3 days and counting....

I cannot believe how close departure is!!! I am pretty much all packed minus a few necessities that will be added later... I leave Thursday morning for LAX and my flight is @ 9:30pm to Fiji!!! These next few days will involve spending time with my family and skyping with my friends!!! I am missing people more and more everyday and I am anxious and excited and most of all eager to get my trip underway.

Sitting at home for the last two weeks has given me time to reflect on what I really want out of this trip.. more than the academic prospects.. but just to give myself a different view of how people live in this world... I continue to hear from people that have traveled before me about NZ.. they talk about the friendliness of the people, the beautiful land and the welcoming environment.


I am counting down the moments until I get to start this experience!! It is crazy just how close it is! I have been researching NZ since last May! And now I am about to be on my way!! I have had dreams the last few nights about my adventures and now I am ready to meet these new people and really do something for myself! I also cannot wait to share my adventures with everyone else!!!


     Love!!

Why New Zealand?

The popular question that I have been getting from friends, family and other people that I have come into contact with: why NZ?

  Well first of all, why not?

Kidding.. well for starters..  

1.) I wanted a place that was young and fun and active. (New Zealanders or "Kiwis" as they are known as are known for being EXTREMELY friendly---loves it!--- and adventurous.. skydiving.. bungee jumping.. sailing, surfing, jet-boating.. you name it, most likely they do it!!) They also have a hoppin' night life.. which I am not opposed to... there will be plenty of people around my age to meet!

2.) I wanted a place where I did not have to learn another language ( I've fulfilled my foreign language requirements.. and I am not trying to get a grade for any languages.) Although there are options to learn the native Maori language and about their culture because they are extremely respected among the NZ people today.. unlike our native americans....

3.) I wanted a place where I could go and marvel at the land. [[Thanks Eat, Pray, Love...]] (NZ is about the size of Colorado with a population of about 4 million people... aka .. not overpopulated.. and plenty of room to roam and explore!!) With options of hiking, mountain biking, skiing and sailing.. there are a variety of ways to see the land!!! 

I will be studying at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand! Google it if interested... I will live up in the hilly area and will take the famous Cable Car to and from the city and I am within walking distance of my campus!!! 

Preparation for Abroad...

Today has been an amazing day. After spending two weeks in Bloomington, I am finally back in NC! I got to go through Recruitment and meet some new Kappa babies! I also got to spend time with the people I love most before I go abroad. I got to hang @ 1018 and Paul and Sara's house and now I am back with my parents, Mark, and the Datwich. Life is good....

...However, it has also been extremely busy. I have received more info from my program including people that will be in my program as well as other students who will be near me in NZ! I am excited to meet new people and learn more about myself. After all, I am going on this trip... alone.. not knowing anyone else prior to departure... this should be interesting.. its like the first day of Kindergarten all over again....