Kia Ora

a sign from the Auckland museum

 Today was day 1 of Maori Health week. Maori are the native people of New Zealand.  There are major health disparities between Maori and non Maori people here which is why Maori Health week is mandatory for all second year nursing, medicine, and pharmacy students.  First this morning we (the nursing exchange students) met with the head of nursing here, Heather Baker, and she gave us our "time tables," or schedules. There are 5 nursing exchange students here: Melanie and I from the States (both UVA) and 3 Norwegian girls. Heather is very sweet, she showed us around the hospital and then walked us the Maori health week event. She hooked us up with some nursing students to be with all day. Maria and Lucy were my buddies today.  

 

Lucy on the left and Maria on the right

It was an interesting day! We mostly had lectures but we also got to go to a powhiri which was a ceremony of respect. We had to take our shoes off and leave all bags outside to come in to the building (you can see the outside of it below). But the inside was really gorgeous with detailed decorations on the wall.

So classes have begun. Summer break is officially over for me. However, I won't be finishing Maori Health week because tomorrow is International Student Orientation day, which includes a tour of the city. And the rest of the week I have clinical simulation where I get to do fun stuff like drug calcs, IV infusion pumps, tracheostomy care, chest drains, etc. Well it's about time for dinner now (my dorm eats together three meals a day), but first I want to show you a few pictures from yesterday when Melanie, Zazie and I explored Queen Street and went down to the Harbor.

At the Viaduct Harbor. Auckland is the "city of sails"

Zazie (from Norway), me, Melanie (UVA)

Dad's company leases buildings here too! Jones Lang LaSalle represent! Dad, can't you come visit and call it a business trip?? I have seen lots of these signs around.

Bought a local pop here called L&P to try and stay awake! I get so tired so early. Need to get over this jet lag!

Winter Garden, at the Auckland Domain

I hope all is well back at home and I miss you all! Please keep me posted on what's going on in your lives (see my address and email address in the right hand column at the top of the page). More later!