their eyes. We gathered our things and put away the mattresses then headed to the main room to get dressed and eat breakfast.
We were split into our chaperone groups (I was in Dan’s group) to do an activity. There were written questions about a display in a certain gallery that we needed to solve then use the answers to solve a word puzzle. When our group finished, we went back to Discovery World and played for a while.
Soon afterwards we loaded into the vans and went to the pool. I was most looking forward to relaxing in the hot tub (spa pool). Our stay there wasn’t long enough! Our biggest activities of the day were Baldwin Street and the Cadbury factory.
Our stop for dinner on the way back to Invercargill was at a café where some ambassadors were picked up by their host families to spend their weekend in Dunedin. Leah’s host had brought mirror markers and everyone wrote their signature on her car, along with doodles of unrecognizable things. I do remember quite clearly that someone wrote GO HUSKIES on the car, but spelled huskies incorrectly.
Baylee, my host, picked up Aspen and I. She spent the whole weekend with us while her host was away.
Editor’s notes: Ambassador Kyle climbed the world’s steepest street in 1:35 – nice job, Kyle! The rest of us, walked, trudged, or crawled our way up. Editor will note that muscle groups were definitely sore the next day.
The ambassadors were the MOST attentive they’ve been the entire trip at Cadbury... go figure! Editor thinks it just might be that the tour guide would pass out candy for those that could answer questions but we’re not totally sure.
- By Ambassador Haylie
I woke up today next to the electricity display in Discovery World in the Otago Museum. I hadn’t slept well the night before due to the excess energy I had from running around all night.
We all began to stir, slowly at first as more people rubbed the sleep from their eyes. We gathered our things and put away the mattresses then headed to the main room to get dressed and eat breakfast.
We were split into our chaperone groups (I was in Dan’s group) to do an activity. There were written questions about a display in a certain gallery that we needed to solve then use the answers to solve a word puzzle. When our group finished, we went back to Discovery World and played for a while.
Soon afterwards we loaded into the vans and went to the pool. I was most looking forward to relaxing in the hot tub (spa pool). Our stay there wasn’t long enough! Our biggest activities of the day were Baldwin Street and the Cadbury factory.
Our stop for dinner on the way back to Invercargill was at a café where some ambassadors were picked up by their host families to spend their weekend in Dunedin. Leah’s host had brought mirror markers and everyone wrote their signature on her car, along with doodles of unrecognizable things. I do remember quite clearly that someone wrote GO HUSKIES on the car, but spelled huskies incorrectly.
Baylee, my host, picked up Aspen and I. She spent the whole weekend with us while her host was away.
Editor’s notes: Ambassador Kyle climbed the world’s steepest street in 1:35 – nice job, Kyle! The rest of us, walked, trudged, or crawled our way up. Editor will note that muscle groups were definitely sore the next day.
The ambassadors were the MOST attentive they’ve been the entire trip at Cadbury... go figure! Editor thinks it just might be that the tour guide would pass out candy for those that could answer questions but we’re not totally sure.
February 21: Dunedin, Day 1
- By Ambassador Savahn
Okay folks, what happened today? Hmmm… We had a boatload of fun! On our way to Dunedin I was in a van with Jordy, Paula, John, Cerena, Toni, Lucas, Sam, Trent, Leah and Bennyboo. When we stopped for morning tea I was super hyper!!! We danced like bosses… as usual. When we finally arrived at the museum we got to play a chef game like MasterChef. We were all on teams. My team was with Riley, Cerena, John, and Ben. We made snails for the appetizer, smoked blue cod, and my brilliant fantastical idea, ahem, drum roll please… A kumaraumara (sweet potato) crème Brule with a sweet warm sauce made out of the tree of life sap.
Then we had free time at one of the really cool exhibits. Then we had really good pizza for dinner! After we each got a story and we had to reenact the story. It was super funny. Some people almost cried from laughter! Then we got ready for bed. We were going to take a walk to a room somewhere in the museum. Our chaperones tried to scare us by ringing bells and other scary stuff. When we got to the room we were still in the dark and we sat down. The tour guide put a flash light on and started reading stuff about animals. The chaperones made really loud animal noises like monkeys, birds and lions.
Then we had a little scavenger hunt when the lights turned on about what animals didn’t make it to the case, something about the rat king, and a whale’s eye. The things that weren’t in the cases were: an ape and three chickens. Rat king: rats that were born around a lot of hay and were connected by their tails. They were either meant to learn to live and work together or die. And on that happy note, let’s talk about the whale’s eye and the 2 lions I forgot to mention earlier… Well I just talked about it! When we came back we giggled, got ready for bed, and went to sleep… Good night!
Editor’s notes: Ambassador Savahn, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve had a whirlwind couple of days and now we’re into our last weekend. How did the time go by so fast???
