Great Meeting

I had a great first meeting with my supervisor today. We talked about my proposed project as well as a bunch of other things like life in Christchurch, differences between the British and New Zealand ways of doing things, weather, and some of the political goings-on in the department and university. It turns out it was fortunate that I met with the head of the school yesterday because he's the one who has the final say for funding decisions and other things that one might want to get through red tape. Also, my supervisor is already keeping me in mind for a class he's putting together on science and technology next year, and if I'm lucky, I'll get to guest lecture on my subject area which is going to be part of the reading list. Splendid news.

I also met another professor who came into the office holding a steaming mug with a cat on it, and I immediately asked him if he liked cats and it opened up a fun little conversation about my bringing my cat here and dog/cat people. Overall, I am impressed with the faculty I've met in my department and am going to work to build a good network for now and future needs. It's how the world works, so might as well get with the program.

The cul-de-sac in the neighborhood we're staying in has a brick-paved center where cars can park. It does make sense not to waste that area, doesn't it?

I discovered that there was "hokey pokey" ice cream in the freezer. Apparently it's a uniquely New Zealand flavor consisting of little toffee bits mixed in. I enjoyed the sugary goodness.