Out of the loop

So I almost drowned again today. It was really scary. The ocean was swelling pretty big but I didn't think it looked that bad so I went in for a dip. Next thing I know I''m about 50 metres off shore and struggling to get back because the waves are just washing me out again. I have never swallowed so much salt water in all my life. I made it back to shore exhausted but alive. Did I mention it was really scary?

So my first week of my first teaching practice came and went with no big mishaps. I have only taught 2 classes thus far but next week it really starts. I start a new unit the my yr 13 Chem class and continue with my yr 11 class. The week after Easter I start a new unit with my yr 12 Chem class and the yr 11 class will have a test. It is sweet cause this week and next week are only 3 days long since the students get a 6 day holiday for Easter. After school on Friday I walked into the staff room and there was booze all over the counter. The staff room turns into a bar on Friday afternoons so the teachers can have a drink to unwind. It was phenomenal. I think this is the only school in New Zealand and maybe the world that this happens.

Lastnight we went to a small town called Waihi Beach which is located east of the Mount to hang out with some friends of the guy that I am staying with. We went out to the local hotel and saw a really good reggae band called Katchafire. It was a great show. There were 9 of them and they were all really good. The lead singer was cover in tattoos and had a really cool moko. The bar was a pretty funny place. Definitely some high quality accomdations. It reminded me of the Silver Spur except with more burly Moari types. And chili gin (gin with chilis in it...I know...a match made in heaven.) I passed out lastnight on a full stomach of brie, avocado and crackers and woke up this morning throwing off layers because of the sun had turned house into an oven. From the second floor of the house you could see the beach and the ocean and even Mount Maunganui in the distance. It was incredible. The Bay of PLenty is definitely tops on my list of places to visit if you come to NZ. Maybe I can find a job here after school...

Thanks alot, we've been great.