The BALL and just another typical Tuesday...

The ball... hmm. Where do I begin? The event began about a week before when everyone starting getting everything together, as far as, the perfect dress/suit (even tux in some cases), bling*, shoes, make-up, hair-do, mask (yes it was a masquerade theme), and nails. Oh man, these kiwis weren't kidding! When they meant ball, they meant PROM! haha I'm serious! It was fun though. Thank gosh I had brought a simple/elegant black strapless dress with me, or else I would have been in deep with my expenses! Thanks to my friends Libby and Anishka, who helped me with my hair, nails, and make-up, all I had to worry about was not falling over in my heels. The whole night went by like a blur, but I had a blast! I had forgotten how fun it is to get all decked out for special occasions like that. The event was held at the cool-as Performing Arts Center on campus, which was followed by the after-ball at one of the local bars called "Bahama Hut" in town. I felt like a little kid again, running around the venue in awe, admiring the decorations and set up! There were THREE auditoriums, each letting off a different sound. One room staged a live band, whereas the other two played two different genres of dj music! There was also another room completely designated to professional portraits. It was insane! A bit later on in the night, I helped carry my friend Megan back to the dorm, who had a little too much fun pre-gaming! I just hope the fish caught on and swam away from the out pour over the pond rail! :D Haha, c'mon I know we can all relate to moments like these. Give her a break! Anyways, I used the opportunity to change out of my heels and into some more comfortable jandals (sandals) for town! Hamilton city was PACKED! Familiar face just about everywhere I wandered with my friends. Overall, It was a SWEET-AS night: I didn't get sick, made it safely home, and managed to spend no more than $5! Haha, I don't know how that works, but hey... yea I don't know where I was going with that. (Great Night!)

Okay and to the Next Chapter of my Life over here... What else would I do on a Tuesday-Wednesday, when I barely have class?

Of course... another adventure! This time, I was taken further down the east coast of the Bay of Plenty to Ohope Beach and Whakatane (pronounced "Fuck-a-taun-ay"). I'm serious, that is how you say it! All the Maori words that start with "WH" give off a "fuc" sound. Weird, ey? Anyways I was able to plan this one out. We actually left Monday after dinner and drove over towards Tauranga and down to Pikowai for the night! We had a little trouble finding this little campground, but man am I glad we didn't give up! It was amazing. I have never camped out so closed to the beach! And man... I can't even describe to you how amazing the Sunrise was in the morning! When we woke up, my friend Dan and I made our journey further down to Ohope Harbour, where we were to meet this lovely lady and partial owner of KG Kayaks. We wandered around the harbour for 2 hours straight paddling (and pushing) through all of the shallow water. Let me tell you, this was seriously the quietest place I have ever been! It was so peaceful! I drove my kayak on the shore of the little islands, sludgged throught the mud, up on the little islands, collecting shells and capturing some pretty neat photos. Just before we returned the kayaks, we saw a penguin! Haha, it was so random, yet so funny, just waddling around on one of the jutting sandbars.

After returning the kayaks, we backtrackked to Whakatane without any plans, but to meander. We walked along the harbour there and managed to see another gorgeous waterfall, original but refurbished Maori canoes, the statue on the rock (Wairaka- woman from another exciting Maori legend), save a shag bird who was caught in fishing line, try some local, savory, pumpkin soup (which I have been craving for about 3 weeks now), get a $200 parking ticket (which we got expunged, thanks to my persuasion), and pick up some fresh flounder to grille for dinner (that had just come off the boat at 1pm that day). Our original plans were to make it back to Hamilton that night, but since we enjoyed that campsite so much, we decided to camp out another night at Pikowai! This time we cooked an amazing flounder, rice, and veggie supper on the camp stove, while enjoying the sun set over the ocean! To top it all off, we gathered some wood and lit up a bonfire right on the waterline! It was so relaxing and peaceful! *****I'd say better than a five-star hotel, ANYDAY!