New Zealand & Japan on Wikipedia

New Zealand Wikipedia

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Motto: None. Formerly "Onward"

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Japan Wikipedia

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Motto: 'Peace and Progress' (Motto of the Emperor)

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Technorati : Japan, New Zealand

Carmen intro

Blogging is a new experience for me, but here goes. It is actually one small step from e-mailing! I am glad to hear that the students and chaperone are having a great time in and about Waitakere. Learning is painless when you travel and are having new experiences.

We have been involved in the Sister City exchange program for many years and each year is different because of what the participants bring to it. We enjoy getting to know the students and their parents, and watching the interaction between them. The best thing about it is that it is not a proscribed program, but one created by the participants themselves, with some activities set by the Sister City Association.

The students going to Japan are busy learning some Japanese vocabulary, and about customs that are very different from those in America. The group may decide to add two days in Tokyo after the weeks in Anjo.

Carmen, President
Sister City Association of Huntington Beach

Technorati : Huntington Beach, Sister City

Rotorua, Kiwi Encounter, Rainbow Springs, Luge and Maori Haki

Just yesterday we, all of the student ambassadors and the chaperons, went up to Rotorua. It was a three hour drive but we made it through. When we got there we checked into the hotel and had lunch and what not. We went to a Kiwi Encounter where we got to learn all about this famous New Zealand bird. It was quite interesting. After that, we went to the Rainbow Springs where we saw lots of different animals and plants. It was very nice.

Later on that night we went to a luge. We all got 5 rides and there were 3 different tracks,The Scenic Route, Intermediate, and Advanced. We went down each of them twice except for the Scenic one because time was out and the park closed. It was so much fun. We had been waiting all day to go and we were all very anxious and excited. It was a very nice experience that I will never forget.

After the luge, we went back to our hotel and cleaned up. Then we went to a Maori Haki, or Hungi. It is like a cultural dance and we had a big feast. It was really nice. We got to enjoy the dancing and learn a lot about their culture. We meet new people and had so much fun.

Then we just went back to the hotel and stayed up and talked. The next day, or today, we got up and went to the hot springs. We also went flax weaving. We took flax and weaved them to make flowers. They were really nice. After all of that we went to paddle boats out at the bay. It was really nice and relaxing. We got a very nice view of the islands.

We went out to lunch afterwards and had some free time to go shopping. Then we headed back home. It was a four hour drive because we hit major traffic.

All in all it was a very fun and exciting trip. We got to learn and experience many new and fun things. I am really glad that I got to go and be a part of this trip.

Kaylee, 2006 Student Ambassador to Waitakere
Sister City Association of Huntington Beach

Auckland Sky Tower & Rugby

This is the first time I have had access to a computer. We have been spending time with our host families for the most part. We did “do lunch” in Auckland on Friday, mixed in with some shopping and a trip up into the Sky Tower for a great view of the city. I am including a picture of the Tower and from the Tower. Some of us attended a Rugby game on Saturday night. We will meet up tomorrow for an overnight trip to Rotorua, which should be an amazing place. More on that when we return.

I’m catching up on my information on New Zealand with a wonderful trip guide book and, of all things, a great cook book that has great recipes and pictures.

The sun is peeking out today, but we have had mostly rain, some very heavy. My host family is adorable, live in a wonderful home and are very accomodating. I feel like I’m with family.

Robin
Monday, April 10th, 2006

Kaylee’s intro

Hello Ambassadors, I’m Kaylee from Huntington Beach.

I’m very excited to be part of this program and can’t wait to go to New Zealand with my friends. We are going to have so much fun together.

Jarcinda, my counterpart, and I have been exchanging emails. We are both very excited to meet each other. We are getting to know each other well and can tell that we are going to have a great time together.

Goodnight!

Kaylee, 2006 Student Ambassador to Waitakere
Sister City Association of Huntington Beach