Week 3

This past weekend was our free weekend. Marie and I departed for Auckland on Thursday afternoon, not really knowing where we were going to stay yet. All we knew was that we were playing in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament on Saturday and Sunday, and decided to wing the rest of the weekend…it definitely was an adventure.
One of the things I liked most about the weekend was the amount of Kiwis I was able to meet and get to know. The Ultimate Frisbee tournament (New Zealand nationals) began on Saturday morning at 9am. Upon arrival to the fields, we were introduced to the team that we would be playing with, as well as a number of other people well known to the New Zealand ultimate community. Our team on Saturday was remarkably like our women’s team at Udel. Somehow, ultimate players around the world all have a certain quality to them. Upon getting to know all the New Zealand players over the weekend (as well as other international players who were there from the UK, Canada and France), I have realized that ultimate attracts very quirky, funny, friendly people and despite being half way around the world, I felt completely at home. The other thing that amazed me was that our Kiwi team from this weekend had some of the same jokes and cheers that teams I have played with at home have used.
However, there were also some differences in the game. First of all, Ultimate Frisbee in New Zealand is not nearly as big as it is at home in the states. Their national tournament over the weekend consisted of seven teams, while ours last May had thirty-two. I also noticed some differences in the way they played, most notably their offensive strategies. It took a little getting used to, but by the end of the weekend I felt like I was really clicking with the team.
While I may not have experienced a culture that is common to all New Zealanders, I found myself in a community that is a big part of my life at home, and it was a lot of fun being able to see how similar, and yet different they are. I also really enjoyed getting to know my team mates, and other Kiwis, as well as having conversations with other international players. I am so grateful I was able to meet so many fun, interesting people (who are also great players); they contributed to a fantastic weekend.