dunedin – DU Abroad

Almost all of the sights and sounds that October gave me

parents in nz

My wonderful parents were able to visit me in Dunedin, it was so strange in the best way. It was unique to be the figure that was fully in charge of all of the plans for the first time, as usually on trips it is the parents that do so. We drove along the southern coast and were able to see sights like Nugget Point and some stunning waterfalls. We stopped through Invercargill, New Zealand’s most southern city, then continued along to Queenstown. Driving through New Zealand never fails to provide rolling hills flurried with sheep and greenery. My parents enjoyed discovering this reality. We spent the evening dining with a perfect view of the Remarkables, a prominent mountain range that is highly recognized in New Zealand. The next morning came with drowsy weather, so we decided to shop around the town, of course buying many souvenirs, and returning home.

We filled the remainder of the week poking around at different sights around Dunedin. Local beaches, the Botanical Gardens, yummy restaurants, a campus tour, penguin viewing, and hosting some friends for dinner. We finished our time exploring Christchurch, a short hour plane ride from Dunedin. Don’t let me forget our luck being tested several times whilst driving on the opposite side of the road, only a few close calls.

Castle ball & Aurora australis

Castle Street is historically known for their wild party culture. It is very easy to find some rather incriminating content with a simple YouTube search. Some acquaintances of mine decided to throw an end-of-year “ball” for any who wanted to come. It was a much tamer environment than what you may find on the internet. Seemingly everyone I had ever interacted with was at this black-tie event. I found myself being the only one wearing a bow tie, I think everybody else missed the memo. The night was filled with what felt like some goodbyes, constant dancing, and was overall a very fulfilling last big social event.

Unrelated to the Castle Ball was finally getting to witness the southern lights! A long exposure camera shot looks entirely different (and much better) than what was seen with the naked eye. However, it is still a super outwardly experience and is something I hope every human gets to experience at least once in their life. The pictures are absolutely incredible! I was still able to see the brightness of the lights, but not the same colors that the photos depict.

Mueller hut

Myself and two other friends embarked on a journey to Mueller Hut, one of New Zealand’s most sought after and popular hut destinations. The views from the entire hike up, and especially from the hut itself, are breathtaking. In particular you have a clear view of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain standing at 3724 meters. The first half of the hike consisted of mind-numbing stairs that kicked off our leg day in marvelous fashion. At the halfway point is where most hikers stop because anything further requires navigation through snow. We enjoyed lunch and continued on our way to the more difficult part of the route. Each step felt like three as post-holing was almost a guarantee. With each step also came slightly wetter boots which only added to the fun. We did not need our ice axe or crampons because snow conditions were too slushy.

We ironically passed some other hikers from our university as they had stayed there the night before. The trek is considered an alpine route and had no coverage whatsoever. This gave the sun perfect angles to beat down on us no matter where we were on the path. Sections before the snow provided some off-trail rock scrambles which were fun. After pushing through the steepest sections we eventually made it to the ridgeline and it was only a short time thereafter that we could see the hut. The greatest part of the experience was the sunrise in the morning. We looked at the sky at 6:27 and it was grey, as we walked passed the hut and looked back up at the sky after only two minutes, it was illuminated with magnificent colors and a stunning sight to see over Mount Cook. I have never experienced something quite like it.

What’s next?

I have admittedly been slacking on my blog efforts, but I am glad it is simply because of lack of time. My next blog will be about the Milford Sound and a 43 mile trek that my friends and I did to end the month.

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Running the half marathon in New Zealand • 15 September 2024

Before arriving in Dunedin I knew that it was going to be a unique period of trying new things and pushing myself to new limits. The day I arrived I searched for “half marathons near me” and was immediately met with a link to one of Dunedin’s biggest events of the year, the Dunedin Emerson’s Marathon! I signed up on July 6 for the half marathon, something that didn’t seem too daunting considering it was over two months away…

the weeks PRECEDING the race

I will be candid when I say that I did not train nearly as much as I had hoped for this race. The combination of adapting to a new lifestyle, education, social life, weekend trips, being in the gym, and time for self meant my training was rather sporadic and did not stick to a proper regiment. I have never run a race in my life so as race day approached I started to accept the fact that it was going to be an extreme challenge and learning curve for the entirety of the race. I have never taken on a physical challenge like this before which also created a certain degree of nervousness given I haven’t met my physical limit in this manner before. I signed up for this race under the presumption that I’d be doing it alone, however the week of the race I was happy to find out other friends and acquaintances would also be racing. My friends and I put together a massive carb load dinner the night before and I ended the evening with a solid stretch.

Race day

The nerves weren’t as high as I thought they’d be, however it was quite a unique feeling waking up knowing I’d go to sleep having run a half marathon. I had a decently sized breakfast and my friends whom were also racing with me came to my flat before the race, (the starting point happened to be right in front of my flat).

Some last second stressing and before I knew it the race had begun! My thoughts were as follows:
Mile 1: THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE. I AM RUNNING TOO FAST. MY LEGS ARE ALREADY HURTING.
Mile 2: I am still running too fast and my legs hurt more than they should.
Mile 3: I am almost to the first water station, after that I will magically be healed. I am sneakily following these two girls, I like their pace.
Mile 4: Maybe I should eat my first snack.
Mile 5: I am still running too fast but I seem to be doing fine. I think I’m ready to pass these girls.
Mile 6: I passed the girls, time to find somebody else to follow. Wow, I’m almost halfway done. I’m definitely drinking gatorade at the next station instead of water.
Mile 7: I’m over the halfway point! I found somebody new to follow.
Mile 8: This feels too good! I don’t know how I’d be able to do this without music. Time to eat my gel.
Mile 9: Almost to the water station again, should I even stop?
Mile 10: I stopped for water.
Mile 11: I am getting so close. I feel great, I think I’m really going to pick up the pace now.
Mile 12: Some of my favorite songs are playing and I’m starting to get the chills.
Mile 13.1: I’m gonna do it! I cross the finish line as Paradise by Coldplay is blasting in my ears.

The last three miles I was filled with energy, profound thoughts of proudness and accomplishment, and most importantly I was having the time of my life. Gliding through the streets of Dunedin as people cheered me on, some fans holding signs that said “Hit me for turbo” and hitting them maybe a little too hard. Listening to some of my most influential songs whilst accomplishing a new physical feat. Life was at such a high! I truly had a phenomenal time and completing a race is one of those things you have to do in order to feel the energy in that way.

I ended with a 1:43:45 time at 7:55 per mile. I was super proud of this time! The runner’s high is so real! I felt like I was on another planet for the last portion of the race and at different parts for the remainder of the day.

to be human!

Humans can do such amazing things! The amount of energy, ambition, desire, and appreciation for accomplishing an adventure like this is something I will truly cherish to have been a part of. One aspect that running the half marathon has taught me is that pushing myself to new limits isn’t something that I hope to do a couple more times throughout my life, but so many more. Here’s to a life full of redefining the limit!

Find photos below, they aren’t too flattering!