Catching Up

So obviously, keeping up this blog is not as easy as I thought it would be. So much has happened since I last talked to you guys. I'll just start from the top.
First, we did two activities with the Maori people. At the first location, we did some volunteer work and then were accepted into their village. It was so cool. They made us lunch and they explained the intricate details of their rituals and history. It is amazing that they have been able to preserve their culture so well when compared to Native Americans. Anyways, we also went to a more touristy location. They put on a show and fed us a huge meal. It was cool, but not as fun as the real thing. We also learned to do a Maori dance. It was super embarrassing.
The next day, we headed off for OPC (outdoor pursuit center). But before we got there. We went bunjee jumping. It was so freaking scary and exciting at the same time! I can't wait to go again on a bigger one. Afterwards, we ate at a place called Hell's Pizza. It was amazing. Apparently all the crappy food in NZ is way better than America's good stuff. Go figure.
Anyways, we headed off to OPC next. And it was probably the most challenging 5 days of my entire life. The first day wasn't so bad. We did a low ropes course and some other team building activities. Our last one was to use wooden planks to get from one side of a creek to the other. We broke them and fell in. It was hysterical. The next day, the activity was kyaking. Unfortunately for me, I got really motion sick because I was trying to save my patches. So, I just took a nap that day haha.
The third day was the best. We climbed a mountain! It was actually the mountain they used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings. It took all day, but we made it. Unfortunately, you aren't allowed to summit completely because of Maori law. But, we got to the top of the ridge and it was amazing. It was snowing a little bit and the view was amazing. We were up so high thatmany of our cameras didn't work. But, I promise to upload tons when I get back. Oh, I also took a pretty nasty tumble down the mountain. It was more embarrassing than anything. But, it left some pretty nasty battle scars.
The forth and fifth days were the most ridiculous of all though. We were all tired and sore from the rest of the week. Then, they made us hike with our 20lb backs almost 25 miles to and back from this clearing in the woods where we camped in the middle of the night. The temperatures were below zero. It snowed. We got lost. And, there was an easier route that our guides knew of all along and didn't tell us. We were upset to say the least. I would go into the details of how we hiked up three sets of stairs, then up multiple hills, in the dark, then slid down the bush hills in the dark. But, that would just be complaining wouldn't it ;P.
Any whoo, we left OPC yesterday and arrived in Wellington yesterday night. This morning, we did a volunteer project at a school creating paths through the woods. It was fun and felt nice to do even though we were sore and tired.
Tonight, we went shopping and we are headed to a bar to watch the rugby game. Anyways, I miss you all and I will be home soon. With plenty of pictures and full on details. XOXO Julie

Hello Friends!

Sorry that it has taken me so long to update this since arriving in NZ. They don't have free wifi here, so I was waiting for a point in time when it would be worth it to pay for some. Anyways, I got here safely and I am having a blast. The first day that we got there, the only thing we did was go out to eat Mexican food and then sleep.  I am still a little bit jet lagged, but it is getting better.

The second day was more fun. In the morning, we listened to 2 different speakers. Then in the afternoon, we took a ferry across Devonport. Devonport is one of the islands that is a dormant volcano. But, this one is particularly cool because it was used during war time. It is full of tunnels and caves. So, did a little exploring. The caves were dark and our leader, Gavin, made us go through them without any light. Once we finished, he convinced some of us to do trust falls off a cannon. It was super scary! But, the motto for our trip is if you get sweaty palms, then it's worth doing. And although it was a risky thing to do, none of us died or got hurt. So, it was worth it. Then, we got lost going back to the ferry with Gavin, so he led us through a construction area which was off limits but way better. And since rules are more like guidelines here anyways, it was worth it. We ended the day by going out to eat pizza. I know we haven't had any other food besides stereotypical American. haha

Yesterday, we went into a Maori (the indigenous peoples) village. We did some volunteer work planting some bushes that are original to the country. Then, they welcomed us in and cooked us a huge lunch. It was amazing. Unfortunately, I was unable to bring my camera in with me for this part. But afterwards, they thought us some of the language and the history of their tribe. We ended or day by driving back to Rotorua. We are staying in a hostel here and since there are so many hot springs here, the pool is thermal heated. And, it is amazing. We spent hours in it last night just hanging out. 

Today was activity day. And again, I don't have pictures because I was doing the activities. So, I will upload them once I steal them from other people. Anyways, we started by going luging. We raced these carts down cement tracks down the side of a mountain and it was sweet. Then, I went and and did one of those fake skydiving tubes. It was hysterical. Finally, we went zorbing. Zorbing is riding in plastics balls down a hill. Just do me a favor and google it. 

Now, we are getting ready to go do some more Maori stuff. I will just have to update you later on that. Anyways, I love and miss you all. See you soon. 

Fly Time

So, today has not been the most exciting part of my adventure. Full of flying, I've been pretty bored all day. Luckily for this trip, I have the motion sick patches which have helped a lot. For the most part, I have only gotten sick once; which is pretty good considering I get sick just being in the IMAX theater. Anyways, I don't have much to write other than that I miss everyone and I can't wait to just be there... just 2 more long plane flights to go. Hopefully, I will be meeting up with some of the other students here in LA. Then, I won't be flying completely alone.

Anyways, welcome to LAX ...
Wish me the best of luck and send me your prayers as I reach NZ! Also, depending on the availability of wifi when I arrive at the next airport, I may or may not have a post for tomorrow. Plus there is a 16 hour time difference, so who knows when the next post will actually come up on your time!

Preparation and Packing

Aotearoa is the Maori's (the indigenous people of New Zealand) name for New Zealand. It is often translated as "land of the long white cloud" and that is where I will be headed tomorrow morning. I can't believe it that the time has already come for me to leave! I am super excited and a little bit nervous for what is to come, but I know it will be great. 
This is my first trip out of the country where I will be going without anyone I know. It's a big learning opportunity (as it should be because it is a study-abroad trip for school), and I am up for the challenge. Obviously, I am creating this blog so that you too can be a part of my adventure. And as much as I am making this for my friends and family to follow along, it will also serve as a journal of my trip. 
Anyways, I've almost finished packing. And, I hope that you will enjoy my many post and pictures along the way. My first picture is of my luggage (super exciting, I know). But, I figured I would use the opportunity to practice with the camera that my grandparents gave me for my birthday. (Thanks Grandmama and Papa!)