- By Ambassador Savahn
Okay folks, what happened today? Hmmm… We had a boatload of fun! On our way to Dunedin I was in a van with Jordy, Paula, John, Cerena, Toni, Lucas, Sam, Trent, Leah and Bennyboo. When we stopped for morning tea I was super hyper!!! We danced like bosses… as usual. When we finally arrived at the museum we got to play a chef game like MasterChef. We were all on teams. My team was with Riley, Cerena, John, and Ben. We made snails for the appetizer, smoked blue cod, and my brilliant fantastical idea, ahem, drum roll please… A kumaraumara (sweet potato) crème Brule with a sweet warm sauce made out of the tree of life sap.
Then we had free time at one of the really cool exhibits. Then we had really good pizza for dinner! After we each got a story and we had to reenact the story. It was super funny. Some people almost cried from laughter! Then we got ready for bed. We were going to take a walk to a room somewhere in the museum. Our chaperones tried to scare us by ringing bells and other scary stuff. When we got to the room we were still in the dark and we sat down. The tour guide put a flash light on and started reading stuff about animals. The chaperones made really loud animal noises like monkeys, birds and lions.
Then we had a little scavenger hunt when the lights turned on about what animals didn’t make it to the case, something about the rat king, and a whale’s eye. The things that weren’t in the cases were: an ape and three chickens. Rat king: rats that were born around a lot of hay and were connected by their tails. They were either meant to learn to live and work together or die. And on that happy note, let’s talk about the whale’s eye and the 2 lions I forgot to mention earlier… Well I just talked about it! When we came back we giggled, got ready for bed, and went to sleep… Good night!
Editor’s notes: Ambassador Savahn, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve had a whirlwind couple of days and now we’re into our last weekend. How did the time go by so fast???
February 20: Farm Day
- By Ambassador Megan
So today was Farm day. We met at the school at 8:30 am and we left to go to the first place which was about a 20 minute drive. We went to Knight of New Zealand factory tour which is where they showed us how they made jackets with sheep fur and gloves with possum fur. They said they make about 50 jackets a week. And they sell some of their jackets there and one jacket was about $925 but in retail stores it’s about $1700 (that’s a lot of money).
After that we went for a morning tea break at Donovan park. After that we went to the Riverton Museum and we went in and watched a short movie for about 15 minutes. Then walked around for about 15 more minutes. Down the road was a Paua shell shop. This place was my favorite place because Paua shells are very, very pretty. They taught us a little about Paua shells and how they are similar California abalone but look a little different.
When my group’s tour was over we went out and waited for the other half to get done so my group did a little shopping. Right down the road was a café called Thyme Out Tea House and they had little pastries which mostly had eggs and bacon and a lot of breakfast things in them and were really good and after we all finished they brought out dessert which was a lot of different varieties of things. When we finished there was a little park outside so we played on it for like 5 minutes. We then went to a bigger park for like 20 minutes and the chaperons bought us ice cream bars which were really good.
We finally went to the farm which was a sheep farm and we first went sacking which was fun but kind of slow. And then we watched them sheer a sheep and some people got to do that too. I wanted to but they didn't have any fur left for me to sheer. Afterwards we went to the last farm which was a dairy farm and we went and saw them milking cows. We split into groups and my group went and got to milk cows. After that we went and switched and we had to pretty much herd calves to a different and area and then back. And then we headed home. But overall today was a pretty fun day!
Editor's notes: We had heaps of fun with "sacking", which is kind of like tubing but being pulled behind a four wheeler instead of a boat.
- By Ambassador Megan
So today was Farm day. We met at the school at 8:30 am and we left to go to the first place which was about a 20 minute drive. We went to Knight of New Zealand factory tour which is where they showed us how they made jackets with sheep fur and gloves with possum fur. They said they make about 50 jackets a week. And they sell some of their jackets there and one jacket was about $925 but in retail stores it’s about $1700 (that’s a lot of money).
After that we went for a morning tea break at Donovan park. After that we went to the Riverton Museum and we went in and watched a short movie for about 15 minutes. Then walked around for about 15 more minutes. Down the road was a Paua shell shop. This place was my favorite place because Paua shells are very, very pretty. They taught us a little about Paua shells and how they are similar California abalone but look a little different.
When my group’s tour was over we went out and waited for the other half to get done so my group did a little shopping. Right down the road was a café called Thyme Out Tea House and they had little pastries which mostly had eggs and bacon and a lot of breakfast things in them and were really good and after we all finished they brought out dessert which was a lot of different varieties of things. When we finished there was a little park outside so we played on it for like 5 minutes. We then went to a bigger park for like 20 minutes and the chaperons bought us ice cream bars which were really good.
We finally went to the farm which was a sheep farm and we first went sacking which was fun but kind of slow. And then we watched them sheer a sheep and some people got to do that too. I wanted to but they didn't have any fur left for me to sheer. Afterwards we went to the last farm which was a dairy farm and we went and saw them milking cows. We split into groups and my group went and got to milk cows. After that we went and switched and we had to pretty much herd calves to a different and area and then back. And then we headed home. But overall today was a pretty fun day!
