Post Spring Break

“Do something everyday that scares you” - Eleanor Roosevelt

I have seen this quote everywhere. I first read it on a card written in a nice font and ever since it seems to be haunting me. It’s an amazing, inspiring quote that really has got me thinking. I feel like I have grown up so much since being on the complete other side of the world, alone. Which is not entirely true, as I’ve said before, the international students are quite the family. I just feel so independent - especially on voyages. I left Fiji traveling to Auckland, rechecking bags, transferring airlines, going through customs, and repeating to Wellington. If you know me well enough, it is well understood that I would be frustrated and extremely confused during this process. But I felt under control doing all this. That’s only one example. But in all honesty, going abroad is the best thing I could’ve done and am SO happy I decided to face all fears and just go.

Today was the first day back to uni. My plan was to wake up at 7, head up at 7:30 and do tons of work before my 12pm lecture. That didn’t go so well, I slept in a bit but ended up getting there at 9 and monkeying around on the internet. Which I guess is justifiable, as I still have not gotten connected at my flat. I just felt so exhausted all day- catching up with people, lecture, and just that “back to school” feeling. I’ve also been thinking about Bailey and how weird it’s going to be when I go back home and she isn’t there :( . So it’s been kind of a weird, exhausting day.

The trip to Fiji was absolutely AMAZING. I highly recommend you all travel to Fiji. Tell all professors, bosses, families that I “made” you go and just drop everything. Hey, you can even come stay in Wellington for a few nights! :)
My favorite day there was traveling to an inhabited island. We were able to snorkel, lay on the beach, and drink. Our favorite was probably floating around in the clear beautiful blue water drinking a beer. Megan kept picking up sand dollars like they were rocks... so common there. The snorkeling was pretty. We saw some tropical fish and lots of blue/indigo star fish. The coral was all alive and pretty as well. Megan asked the Captain if she could drive back and sure enough, he allowed her to drive the yacht (with other families aboard) for about 45 minutes. I was amazed!
Fiji genuinely was paradise. I definitely would love to go back at somepoint and spend a good two weeks there. The time flew far too quickly. Any takers?

Hopefully tomorrow (Tuesday) is a more productive day! I leave for the Bay of Islands Wednesday night at 8:30pm. I’ll be flying into Auckland (1 hour flight) and leave in the morning for the Bay of Islands (45 minute flight). I’m super excited and will hopefully have a chance to do some snorkeling and/or parasailing. It’s supposed to be “the” vacation spot of New Zealand.. so we’ll see! I come back on Saturday at 6:30 pm. Then that week is going to be insane! I will really have to focus, do homework, and go to all classes as.... I’LL BE IN AUSTRALIA the week after! I am veryyyy excited for that trip!
The first few days I’ll be right outside of Melbourne with Marnie’s parents and family then I’ll be heading to the Gold Coast to visit JP at his school abroad.
Should be heaps of fun.. I can’t wait to continue all my traveling!
Lots of pictures here... I will update Picasa (Album connected to blog) at somepoint.