The first from NZ

Hello Wellington, I am here!

Yes, that is right, I made it halfway around the world. Well, to be technical, I have gone so far that I am beginning to come around back again, but whatever. It took me 20 hours, 4 hours in transit on the ground, and several helpers to get me and my two carry-ons and three bags to Mckenzies here in Wellington. But I made it, and that is what is important.

I have spent all day today getting all the important stuff done. I have visited the embassy, put all of my stuff in my room (although it is not unpacked), set up a checking account, and walked all over Wellington getting acquainted with my new home. I really like where my dorm is situated. It is close to everything. I have to walk up the hill to get to my classes (and by hill I really mean small mountain), but it's cool. I am just thinking of how I will be in great shape by the end of it!

This is a good weekend for me to be exposed to Wellington because there is a huge rugby match going on. The British Lions (I believe) are playing the All Blacks, and there are a ton of British people here to prove it. There are no more rooms for rent in Wellington, so the British people are staying on a cruise ship docked in the harbor! No joke, I saw it myself.

My first impressions of Wellington are great. I think I am really going to like this city. I can walk everywhere, and it is really not that cold right now. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 50F, I believe. I was fine in my winter coat and my t-shirt, although I have a turtleneck on now.

My host family, the Jacobsons, are wonderful. They are very nice and have already helped me out with so much. They met me at the airport and had two complete sets of bedding, towels, a desk lamp, AND a heater for me. The heater is key because my dorm, as I thought, has no heating. I can't wait to go visit their Rotary club here. I wonder how it is different from mine at home.

I have not met my roommates yet. I know that they are a boy (named David) and a girl (name currently unknown). I think they are home for holiday right now. I am going to try to be unpacked before they come back. This is a daunting task.

That is about it for now. It's a brilliant Wednesday here, so for all you USA-ers, look forward to tomorrow! :)