NZ is so close

With only 4 days before I leave, it seems I've entered the final count down. Everyone I know is asking me the same thing, "Are you ready? Are you nervous?" Am I ready? I think so. Maybe. Am I nervous? Of course I am! I think I do pretty well at adapting, though. The move from Hawaii to Oregon for college was shocking and exciting. I was so afraid that I wouldn't survive so far away from home, but I've been making it for three years. I know I will be fine in New Zealand. I'm excited to discover how this experience will change me and help me grow. I just can't believe the past two months went by so quickly. I almost thought February 20th would never get here.

As promised, CU has sent me half of my refund check. The remaining half has been mailed to me and may be in my mail box tomorrow. Another huge relief. Financially, I am set for this trip. I have enough money to pay for tuition at Otago, school books and supplies, rent at the flat, utility bills, food, and I still have extra to explore and have a great time in the country. A lot of that comes from the nice exchange rate from US dollars to NZ dollars. Right now, 1 USD = 1.88 NZD.

I'd love to be able to see more of the country. I've been corresponding with other American students and it seems many of us would like to visit the North Island sometime during the semester. Also, one of my flat mates has mentioned that she has a bit of an obsession with the Lord of the Rings trilogy and would love to visit some of the movie sites. Lucky for us, Queenstown and its surrounding areas were used as site locations for Middle Earth. Queenstown is not very far away at all. I've also heard it's a really great area for bungee jumping and sky diving :].

I've also explored the university's website and stumbled across the site for clubs and societies. I'm especially interested in the Cantores Choir, which seems to encourage international students to join, even for a semester. It seems like an awesome way to get to know a lot of kiwi students. AND the choir travels around New Zealand for performances. I know, totally awesome. I'm also really interested in doing volunteer work in Dunedin. I think it would be amazing to help out the community there in any way I can through the university's Volunteer Otago program.

Anyway, thanks for sticking with me. I know these early entries have been a bit boring, but I promise they'll begin to be really exciting very soon.

Four more days until New Zealand.

I honestly still can't believe this is really happening. It all seems like a dream. I think reality's going to settle very quickly on Friday.