American Visit 2016 - Blog
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The ambassadors take turns sharing their day's adventure while they are in New Zealand, and we present that here as a web log. |
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2 March - School Day
- By Ambassador Abby
Today me and the other 15 Ambassadors visited James Hargest for a school day. I went to 4 classes and presented my PowerPoint to 2 of those classes. I really enjoyed lunch time because we got to roam around outside the school and play with our hosts. I noticed that JHC is more strict about behavior and uniform. Something else I noticed was that they have a cooking class and a fabrics class. Sadly, we couldn't participate in fabrics but it was cool to have a look at what they do!
- By Ambassador Abby
Today me and the other 15 Ambassadors visited James Hargest for a school day. I went to 4 classes and presented my PowerPoint to 2 of those classes. I really enjoyed lunch time because we got to roam around outside the school and play with our hosts. I noticed that JHC is more strict about behavior and uniform. Something else I noticed was that they have a cooking class and a fabrics class. Sadly, we couldn't participate in fabrics but it was cool to have a look at what they do!
1 March - Contributing Schools Visits
- By Ambassador AJ
Today we went to 3 schools to do our group presentation. We haven't done it in a while, so we were a little rusty. Between each school we did something else, for example, after the first school we went to the Seriously Good Chocolate Company on a tour. By the way, their chocolate was seriously good! My favorite school was the last one. Before we presented we played four corners. After we presented we were shown their school! They get the option to wear shoes! They also can bring tablets and computers to do work. I wish we could do that! At the end of our time there we got to play on their AWESOME playground! After that, we went to a cafe place for a snack and Abby told a really funny story.
Later that night was the farewell dinner. The theme was farm. The dinner / dessert was really good. There was lots of laughing and crying. We TRIED to do our presentation but it went to chaos! We ate cake after that. The night was very fun, and a bit sad.
- By Ambassador AJ
Today we went to 3 schools to do our group presentation. We haven't done it in a while, so we were a little rusty. Between each school we did something else, for example, after the first school we went to the Seriously Good Chocolate Company on a tour. By the way, their chocolate was seriously good! My favorite school was the last one. Before we presented we played four corners. After we presented we were shown their school! They get the option to wear shoes! They also can bring tablets and computers to do work. I wish we could do that! At the end of our time there we got to play on their AWESOME playground! After that, we went to a cafe place for a snack and Abby told a really funny story.
Later that night was the farewell dinner. The theme was farm. The dinner / dessert was really good. There was lots of laughing and crying. We TRIED to do our presentation but it went to chaos! We ate cake after that. The night was very fun, and a bit sad.
29 February - Te Anau and the Glowworm Caves
- By Ambassador James
Today we visited the Glowworm caves. In the caves, I saw lights that were green. It was completely black when we were in the cave boats so I had to listen very carefully. I learned why the worms glow. It is a chemical reaction like a glow stick. It is similar to the reaction like a firefly. After, we went back to the boat and then went to the park or shopping. I went to the park and it was really fun.
- By Ambassador James
Today we visited the Glowworm caves. In the caves, I saw lights that were green. It was completely black when we were in the cave boats so I had to listen very carefully. I learned why the worms glow. It is a chemical reaction like a glow stick. It is similar to the reaction like a firefly. After, we went back to the boat and then went to the park or shopping. I went to the park and it was really fun.
26 February - Queenstown
- By Ambassador Noah
Today we went on a vintage boat that was made in 1900s. When we got to Walter Peak Station, my group went horse back riding and that was cool. My horse's name was Bob. After, we ate lunch and I had some amazing steak. We saw a sheep get sheared. When we got back to Queenstown, we went to a place that was completely frozen. That was the best thing we did today. Everything was ice, even the cups we drank out of. We sang songs, took lots of pictures and talked. We had sing alongs to songs like Katie Perry.
- By Ambassador Noah
Today we went on a vintage boat that was made in 1900s. When we got to Walter Peak Station, my group went horse back riding and that was cool. My horse's name was Bob. After, we ate lunch and I had some amazing steak. We saw a sheep get sheared. When we got back to Queenstown, we went to a place that was completely frozen. That was the best thing we did today. Everything was ice, even the cups we drank out of. We sang songs, took lots of pictures and talked. We had sing alongs to songs like Katie Perry.
