Pre NZ

I'm officially done with all of the paper work, applications, and purchases required to actually get myself to New Zealand. I've got my university acceptance, my visa, my student ID card, my round trip ticket, a New Zealand sim card & unlocked cell phone, and of course, a sturdy umbrella (hey, I'll be in Wellington). Now, all I have to do is wait. While the rest of my friends are taking off for France, Spain, South Africa and England, I get to kill time until the New Zealand semester to starts up in February. Classes don't start until the end of February, but luckily I'll be taking off February 7th for a start-up outdoor orientation with my study abroad program.

Things that I find notable and/or exciting about this trip:
- I'll be leaving the United States for the first time (a 16 hour flight should provide all the travel shock I need!)
- Traveling, traveling, traveling will be my number one priority. The New Zealand lanscape, from what I've seen and heard, is some one of the most diverse, pristine, and stunning in the world.
- Extreme sports! Ever heard of zorbing? It's a New Zealand extreme sport that involves rolling down a slope in a large plastic ball. Whether it's nauseating or entertaining, I've got to try it! Not to mention bungee jumping, quad biking, kayaking, and whatever else my program includes or I can afford.
- I'll be living in an apartment with other students, and I will need to COOK FOR MYSELF the entire semester. If you know me at all, you realize why this will be a serious learning experience.
- Classes on Maori and New Zealand culture (not to mention general exposure to this friendly Kiwi culture)!
- This will be the longest trip and farthest distance I've ever experienced away from home. Due to a serious time difference, I won't always be able to call home, I definitely won't be able to go home. I'm excited about the chance to figure things out for myself in a new country and culture, keeping in mind that there won't necessarily be someone to fall back on the whole time.

Until February, I'm eagerly anticipating my kiwiventure. Tune back into my blog in February for stories, pictures, and any clever anecdotes I think you'll find interesting.

Hooray! (a guide to kiwi slang said hooray was a popular Kiwi term for goodbye... another option is cheerio). So cheerio!

P.S. If you would like a postcard, please email me your current address at rochelle.snoopy@gmail.com!