I'm really enjoying it at the moment :) I must say, stepping off that plane/into the hostel, was one of the scariest things ever. Just when I walked in for dinner, and literally 200 heads slowly turned towards me, all thinking, 'Who is that new boy here'! But literally everyone has been so friendly. I've not been to the school yet, although have asked to, as otherwise I find myself with a lot of time in the day, but the people i've met at the hostel are brilliant - the cleaners, the cooks, the laundry lady etc. I always go for 10am tea and biscuits with them, and they're so welcoming.
it was very hard the first week. Being on my own, with no car, so not all that much I could do was difficult. But on Sunday, I went to Marton to look for a car, and met up with the other volunteers. I bought a red Toyota Corolla, called Fred, which has done 300,000km! Although it seems to work very well, and only cost $1100. And I've jazzed it up a bit, by buying (wasting money) on a racing car steering wheel cover, which could not look more out of place!
And the kids are really friendly too, which is nice. Although it is hard to strike the right balance between them liking you, and being a member of staff. I've been warned so many times not to socialise/go to parties with the kids, take them in my car etc
Anyway, just wanted to say thank you very much for the orientation, which was really fun. It was a great introduction, and I've met lots of people I'd travel around with.
To find out more about Lattitude visit our website here and the Lattitude New Zealand Blog here
