Queenstown

I'm in Otago where sheep outnumber people 9:1, people don't lock their doors, you can walk or hitchhike everywhere, and backpackers inhabit the public parking lots.  So far I've learned you don't need to refrigerate eggs, there are no paper towels, trash bags cost $2 each, neked means tired (not naked), arugula is called rocket, and no one else uses American billiard rules.  Queenstown's population is ~10,416, so it's quaint, but also known the world's most extreme sports destination.  You can do anything from river surfing to canyoning and it was the birthplace of bungee jumping.  Since arriving, there have been nonstop new experiences, not very much sleep, and travel journal entries are getting longer and longer.

First smooth move in Queenstown- I left my cell phone on the plane.  Charlotte, flight friend from UK, watched my bags while I ran out on the runway to get it back from security.  Running on the runway would definitely get you arrested in USA, but here, no worries.  The people living around lake Wakatipu are from everywhere, Brazil to Czech Republic to India to you name it.  Tourists are everywhere getting in their last vacations as Summer winds down, but there are also a lot of young people on work visas and sponsorships.  I'm the newbie trying to adjust.

Lauren and Katie live in a 5 bedroom house with Alice and Gronya (Irish), Steve (Aussie), Laura and Lea (German), landlord Nick (weirdo), and now me and Nick C (VT friend).  Everyone gets along really well even with just 2 bathrooms.  Nick C arrived from Southeast Asia on Saturday with -$2.28 in the bank, hadn't eaten a meal in 3 days, and slept in a McDonalds the night before.  He doesn't have a raincoat because it got ruined by banana sap when he was working on a banana farm in Australia.  You can't make this stuff up.  Right now, the 4 of us are sharing this room...

Lake Wakatipu has crystal blue waters bordered by massive mountains.  Each day we try to get in some fun outdoor activity like a hike, disc golf, kayak, etc.  Town is a 5 minute walk, and there are tons of cool shops and galleries.  On Sunday we went to a BMX competition down the road, and the past two days Nick and I have been going door to door in town on the job hunt.  I have a trial shift at a seafood restaurant tomorrow.  Today I drove on the left side of the road for the first time to Glenorchy to ride for a position as a horseback riding tour guide at Dart Stables.  Dart is one of two yards touring the land used to film Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, and Willow. They had 8 horses in Lord of the Rings and a few in the recently filmed Hobbit.  On the 2 hour trail ride we waded through a few streams and saw the Misty Mountains and Mount Doom.  Horseback riding through paradise for a job interview? Boom.  They want me back on Friday for a 6 hour ride. I have been slacking on taking pictures, and I honestly don't think pictures do this place justice, but I'll try.

City of Sails

Kia Ora from Auckland!  I've been trying to catch up on writing for days, but there's no down time here, which I love! After having my boots bleached at the airport (biosecurity standard) and learning to cross the road with cars driving on the left side (by almost dying), I settled at K Road City Traveller hostel on Karangahape Rd (main strip of clubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, loud people at 2 am, etc).  As NZ's main hub, Auckland is home to 1/3 of the country's population and a pit stop for travelers starting or ending their trips.  Not an Italian restaurant in sight, but there's a Starbucks, McDs, or Wendy's just around the corner.  You can get any kind of authentic Asian food you ever wanted in Auckland, and so far I’ve had the best Turkish, Chinese, and Indian foods of my life. 

My first friend in NZ was Willi, a German who did a month in Sydney, a month in NZ, and USA (LA to NYC) is next. My hostel mates were Jane from Melbourne and Julian from Munich.  Jane is a mother of two on vacation from her family for 10 days.  She was a big backpacker in the 80's "when backpacking was real good."  At 23, Julian has lived in Cuba, Kenya, India, and is now finishing a full year in New Zealand.   He is flying home to surprise his mom for her birthday! Our mate Cecily is Irish and has been to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. The travelers are outgoing and interesting.  Everyone wants to know your plans and where you're from.  

I managed to trump jet lag.  Willi and I walked all over my first day.   On day two, Julian and I visited the Art Gallery downtown; easily one of the coolest museums I’ve ever seen, content and architecture.  New Zealand artwork draws heavy inspiration from nature.  Descriptions of modern pieces speak of natural elements like stalactites/ stalagmites, the landscapes of different regions, mountains, birds, etc.  The Maori art is like nothing I’ve ever seen. 

