Last weekend my dad and I flew up to Auckland for a few days, primarily to take another flight farther north to Whangarie.  We wanted to check out Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve,  a group of islands known for the best diving and snorkelling in NZ.  From Whangarie it’s a 30 minute boat cruise to the reserve.  We enjoyed the view, organised our snorkel gear, and talked with the guides on the way.  Before we knew it, we were there. While some of the passengers made a beeline for the snack bar, we geared up and hit the water. My first thought was “wow, it’s very deep and very clear.”  There were several different types of fish in the water.  I managed to dive to the bottom a couple times, as the bottom was nearly 30 feet in some parts. The coolest part was swimming under the rock, into a completely dark cave, then coming up for a breath of air inside the lightless cave. After we boarded the boat again, the captain took us around the island to see all the arches, landscapes, and rock formations around the island. On the way back, I fell asleep on the lower deck and didn’t wake up until we pulled into the harbour.

Below is a video clip of inside the huge cave.  It’s jerky, sorry.

 

In another news,  I got a job!  I work as an after-school care assistant for the YMCA.  It’s been very enjoyable so far.  And I get to leave school a few minutes early to get there.  I am called in about twice a week and go to different “primary” schools (which are  elementary schools).   The job is quite fun for me because it basically entails playing tag and soccer with some kids aged 5 – 12.   I also read with them and check their homework. Some of my teachers’ children attend the after school care.  This is nice because it allows me to become closer with my teachers and get to know their kids.   Dealing and playing with them takes me back to when I was their age.   It brings back memories of me and my buddies playing the same games and being interested in the same things they are. I think I am somewhat naturally good with kids.  However,  I think everyone could benefit or at least enjoy some time with kids of this age.

 

I’m now a Year 12 at New Plymouth Boys’ High.  (I graduate after Year 13).  I’ve got some challenging classes namely, Physics and Chemistry (both Level 2).  But I like the teachers for both classes and overall I’m learning a lot.  My other courses are English, Statistics, and Ancient Greek and Roman History which is pretty interesting.  I’m learning about history of Pompeii and Roman society.  Favourite class- art!

Below is a photo from our first assembly of this year. This is Ryder Hall and  Headmaster Veric addressed the school.

 

This is me and my buddy Josh. 

Tattoo art done with a sharpie.  Not bad for upside down drawing on my hand!

My room “wall art”. 

My dad and I did a Rogaine bike race a few nights back.   You find as many check points as you can all over town in 2 hours.  Navigation is a challenge using race maps with no street names or named landmarks.  Here we are attaching the map boards to our bikes.  We made a good team! 

Kai has been cleared by the orthopedist to play basketball and other sports.  His knee is feeling great and biking has made it strong.

We all did a 35 km mountain to beach ride a couple of weeks ago. It was muddy but fun.

That’s all for now.