25 February - Queenstown
- By Ambassador Kaiden
On Thursday the first thing we did was get up and get ready. Next we went for breakfast at Brazz. After Brazz we went to the Skyline Gondola. We rode the gondola to the top. We did sightseeing and shopping. After, we walked to the mini golf place. After the mini golf we went to dinner at a pizza place. All of the pizza was pre-ordered. Finally we split into 4 groups. Group 1 was going to the Fear Factory, Group 2 was to go to a virtual reality tour, Group 3 went shopping, Group 4 went back to the hotel. I went with the Fear Factory group. There were not that many people in the group. The Fear Factory is basically a big haunted house. Their goal is to try to make you yell "I chicken out!" No one in my group yelled that! That was our day.
- By Ambassador Kaiden
On Thursday the first thing we did was get up and get ready. Next we went for breakfast at Brazz. After Brazz we went to the Skyline Gondola. We rode the gondola to the top. We did sightseeing and shopping. After, we walked to the mini golf place. After the mini golf we went to dinner at a pizza place. All of the pizza was pre-ordered. Finally we split into 4 groups. Group 1 was going to the Fear Factory, Group 2 was to go to a virtual reality tour, Group 3 went shopping, Group 4 went back to the hotel. I went with the Fear Factory group. There were not that many people in the group. The Fear Factory is basically a big haunted house. Their goal is to try to make you yell "I chicken out!" No one in my group yelled that! That was our day.
24 February - Queenstown
- By Ambassador Brayden
Today we were off to Queenstown. On the way we stopped at Arrowtown. We went goldpanning in the river. We got to keep the gold, and were taught how to do it. When we were done we went to the bridge where the adults were going bungy jumping. If I could do it, I would! All the adults did it and have videos. Then we drove down into Queenstown and went shopping. When we got to the hostel, everyone hung out and listened to music.
- By Ambassador Brayden
Today we were off to Queenstown. On the way we stopped at Arrowtown. We went goldpanning in the river. We got to keep the gold, and were taught how to do it. When we were done we went to the bridge where the adults were going bungy jumping. If I could do it, I would! All the adults did it and have videos. Then we drove down into Queenstown and went shopping. When we got to the hostel, everyone hung out and listened to music.
23 February - Invercargill's Amazing Race
- By Ambassador Madilyn
Today was probably the best day so far. We had an Amazing Race around Invercargill. My team was very cool and on point. We had a mascot that was the Buzzy Bee, but we named him Ron Beezley the 3rd. I had 5 people in my group. That was not including the bee. The people we Glen as the driver, Mrs Steele as the guest chaperone, Brendan as the kid who was the math wiz, Nathan was the one that made everyone laugh and today was his birthday. Then there is me, the only girl not including Mrs Steele. Apparently, I was the best girl to have. I thought today was really well for all of us. Everyone I thought worked well as a team. They found out what worked and what didn't from the last time we did this.
After the race we visited the car museum. I thought some of the cars were cool like the Jail (old paddy wagon - Mrs. W).
- By Ambassador Madilyn
Today was probably the best day so far. We had an Amazing Race around Invercargill. My team was very cool and on point. We had a mascot that was the Buzzy Bee, but we named him Ron Beezley the 3rd. I had 5 people in my group. That was not including the bee. The people we Glen as the driver, Mrs Steele as the guest chaperone, Brendan as the kid who was the math wiz, Nathan was the one that made everyone laugh and today was his birthday. Then there is me, the only girl not including Mrs Steele. Apparently, I was the best girl to have. I thought today was really well for all of us. Everyone I thought worked well as a team. They found out what worked and what didn't from the last time we did this.
After the race we visited the car museum. I thought some of the cars were cool like the Jail (old paddy wagon - Mrs. W).
22 February - Stewart Island
- By Ambassador Nathan
Today we went to Stewart Island. To get there, we took a tiny plane. The plane was very cramped, but other than that it was pretty cool. When we got there, we took a tour of the island. We learned that Stewart Island only has 400 people living on it, and that there are "Southern Lights" called Aurora Australis. When the island tour was over, we went on a boat. The boat took us to another island (Ulva Island) which had a bird sanctuary. We learned about birds and male and female plants. After that was over we flew back to Invercargill. It was lots of fun.