Editor's notes: We had heaps of fun with "sacking", which is kind of like tubing but being pulled behind a four wheeler instead of a boat.
February 19: School Day
- By Ambassador Cerena
Today we went to school with our hosts. Unfortunately my host is at the senior campus so I didn't get to see her. We had to present our Powerpoints about different places in the USA; mine was Los Angeles. My favorite class was Ben's hosts Mom's class. The whole class was very welcoming, which was very nice.
Today they were learning about a very deep lake, unfortunately I can't remember the name. She began to pull out containers filled with JELL-O which was quite confusing. She dumped a chocolate mud cake in the bottom of a tall container and poured 4 layers of JELL-O on top. Best part was she spooned it out into bowls and we got to eat it. I wish American teachers did that! Best school day ever!!
- By Ambassador Cerena
Today we went to school with our hosts. Unfortunately my host is at the senior campus so I didn't get to see her. We had to present our Powerpoints about different places in the USA; mine was Los Angeles. My favorite class was Ben's hosts Mom's class. The whole class was very welcoming, which was very nice.
Today they were learning about a very deep lake, unfortunately I can't remember the name. She began to pull out containers filled with JELL-O which was quite confusing. She dumped a chocolate mud cake in the bottom of a tall container and poured 4 layers of JELL-O on top. Best part was she spooned it out into bowls and we got to eat it. I wish American teachers did that! Best school day ever!!
February 16 - 17: It's the Weekend
- By Ambassador Toni
This weekend, I made so many new memories with my host family. To start off the weekend, we woke up and had breakfast, then planned a swimming activity with Aspen, one of the other ambassadors. After swimming we came back to the house and had tea. After tea Aspen went home. Brylee (my host) and I wrapped up our night by watching Shark Tale the movie.
Sunday my host family and I started off the morning with some delicious morning tea. After morning tea we went to Riverton where we got to go out on my host aunts farm. My host aunt Jackie let us feed the donkeys and miniature horses, and me and Brylee also got to run and play with them as well. After that part of the farm we moved to another land space where she had two full grown female horses named Julie & Missy. Once she saddled them up me & Brylee had the chance to ride them.
Later on we said our goodbyes and headed off for lunch on the beach. Once we've all finished lunch, we went to go look for Paua shells. After finding a few Paua shells and taking a few pictures we headed home because it was getting late. When we got home we had dinner than off to bed because we had an early day tomorrow at Te Anau.
- By Ambassador Toni
This weekend, I made so many new memories with my host family. To start off the weekend, we woke up and had breakfast, then planned a swimming activity with Aspen, one of the other ambassadors. After swimming we came back to the house and had tea. After tea Aspen went home. Brylee (my host) and I wrapped up our night by watching Shark Tale the movie.
Sunday my host family and I started off the morning with some delicious morning tea. After morning tea we went to Riverton where we got to go out on my host aunts farm. My host aunt Jackie let us feed the donkeys and miniature horses, and me and Brylee also got to run and play with them as well. After that part of the farm we moved to another land space where she had two full grown female horses named Julie & Missy. Once she saddled them up me & Brylee had the chance to ride them.
Later on we said our goodbyes and headed off for lunch on the beach. Once we've all finished lunch, we went to go look for Paua shells. After finding a few Paua shells and taking a few pictures we headed home because it was getting late. When we got home we had dinner than off to bed because we had an early day tomorrow at Te Anau.
February 18: Te Anau and the Glow Worm Caves
- By Ambassador Cami
Today we went to Te Anau and the glowworm caves! In the morning we all met at the school with our hosts and hopped into a big bus. Today was extra special because all of our hosts and all the kids who are traveling to America this September got to come along with us! Everyone was really kind and respectful.
On the 2 hour bus ride to Te Anau we played games to pass time and stopped at a couple playgrounds along the way to have morning tea and just get a chance to take a walk in the fresh air. When we arrived in Te Anau we had about an hour of free time where we could shop and hang out. They had some really cool shops! After that we got on a boat and headed over to the glowworm caves! It took about an hour to get over to the caves and once we arrived we went inside for a little presentation on the glowworms and some other native animals of New Zealand.
After the presentation we got into the caves! It was really dark and in some parts you would have to duck to fit into the cave. We did a little tour of the caves in small groups and then got on the boats. It was sort of scary for some people because of the dark and not being able to see where you were going, but I personally loved it! The glowworms were so bright and cool!
Lastly we headed home after all the fun of the day. Overall, I really enjoyed today and am looking forward to another wonderful day in the amazing New Zealand tomorrow.
