There and Back Again: A College Tale

Things we Hoots have done since we last talked... Texas Vacation Ben and I visited Ben's grandparents and extended family in Texas during my spring break. It was my second time in The Lone Star State, and we had such a great time! We spent one night in San Antonio and the rest of the week at Ben's grandparent's home. It was so nice to finally meet Ben's extended family; they were all so welcoming and kind. The main event in Texas was definitely eating. From the famous three-pound cinnamon roll to all the Texas fast food chains, I feel like we spent the majority of our time eating! Girls' Trip Grace, one of my best friends, got married in May, and the week before, we took a quick trip to Nashville and Franklin to celebrate. We stayed at an Airbnb for the very first time, and it was incredible! The place was so nice, and we had a wonderful time together. It is very rare that the four of us get to spend time together these days, so having almost two whole da...

Palmerston North, NZ On Monday, I packed up my dorm room into my two pink suitcases. Everything fit just perfectly, even though I’ve accumulated quite a collection of T-shirts, Salvation Army finds, and other souvenirs. I actually left three pairs of shoes behind, which gave me some extra room in my bags: New Zealand wears your shoes out! Since Sunday night, the international students have been slowly leaving Massey University, and I was able to say goodbye to most of my friends before I left. Some are travelling for a few weeks before they head home, others are going home soon. I’m the first American to head home, and I’ve really gotten some tough comments from some of the more adventurous (and quite possibly wealthy) Americans about being so excited to leave. (“Why are you so excited to leave this beautiful country?” “You should travel more before you leave! Live a little!”) These comments usually come from people who don’t have a boyfriend/girlfriend back home, aren’t particularl...

On Friday, Kristi, Kendrick, Chandler and I took a break from studying and drove three hours to Taupo to cross something very exciting off our bucket lists.  We went bungy (or bungee) jumping. Bungy jumping was first commercialised in New Zealand in 1988 near Queenstown in the South Island, and since 1991, over 350,000 people have jumped at Taupo Bungy in the North Island. Yesterday, I joined that number of brave souls and experienced the thrill of a lifetime.  At Taupo, jumpers fall 47 metres (51 yards) before reaching the Waikato River below, making it the highest "water-touch" bungy jump in New Zealand. (Although, I didn't get to touch the water. I don't weigh enough, and it was kinda chilly the morning of the jump.) The facility is highly professional, and the likelihood of injury is very, very slim. Bungy jumping is completely safe, given the jumper is healthy and has no previous injuries.  We originally decided to do this when we found tickets o...

This past week, I visited the Young family in Sydney Australia. Here are the day-by-day details of my trip! Brace yourself for a rather long post! Friday, October 16th I took an overnight bus from Massey to Auckland. The ride was around eight hours total, although it felt much longer. I was able to sleep a little, which was nice, since my flight left at 9:00 on Saturday morning.  When I wasn't sleeping, I was studying a little for my upcoming exams.  (Honestly, that's probably what I should be doing right now instead of writing this.) The top of the double-decker bus was packed, and it swaying back and forth was a little scary.  Saturday, October 17th The bus arrived in Auckland at around 6:00 AM, and I made it to Auckland International at 7:00, via shuttle bus. Travelling by myself made me feel like such a responsible adult! Other than the flights to New Zealand and a bus ride or two, this was the first major "solo traveling" I've done. I'm actua...

It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.  You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet,  there's no knowing where you might be swept off to. - JRRT This past weekend, I went on an adventure. This isn't one of the grand, outdoorsy adventures I've been on so far on my trip. (Let's face it. It doesn't get much grander than living out of a camper van for ten days.) In fact, this adventure took me to the most touristy, most anticipated spot in the North Island of New Zealand. This weekend, I went to Hobbiton; the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and the other half-lings from the popular book and movie series The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.  Disclaimer: I haven't actually read the LOTR books. I did read The Hobbit in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have seen the movies, mostly because my boyfriend's family is a little obsessed with all things Tolkien, and with good reason. (Love y'all, Hoot...

I’ve discovered that for me the most difficult thing about studying abroad is finding balance. Here are some tips for students who are studying abroad or want to study abroad in the future! Balance between being present and communicating with the people you love back home. Keeping in touch with your family, significant other, and friends is vital when you’re away from home, especially when you're gone for months at a time. It provides a link between your life in your new environment and the life you left behind (and will get back to soon!). Every email, text, and Skype call is so wonderful, and it will help you feel connected to everything going with the home folks, even when you’re thousands of miles away. Still, it’s a sacrifice. And I don’t mean just for you. Sure, you may be taking time out of your day that you could be using to study, see the world, or hang out with your new friends in order to communicate with your old friends. But, your loved ones back h...