Apparently I'm Australian

Just 2 weeks away from being in sunny New Zealand and Im riding out the storm of the year here in Boston. I'm finishing up my packing today (woo hoo) and I cannot wait to get on the plane! I'll be making a stop at home to spend x mas with my folks and then January 8th I'm off!
As I pack I'm following the detailed list that ISV (International Student Volunteers) has given me. However, along with the list are emergency contact numbers, consulate info, power wattage info and general things you might need to know that are differences between your home country and New Zealand. Unfortunately, ISV thinks my home country is Australia. "The Australian exchange rate is....the number for the AUS consulate is....the food you will eat will be just like Australia" These are all really great to know....but I'm from America. They are sure going to be surprised by my accent!
I got a great day pack at REI, cant wait to fill it up! Its got a water bladder and even a rain cover!! Also, Ive been applying copious amounts of self tanner so I don't look too pasty! Ha Ha.
Tomorrow I'll Update the Itinerary so you can follow my journey across NZ.
Until next time....

34 Days!

In just over a month I will be flying across the United States, then crossing the entire pacific ocean to arrive in New Zealand. I'm looking forward to my first two weeks there where I'll be volunteering on a conservation project. It will be so fun to get my hands dirty and help save the planet, even if it's just a little bit. The second two weeks of my trip will satisfy my thirst for adventure! I will be kayaking, white water rafting, black water rafting, jet boating, horse back riding, glacier climbing; and that's only the beginning! I cant wait to experience the culture of New Zealand. What I'm most looking forward to, however, are the friends I'm sure to make along the way. I'll Keep you all updated as I find out. Next week I should have my packing list!
Until next time

Looking Forward

So Ill be in New Zealand in less than two months! how exciting!  Until then I'll packing and preparing.  I've been reading up on the country, its history, geology, and cultural relevance in the polynesian community. 

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting with Scott Dowd of the New England Aquarium.  His passion lies in the conservation of amazonian rain forest to save one small fish that fuels the economy of a region.  He introduced me to Dr. Les Kaufman who works with a global conservation group to try and save the oceans.  Their dedication to conservation inspired me.  It makes me so happy that not only will my trip be and adventure it will be fulfilling in every way.

until next time..

t-65 days Until New Zealand

Several thousand dollars later and I am officially confirmed to be in New Zealand the Month of January 2010. I'll be volunteering on a conservation project and taking the adventure of a lifetime. I have wanted to visit New Zealand since I was a child, but seeing the Lord of the Rings films solidified it for me. Ill be travelng from Boston to Reno to go home for x-mas, then Reno to LA, and LA to New Zealand. Ill be blogging along the way so my readers can follow up on my adventures.
Until next time...