New Beginnings and Such

Even though I am miles away from home, it still hasn't hit me that I am.  It feels like I am on vacation! The initial goodbye to my family and friends was hard, but once I took off from LA, I wasn't nervous at all.  I feel like I am meant to be doing this right now. I made it to my home safely, with hardly any problems.  Although, I almost forgot my sleeping bag at one security checkpoint...after thoroughly embarrassing myself at that same location.  I bet security was glad to see me back!! The plane rides from Auckland to Dunedin were just as I pictured it to be...huge green hills next to the ocean!  I also saw a couple of mountain ranges, freshly topped with snow.  The people are so gracious here, and I first saw that with the flight attendants; I have never met such open and friendly people.

I arrived in Dunedin to snow (!!!!), although it didn't stay.  It is quite chilly here, but nothing compared to a Minnesota winter!  My flat does have heating, although we only put in on before we go to bed because electricity is so expensive here.  I met all my "flatties" (roommates) and we attempted to have our first dinner together last night...but jet lag hit me and I fell asleep on the couch.  I felt so bad, as my Kiwi host made a delicious pasta with chicken and mushrooms.

As soon as I find a plug adapter, I will post some pictures of my plane ride and of the view I have from my driveway!