- By Ambassador Nathan
Today we went to Stewart Island. To get there, we took a tiny plane. The plane was very cramped, but other than that it was pretty cool. When we got there, we took a tour of the island. We learned that Stewart Island only has 400 people living on it, and that there are "Southern Lights" called Aurora Australis. When the island tour was over, we went on a boat. The boat took us to another island (Ulva Island) which had a bird sanctuary. We learned about birds and male and female plants. After that was over we flew back to Invercargill. It was lots of fun.
19 February - Marae Visit and Bluff
- By Ambassador Corbin
Today we went and visited a Marae, which is the (meeting place for) the Māori. There we learned about the ancestry of the Māori and more interesting stuff. When we were greeted a man who spoke in Māori. Then he sang with two other girls. The we sang to them, This Land Is Your Land. They really enjoyed it. Then we touched noses with them. It is called a Hongi. Later we went to a play ground and ate lunch. Obviously we played around as well, it's a play ground! Then we went to a beach. We played around and saw who could get closest to the water without touching it. Today was a good day!
- By Ambassador Corbin
Today we went and visited a Marae, which is the (meeting place for) the Māori. There we learned about the ancestry of the Māori and more interesting stuff. When we were greeted a man who spoke in Māori. Then he sang with two other girls. The we sang to them, This Land Is Your Land. They really enjoyed it. Then we touched noses with them. It is called a Hongi. Later we went to a play ground and ate lunch. Obviously we played around as well, it's a play ground! Then we went to a beach. We played around and saw who could get closest to the water without touching it. Today was a good day!
18 February - Farm Day
- By Ambassador Brendan
Today, we went to Mrs Fenton's host family's farm. You felt like you were connected to nature (especially because of the smell...) We were able to see all the cows, plants, chickens and different kinds of machinery. We all got to try using a machine that milked cows. I was interested, disgusted and happy. We also saw a big truck take all the milk away to feed people of New Zealand. After that we had a quick snack and headed straight to the hay bales! It took me some time to get to the top. Then, I saw the dog jump to the top in no time flat. I jumped down so I could see the chicks. I was able to hold one! Having a "Farm Day" is a great idea because you can experience a different life style.
- By Ambassador Brendan
Today, we went to Mrs Fenton's host family's farm. You felt like you were connected to nature (especially because of the smell...) We were able to see all the cows, plants, chickens and different kinds of machinery. We all got to try using a machine that milked cows. I was interested, disgusted and happy. We also saw a big truck take all the milk away to feed people of New Zealand. After that we had a quick snack and headed straight to the hay bales! It took me some time to get to the top. Then, I saw the dog jump to the top in no time flat. I jumped down so I could see the chicks. I was able to hold one! Having a "Farm Day" is a great idea because you can experience a different life style.
17 February - Dunedin Trip, Day 2
- By Ambassador Zoe
Today we finished up our night at the museum and then we climbed the steepest street in the world, which was super cool. After that, we went to Moana Pool. Moana Pool had 2 hydro slides, 2 lap pools, and 2 wave pools. When we went down the slides, we sang Happy Birthday to Abby.
Next, we went to do the Argo tour to see seals and yellow eyed penguins. To get down there we had to ride in these quad car things. Riding it was so AMAZING! (I say that a lot, but that's because it's true!) We went over all of these lumps/mounds of dust, and there was another car behind us, so I finally understood what the phrase "leaving them in the dust" means.
Later, we went shopping, and just about everyone bought something. New Zealand has way better malls then America! Then, we all packed up in vans and drove back to Invercargill.
- By Ambassador Zoe
Today we finished up our night at the museum and then we climbed the steepest street in the world, which was super cool. After that, we went to Moana Pool. Moana Pool had 2 hydro slides, 2 lap pools, and 2 wave pools. When we went down the slides, we sang Happy Birthday to Abby.
Next, we went to do the Argo tour to see seals and yellow eyed penguins. To get down there we had to ride in these quad car things. Riding it was so AMAZING! (I say that a lot, but that's because it's true!) We went over all of these lumps/mounds of dust, and there was another car behind us, so I finally understood what the phrase "leaving them in the dust" means.
