Hello New Zealand

So it was exactly a month and a day ago that I left Southern California, and one day less than a month since I arrived in New Zealand. Oh and by the way, happy rarest date of the year today. Well, I've met a ton of unique people from several different countries all over the world, which currently works out to be too many Americans and not yet enough Kiwis. I've gone through one orientation already and am almost finishing up another, but was fortunate enough to have a three week break to travel around the South Island between the two. Here are some notable spots we stayed and things we experienced: Overlander Train, Wellington, Ferry through Marlborough Sound, Kayaking in Kaetiritiri, Hanmer Springs, Dunedin and Tunnel Beach, Catlins Forest, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Routeburn Track, Queenstown, Puzzling World in Wanaka, Mt. Aspiring National Park, Franz Joseph Glacier, Arthur's Pass, and Christchurch. Of course the details of the trip are the best part, but that's just a little too much for me. I'll throw in details as I put up more pictures, which will most likely be sporadic.

So now I'm living in an apartment in Auckland and attending the University here for the next four months. I don't start school until Monday March 3rd, which means I'm still currently on summer break. That sounds good to say at this time of year. Still everyday is filled with exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. The next four months have a lot in store for me, I'll be posting words and pictures on here whenever I think it's worthwhile.

Here is the view of Mt. Momus from our second campsite on the Routeburn Track. I was just out taking pictures and was completely taken by surprise when the moon began to rise behind my subject.

And here is the view a short walk from our first night's campsite. That is Lake Mackenzie behind me with a couple of good lookin' peaks and clouds behind it. I've been places that compare in beauty, but it is difficult to say that I've ever experienced a landscape so vast.