Editor’s notes: Ambassador Cami did a great job capturing our day at the glowworm caves. These things were seriously cool. Editor was also seriously geeking out about the “Luminosa”, the catamaran powered by twin 700HP Cat diesels that transported us to the caves at a brisk 24 knots. The next batch of Kiwi ambassadors are a fantastic group. We can’t wait to host them in Tacoma next September!
- By Ambassador Cami
Today we went to Te Anau and the glowworm caves! In the morning we all met at the school with our hosts and hopped into a big bus. Today was extra special because all of our hosts and all the kids who are traveling to America this September got to come along with us! Everyone was really kind and respectful.
On the 2 hour bus ride to Te Anau we played games to pass time and stopped at a couple playgrounds along the way to have morning tea and just get a chance to take a walk in the fresh air. When we arrived in Te Anau we had about an hour of free time where we could shop and hang out. They had some really cool shops! After that we got on a boat and headed over to the glowworm caves! It took about an hour to get over to the caves and once we arrived we went inside for a little presentation on the glowworms and some other native animals of New Zealand.
After the presentation we got into the caves! It was really dark and in some parts you would have to duck to fit into the cave. We did a little tour of the caves in small groups and then got on the boats. It was sort of scary for some people because of the dark and not being able to see where you were going, but I personally loved it! The glowworms were so bright and cool!
Lastly we headed home after all the fun of the day. Overall, I really enjoyed today and am looking forward to another wonderful day in the amazing New Zealand tomorrow.
Editor’s notes: Ambassador Cami did a great job capturing our day at the glowworm caves. These things were seriously cool. Editor was also seriously geeking out about the “Luminosa”, the catamaran powered by twin 700HP Cat diesels that transported us to the caves at a brisk 24 knots. The next batch of Kiwi ambassadors are a fantastic group. We can’t wait to host them in Tacoma next September!
February 15: Last Day in Queenstown
- By Ambassador Aspen
We were in Queenstown today. In the morning we traveled to Walter Peak Farm via the TSS Earnslaw. We had to first split our group of 24 into groups of 12. My group first did horseback riding, which I loved. My horses name was Dell. I was the leader of my group. Something that was funny that happened while horseback riding was that Leah’s horse, Pedro, tried to bite Jordy’s horse, Cooper. I was one of the only people laughing, which can be very embarrassing. The next thing my group did was to see sheep. We saw sheep herding, then ended the day seeing cute puppies!
Editor’s Notes: Our last day in Queenstown :(. We had a great experience riding to and from Walter Peak Farms on the Earnslaw. There was a sing along on the return trip and we were all right next to the piano player. The editor would like to make special note to his mother that she would be incredibly proud of his boisterous participation and song leading skills in classics such as “Home on the Range”, “Oh Susanna”, “My Bonny”, etc. Therugby match was also loads of fun. We all had “Fergburgers” for afternoon tea and many ambassadors believed that their burgers where larger in diameter than Ambassador Toni’s head. Editor will also note that he was one of the only ones to actually eat his entire Fergburger - yummy.
- By Ambassador Aspen
We were in Queenstown today. In the morning we traveled to Walter Peak Farm via the TSS Earnslaw. We had to first split our group of 24 into groups of 12. My group first did horseback riding, which I loved. My horses name was Dell. I was the leader of my group. Something that was funny that happened while horseback riding was that Leah’s horse, Pedro, tried to bite Jordy’s horse, Cooper. I was one of the only people laughing, which can be very embarrassing. The next thing my group did was to see sheep. We saw sheep herding, then ended the day seeing cute puppies!
Editor’s Notes: Our last day in Queenstown :(. We had a great experience riding to and from Walter Peak Farms on the Earnslaw. There was a sing along on the return trip and we were all right next to the piano player. The editor would like to make special note to his mother that she would be incredibly proud of his boisterous participation and song leading skills in classics such as “Home on the Range”, “Oh Susanna”, “My Bonny”, etc. Therugby match was also loads of fun. We all had “Fergburgers” for afternoon tea and many ambassadors believed that their burgers where larger in diameter than Ambassador Toni’s head. Editor will also note that he was one of the only ones to actually eat his entire Fergburger - yummy.
February 14: Queenstown
- By Ambassador John
Today started off by waking up and going to breakfast. The breakfast that we had was amazing. I had French toast, a fried banana, maple syrup and, a mix of fruits. The whole entire breakfast was presented amazing and tasted delicious.
Next we went to a bird sanctuary and saw some kiwis. It was so amazing to see the kiwis too because you would almost never see them in the wild. At the sanctuary we also walked around and saw some other birds and we watched a bird show. Next we went to catch a bus that took us up a cliff and we were right on the edge of the cliff. It was funny because there was a sign before you got on the road that had a whole ton of warnings about the road.
We also stepped out of the van from time to time to look at some amazing scenery and even see some more filming places from Lord of the Rings. When we reached the end of the end of the road we were on the beach where the Shotover Jet started. We got outfitted in our lifejackets and got on the boat. The boat we went on was going about 50 mph and we went really close to the surrounding rocks. The boat even did some 360 degree spins. In the back when we did those some people got sprayed with water.
