Hello, 

I finished all the paperwork, got my visa, passport, and camera now all I had left is to pack all my stuff for a WHOLE year in my new pretty purple piece of luggage! (try saying that 5 times fast). Boy was that a stressful experience. After hours of packing then weighing and unpacking then weighing again we finally got the luggage under correct weight.

In the beginning there may be more than one article per week since things are happening so fast and they are happening quickly and everything is new and exciting! I apologize in advance that there may be some “disconjointedness” within this post since I am trying to include so many points of interest.

Well, I figured I would do a post about what I know about New Zealand before I went and that way we’ll be able to know how much we gained from this experience abroad.

Now I have to warn you, I don’t know very much about New Zealand so anyone who is from there or has been there please don’t be offended by my ignorance. Originally, when I heard New Zealand I thought it was up near the Netherlands, which surprisingly enough I am not the only person who has had that thought. I’d say 1/3 of the people I ask don’t actually know where New Zealand is. Don’t worry though once I heard the “Kiwi” accent I realized it was on the other side of the earth from there near its neighbor Australia! So New Zealand (NZ) is an island in the South Pacific, most famously known for the Kiwi bird and because it was the location J.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” was filmed.  Basically this is the extent of my knowledge of New Zealand beside that it is gorgeous!

Rugby is a very popular sport here! For those who do not know what the game is, it is similar to American football except a little more “manly” seeing as how they do not use pads or helmets. Also some differences are you can only pass backwards and to get the ball forward you can kick or run the ball. They have “2-point conversions” still however I believe they have a different name. Please forgive me if any of this information is scrambled or messed up it is my understanding from an explanation from a couple of Au pairs I met here from France and Germany, so it is my mistake if there are any inconsistencies! Any who here are some pictures from the game and of my first ever rugby game.

The girls and I went to a real French restaurant that served traditional French food of course! For those who are not aware crepes are a very popularly known French food so that is what I ordered! Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of my food but it was very delicious!

  Today was Bailey’s Birthday party which was quite an exciting event with rock climbing, trampoline jumping, ice cream cake and other “Nibbles” (snacks/food), lego-playing, and a movie at the house there at the end. I think the 6 seven year olds+ 3yr old Brooklyn had a blast and were worn out as much a little unlike the adults who were completely worn by the end.

I’m sure I will post some more adventures soon!