Anticipation to the MAX!

Well, New Zealand is a reality. Packing for Christmas break and 4 months in New Zealand was quite the feat, but with cleaning checks and Delta tickets just a few hours away, I was forced to make some rash decisions and get everything stuffed into two 50lb bags. Thank you Ali for your help. After being accepted to the program almost a year ago, it seems unreal that departure time has actually arrived.

I think the 14 hour flight from LA to Aukland will be just fine as long as I have my Moshi pillow, and Ali's movies with me :) We will get started on the beach at a place called Whitianga, pronounced "Fitianga," then work our way down the north island all the way to the tip of the south island where we will stay in Invercargill. We plan to hit the LDS temple in Hamilton, some great hikes, an All Black's rugby game and a good time "zorbing," (an activity somewhat similar to a being in a hamster ball) before arriving with our host families. The next few months will be spent going to school at the institute of technology and living the life of a Kiwi. When the program is over, my parents will be coming to tour the Lord of the Rings land with me and Alison before we head for a week in Samoa. Don't hate me!