Hey everyone, Matt here...figured I'd do a blog entry to see if anyone is still checking in with us on this page. Things have been going really well for us here in NZ...Lauren's getting on with her work and in her spare time is turning out some really nice pieces of art, Jude has a girlfriend (a little jack russel from nextdoor), and my masters program is really taking off!
Life is good here, its a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of sunshine and outdoor stuff lauren and I like doing (ocean/beach, bike trails, hikes). I get to do field work in some amazing locations; last month I spent 10 days on a volcanic island doing scientific research scuba dives at a marine reserve. A marine reserve is like a National Park, but most of it is underwater. NZ has led the world in establishing these reserves, and they tie into global warming and the depletion of fishing stocks worldwide. If a local government sections off a peice of water and says no fishing (commercial or recreational) the marine community that was once depleted in that area comes bursting back to life. The reserve I did my field work at is one of the oldest in the world, and its only been around for 10 yrs! The ocean has been abused for so long people's perception of "healthy" isn't what it should be, the source of a lot of the worlds problems (climate change, cures for disease) can be resolved with healthier oceans.
NZ is on the forefront of the "green" movement, they live it. Unfortunately, the ozone is so depleted here it is not safe to be outside on a hot summers day, and this little country has the highest incident of skin cancer in the world. The CFC output of the rest of the world has caused this mess, and they are doing their best to lead healthy eco-concious lives. It's quite inspiring!
Enough of this talk, on to more serious matters...we got a TV!!! It can pick up 5 channels, one is all in Maori (can't understad it), an all rugby/cricket channel (boring), and the last 3 are made up of English and American sitcoms (they even show American Idol). This is the life, I hope my grades don't suffer (I'm kidding!). Needless to say we barely watch it, but it does have a built in DVD.
Till next time, enjoy the pics and your spring weather
Matt, Lauren & Jude
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3 comments:
Heah Matt, your email was very informative. We now both have a better idea of what your studies are all about. Frank commented that working in the great outdoors sure beats a cubicle setting! I recently hear on our local news about an eco park that was recently established mid way between NZ and Hawaii. I will try to track down the name for you. Keep up the good work with your studies! love, t and f
The pictures are amazing, makes me want to go on vacation ! I think the furthest I'll make it this year is Illinois or Mass. Brad and I have our 5 year wedding anniversary in July... maybe he'll surprise me with a trip somewhere! Do you know how expensive calls will be when you are in Kona ? Love,
Meg
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