When we were finished with the ride we went back to the beach and waited for helicopters. When the helicopters landed, 6 people went on each one. When we got on we put on headphones that had a little microphone attached to them. The helicopter ride was smooth (with only a little bit of turbulence) and was cool. The scenery out of the helicopter was amazing. When we landed at the place we were going to go luge we got off the helicopter we waited for the other helicopters to arrive.
When we they got there, we took a ski lift up to the place where the luges took off. We had to do a slower ride first off to get used to the luge but after that we had four fun and fast rides down the luge hill. After everybody was done with all of the luge runs we took a gondola back down to town. While on the way down on the gondola I saw several wild sheep.
When we got back to town we walked around the shops there and shopped for a little bit. After we were done shopping we walked to a Mexican restaurant called Sombreros and had some amazing tasting enchiladas. After we ate we went back to our hostel played around for a little bit and then went to bed.
Editor’s Notes: It was epic adventure day in Queenstown. Ambassador John was perfect for doing the blog today. I don’t think the look of pure joy and amazement ever left his face. The kids have worked so hard for so long, it was great to see them having such a blast today.
- By Ambassador John
Today started off by waking up and going to breakfast. The breakfast that we had was amazing. I had French toast, a fried banana, maple syrup and, a mix of fruits. The whole entire breakfast was presented amazing and tasted delicious.
Next we went to a bird sanctuary and saw some kiwis. It was so amazing to see the kiwis too because you would almost never see them in the wild. At the sanctuary we also walked around and saw some other birds and we watched a bird show. Next we went to catch a bus that took us up a cliff and we were right on the edge of the cliff. It was funny because there was a sign before you got on the road that had a whole ton of warnings about the road.
We also stepped out of the van from time to time to look at some amazing scenery and even see some more filming places from Lord of the Rings. When we reached the end of the end of the road we were on the beach where the Shotover Jet started. We got outfitted in our lifejackets and got on the boat. The boat we went on was going about 50 mph and we went really close to the surrounding rocks. The boat even did some 360 degree spins. In the back when we did those some people got sprayed with water.
When we were finished with the ride we went back to the beach and waited for helicopters. When the helicopters landed, 6 people went on each one. When we got on we put on headphones that had a little microphone attached to them. The helicopter ride was smooth (with only a little bit of turbulence) and was cool. The scenery out of the helicopter was amazing. When we landed at the place we were going to go luge we got off the helicopter we waited for the other helicopters to arrive.
When we they got there, we took a ski lift up to the place where the luges took off. We had to do a slower ride first off to get used to the luge but after that we had four fun and fast rides down the luge hill. After everybody was done with all of the luge runs we took a gondola back down to town. While on the way down on the gondola I saw several wild sheep.
When we got back to town we walked around the shops there and shopped for a little bit. After we were done shopping we walked to a Mexican restaurant called Sombreros and had some amazing tasting enchiladas. After we ate we went back to our hostel played around for a little bit and then went to bed.
Editor’s Notes: It was epic adventure day in Queenstown. Ambassador John was perfect for doing the blog today. I don’t think the look of pure joy and amazement ever left his face. The kids have worked so hard for so long, it was great to see them having such a blast today.
February 13: The Amazing Race and Traveling to Queenstown
- By Ambassador Thomas
Today was a very fun day. There were so many cool things we saw and did, like the Amazing Race, drive to Queenstown, and seeing Chaperone Dan bungee jump!
The Amazing Race was super fun. We go to see many places in the Invercargill area. We got to go to Queens Park and see all sorts of animals like native birds, emus, deer, goats and many more. Queens Park isn’t like a park in America. It is more like a zoo. Also we went to places like the Southern Institute of Technology and Southland Boys High School. We also went to cool stores like Mega (like Home Depot), H&J Smith (like a Macy’s), and thesouthernmost Starbucks in the world.
Another thing we did was drive to Queenstown. It is about 1.5-2 hours from Invercargill. While we were in the van we saw things like Lake Wakatipu and a sheep on the road. One of the vans named the sheep Charlie and the sheep was in front of the van for awhile. People in the van were scared for the sheep. When we got to Queenstown, we went to the bungy jump bridge where we got to see Chaperone Dan jump off the bridge. Everyone was cheering and Dan’s jump was amazing (Web host's note: bungy is an optional, adults only activity).
Afterwards we went to Arrowtown where we went shopping. Finally we went to Queenstown and went to this pond/river park and ate pizza. The pizza here in New Zealand is different and good. When we finished we walked around and saw a street theater performance. The performance was super funny and cool and there was a lot of fire. When the performance was done we sang to the public and there were many people watching. When we finished we went to the hostel and just rested and hung out until we went to bed. That was our day of Feb 13, 2013!
