Opportunity of a Lifetime

One of the most euphoric experiences that I still remember so vividly is when the Highlanders won their game on July 4th. This was the first night I went out after arriving in Dunedin on the 3rd. I was still getting used to my new surroundings and anxious about meeting new people. I went to the Bog to watch the game with a small group of people from my program. The place was absolutely packed. Standing shoulder to shoulder with serious fans, the atmosphere in the bar was like nothing I have ever experienced (and I'm from a big college football town). I had also never watched a rugby match before. The team pride and cheer was contagious. At the end, my face hurt from smiling and voice was strained from yelling and singing along to "We Are the Champions," a song led by the bartender who was standing on the bar and recording the event on his Iphone. A bunch of people went out to celebrate afterwards (the celebration went on all night). I met so many fun people. In just one night, I was completely reassured that my semester here was going to be incredible. Easily the best Fourth of July I've ever had.