first week in Hawaii

Hey guys,

So, the last week I went kitesurfing just Monday and today because the wind is really strong and pretty much at the limit what I can do with my 12sqm Boxer. But today it was really cool, even though it was still a bit strong.
Also, I gave some horse back riding lessons at Hilltop Ranch and visited Betina from 808 horse rescue at Keanu's Ranch.
And I went surfing in Waikiki the on or other day, but that's really crowded over there. I've attached a few pics for you.
I am on my way back in one week.

CU soon,
Nina

arrived in hawaii

Hey guys,

I arrived on friday night in Hawaii (even though I left NZ on saturday - cool, hm? I gained a day.). From the plane I could see clearly an atoll. I never so it so clear. I've included a picture.

On saturday I went to Kailua for swimming and meeting Ki and the others. The wind was too low. So, I ended up just swimming. Later Nancy, Austis, Brian, me and some others went out for dinner at a Nepali restaurant. It was really good.

Today I went surfing in Waikiki. It was sooo crowded in the water. I got a few waves, but I had to stop, because there were always people in the way. Okay, it was sunday, and I was not so early. I'll try tomorrow earlier. And also, it's monday tomorrow.

Later Nancy and I went to the North Shore and went swimming in a lake under a waterfall across the street of Waimea Bay. It was great. See the pics of me in the lake and the cool plants!

Yours,
Nina

last week in NZ

Hey guys,

We did two surveys at the dumping site close to Great Barrier Island last week. What means, I am done with field work. Nimrod ran well without any disturbances. :)

On sunday, Bryna and I took a day off and went to Raglan for surfing and hanging out at the beach. It was really great. Some last pics some NZ.

Yours,
Nina

waitomo caves

Aloha,

Yesterday (sunday) I went to Waitomo caves and did Blackwater Rafting, the "Black Labyringth" tour. During that tour you walk and float with your butt in a tube with a small river through the Ruakuri cave. It's really cool. There are loads of glowworms in the cave, you here the rushing water and you jump backwards down a small waterfall. It was absolutely worth going.

Today I hung out at the university and will go early to bed. Finally, we will do the first survey at Bryna's spot tomorrow.

Nina

hamilton, Raglan and tauranga

Dear Blog-Readers,

This week I was in Hamilton and processed most of the time data. I had some meetings, which were important for the development of my dissertation.

On thursday I went kitesurfing in Raglan. That was great. Alex helped me a bit, because I felt a bit unsure after not doing it for such a long time. But finally, it worked out okay. It's a new spot for me and I needed some time to adopt. But for the first time after months it was quite okay.

On friday I went to Tauranga to do measurements in the Stella Passage. That went well, too. Here some pics from Tauranga Bridge Marina and the way from Hamilton to Tauranga. Today I'll go to Waitomo to see the caves.

Aloha,
Nina

Rotorua

Since the four days I have been in Rotorua, I surveyed lake Rotorua and lake Rotoiti together with Lisa (PHD student Biology/Chemistry UnivWaikato) and Rob (Environment Bay of plenty). Nimrod worked fine and we did all requested areas in two instead of three days.
After the surveys I enjoyed the area a bit. I hang out at the lake beaches, Park Kuirua (which didn't stink too bad this time, there are several sulphur vents, so it can become pretty smelly) and at the blue lake. Actually, I swam in the Blue Lake. It was really cold. I didn't know that the lake is a cold spring. But nevertheless it was pretty cool (not just literally). The water is so clear that you can see down to the bottom without any problems, and it was not crowded at all.
I also went to the cinema and saw Alice in Wonderland. It is absolutely great. You have to see Johnny Depp as the Hatter.
Tomorrow, I'll ride the bus back to Hamilton.
Aloha,
Nina

pics

here the pictures from o-week at University of Waikato Campus.
Finally, I have a faster internet here in Rotorua,
Nina