Greetings! The semester is slowing drawing to a close. I recently finished all of my assignments and now all I have left is final exams to study for. Before jumping into it, I took a wee break and let myself relax. Finals are stressful enough and having so much of your grade dependent on them is intimidating. Most of us here are in the same boat, so it's nice to have support here. The longer I stay here the more I fall in love with Dunedin. The city, the people, the landscape, and everything else is all I could ever ask for. I believe I mentioned earlier in the semester that there is a farmer's market every Saturday in Dunedin. I was finally able to attend last weekend, and decided to treat myself. There is an authentic French crepe booth that I have been eying up all semester, so I finally got myself a savory crepe. Pumpkin, pesto, peppers, slaw, corn, tofu and a few other tasty ingredients made it the perfect lunch!
There have been a few very cold nights here in Dunedin. The university flats are not built with central heating, insulation, or double glazing. My alternative to freezing is to spend time in the study center down the street. Even if I don't have homework that needs to be done, it's great to sit by the fire. Probably one of my favorite buildings on campus...
One of my good friends was baptized at long beach last week. I wouldn't consider myself to be religious, but it was a great to be a part of something so important to him. I have the utmost respect for the faith he has and to see it displayed in such a beautiful place with the people he cares about most was remarkable. 
My most recent track was the Copland, located on the west coast.
I'm surprised that after all hiking I've done since being here I'm still finding track that is different than I've ever seen before. For example, this slick path of rock that has been eroded away...
The damage that the storm over Easter caused still hasn't been fully restored. We found ourselves trampling over windfall and around landslides frequently.
Our treat at the end of the long 7 hour hike was all natural HOT SPRINGS. At first I wasn't too excited, thinking they would just be warm pools. Actually, they were just like a hot tub. So nice and warm and just what we needed. We went in after dark when the stars were out. The experience was unreal. I went back the following morning to take a few photos...
This was the 31-bunk hut we stayed at. The majority was taken up by university students, which made for a real fun time! Back-country huts are definitely one of the best things I've discovered here in New Zealand.
I've met some great people while being here in New Zealand. It's great that we are all supportive of each other and make the effort to get together regularly. It was my English friend's 22nd birthday this week and we all went out to a Japanese place for sushi. I've never been to a place like this and it was fantastic!
I've come to love this place and appreciate the beauty all around me. The character of the old buildings scattered around Dunedin make any walk phenomenal. 
I liked the sushi so much, that I decided to get some for lunch as well. This is my first ever sushi sandwich (which is hard to say out loud). It was fantastic. 
On a ride out to the peninsula we were greeted by a sheep farm that was in the process of shearing their sheep! We had to stop and watch for a bit. I sure do love these fluffy animals!
This is another great beach located right next to Dunedin, Allan's Beach. The way the ocean carves the coast with cliffs and caves is beyond me. The volcanic rock is a great place to find seals and penguins too!
I am thankful for every day I have here in this beautiful place and I will live each one to its fullest.
CHEERS!
CA
