OK... Here's another trip. Please allow me to set the scene for you as things have already become complicated. Long, Long ago, probably late yesterday I began packing. Upon starting, I also realized that I failed to do laundry recently and had no underwear. I'm pretty sure Australia is nude friendly, but I feel like the flight over would get weird. So I did a few loads of laundry, but got distracted by the Yacht Club and drank a bunch of pumpkin cider instead. It's seriously like straight out of Harry Potter good. It makes you feel warm with good feelings and tastes like pumpkin pie and happiness, and without all that dark wizardry and patronuses (patroni?).  I returned home re-invigorated by the Autumn flavors. Now, I can pack. 

So then I ordered Chinese food and after filling my belly promptly fell asleep in the couch with Siggi, who had been drooling on my empty backpack all night. 

I woke up at 7AM with a headache, I have no idea why. But I actually finished laundry. Packed my bags, Ran the errands. Cleaned the house, Gulped down some coffee and got a ride to the airport. Success!!! 

Except for the fact that nowhere on my ticket or receipts did it notify me that Australia requires a travel visa to be purchased prior to entering the country. It's at this point that I realized that my lack of planning has created some problems. I also realized that I'm never drinking pumpkin cider again, now I can only remember it tasting like pain and lies. So I expedited a visa online, paying a hefty fee over the normal price and I have not received my visa electronically. I also bought a liter of water which is apparently the magical antidote to evil pumpkin cider curses.  

Gotta check in! I hope I get to wear the sorting hat to get a seat. I'm definitely first class material.

Nelson - The Prince Albert

So, i went to meet my group today and in typical fashion I found myself there a day early. So, having stayed at The Prince Albert traveler's pub the night before, I made my way back and checked in for another night... It's awesome. There's an awesome beer garden, some interesting travelers and a community guitar!  And yes, awesome beer. I'm gonna take a rest day, as the remainder of the trip will be out in the bush and pretty vigorous. So, I'm hanging out in the beer garden listening to music and taking some short walks.  Overall an awesome day.  Gotta stop though, my Green curry chicken has arrived!

Boarding the Interislander

So I've got 7min and 33sec to write this post, so I'll keep it brief. I've had some difficulty finding Wifi signals in Wellington so my ability to post is a bit limited. I had a great day yesterday exploring the city and meeting some interesting people. I went to a great concert with a local indie band called Clap Clap Riot, who put on a great show. Overall a completely exhausting day! Here's some pictures from the morning... or not.  The computer is freaking out. But really, I have pictures.  Which apparently I'm posting later.

Chicago to San Fran

So, I just took my first flight on Virgin Airlines and it's kinda awesome.  Completely uneventful so far, but very relaxing! I've got nothing to do! I'm just sitting around having a drink watching futurama. There's also a channel dedicated to gopro footage which has me pretty excited about being outdoors in New Zealand! But perhaps it's the vodka tonics... Which are awesome. 

Flying to Chicago

It begins! One super-short flight from Indianapolis and I'm off!  We flew over Lake Michigan, which was mostly frozen. I've never seen that much ice before... Winter is definitely different up here. 

The high point of my trip thus far was finding a televangelist pamphlet wedged into the sky magazine. I am now utterly convinced I will burn in a lake of fire for eternity. To think, I could've gone on enjoying my whole life without this important moment of clarity! Although, given the time of year I'm sorely tempted by that lake of fire, as it seems preferable to central Indiana right now.  

PS:It's my first time in Chicago so I got a chilidog... Which, in hindsight, was a poor choice before 23 hours of flights. I may not make friends. 

Two More Days of Work!

Ok, I've only got two more days of work left until I leave for New Zealand. Even under normal circumstances I would be excited, but this winter has been terrible and I am about to lose my mind with anticipation. Please, allow me to set the stage. I have been completely alone in Indiana for the past month, prior to that I was working ~18 twelve hour shifts per month. I've moved twice in the last 6 months and it's been the worst winter for Indiana in the last 20-30 years. I'm super serious, I'm over it. 

Either way, I'm going to New Zealand for two weeks!  Starting on March 6, I'll be going on a camping safari trip all over the south island which, is the less populated one. From what I understand I'll be doing a bunch of hiking, kayaking, and swimming... so I'll probably be kinda exhausted. I'm gonna bring my camera and take tons of pictures!

The USA!!

Well, I'm finally home and I'm loving it. Again, I'd like to thank everyone who read this blog and made writing it worthwhile. I hope you enjoyed it! Hopefully, I will start a Med-Student blog soon. We'll see if I can find the time! To all of the readers who are thinking of travelling in Europe and want some advice, please give me a call. I'd love to help, and I might be able to help you avoid the Turkish Ravioli's and Bulgarian Border Officials! Best wishes everyone!