We got back from Rotorua yesterday! It was a pretty small city but we packed a lot in. We went to the Agrodom and got to see a sheep show. Sounds kind of boring, but it was actually really cool. They sheared the sheep and demonstrated sheep dog herding and all sorts of other things. Then some of the group went zorbing, which is basically getting inside a huge beach ball and rolling down a hill. It was really funny to watch!

Our group found a quote that fits the beautiful land of New Zealand when we were having a class session in Auckland.

" New Zealand is a country looking energetically inward, defining and redefining its own indentity, yet simultaneously longing to be recognized by the wider world"

From Auckland to Rotorua and back to Auckland, this final week in New Zealand has been filled to the brim with new explorations and activities. We have explored NZ history and culture at the Auckland Museum, experienced an incredible evening with the Maori family at Mitai, gone zorbing, bungy jumping, kayaking, felt the heat of the thermal pools and the scent of the mudpools in Rotorua, and enjoyed a glimpse of the agriculture life at the Agrodome.

BUNGY JUMPING!

Half of our class jumped from the Auckland Harbour Bridge 40 metres...

It was amazing. Auckland looks so beautiful upside-down.

I went with Maggie and Emily on a beautiful kayak trip on Waiheke Island. The scenery was amazing, I had never kayaked, but it was easy and fun! Our guide was awesome and he took us through and arch and we played on a beach. It was so peaceful and a great arm work out!! I love kayaking now!! I also watched the group bungy jump and that was mind blowing! This New Zealand trip has taught me so much about literature and New Zealand life!! The best 3 weeks of my life!

So I have come to a conclusion well maybe it is more of a question. Why is it when you walk into a childrens book store or any book store for that matter in New Zealand you find books from every where in the world. And when you walk into a book store in the US there is only US books with a little tiny sections about other countries and books by their authors. Why is New Zealand ahead of the game and providing their children and young readers with the oppertunity to learn and grow with a variety of books and the US is only focused on the US.

Hey everyone!

I can't believe we are leaving tomorrow!

Today was our last full day in New Zealand! We went on an amazing hike this morning on Rangitoto Island which is an extinct volcano. It was about 4 km up and back which we think is about 3 miles. The scenery was awesome! Then for our last night together the whole group went on a dinner cruise on a sailboat in Auckland Harbor! It was so much fun. We got some great skyline views! We leave tomorrow afternoon to get on another 12 hour plane ride before we have a 5 hour layover in LA and then FINALLY make it home.

This past week has been crazy!