Wet Weather

Good morning! This is my first "things I've loved post," in honor of the amazing Christmas presents I just received! I was so excited this morning to greet the parcel-bearing courier at the door shortly after waking up. One package was from my parents (containing pretty pajamas, magazines and copious amounts of candy) and the other was from my lovely aunt, Angie. From my aunt I received a beautiful trench coat (Thanks so much Angie!), which came at the perfect time. That brings me to my first love of today, which is this weeks forecast... rain. ALL WEEK! I think this could only be a "love" for a girl who can't wait to wear her new coat, as well as Christmas wellies from grandma, to class : )

rain boots (gumboots as they say in NZ) + new coat

Another love of mine currently is the Auckland Art Gallery. It just reopened in September after being remodeled. The art is fantastic and the architecture of the building itself is as well. I've been numerous times to see the art,  to go to talks and performances and also just to enjoy the cafe and outdoor sculpture installation while reading a book or studying. I first visited the gallery very recently after it had opened and there was a special exhibition of very famous works by artists such as Picasso and Matisse. That was quite a treat.

Gallery entrance from the second floor

A chandelier of flowers (and check out that ceiling)

One of my favorite rooms in the gallery.

My absolute favorite is the oversized painting gallery,but the

room is so large its impossible to capture with one photo

One of my favorite things about Auckland is the amount of nature in the city. There is a reserve on nearly every block and a number of volcanic cones around the city. I currently live about 100 meters from the base of Mount Eden, the second largest volcanic cone in the city. The paths to the summits of these mountains often veer directly off of the normal walkway, largely unannounced. This can make taking a new route to the library or dance studio somewhat of an adventure if I choose to explore an obscure trail : ) The main parks in Auckland are the Domain (home to the Auckland museum... future post alert!) and Cornwall park (home to the largest volcanic cone, One Tree Hill). The smaller reserves can be great as well, one that I love is the Orakie reserve.

A view of the Orakie river basin with NZ "Christmas Trees"

There's also a path that follows the outside of the basin. Here's the bridge over the Orakie river

My plans for the day are to skype with Mom, pre-read some lecture notes, go to class for a few hours, then visit the Auckland museum. When I get home I have a date with my laptop to analyze some survey feedback for my Davidson Fellows project. Should be a great day! I hope everyone is adjusting back to their regular schedules after the break.

Until tomorrow!

Lots of Love,

A