Later, we went shopping, and just about everyone bought something. New Zealand has way better malls then America! Then, we all packed up in vans and drove back to Invercargill.
16 February - Dunedin Trip, Day 1
- By Ambassador Max
Today we met at James Hargest at 8:30 and prepared for our trip to Dunedin. Once we were in there we grabbed a quick bite to eat and started our Cadbury Factory tour. We looked at how they made chocolate. Also we counted 158 stairs in the whole tour and it was a huge facility. Then they gave us lots of chocolate and there was a chocolate waterfall! Lastly I bought a shirt and some candy at their store.
Next we went to a museum and played many games and activities. Then we made a warrior suit and made hilarious national anthems. Lastly when it was time to go to bed we went overtime and the alarms turned on and we missed the last activity. Then the guide said he's been here for a while and knows how to dodge the alarms and we decided to still go. We dodged lots of alarms and then got to our destination with a quick story and scavenger hunt. Then when we came back and dodged more alarms and it turned out they weren't on!
- By Ambassador Max
Today we met at James Hargest at 8:30 and prepared for our trip to Dunedin. Once we were in there we grabbed a quick bite to eat and started our Cadbury Factory tour. We looked at how they made chocolate. Also we counted 158 stairs in the whole tour and it was a huge facility. Then they gave us lots of chocolate and there was a chocolate waterfall! Lastly I bought a shirt and some candy at their store.
Next we went to a museum and played many games and activities. Then we made a warrior suit and made hilarious national anthems. Lastly when it was time to go to bed we went overtime and the alarms turned on and we missed the last activity. Then the guide said he's been here for a while and knows how to dodge the alarms and we decided to still go. We dodged lots of alarms and then got to our destination with a quick story and scavenger hunt. Then when we came back and dodged more alarms and it turned out they weren't on!
15 February - Welcome Assembly, Kiwi Cooking, Nature Tours
- By Ambassador Alexa
On Monday at the Welcome Assembly, I remember we had to perform in front of way more people that we normally do, and it went great, better than we ever performed. Then we went to go cook the onion dip, pavlova, cheese rolls, and lollie cake. I personally made the pavlova and it was great fun joking around with everyone while making it. While we were beating the eggs we joking around but I did not spill any of it so it was great. After we were done baking we sampled the great onion dip and some pavlova.
Then after that we jumped into the bus and headed off to a plant reservation, but before that we stopped for lunch, and everyone was playing a game. When we were exploring the plant reservation there were tons of bug that I remember so I kept freaking out because of it. Then we went to a shed and ate the remaining sweets. We had the pavlova roll and the lollie cake. Also in the shelter was a tunnel full of New Zealand wildlife wood cutouts. Then finally we set out to see a bird recovery center where injured birds are found and healed.
- By Ambassador Alexa
On Monday at the Welcome Assembly, I remember we had to perform in front of way more people that we normally do, and it went great, better than we ever performed. Then we went to go cook the onion dip, pavlova, cheese rolls, and lollie cake. I personally made the pavlova and it was great fun joking around with everyone while making it. While we were beating the eggs we joking around but I did not spill any of it so it was great. After we were done baking we sampled the great onion dip and some pavlova.
Then after that we jumped into the bus and headed off to a plant reservation, but before that we stopped for lunch, and everyone was playing a game. When we were exploring the plant reservation there were tons of bug that I remember so I kept freaking out because of it. Then we went to a shed and ate the remaining sweets. We had the pavlova roll and the lollie cake. Also in the shelter was a tunnel full of New Zealand wildlife wood cutouts. Then finally we set out to see a bird recovery center where injured birds are found and healed.
12 February - Wellington Te Papa Museum, Airport & First Meeting with Host Families
- By Ambassador Kian
Today we went to the Te Papa museum an hour early and went to the gift shop. Then we did a scavenger hunt for answers to questions in our note books. Then we met by the entrance in our groups and we went to the DreamWorks exhibit about the process of sketching ideas then turning them into animals and movies. Then after that we split up into our groups and as a group decided which exhibit we wanted to visit. Then we returned to the entrance.
Next we got to the airport and our flight was delayed an hour. Then when it was time to board we walked across the tarmac to the ATR-500 propeller plane and there was a New Zealand teacher that did the exchange program in 2005 on the plane with us. When we arrived in Invercargill everyone was waiting for us in the airport with signs and when we got home, I gave them all the presents.
