Alright I am going to warn you now, this may be a long post. I wanted to write one when I got to Auckland because I had a pretty long layover, but they only allow you 30 minutes of free wifi...if you wanted more you had to pay for it. Talk about strange.
Anyways, let me start from my flight out of LA to Auckland. First of all, I was nervous enough about flying so far...out of the country...over the ocean...to somewhere I've never been. I was bummed to discover that I didn't have a window seat. And the only window I could see out of just gave me a view of the wing...sweet. But it was dark for the majority of the trip so I guess it wasn't that big of a deal. So because I was in economy, I didn't get a fancy chair for sleeping. I just got a regular airplane chair that I was suppose to endure for the 12 hour flight. Awesome. Next to that, I had a fairly large women next to me who took up my entire arm rest. And on top of that, she spoke no English. So whenever she tried to order something, it was a guessing game the stewardess and I had to play. I also remember her stroking my leg when I was asleep because she needed to get up and use the restroom. So yeah it was a little strange. But before we took off, we were watching the safety video they present to us, which was narrated by Sport Illustrated swimsuit models, no lie! But right in the middle of it, the power went out. Which inevitably shut the engine off. So we had to get towed to a remote gate because all the other gates were full. So while they worked on fixing that...FOR THREE HOURS...we just had to sit there. Now this flight finally took off at about 1:30am from LA. And not gonna lie, I was a little nervous about it. But I was just ready to finally be moving. They served us dinner at around 3. I had chicken in this marinara sauce and something else with it. Not sure what it was but it tasted pretty good. Once they dimmed the lights allowing us to sleep, I could only get 2 to 3 hours of sleep at a time. But I remember waking up one time right when the sun was coming up. It made the left side of the cabin glow such a beautiful orange. I still had a long ways to go though.
Once I finally landed and departed the plane, on my way to customs Auckland airport greeted me with 2 liquor stores and just some general beauty supply stores. I thought it strange but then it hit me - I can actually purchase liquor here. No matter how old I am I just never feel old enough. You know? I don't feel old enough to be a junior in college traveling to New Zealand for a semester abroad. I feel like I have lived a solid 10 year of life, maybe. But 20, almost 21 years? Nah. I'm sure my parents can attest to that same feeling though. And I mean I just mention the fact that we are juniors in college and Cory just cringes. Crazy how time flies. I can't imagine how quickly this trip will go. At this point it's kinda what keeps me positive.
After my quick 30 minute chat with my closest friends and family on Facebook, I was left to watch the clouds roll on by as I stared out the window at my gate in Auckland. I could see the ocean and boy did it look chilly! I thought at first how nice it would be to go hang out on a warm beach and enjoy the ocean. But then I remembered it's winter here. And that wouldn't be too fun.
The flight to Dunedin seemed like nothing compared to the flight I just experienced. I even got the window seat so it made it even more enjoyable. At baggage claim, I was ecstatic to see both of my bags had made it. That was a big fear I had had the entire trip. But me rolling through the airport with 2 giant suitcases wasn't exactly my idea of fun. Luckily there was a kiosk near by that gave me all the info I needed about the University of Otago. They even directed me to a shuttle that would take me right to the building that would issue me a key to the flat I am staying in. Perfect. And I must say, the drive from the airport in Dunedin was absolutely gorgeous. We went through the cutest little country side full of sheep and cows and a few horses. It was right at sundown, too, which just made it that much more beautiful! By the time I was at my flat however, it was dark. Yes, 6:30pm and it was pitch black ouside. Gotta love winter.
My first night here was good. When I first arrived, all the lights were out and no one was home. It was strange. I was worried I was the first one here. But luckily one of my roommates showed up a few hours later. She is from Virginia. She informed me that one of the girls is out of town for the weekend and the other girls are supposed to arrive on the 30th. I spent the majority of my time last night setting up my bed and trying to stay warm! I don't know what it is but it is absolutely freezing in my flat! Even this morning as I type this in my sweats, long sleeve tee and a hoodie I'm cold. It's like I'm camping or something!