Editor’s Notes: Not much to add here. Ambassador Thomas did a fantastic job covering an incredible day. We are doing our best to soak in every memory. Watching the kids perform at the foot of Lake Wakatipu was pretty special. Good times!
- By Ambassador Thomas
Today was a very fun day. There were so many cool things we saw and did, like the Amazing Race, drive to Queenstown, and seeing Chaperone Dan bungee jump!
The Amazing Race was super fun. We go to see many places in the Invercargill area. We got to go to Queens Park and see all sorts of animals like native birds, emus, deer, goats and many more. Queens Park isn’t like a park in America. It is more like a zoo. Also we went to places like the Southern Institute of Technology and Southland Boys High School. We also went to cool stores like Mega (like Home Depot), H&J Smith (like a Macy’s), and thesouthernmost Starbucks in the world.
Another thing we did was drive to Queenstown. It is about 1.5-2 hours from Invercargill. While we were in the van we saw things like Lake Wakatipu and a sheep on the road. One of the vans named the sheep Charlie and the sheep was in front of the van for awhile. People in the van were scared for the sheep. When we got to Queenstown, we went to the bungy jump bridge where we got to see Chaperone Dan jump off the bridge. Everyone was cheering and Dan’s jump was amazing (Web host's note: bungy is an optional, adults only activity).
Afterwards we went to Arrowtown where we went shopping. Finally we went to Queenstown and went to this pond/river park and ate pizza. The pizza here in New Zealand is different and good. When we finished we walked around and saw a street theater performance. The performance was super funny and cool and there was a lot of fire. When the performance was done we sang to the public and there were many people watching. When we finished we went to the hostel and just rested and hung out until we went to bed. That was our day of Feb 13, 2013!
Editor’s Notes: Not much to add here. Ambassador Thomas did a fantastic job covering an incredible day. We are doing our best to soak in every memory. Watching the kids perform at the foot of Lake Wakatipu was pretty special. Good times!
February 12: Contributing Schools Visits
- By Ambassador Trent
Today we got to go to all the New Zealand "elementary schools" and do our Seattle facts and our singing presentations. The first school we went to was Donovan School. This group was probably the most excited about us coming and the most loose. Especially during the ambassador video they would laugh during the funny pictures and go "awwwwe," at the cute photos. The ambassadors got to go into separate rooms in groups of 4 or 5 and answer questions. The most interesting question my group got asked was have you ever had a donut with ketchup. The worst thing is that Kyle is now committed to trying it. The second school we presented in front of were year 5's and 6's so they had a more mature James Hargest respect going on and were more quiet.
After that we got to go to Queens Park and have lunch and play on the playground. The New Zealanders have way cooler playgrounds than us Americans, it's not fair. Like this swing where you put your whole body down and people swing you back and forth. We went to go feed the ducks. It was quite a fun lunch. So that was the ambassadors’ day going around to different schools and going to Queens Park.
Editor’s Notes: It was a great privilege to watch the kids being real ambassadors today. The performances were fantastic, they rocked the Seattle presentation, and they really did a great job answering the questions. Then we got to see that no matter how much we think they might be growing up, they are still definitely kids. They all love a good playground and Queens Park is definitely leaps and bounds above Heritage Park, Tuscany, or any of the NE Tacoma school playgrounds. The editor even had quite a go on the swings.
- By Ambassador Trent
Today we got to go to all the New Zealand "elementary schools" and do our Seattle facts and our singing presentations. The first school we went to was Donovan School. This group was probably the most excited about us coming and the most loose. Especially during the ambassador video they would laugh during the funny pictures and go "awwwwe," at the cute photos. The ambassadors got to go into separate rooms in groups of 4 or 5 and answer questions. The most interesting question my group got asked was have you ever had a donut with ketchup. The worst thing is that Kyle is now committed to trying it. The second school we presented in front of were year 5's and 6's so they had a more mature James Hargest respect going on and were more quiet.
After that we got to go to Queens Park and have lunch and play on the playground. The New Zealanders have way cooler playgrounds than us Americans, it's not fair. Like this swing where you put your whole body down and people swing you back and forth. We went to go feed the ducks. It was quite a fun lunch. So that was the ambassadors’ day going around to different schools and going to Queens Park.
Editor’s Notes: It was a great privilege to watch the kids being real ambassadors today. The performances were fantastic, they rocked the Seattle presentation, and they really did a great job answering the questions. Then we got to see that no matter how much we think they might be growing up, they are still definitely kids. They all love a good playground and Queens Park is definitely leaps and bounds above Heritage Park, Tuscany, or any of the NE Tacoma school playgrounds. The editor even had quite a go on the swings.
