6 January 2018: Nelson and Marahau

By Jenna Albanese (Nursing ‘20)

Today was a relatively low-key day. Yesterday was very long and very tiring and I think it’s safe to say the crew was happy to have a day to sleep in late and simply walk around. The day began with a Skype session with a 2nd grade class from the Balmville School, then to shopping in the town of Nelson, and then onto to ‘The Barn’ in Marahau to prepare for our camping trip in Abel Tasman National Park.  

This morning, Sam Keeney (Nursing ‘20) and I had a Skype visit with Mrs. Shuta and Mrs. Cifuni’s 2nd grade class at the Balmville School. It was an interesting conversation that ranged from whether there are elephants in New Zealand to the temperature outside. Unlike at home, it is a very comfortable temperature today ranging between the 70’s, a very gorgeous day to walk around!  The students were really enthusiastic and eager to ask their questions.   

Jenna Albanese (Nursing ‘20) and Sam Keeney (Nursing ‘20) talking to the 2nd grade class about the birds seen on our trip.

Since it’s a Saturday, the streets are alive with flea markets and music. The flea market was filled with venders that sold a variety of things, many of them being sure to include the New Zealand aspect of their items. One of the venders was selling earrings that were made out of real New Zealand Fern that were dipped in glass, they were extraordinary. There were also many people selling various items made out of sheep wool, I guess you can say New Zealand can spare some sheep! The flea market also had delicious food, like the wraps we ate that were the size of our heads! A man was playing the piano which gave the busy market a relaxed and carefree vibe. 

When our afternoon came to an end, we were all rounded up and went food shopping for our camping trip! We picked up burrito fixings, fruit, and snacks. After that we were on the road heading to “The Barn” (http://www.barn.co.nz/) located in Marahau. The car ride was about an hour and for about half of the drive, the gang played “I Spy” and the name game, very intensely might I add. 

When we arrived at The Barn we sat around the picnic table and played games to keep us busy. Then we planned out all of the supplies we are bringing camping tomorrow, our night was just as lowkey as our day. We went to the Fat Tui for dinner and we definitely left a little fatter! After dinner we packed our bags for camping and then just hung around as a group. We’re beginning to become a loud and crazy family, and we are excited to experience more of New Zealand.