Well I think it is about time I start to get myself ready for the day! I have a lot to do! And it looks like I will be navigating by map considering I don't have a phone yet. Talk about rockin' it old school. I'll be sure to take photos while I'm out today!
Anyways, let me start from my flight out of LA to Auckland. First of all, I was nervous enough about flying so far...out of the country...over the ocean...to somewhere I've never been. I was bummed to discover that I didn't have a window seat. And the only window I could see out of just gave me a view of the wing...sweet. But it was dark for the majority of the trip so I guess it wasn't that big of a deal. So because I was in economy, I didn't get a fancy chair for sleeping. I just got a regular airplane chair that I was suppose to endure for the 12 hour flight. Awesome. Next to that, I had a fairly large women next to me who took up my entire arm rest. And on top of that, she spoke no English. So whenever she tried to order something, it was a guessing game the stewardess and I had to play. I also remember her stroking my leg when I was asleep because she needed to get up and use the restroom. So yeah it was a little strange. But before we took off, we were watching the safety video they present to us, which was narrated by Sport Illustrated swimsuit models, no lie! But right in the middle of it, the power went out. Which inevitably shut the engine off. So we had to get towed to a remote gate because all the other gates were full. So while they worked on fixing that...FOR THREE HOURS...we just had to sit there. Now this flight finally took off at about 1:30am from LA. And not gonna lie, I was a little nervous about it. But I was just ready to finally be moving. They served us dinner at around 3. I had chicken in this marinara sauce and something else with it. Not sure what it was but it tasted pretty good. Once they dimmed the lights allowing us to sleep, I could only get 2 to 3 hours of sleep at a time. But I remember waking up one time right when the sun was coming up. It made the left side of the cabin glow such a beautiful orange. I still had a long ways to go though.
Once I finally landed and departed the plane, on my way to customs Auckland airport greeted me with 2 liquor stores and just some general beauty supply stores. I thought it strange but then it hit me - I can actually purchase liquor here. No matter how old I am I just never feel old enough. You know? I don't feel old enough to be a junior in college traveling to New Zealand for a semester abroad. I feel like I have lived a solid 10 year of life, maybe. But 20, almost 21 years? Nah. I'm sure my parents can attest to that same feeling though. And I mean I just mention the fact that we are juniors in college and Cory just cringes. Crazy how time flies. I can't imagine how quickly this trip will go. At this point it's kinda what keeps me positive.
After my quick 30 minute chat with my closest friends and family on Facebook, I was left to watch the clouds roll on by as I stared out the window at my gate in Auckland. I could see the ocean and boy did it look chilly! I thought at first how nice it would be to go hang out on a warm beach and enjoy the ocean. But then I remembered it's winter here. And that wouldn't be too fun.
The flight to Dunedin seemed like nothing compared to the flight I just experienced. I even got the window seat so it made it even more enjoyable. At baggage claim, I was ecstatic to see both of my bags had made it. That was a big fear I had had the entire trip. But me rolling through the airport with 2 giant suitcases wasn't exactly my idea of fun. Luckily there was a kiosk near by that gave me all the info I needed about the University of Otago. They even directed me to a shuttle that would take me right to the building that would issue me a key to the flat I am staying in. Perfect. And I must say, the drive from the airport in Dunedin was absolutely gorgeous. We went through the cutest little country side full of sheep and cows and a few horses. It was right at sundown, too, which just made it that much more beautiful! By the time I was at my flat however, it was dark. Yes, 6:30pm and it was pitch black ouside. Gotta love winter.
My first night here was good. When I first arrived, all the lights were out and no one was home. It was strange. I was worried I was the first one here. But luckily one of my roommates showed up a few hours later. She is from Virginia. She informed me that one of the girls is out of town for the weekend and the other girls are supposed to arrive on the 30th. I spent the majority of my time last night setting up my bed and trying to stay warm! I don't know what it is but it is absolutely freezing in my flat! Even this morning as I type this in my sweats, long sleeve tee and a hoodie I'm cold. It's like I'm camping or something!
Well I think it is about time I start to get myself ready for the day! I have a lot to do! And it looks like I will be navigating by map considering I don't have a phone yet. Talk about rockin' it old school. I'll be sure to take photos while I'm out today!