Hello Again,

(I really need a better way to get these started but w/e). On Saturday I woke up to a very bright cloudless day in Wellington (Fairly typical). I spent the morning talking to fam and friends back home an preparing for the day. I took a walk down the waterfront and found that there was a childrens festival going on in Frank Kitts Park. There was wonderful live music and lots of kids playing on the provided obstacle courses.

The music was American, the band wasn’t, and my favorite was there rendition of Sweet Home Alabama. It was honestly one of the last songs I expected to be heard in NZ. It was really interesting to because there were lots of people just sitting there enjoying the sun and music. It really made me realize the focus on the present.

I continued down the boardwalk to WestPac stadium for the One-day International (ODI) Cricket game featuring the NZ Blackcaps versus the Australians. I arrived about 30 minutes into the game and was dissapointed to find I was on the side away from the sun.

There were two dads sitting next to me with there 3 kids and we had some good conversation. Ozzy (one of the dads) had even been to Atlanta on multiple occasions so it was cool when he new about the Hawks, the Georgia World Congress Building, and Coke HQ. He didn’t know about GT but I wasn’t entirely too surprised.

The game of cricket was interesting a little slow, but still good to watch. The stadium sat 35000 and felt rather intimate. I was very impressed because they had the larger stadium bathrooms I had ever seen. As in they planned AHEAD when they built this stadium.

The dad’s (Ozzy and Stuart I think) offerred me some of there homemade pies and cookies. They were delicious. I supplemented these with Chips (Hot Friend) and a Chicken Burger. I was glad I had cash bc the atms didnt work for my bank and they didn’t take EFTPOS.

People wear wierd outfits to the game. Not as wierd as Secens apparantly but still unique none the less. There were people in Pig Outfits, among others. As the game continued the crowd got routier, defintely due to the copius amounts of alcohol consumption that undoubtedly began that morning.

I very much enjoyed this english tradition but I don’t think I will be going to the test match (which lasts for five days!).

On Sunday I went to the Market again and bought lots of fruit which is slightly more expensive than veggies, but still less than half of supermarket prices. I got some kiwi fruit (delicious), mangos, and an avocado among other things. I also bought a dozen free range (they are big on animal rights here) for the price of six!

I then went home and proceeded to wait for the bus to Kilbirnie, as I didn’t feel like walking around the mountain. I waited for about 30 mins for the bus and had a quick 10 minute ride over.

I expected this to be a much smaller festival than the Newtown festival that week and it was. It however was muhc more homey feeling and allowed you easier access to the vendors.

I purchased a Hand Painted ceramic crab (bc I have crabs, no it is just my sign ), a hand knitted yellow and black beanie (great for GT!), and some fresh from the garden homemade picante saue (delcious). I also had some pork fried rice, curry chicken kebabs, and this delicous soft serve ice cream made in this cool machine.

Also, the live music was exceptional at this festival. I sat for about an hour listening to this one band. They didn’t do American music but it was very chill and enjoyable.

When I got back I took a nap (I stayed up too late on Saturday). I reflcted on how enjoyable the quality of life was here in NZ. People live in the moment and sincerly enjoy themselves. It is a wonderful feeling and has made me happy even til now.

Sunday Night I cooked a vegetable pasta sauce and made some egg fried rice (It would have been chicken friend rice but my chicken went bad). The fried rice was delcious!

Also, I should take a minute to explain the dairy across the street. Imagine having a mini supermarket across the street that has pretty much e verything you could need. It is wonderful seeing as I didn’t have soy sauce, and they did! They charge you for it but it is defientely worth it!

I am planning on this week ahead being a good one! I hope everyone is doing well back home and I look forward to hearing from you! (Yes this means you!)

Ohh and fingers crossed for Brandon getting accepted into Temple University of Japan in Tokyo!!!!

All the best!

-Mathias