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Well I've finally managed to contribute to an OCW in time. I guess that means that I am settled down enough to write about what I'm up to instead of working out how to get up to something else. After I left the Peace Corps I did a bunch of things around the world and have now settled down in New Zealand. It was only going to be for a couple of years but now I'm doing a PhD in marine biology at Auckland University. There's a lot of lab work involved (obviously) although I do get to go on some fun boat trips to the offshore islands where we usually see whales and sometimes swim with dolphins all in the name of science. My research does not involve either of these creatures but they are definitely pleasant distractions! I'm still with Vincent (from Fiji) after all these years although we're not officially married and there are no children in tow. In fact, we aren't even living in the same town anymore because he is doing a PhD in Dunedin which many of you know is at the opposite end of the country. Long story but basically we both got scholarships on the same day so ended up taking both of them. We see each other as often as we can and it is good motivation to get the PhD's out of the way quickly. I've traveled around this country a few times now and have done a fair bit of hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and even a winter climbing trip up Mt. Ngarahoe (or Mt. Doom to Lord of the Rings fans). It was the first time I had ever set foot in a cramp-on and it was well worth it! We descended by sliding down the entire mountain on our butts using our ice axes to steer and brake. If anyone makes it to New Zealand, you're most welcome wherever I may be (Auckland or Nelson most of the time although I am sometimes in Dunedin too) to catch up. Until last week I lived down the road from a shop that sold lovoed dalo and palusami every day! That's better than when I lived in Fiji! I haven't been back there for a few years now although I may be going in January. I guess that's all for now. |