February 11: Welcome Assembly and More
- By Ambassador Kat
Today was really fun. It was our first field trip day in Invercargill, and it went smoothly. The day started off with a welcome assembly at James Hargest. Two of the teachers did a Māori welcome chant that they do every year called a powhiri (poh-fuh-ree). After that, we sang our performance for them, and it went pretty well. Then, we did our Seattle presentations, which also went well. We also played our personal video with pictures of us and group pictures.
Then, we headed over to the Invercargill museum to check out the Tuataras (a native reptile, and the Invercargill museum holds the oldest living Tuatara in captivity.) The oldest one is named Henry. They brought out a tuatara for us to touch, and a person who knows tuataras well gave us information on their eating habits, nesting habits, and lifestyle. Then we checked out the other exhibits like sea life, Victoriana, and the other sub-Antarctic islands.
Then we headed over to Daffodil Bay for some community service. We got to clean it up (pick up litter) that we had to dig pretty deep for. Then, we went over to Oreti Beach to do the same. Then we got the chance to perform to a nearby preschool, and they showed us around. We also got to be preschoolers for an hour!!! Everyone enjoyed that very much! By then, our day was over and we headed back home to have more fun with our host families!!
Editor’s notes: Some will recall that the Kiwis did a habitat restoration at Poverty Bay during their 2012 visit. It was great for the ambassadors to be able to return the favor and give back to the Invercargill community. They were troopers, powering through wind and rain to get Oreti Beach clean after Surf to City. Ambassador Trent seemed particularly pleased to be able to get dirty and wet, with a smile on his face the entire time. The kids were fantastic with the pre-schoolers. Teaching them the Wolverine Beat was truly a precious moment.
- By Ambassador Kat
Today was really fun. It was our first field trip day in Invercargill, and it went smoothly. The day started off with a welcome assembly at James Hargest. Two of the teachers did a Māori welcome chant that they do every year called a powhiri (poh-fuh-ree). After that, we sang our performance for them, and it went pretty well. Then, we did our Seattle presentations, which also went well. We also played our personal video with pictures of us and group pictures.
Then, we headed over to the Invercargill museum to check out the Tuataras (a native reptile, and the Invercargill museum holds the oldest living Tuatara in captivity.) The oldest one is named Henry. They brought out a tuatara for us to touch, and a person who knows tuataras well gave us information on their eating habits, nesting habits, and lifestyle. Then we checked out the other exhibits like sea life, Victoriana, and the other sub-Antarctic islands.
Then we headed over to Daffodil Bay for some community service. We got to clean it up (pick up litter) that we had to dig pretty deep for. Then, we went over to Oreti Beach to do the same. Then we got the chance to perform to a nearby preschool, and they showed us around. We also got to be preschoolers for an hour!!! Everyone enjoyed that very much! By then, our day was over and we headed back home to have more fun with our host families!!
Editor’s notes: Some will recall that the Kiwis did a habitat restoration at Poverty Bay during their 2012 visit. It was great for the ambassadors to be able to return the favor and give back to the Invercargill community. They were troopers, powering through wind and rain to get Oreti Beach clean after Surf to City. Ambassador Trent seemed particularly pleased to be able to get dirty and wet, with a smile on his face the entire time. The kids were fantastic with the pre-schoolers. Teaching them the Wolverine Beat was truly a precious moment.
February 9 & 10: The First Weekend
- By Ambassador Sam
Kia Ora! This is Sam. I was so excited to see my host family it was not even funny. When we got to his house the first thing we did was a little tour. In my room there was a box of goodies and a Crunchie® bar, MY FAVORITE! I ate that right away!
My favorite thing we did over the weekend was going to see the penguins; penguins are my favourite animal. One of them was really close. We saw the mom/mum feed it. Before we went to see the penguins we got to go swimming. While we were swimming we started diving into the waves. It was really fun and I can’t wait to do it again with Tate and his family! We did the Surf to City. I biked the whole thing. It was really fun and it made me tired!
The welcome dinner was nice. I tried a few new things and I can’t wait to experience more New Zealand things!!!!!
Editor’s Notes: Thank you SO much to our hosts for the amazing and super yummy welcome dinner. The ambassadors all appear to be having a splendid time – the room was full of laughter and the kids played nonstop. To end it all, the ambassadors did a fantastic job on their presentations.
- By Ambassador Sam
Kia Ora! This is Sam. I was so excited to see my host family it was not even funny. When we got to his house the first thing we did was a little tour. In my room there was a box of goodies and a Crunchie® bar, MY FAVORITE! I ate that right away!
My favorite thing we did over the weekend was going to see the penguins; penguins are my favourite animal. One of them was really close. We saw the mom/mum feed it. Before we went to see the penguins we got to go swimming. While we were swimming we started diving into the waves. It was really fun and I can’t wait to do it again with Tate and his family! We did the Surf to City. I biked the whole thing. It was really fun and it made me tired!
The welcome dinner was nice. I tried a few new things and I can’t wait to experience more New Zealand things!!!!!
