So, a little update. In case you haven't seen any of my Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook posts...I WON A CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!
Here's how it all happened. Hira and I decided it would be cool to go to the University's volunteer fair this past Wednesday. A few things had sparked our interest when we glanced through some of the organizations coming. I had found a horse riding center for the disabled, which is similar to the therapeutic horse riding center, The Right Step, I volunteered at over Littleton a while back. I absolutely loved working with such beautiful horses and such beautiful people. Most of the clients that came to The Right Step were children and they all just made my day, seeing their faces light up once they were up on the horse. I also learned a lot about taking care of horses, which I have always wanted. So it was definitely a win-win. I thought it would be really cool to do something like that while I am here in Dunedin, too.
Eager to get some information about this organization, Hira and I met up and wondered around the fair. We grabbed some pamphlets from a few tables, I got some information for the horse riding center (which starts in October and is a 50 minute bus ride from my flat...so we will see...), and we came to a table that was for an organization called Unicrew. They asked us what we were interested in as far as volunteering. We kind of shrugged and mentioned we were just browsing around and that we are abroad students, just looking to get more involved. She mentioned that we should go to the booth next to her if we are looking for outdoorsy volunteer work. So we decided to check it out. The man explained a little about the Sinclair Wetlands and the kind of things they do. Just as we were about to leave, Hira notices this competition to win a Monarch Cruise. I didn't think anything of it, but she started to sign up and I thought I might as well too. To win, all you had to do was guess the number of seeds in the jar. Looking at the previous guesses, I randomly decided on 2,750. A few nights later, while Hira, Alyssa, Jen and Elise were planning their Australian spring break trip, I decided to read through my emails. I noticed an email from Sinclair Wetlands and didn't think too much of it. Then I reread the subject...Sinclair Wetlands Competition - winner. In shock, I scanned the email and sure enough, I won! I turned to Hira and said, "So, do you remember the cruise competition where we had to guess the seeds?" She replies, "Yeah." "Umm, I just won." She shrieks with excitement as I read the email out to her and the rest of the girls. IT WAS SUCH AN UNREAL FEELING! Turns out my guess was only 46 seeds off, too! So currently, vouchers for a Monarch Cruise for 2 adults and 2 children are on their way to my flat :) The cruise goes around the Otago Peninsula, where apparently you can see a lot of wildlife! So I can't wait!
Here's how it all happened. Hira and I decided it would be cool to go to the University's volunteer fair this past Wednesday. A few things had sparked our interest when we glanced through some of the organizations coming. I had found a horse riding center for the disabled, which is similar to the therapeutic horse riding center, The Right Step, I volunteered at over Littleton a while back. I absolutely loved working with such beautiful horses and such beautiful people. Most of the clients that came to The Right Step were children and they all just made my day, seeing their faces light up once they were up on the horse. I also learned a lot about taking care of horses, which I have always wanted. So it was definitely a win-win. I thought it would be really cool to do something like that while I am here in Dunedin, too.
Eager to get some information about this organization, Hira and I met up and wondered around the fair. We grabbed some pamphlets from a few tables, I got some information for the horse riding center (which starts in October and is a 50 minute bus ride from my flat...so we will see...), and we came to a table that was for an organization called Unicrew. They asked us what we were interested in as far as volunteering. We kind of shrugged and mentioned we were just browsing around and that we are abroad students, just looking to get more involved. She mentioned that we should go to the booth next to her if we are looking for outdoorsy volunteer work. So we decided to check it out. The man explained a little about the Sinclair Wetlands and the kind of things they do. Just as we were about to leave, Hira notices this competition to win a Monarch Cruise. I didn't think anything of it, but she started to sign up and I thought I might as well too. To win, all you had to do was guess the number of seeds in the jar. Looking at the previous guesses, I randomly decided on 2,750. A few nights later, while Hira, Alyssa, Jen and Elise were planning their Australian spring break trip, I decided to read through my emails. I noticed an email from Sinclair Wetlands and didn't think too much of it. Then I reread the subject...Sinclair Wetlands Competition - winner. In shock, I scanned the email and sure enough, I won! I turned to Hira and said, "So, do you remember the cruise competition where we had to guess the seeds?" She replies, "Yeah." "Umm, I just won." She shrieks with excitement as I read the email out to her and the rest of the girls. IT WAS SUCH AN UNREAL FEELING! Turns out my guess was only 46 seeds off, too! So currently, vouchers for a Monarch Cruise for 2 adults and 2 children are on their way to my flat :) The cruise goes around the Otago Peninsula, where apparently you can see a lot of wildlife! So I can't wait!
Now onto today. Unfortunately it was a cloudy and rainy kind of day so we decided to do something that was indoors. The Cadbury factory is in waking distance from our flat. And rumor was they give you free chocolate, so obviously worth going to. Especially for only $16 too. So we learned about how chocolate was made, the different steps, ingredients, and history of the Cadbury factory. It was really interesting! But let me tell you, the highlight of the tour was the liquid chocolate waterfall. It dropped a literal ton of chocolate in about 30 seconds. It was crazy! But it was definitely a must-do while here in Dunedin. So another thing crossed off our New Zealand bucket list!
Today marks 3 weeks in this beautiful country. Also, my dad has officially booked his flight to come see me at the end of August! Better start planning some awesome things for when he comes! Can't wait to see my number one guy!
Well that is all I have for now. I will write soon!
Today marks 3 weeks in this beautiful country. Also, my dad has officially booked his flight to come see me at the end of August! Better start planning some awesome things for when he comes! Can't wait to see my number one guy!
Well that is all I have for now. I will write soon!