New Zealand: Too Close to Antarctica
Wow! It is hard to believe that it is already the last week of classes. It feels like I just left home headed on a journey half-way around the world, like I was just moving into my hostel, like I was just sitting through international student orientation, or like I was just excitedly preparing for mid-semester break. While classes have been different and sometimes I may get frustrated living with “first years,” I have fully enjoyed being in New Zealand. I feel as if I have a new “home away from home.” However, I’ll never forget the morning that I left my real home. I debated and debated about bringing my winter jacket with me. I had looked at plenty of weather averages for New Zealand and wondered if I would really need a jacket. Since it was a two piece jacket, I thought maybe I would have a use for one (never both) of the pieces at some points and decided to bring it. Not only did my bright pink jacket serve as a blanket and pillow on my flights, it has also kept me warm over the past several weeks. While time has gone by pretty quickly, the chilly weather is a reminder of just how long I really have been enjoying my time abroad. When I first arrived in New Zealand, normal dress was shorts, t-shirts, and jandals and once back in the United States, I’ll be able to wear the same. I’m looking forward to that J