Editor’s Notes: Thank you SO much to our hosts for the amazing and super yummy welcome dinner. The ambassadors all appear to be having a splendid time – the room was full of laughter and the kids played nonstop. To end it all, the ambassadors did a fantastic job on their presentations.
February 8: Wellington Day 3 and on to Invercargill
- By Ambassador Kyle
Today we did the Lord of the Rings tour and arrived in Invercargill. On the tour, it was really interesting to see scenes that I recognized from the movies in real life. Some of the places looked a lot different from the movies as they did in real life. But some of the places were really similar. When we were flying to Invercargill, I was really excited to meet my host family. I was also a little nervous but mostly just excited. In the end, they were really friendly and I really like them.
Editor’s Notes: Hobbit fans shined today as we attempted to reenact several scenes from the movies. Of particular note is Ambassador John's ability to recite the lines verbatim for us. Thank you so much to our incredibly “awesome-as” hosts for such a warm welcome in Invercargill!
- By Ambassador Kyle
Today we did the Lord of the Rings tour and arrived in Invercargill. On the tour, it was really interesting to see scenes that I recognized from the movies in real life. Some of the places looked a lot different from the movies as they did in real life. But some of the places were really similar. When we were flying to Invercargill, I was really excited to meet my host family. I was also a little nervous but mostly just excited. In the end, they were really friendly and I really like them.
Editor’s Notes: Hobbit fans shined today as we attempted to reenact several scenes from the movies. Of particular note is Ambassador John's ability to recite the lines verbatim for us. Thank you so much to our incredibly “awesome-as” hosts for such a warm welcome in Invercargill!
February 7: Wellington - Day 2
- By Ambassador Ben
Today was awesome! We started off the day at a great bakery called Pandorro. I love that we could eat outside. After that we went to the Parliament building which is their capital. Our tour guide made it very interesting and fund to learn about New Zealand’s government. We also went to the Te Papa museum. There are a lot of hands on things there and we also did a scavenger hunt. The last thing we did was go to the beach. It was really fun and I played cards. On the walk back to the hostel there was a sign in the concrete that said “1840 Shoreline.” I thought that was really cool because yesterday we learned there was an earthquake that moved the shoreline and if we looked closely we would find markers showing where it used to be.
Editor’s notes: Teacher Paula and Chaperone Jordy had a major politics “geek out” session with the parliament tour guide, much to the dismay of many of the ambassadors. We also learned that some of the ambassadors consider eating a deep fried hot dog on a stick to be “branching out” and trying new food…
- By Ambassador Ben
Today was awesome! We started off the day at a great bakery called Pandorro. I love that we could eat outside. After that we went to the Parliament building which is their capital. Our tour guide made it very interesting and fund to learn about New Zealand’s government. We also went to the Te Papa museum. There are a lot of hands on things there and we also did a scavenger hunt. The last thing we did was go to the beach. It was really fun and I played cards. On the walk back to the hostel there was a sign in the concrete that said “1840 Shoreline.” I thought that was really cool because yesterday we learned there was an earthquake that moved the shoreline and if we looked closely we would find markers showing where it used to be.
Editor’s notes: Teacher Paula and Chaperone Jordy had a major politics “geek out” session with the parliament tour guide, much to the dismay of many of the ambassadors. We also learned that some of the ambassadors consider eating a deep fried hot dog on a stick to be “branching out” and trying new food…
February 6: Wellington - Day 1
- By Ambassador Riley
Today we learned a lot. We went on our tour through Wellington. Our tour guide was really nice and explained things really well. And it was really awesome because he spent over an hour and a half with us. On the tour we visited the Weta Cave museum and saw artifacts from movies filmed in New Zealand. So far I really like Wellington! It is a really sweet and super fun city. I am looking forward to the scavenger hunt. Having fun!
Editor’s notes: Today was extremely long, spending a full day touring with tons of walking after almost 24 hours straight of travel. The kids have been AMAZING. All are polite, courteous and willing to lend a hand. Weta Cave was a highlight for the Lord of the Rings fans, complete with a life size orc statue and Gollum sculpture. Wellington coastline proved a high point of fun for ambassadors and chaperones alike.
- By Ambassador Riley
Today we learned a lot. We went on our tour through Wellington. Our tour guide was really nice and explained things really well. And it was really awesome because he spent over an hour and a half with us. On the tour we visited the Weta Cave museum and saw artifacts from movies filmed in New Zealand. So far I really like Wellington! It is a really sweet and super fun city. I am looking forward to the scavenger hunt. Having fun!
Editor’s notes: Today was extremely long, spending a full day touring with tons of walking after almost 24 hours straight of travel. The kids have been AMAZING. All are polite, courteous and willing to lend a hand. Weta Cave was a highlight for the Lord of the Rings fans, complete with a life size orc statue and Gollum sculpture. Wellington coastline proved a high point of fun for ambassadors and chaperones alike.
