Orientation Week

The first week in New Zealand.

The first 5 days, all volunteers spending the year in New Zealand through ICYE stayed in a camp. The purpose was to settle in and gather some fundamental information. Additionally, it provided time for mutual exchanges and getting to know people from other countries. Surprisingly, I already knew most of the names since 40 out of 47 volunteers came from Germany. The first two days were tough as I was still carrying my cold, and the jet lag along with all the new stimuli were overwhelming. However, my body adapted quite well to the time change and wintry weather after just a few days, and we all felt like it was Christmas in July. It was an unusual feeling to be right in the middle of July. We had a very interesting and fun program. Besides team-building games, the day was filled with Te Reo Maori language classes and Kiwi slang translations. It was still unbelievable to physically be in New Zealand, to photograph the first sunsets at Tauranga beach, and only be able to chat with my folks back home in the evenings or early mornings. After a lovely closing evening with pizza and a campfire, we jumped out of bed early on August 2nd at 5:30 AM to sit in the freezing cold bus at sunrise. We spent 10 hours driving through all sorts of landscapes (though I mostly slept), and in the afternoon, we were welcomed with a traditional welcome dance at El Rancho :)

☆Tine☆