(Source: urbanoutfitters)
I’m exhausted. We hiked Hooker Valley today, the valley below Mount Cook. Talk about AMAZING views. It was gorgeous. It wore me out though- 5 miles there and 5 miles back. The weather was so nice and sunny. It got really warm in the sun. I fell on my ass at one point though. It’s still sore. There was ice on the ground, but it was warm enough to wear a t-shirt. Loved it. There were several bridges that went over the river in the valley. They were so cool and long- moved when we walked over them. When we got into the valley, right at the base of the mountain, there was a glacial lake. It was gorgeous but probably super cold. Some of the people in our group actually swam in it. I didn’t. But I ate my lunch, watched them, and enjoyed the scenery. Our group is really starting to bond. We went and met up with another study abroad group tonight for dinner. It was an experience. The group is so different than ours. It made us all really happy that we’re in our group. Hopefully, I’ll build long-lasting relationships with these people. I guess we’ll see if my ass still hurts tomorrow…
Until next time.
So I am super behind on my updates. The days are going by so fast, and I’m so tired. But this is definitely the best experience I have ever had. My group just arrived in Aoraki and Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. We were in Kaikoura before this for three nights. We stayed in an accommodation with little separate huts or rooms with 3 or four people. The bathrooms and main dining commons were separated. It was really cool. The whole town is a “sustainable town.” So you have to pay to throw stuff away, and it’s free to recycle. Super cool- We all went out while we were there. It was pretty fun, and everyone is starting to really get to know each other. But it showed me that I’m really not that interested in going out on this trip. Not too late anyway. Anyway, we did an awesome peninsula walk while we were there- on Banks Peninsula. There were awesome views. Even a rainbow. I got some great pictures on top of a mound of dirt that I climbed with a group I’m in for a project. Doesn’t sound intense, but it was scary as hell. Especially with the wind blowing. We went up to a place called Ohau Point where all of the baby fur seals play. It was AWESOME. They swim right up to you and stuff. We saw the adults and a lot of other cool animals at the peninsula. The next day, we swam with DOLPHINS. It was amazing. My first time in wet suits and shit. It wasn’t nearly as cold as I thought it would be. But the whole experience was just unreal. They would randomly swim right under you and with you. That’s definitely something I’ll never forget. I got a lot of cool pictures with an underwater camera… hopefully. Yesterday was probably the longest day of my life. After the dolphin swim, we toured with a man named Morris. He’s a Maori that lives in Kaikoura. He showed us the ways of the Maori, the indigenous people of NZ. It was really cool. They cooked for us in their earth oven. A badass way to cook I must say…. Today we spent most of our time on the bus, traveling to Mount Cook. The ride was GORGEOUS. And now we are staying in a really nice lodge. The girls cooked for everyone- guys are tomorrow. I have a busy few days ahead of me with a lot of school work. So we’ll see how that goes.
Until next time.
(Source: d-e-s-t-i-n-y-h-0-p-e)
Day three in Christchurch/Hinewai/Akaroa. BEAUTIFUL/AMAZING/WORDS CAN’T DO IT JUSTICE. We drove to a wildlife reserve type place up in the hills about 2 hours from Christchurch called Hinewai. It is on the tip of the peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean. It was breathtaking. And windy. Very windy. We hiked all over the hill. Saw a waterfall and a 500 year old tree. It was a little tough, and I was hot by the time it was over. I just love how everyone gets along so well. Almost like we have known each other longer than 3 days. There’s a really cool guy on the trip. He’s tall, into music, and photography. He’s got an old Olympia camera. Too awesome. Trying not to put my efforts into that though… Haha even though I would love to. I just not it’s more important to focus on me and the trip. But it is also great to build relationships. Anyway, after the hike and such, we rode the (scary, not fully functioning) bus down to Akaroa. An awesome little town on a harbor. We took a very big boat out onto the Pacific Ocean. The waves were HUGE. I got a little sea sick, but it was AWESOME. and fun. We saw the smallest species of penguin in the world. And a very rare dolphin. They were so small and cool. The day went by fast. And once again, it’s only eight, and I’m exhausted.
Goodnight. Until next time.
Christchurch is very cold right now. But beautiful nonetheless. I’m staying at the YMCA with 32 other students and two teachers. So far, everyone seems cool. I enjoy being in the company of everyone. Today, a local toured the group around Christchurch. They have been hit with numerous earthquakes in the past 18 or 20 months. So, they are currently rebuilding the city. I heard a lot of inspirational stories. A guy that is 24 started a group that has volunteered to clean up the damage. It really made me think about how I could be out doing things at home instead of sitting around on Facebook, or tumblr for that matter. Anyway, the city is so beautiful. It’s so modern and clean. And the people seem to be so kind. For the most part. I’m so tired and jet-lagged. We’re about to go out for dinner and drinks now since it’s only 6:54 in the evening here. Still not used to the time zones…. I can’t wait to soak up more information in the remainder of my time here and get to know the people around me.
Until next time.
So, I am leaving for a huge study abroad trip tomorrow. I’m going to New Zealand first, Australia second, and Fiji last. I’ll be getting 9 hours of credit. It’s a program through my school, University of Georgia. I’m taking an Art class, and Animal Behavior class, and a Life and Leisure class— all upper-level electives. Anyway, I really want to document all of my travels with my journal or this blog. This is my first entry. I went to Europe about 3 years ago, and I barely recorded any of it. I regret that. I want to remember every single place I go to, every food I eat, everything I feel, and everything I do. Hopefully some people will follow me through this because I plan on uploading some pretty awesome pictures (excluding these pre-departure pictures). I’ve been packing ALL day. My duffel bag is huge. I have a bunch of stuff, but I’m still a bit worried that I’m forgetting something. It’s so surreal that I’m about to leave. I remember dreading the application process for this trip. It’s one of those things where you’re like, “ehhh I doubt I’ll actually end up going.” Nope, I’m leaving at 11 a.m. tomorrow morning. I’m a bit nervous. Nervous that I won’t take it all in. That I’ll get too distracted by the people there or the difficult classwork. I can’t let that happen. The flights are a bit intimidating too. I haven’t ever really traveled alone or with people I don’t know. I’ve just gotta make sure I’m where I need to be at the right time. I’m a big girl. Leaving the unfamiliar is a bit scary. I don’t know anyone I’m going with, and I’m going to a new world. You know what they say: “Your life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” This will be a great experience. I can’t wait to be a bit selfish— learn things about myself. And see wonderful things with cool new people. I just need to emerse myself into the current moment always. And remember to keep track of all the places I go. Anyway, I’ve gotta get up bright and early. Wish me luck with my travels.
Until next time.
(Source: rrrachul)
Should I care? I know you care, but you don’t show it. Neither of us do. We’re both so stubborn. I let it show occasionally. I know you know. Is it worth it? Should we be together now? Is this right? So many questions. I think I’ll find the answer. If you’re there when I’m gone. And there when I return. It’s right.
