Beach Through a Cliff

My favorite form of exercise has pretty much always been playing the sport of basketball. About a week ago, I arrived in Dunedin with peers and professors of my study abroad group, and the week’s agenda had pick-up basketball scheduled for Wednesday night. I am rather competitive and know a few others in my group share the same quality. Long story short I was really excited to get on the court with people I had never played with and get after it. Our lecture and visit to the Otago Highlander’s rugby club concluded in the early afternoon leaving me at a crossroads. I could stay and give some work to others on the court, or I could visit what ended up being one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Thankfully after a receiving some simple advice that I am not sure Dr. Sam Morris wants credit for, a group of us opted into heading to Tunnel Beach for the afternoon. It did not disappoint…

The steep winding hike spit us out onto tall sandstone cliffs looking out over a vast blue ocean. I really do not want this to be as cliché of a blog as it already sounds, but it was the most picturesque destination I have ever been lucky enough to visit. To the left of the walkway down lies a long tunnel with many steps and a low ceiling that was carved out in the late 19^th century. At the bottom lies a gorgeous, sandy beach where cold South Pacific Ocean water has eroded surrounding cliffs away. After friends and I were finished clamoring for photos like the tourists we are, we kept in mind a piece of advice shared with us by a former student of the program. This student told us something along the lines of it being easy to get lost in trying to capture moments, but do not waste those valuable opportunities to be in the moment and physically take it all in. In turn, we climbed to the top of a boulder and simply sat looking out over the sea (and may have indulged in some adult beverages). It truly was something I will never forget and know will be missed upon my return to the good old cold and rainy Oxford, Ohio we love so dearly.

Personal Post_3: Blog Entry 7