21!

And so my 21st birthday passes (although it remains my birthday in America... confusing). Overall, it was very nice. Although the drinking age is 18 here, 21 is still a fairly significant birthday to New Zealanders, left over from when it was the age of adulthood in Britain. I went out the night before with my friends to celebrate until midnight, and even though the bars and clubs were pretty empty, we still got a kick out of dancing to cheesy 80's and 90's songs. We also came across a celtic group at a bar called Kitty O'Sheas, and the Irish flautist let me play his wooden flute.

My actual birthday on Tuesday was slightly more subdued; I relaxed most of the day, and went out to a nice japanese restaurant with some of my girl friends. Everyone who bought me chocolate, or bought me a drink, or paid for my dinner reminded me of the great new friends I've made here, and how lucky I am to have met such awesome people. Of course, I wish my American friends and family could have celebrated this landmark birthday with me as well. Cheers!