Recently by Thomas Flannigan

It's everyones favorite time of semester, the end. While spending this past 'study week' in the northland(region north of Auckland), I managed to relax enough to subdue all my exam and essay scruples. Nothing quite washes terms like 'Ricardian equivalence' or 'Philistinism' away like the ocean waves at Cape Reinga. Waikato uni seemed like a distant memory as a few other internationals and I explored the various landscapes of the northern reaches of Aotearoa. I may have strayed away from the NZ adventure in my last post, but after this trip, I can speak of boarding sand dunes, a harrowing car accident, the screams of "Fight for your blood!!!", and a brave few surviving on the likes of L&P and cookies. 

Waikato uni has a campus magazine called Nexus that informs students about campus happenings, interesting NZ events, and other random commentaries. The last issue had a really interesting about Mescaline, the active hallucinogen in Peyote. For the record, I've never used the mind altering drug but the article made me realize that there is a lot more that a person can do to expand their consciousness than chemicals. For example, many Americans can diversify their world view by living outside the states for a while. Since this is the longest I've been outside the states, I definitely see the world in a broader sense than I had before. While I could probably write for days about new concepts I've been introduced to, I'll briefly touch on some of the more interesting ideas. 

 While Hamilton may not be the most happening place in all of NZ, the best advantage to studying here is the close access to so many unique Kiwi destinations. For many Internationals in Hamilton, weekend trips are exciting adventures awaiting them at the end of each week. Beyond weekend excursions, the two week teaching recess provided a great chance to see even more nearby landscapes and soak in more Kiwi culture. Delightfully, I spent the last part of the teaching recess with three Germans in the scenic Coromandel.  

When most Americans think of New Zealand culture, a few buzzwords come to mind, but few are privileged enough to truly taste the unique flavor of kiwi-land. To really appreciate a foreigner's culture, it helps to share in one another's daily lives. While there is ample space for internationals in the halls, I'm thrilled to be flatting with NZ natives. Especially since my flatmates share many of the same interests in music and recreational activities. While it's certainly possible to learn the Kiwi ways from first years in the halls, I'm personally very happy to be living with my fantastic flatmates. 

 Back in the states, I've focused my college years studying economics. Taking my first Sociology class here at Waikato has made me realize that I'm more intrigued by the study of society, rather than the study of how society allocates scarce resources. My Popular Culture class here is discussion oriented which has lead to many edifying thoughts about cultural norms. The most recent topic was "I shop therefore I am" That phrase is a play on the Descartes' Latin phrase "Cogito ergo sum", translated: "I think therefore I am." Having spent most of my life as an American consumer has given me insight into the glitzy domain of consumption dominated cultures. 

Hamilton, like every city, has it's own distinct features. For newcomers to New Zealand, the city is well situated to travel around the north island. The beach city of Raglan is just a half hour to the west and the east coast is only about an hour away. The night life in Hamilton is surprisingly good.  The 2008 Lonely planet guide states that "the city's main street has sprouted a sophisticated and vibrant stretch of bars and eateries that on the weekend at least leave Auckland's Viaduct Harbour for dead in the boozy fun stakes."  The Waikato Uni crowd is definitely the driving force behind Hamilton's improving late night activities. The fast pace of Hamilton's growth has earned the city the affectionate nickname, Hamiltron: the city of the future. 
 

Living life in NZ has been awesome so far. It's tough to compare living here to life back home, but an obvious change is the climate. I left my hometown during the hottest part of summer and arrived in NZ in the dead of winter. While the winter here is certainly nothing compared to sub-zero blizzards experienced in 'Minnesnowta', the seasonal transition does require some adjusting. Nothing quite eased that transition like the relaxing hot pools of Rotorua. Just an hour  from Hamilton, the Polynesian Spa offers a variety of sulphur hot pools for a reasonable charge. 

Moving away from the United States was the second greatest thing that has happened to me in my life. A big reason why I've enjoyed living outside of the states is because of the attitude that many ignorant individuals in the states have. Anyone who has had a bad experience with an American has likely come across a person who is a victim of the philosophy of individualism. While that philosophy has proven useful in business domains, there is absolutely no need or reason for individualism to enter the social realm. Most societies around the world tend to be more inclusive and less individualistic. I was very pleased to find that there is a strong sense of community in Hamilton. New Zealanders just seem to look out for one another and what a great positive impact on their culture it has.

The transition to life in New Zealand has been as edifying as it's been thrilling. Adventuring around the island, meeting many foreigners, and absorbing the local culture have been the highlights so far. The less exciting transition has been the transition to a new University. It's been necessary to remind myself that the reason I am here to study. Although it feels odd to be going to class everyday in July, I have been very impressed with how accommodating the Waikato administration and fellow Uni students have been. I had heard Waikato Uni had a good reputation around the country and after just a few weeks, I feel right at home.

 Living abroad has afforded me many opportunities to learn about foreign cultures, Kiwi and otherwise. I've really enjoyed getting to know New Zealanders, Norweigans, Brits, and Germans. This past weekend I had the pleasure of travelling up to Auckland with a group of Germans. I learned more about the German language and culture than I ever could from a textbook. Being the only American in the crew turned out to be a 'Wunderbar' experience.