A Few Closing Statements

Since I last wrote I've travelled [almost] halfway around the world.  My last days in Dunedin were spent taking exams and bidding farewell to friends.  I was saddest to part ways with my flatmate Rachel, but it's a small world after all.  I also got my first ever traffic violation trying to get to the airport on time.  Woops.  120 in a 100 zone.  No worries, I just have to pay the $80 fine the next time I come into the country (which is hopefully at a time when I'm a bit more....financially stable?)  We did make the flight on time, however, and flew into Wellington, an artsy/hip city on the North Island.  The Te Papa museum, home of a colossal squid with eyes the size of soccer balls, inspired me to order sushi for dinner that first night.  Yumma.

With six girls in two cars and luggage overcrowding the seating spaces, we toured a bit of the North Island, despite the shit weather, including Taupo and the Bay of Islands.  After sleeping in the car for a few days, we took a much needed swim in the Pacific but continued to eat cold oatmeal and kiwifruit for nutrition.  Three of us were able to stay with a friend's aunt for one night and had the luxury of hot oatmeal and fluffy towels.  A day in Auckland concluded my New Zealand semester as we met our Kiwi friend, Alan, for dinner and a drink in the Sky Tower.  A wonderful ending!  The flights home weren't too bad and I was able to see Nicole and Allie in LA for a few hours before coming back to Detroit.

There are already little things I've noticed in the beginning phases of reverse culture shock.  Tipping makes everything expensive.  Cars and roads are now opposite?  Time zones are strange.  Americans really are loud and often obnoxious.  However, our internet and phone bills make sense here.  There's central heating AND air conditioning and you'll always get at least one radio station in the car.  Our universities have school spirit, free printing, and only a week of the dreaded exams.  And although I'll miss spreading manuka honey on every piece of bread I eat, it does not compare to my love for peanut butter.  No one else does it right.

Thank you so much to everyone who's reading this because if you are it means that you care and you have had something to do with my semester abroad.  The advice and love I've gotten from you all is much appreciated.  I've learned so much the past five months and please don't be surprised or offended if I stutter when you ask how it went.  It's nearly impossible for me to sum up what has been my life down under, but hopefully you've gotten a taste of it through this blog.  Love and cheers!