This is What I Have to Look Forward To

A friend in one of my classes that recently came back from taking a group of recreation management students to NZ recommended this video to me. These kids are seriously adorable. I couldn't understand half of what they were saying, but this video definitely brightened my day (which desperately needed some brightening).

Just 2 More Months!

So my flight to New Zealand is exactly 2 months from tomorrow. I'm getting so excited! We had our second prep class today, and I did a presentation on the city of Christchurch (located on the South Island). What a beautiful country! Christchurch alone is full of amazing things to see and do. Since it was settled by English explorers, it is kind of a mini-England. There's a really European feel to the city. Some places I really want to go are the Botanic Gardens (ranked among the best in the world), Cathedral Square, Akaroa (a french settlement within Christchurch), and the Avon River (where you can go "Punting on the Park" in classic Cambridge punts!)

Christchurch's Botanic Gardens

Akaroa

Cathedral Square

The Avon River

 So needless to say, this prep class is getting me pretty excited to go. I'm learning a ton about the culture, the school system, and the beauty of the country. And as if the prep class wasn't enough to get me overly excited, a guy I recently met in my ward served his mission in New Zealand and gave me a list on Sunday of things I need to do/try while I'm there. Here's what he suggests:

-buy Bundaberg Ginger Beer and Peacheee

-Tim Tam Slam

-try a mince and cheese pie at a bakery

-also at the bakery, try the puddings and other desserts

-go to a fish and chips shop and get 1 fish and a scoop of chips

-also at the fish and chips shop, try a deep fried mars bar (don't do this too much--it might kill you)

-play tough rugby with some kids

-learn a Haka from the kids

-learn some Maori works such as "kia ora" (hello), "whanau" (family), and "haere mai" (welcome)

-learn the slang

-go Zorbing

-Love it! Enjoy it! Relax!

So I'm basically counting the days now until I get to go (especially because I just made my last payment on the trip, so I'm definitely feelin it financially already). I already know that this is going to be an opportunity of a lifetime, and I'm so grateful for the experiences I'm going to have while I'm there.

Until next time... E noho ra!