First I have to say THON on to everyone at PSU! <3 FTK

It’s the day my flight and by now I have gone from nervous to just sheer anticipation. I just want to get there already and start meeting people and exploring the island. Many of my friends back in State College have been asking me how I feel and right about now I just want to be on that plane now! Today will be spent with my family, a classic dinner and family games farewell and I’m rather looking forward to it just so we will all be together.

Besides all that the biggest thing I’m dealing with right now is packing. I have tried really hard to get nearly everything to fit into the suggested one suitcase and ladies and gentlemen that did not happen. I ended up with 2 suitcases, 1 backpack and 1 carry on. I’d tried really hard to get everything to fit in one suitcase but then my mom reminded me of a few things I forgot and I ended up needing another. Nevertheless, I did get a few helpful tips from my family that did help save space. One is to put underthings and tank tops in zip lock bags, push the air out of them and then seal them. This makes them really flat so thus they take up less space. Like a space bag. The second helpful little tip for space saving is to roll shirts and pants (kinda like a hot dog.)

So my plane takes off around noon this Sunday and I will be there Tuesday our time but Wednesday there time (if I have that right.) What I really love is that the school sends a car to come pick me up at the airport so I won’t have to lug around my bags. I have no idea who my roommate is or when she will be getting to school so I’m pretty nervous about that too. To be honest I hope she’s a native so I can have my own guide but if she’s not then we can be lost together. Which reminds me of another really useful thing that the school does, there will be several mixers taking place for study abroad students to meet other study abroaders, advisers and natives that are willing to be our friends and help us out.

This brings me to the drinking age in New Zealand and how more relaxed the atmosphere around alcohol is in other countries. The drinking age for those who don’t know is 18 and they will actually be serving beer and wine at these school run functions. As someone who studies sociology I’m quite interested to see the dynamic of the room and how it will function with alcohol present.

I also wanted to mention how small this planet is! In doing this study abroad I have discovered that one LTC back at Penn State has a lifelong friend from the military that has lived in Christchurch for over a decade and he helped me contact him so I have someone to turn to if I need any help. I also learned that my next door neighbor’s wife was actually born and raised in Christchurch and that’s where they met. They go back there once a year and will be heading there the day after I leave. They offered to show me around a bit so that will be nice as well.

Lastly a word to travelers, I have recently learned that everything that can go wrong before the trip will and you will always feel like you have forgotten something. So far I’ve managed to have to deal with getting a flat tire and having to replace all my tires and my phone breaking last night (perfect timing.) And of course I will always feel like I’m missing something but as long as I have my passport I can get into the country and then buy whatever I’m missing.

But I digress. Hopefully I will have plenty to post about when I am finally in country and will have plenty of pictures.

Until next time my friends

Location: Fairfax Station, VA