It has been quite an exciting time here in Auckland. The rugby world cup 2011 (an occasion that only happens every 4 years) has started and New Zealand is hosting it! On Friday September 9 Auckland had an INCREDIBLE opening ceremony. I went down to the city centre by the water front where all the action was (well minus the actual game which was at Eden Park). I watched the whole thing on a big screen with 200,000 people in the streets of Auckland. It was a lot of fun and an incredible show that encompassed culture, sport, and unity with all nations. The show was awesome (try and youtube it) and was followed by the biggest fireworks show I've ever seen! There were fireworks coming from 3 different harbors, the skytower, 2 other tall buildings, and the Auckland Museum. It was quite a show! And the kick off game (New Zealand vs Tonga) was exciting as the All Blacks won by a lot! Now the country is filled with rugby games nearly everyday and I am enjoying learning the game! I bought an All Blacks zip up to support the New Zealand team. :)
Go the mighty All Blacks! Here are some photos from the week:
 |
| The All Blacks... I went to the welcome ceremony and got to see the team!! |
 |
| This is the view from my window at my desk. I was finishing up my Cardiology placement assignment when I saw this sunset. |
 |
| Trying to stake out a good spot to watch the Opening Ceremony and All blacks vs Tonga game on Friday. It was really nice out (notice I am wearing shorts- that was a first for me here in NZ besides a couple of runs). |
 |
| My view of the screen... surrounded by thousands of people on Opening Night for the 2011 Rugby World Cup! There is HEAPS of All Blacks spirit here in Auckland. |
 |
| THE rugby world cup. |
 |
| Mel and I tried a New Zealand favorite: meat pies! (Kind of like a chicken pot pie but with all sorts of different kinds... this was mince and cheese, it was yummy!) |
 |
| We met these friendly kiwi blokes at Queen's Warf, which is "party central" for the world cup. We walked around the city the day after the game. |
 |
| and then enjoyed a lovely coffee at a nice cafe.I |
I love rugby! Never knew it before I came to New Zealand though... Go the mighty All Blacks!!
Random fact: did you know that New Zealand is very fond of the color black? Rugby team = All Blacks... Basketball team = Tall Blacks... Hockey = Black caps... and then there is the Soccer team = All Whites... Netball = Silver Ferns (national plant)). Wearing black is the normal wardrobe for most New Zealanders- both in sport and in fashion and just everyday life! Bright colors are not in... black is where its at. So... I've been sticking out like a tourist when I wear my bright green rain jacket!
I am all packed (in one back pack... it was really difficult) for my 25 day adventure around New Zealand's SOUTH ISLAND. I am very excited! I need to go to bed now because I need to wake up to catch my flight in less than 5 short hours. I'm too excited to sleep! But I should. I'll do my best to update this blog through out my travels this month!