- By Ambassador Kian
Today we went to the Te Papa museum an hour early and went to the gift shop. Then we did a scavenger hunt for answers to questions in our note books. Then we met by the entrance in our groups and we went to the DreamWorks exhibit about the process of sketching ideas then turning them into animals and movies. Then after that we split up into our groups and as a group decided which exhibit we wanted to visit. Then we returned to the entrance.
Next we got to the airport and our flight was delayed an hour. Then when it was time to board we walked across the tarmac to the ATR-500 propeller plane and there was a New Zealand teacher that did the exchange program in 2005 on the plane with us. When we arrived in Invercargill everyone was waiting for us in the airport with signs and when we got home, I gave them all the presents.
11 February - Parliament & Lord of the Rings Tour
- By Ambassador Annalise
Today we went to Parliament and on the Lord of the Rings tour. At the beginning of the Parliament tour we were in a "classroom". It was set up like the chamber, a giant conference room. In the chamber, there is a big chair for the Speaker, on the right side of the Speaker is the Government, and on the left is the opposition. The 4th chair on either side of the Speaker is the most important person: the Prime Minister on the right, and the leader of the opposition on the left. We also toured the facility. We saw the chamber, and portraits of all the Prime Ministers. My favorite part was looking at the portraits.
The next part of our day was the Lord of the Rings tour. First we went to the top of a mountain because the view was pretty cool, almost 360 degrees. Next we went to a trail and saw some places that were used in parts of the film, like the death rider. The last place we went to was a museum-like place that had exhibits that showed how they made the weapons, the silicone face extension things, costumes and animatronics. There was also a video that showed how WETA, the movie studio, was started. It was two people who both had traits that went together and they ended up making movies together. Over all, I think that today was pretty great!
- By Ambassador Annalise
Today we went to Parliament and on the Lord of the Rings tour. At the beginning of the Parliament tour we were in a "classroom". It was set up like the chamber, a giant conference room. In the chamber, there is a big chair for the Speaker, on the right side of the Speaker is the Government, and on the left is the opposition. The 4th chair on either side of the Speaker is the most important person: the Prime Minister on the right, and the leader of the opposition on the left. We also toured the facility. We saw the chamber, and portraits of all the Prime Ministers. My favorite part was looking at the portraits.
The next part of our day was the Lord of the Rings tour. First we went to the top of a mountain because the view was pretty cool, almost 360 degrees. Next we went to a trail and saw some places that were used in parts of the film, like the death rider. The last place we went to was a museum-like place that had exhibits that showed how they made the weapons, the silicone face extension things, costumes and animatronics. There was also a video that showed how WETA, the movie studio, was started. It was two people who both had traits that went together and they ended up making movies together. Over all, I think that today was pretty great!
10 February - Arrival in Wellington
- By Ambassador Payton
On February 10, we arrived in Wellington. There are many things to do in Wellington. There are many buildings everywhere that are multiple stories high. There is also a beach with sand and places to swim.
Today we went to Zealandia. We saw many birds and lizards and learned about New Zealand history. Only 900 years ago people first came to NZ. All of us were in a competition to see the most birds. Our team didn't win, but it was still fun. If you'd like to see what animals we spotted while on Zealandia tour, go to www.naturewatch.org.nz/observations/mcow.
Afterwards we went to the beach and played in the sand. We also watched the end of a triathlon. Back at the hostel, we played pool and watched TV together. All in all today was a good first day in New Zealand.
- By Ambassador Payton
On February 10, we arrived in Wellington. There are many things to do in Wellington. There are many buildings everywhere that are multiple stories high. There is also a beach with sand and places to swim.
Today we went to Zealandia. We saw many birds and lizards and learned about New Zealand history. Only 900 years ago people first came to NZ. All of us were in a competition to see the most birds. Our team didn't win, but it was still fun. If you'd like to see what animals we spotted while on Zealandia tour, go to www.naturewatch.org.nz/observations/mcow.
Afterwards we went to the beach and played in the sand. We also watched the end of a triathlon. Back at the hostel, we played pool and watched TV together. All in all today was a good first day in New Zealand.