University of Auckland’s city campus lies in the middle of downtown and runs along the beautiful Albert Park, a large garden and festival site.  I walked the length of Queens St strip, saw Sky Tower (looks a lot like the Space Needle), and walked Princes Wharf and Auckland Harbor.  It's lovely there but typical urban.  I can't wait to get to the South Island, where sheep outnumber people.  I want to hike and kayak my way around all the lakes and mountains! More to come soon. Cheers!

LALA land

Yep, this town is another world.  I was told I'd love it or be intimidated, and I think I've experienced both. The scenery and people watching are top notch.  Alex was the BEST host, and his friends are all very cool and creative.  

We walked Venice Beach to Santa Monica, rubbed elbows with the semi-famous at a Grammy party, met Skrillex, explored Hollywood,  had a saturated fat food frenzy at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, cruised Beverly Hills, ran into Lou Ferrigno, and now I'm at  LAX.  It's officially sunk in that yes, I am moving to the other side of the world. I think the waves of nausea are excitement, but I may be getting a little nervous too.

I get to time travel over Valentine's Day (leave 9pm 2/13 and arrive 7am 2/15).  Can't say I've ever gone through a wrinkle in time, so that is also pretty exciting :) Goodbye USA.  Next stop Auckland...

In transit...

This week flew! The days weren’t long enough to do everything I needed to do and see everyone I wanted to see, and my vicious procrastination problem didn’t help matters.  One nugget of advice to anyone preparing to take a long trip; do not wait until 6pm the night before a 7 am flight to attempt..

fitting this... 

... into this

                   >>

It will make you want to cry.  With the help of my master traveller Dad and James  for moral support I managed to get it done.  Now I am sitting in Chicago O’Hare, running on about 2 hours of sleep, and bracing for my first trip to LA! 

I somehow upgraded to first class for this whole trip, also a first.  Did you know drinks are free and in flight meals actually taste good up there?! I will be back in the cattle car for the long haul to Auckland on Monday.  Another fortunate point of the trip was good company.   My first class flight mate was a man named Larry from my hometown who now lives in Napa as a wine vitner and international wine critic/consultant (holy perfect job).  How do people get so lucky?  His experience includes a stint in the marines, international business, a few years with Gallo, blabla…etc…  His bottom line: just work hard at what you love doing.  Good advice, but is it that simple?  He gave me his card, in case I need a job when I get back from NZ….

Sorry if I’m rambling, 2 hours of sleep, forgive me.  My goals for this trip are to become a master kayaker, to keep a positive attitude no matter what, and prove to myself I can do this… get empowered (like how it goes in those hallmark or lifetime movies).  Maybe when I get back I’ll have the guts to call Mr. Larry the California wine guru and ask for a job.   Jumping in headfirst can get you a broken neck, but sometimes that leap of faith is what it takes to get what you want.  

PS I found out my Mom is a really awesome rock climber yesterday.  Seriously. GO MOM!

Last day at Duke!!!

January flew by! I haven't appreciated how lucky I was to end up in Raleigh/Durham until now on the verge of leaving (holy crap I'm moving to New Zealand?).  First, best first job ever. My labmates, coworkers, boss, and other Duke staff are AMAZING, inspiring individuals! 

Counter Lab- I can't thank you all enough! In addition to learning  science and managerial skills, I've listened to a lot of new music, become a pro at "The Princeton Word Game", learned how to blow up a sink with dry ice and how far mice can jump, and tried REAL Chinese food.  I've been exposed to the healthcare system from many angles and the reality of Cancer.  Cancer affects individuals and entire families.  It also poses a serious, growing problem to society, but there are so many brilliant people working for a cure.  Donate, read, get educated.


No words can describe the past two years in NC with my new friends, brother, roommate, and boyfriend. To save you from verbose sappiness, you guys mean the world to me and THANK YOU!!!

People keep asking why I chose New Zealand.  Besides my love of traveling, studying abroad, and of course my two good friends there, this idea started on a flight to Maine last May.  I was sitting next to a Boston business man on his way back from a golf trip.  He told me about his two sons, beautiful wife, and the couple years he spent in Southeast Asia that changed his life.  He took off for Australia after graduation with 2.5K and a backpack.  He went all over till he ran out of money, and then got a job in Singapore where he worked till earning enough to get back.  Overall, the adventure took two years, but he met his wife, made great friends, and developed the plan for the business he owns today.  How can you not get fired up hearing a story like that?! I'm not expecting the same life changing experience, but how often do you get a chance to take the plunge and live somewhere completely different?  Not often. Bring it on!

Off to celebrate my last weekend at Raleigh at First Friday!!! Thanks for reading XO