The weather in Wellington improved dramatically. These past 2 days were much warmer, between about 50-54 degF with just a slight breeze. The air is beautifully fresh.
Yesterday was a day full of orientation activities for all of us here on the NSF program. There are 16 students, including myself, all graduate students in science or engineering from the US. We visited Victoria University where we went on lab tours and listened to presentations from NZ Ph.D. students. Most of it focused on nanotechnology- way over my head.
Today was a bit more interesting. I went running near the waterfront before breakfast. The first scheduled activity on the agenda was the NIWA Aquarium. After a bit of a drive on a windy road around the harbor, we arrived at this small little building tucked into a bay. It wasn't an aquarium. Turns out that we were spending 3.5 hours touring a small aquaculture facility. But it was fun! They grow heaps of abalone (paua in maori) and we each got to pick one, shell it, cut its skirt off, rip the teeth out, cook it and eat it. That was a first! Delicious, but I almost didn't make it. The abalone I picked started dancing on my hand while I was trying to properly get it out of the shell. Not only does it tickle, but it kind of freaks you out.
We met the US Ambassador to New Zealand at the US Embassy. Apparently the US Embassy is the most secure building in Wellington. Meeting the ambassador was a bit formal- we had to address him as Mr. Ambassador and all stand up when he entered the room. Seemed like something you would see in a movie. Fun visit though!
I'm off to Christchurch tomorrow morning! Will be there for the next 8 weeks.
I went to New World grocery store this afternoon and bought a carrot. It was as delicious as I remember!
Old St. Paul's Church in Wellington. All made from New Zealand wood.
The view of the Wellington Harbor from the NIWA aquaculture facility. Beautiful clouds.
The view of Wellington from my hotel room.
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