take-away kiwi toasties, uni, and left side driving.

It's official - I am in Wellington, New Zealand! The journey getting here was anything short of an adventure, but looking back, it was all worth it. From majorly overweight bags, short connection times, running marathons (as fast as close to 150 lbs. of luggage would allow you) through 3 airports in flip-flops, calloused hands, blistered feet, completely losing a day somewhere over the ocean, and the most turbulence I have ever experienced during flights, I am so glad to finally be in this wonderful place.

I arrived early yesterday morning around 8:30 a.m. and really didn't have any jet lag. A car picked me up, and my 150 lbs of luggage, (however, I'd chose to haul that luggage a good distance instead of having it lost both ways like it was in Italy just a few days prior). It didn't even cross my mind that they would drive on the 'wrong' side of the road until the driver got in the car and started driving. It was wierd at first, but I quickly got used to it. My parents arranged for me to stay in Hotel Intercontinental until I could check in to my room and get it all set up. Since I was wide awake and couldn't unpack, I decided to go for a run to explore the city a bit. It was great - so cool, a bit windy, and sprinkling. The hotel is right on the harbor, so the view during the run was breathtaking. It wasn't so breathtaking when I discovered my room key had slipped out and I quickly ran back to the hotel. Everything worked out. The rest of the day was spent discovering the 'unwritten rules' of NZ while I did some shopping for the dorm room and exploring of Wellington.

Here it goes:

1. Never go anywhere without chapstick, handlotion, and an umbrella. The wind can get out of control sometimes and lips get chapped, hands get cracked, and rain gets blown.

2. Be prepared to walk most places. Word for the wise: buy the 'heavy' things on your way BACK from shopping instead of towards the beginning.

3. Hair days are usually great here. Even in the rain.

4. "No worries" is an extremely popular phrase here. I don't know how that got in my vocabulary prior to me coming here, but I'm glad it did. I am totally fitting in already!

5. Apparently I am going to "uni" while I am here. Figured it out yet? That is short for "university". Smarty pants. Contrary to the popular question asking me if I am here on "holiday."

6. "Toasties" - my new favorite 'go-to' New Zealand food. Think of it like an American panini. Except with regular sandwich bread. Like a toasted sandwich. But like a panini. Anyways, they are popular at little cafes. My favorite has chicken, pesto (love me some pesto!!), mushrooms, and tomatoes. They'll pretty much put anything you want in them.

7. "Take away". Apparently that is the New Zealand phrase for "to-go". I like it better. It has a much less 'fast food' connotation.

8. Wellington is such a wonderful town. Wellington:coffee shops::Orvieto:gelato shops. They are all over the place. Good thing I love cappuccinos now! Oh, and they decorate them so pretty. I love cinnamon and sugar in mine. Be careful - they are stronggg.

9. Just like the driving direction here, running on the left side of the walkway will help you blend in as a 'local'. If you insist on running on the right side of the walkway, it is like you are wearing a neon sign saying,"I am a tourist. I do not belong." I almost had a collision with a runing group during the first 5 minutes of my first run. Talk about the potential of learning your lesson the hard way!

10. The farmer's market is every Sunday morning by the harbor. If you know anything about me, you'd know I love love love farmer's markets and fresh fruit. The combination is lethal. I have flowers in my hotel room and some fresh fruit that is almost gone. Thanks and gig 'em.

11. Everything closes early on Sundays. That means I was too late to get a 'toastie' again tonight. Darnnnn.

12. A good pair of slippers is crucial. My feet get soooo coldd!

13. There are lots of hills here - definitely a good hill workout for running. If this keeps up, hopefully I will be a few pounds lighter, and a decent runner when I get back to the States! I do not miss the temperature in the hundreds there and could run for hours here!

14. Leggings are so popular. I don't know how the girls stay warm in them! I get chilly in jeans. I will keep trying to brave the cold.

15. I guess it is not a big deal if girls shave their legs during the winter here. (yesssss!) I mean, to my advantage, the extra leg hair definitely keeps me warmer!

Well, thanks for reading. I am excited to start orientation in 2 days and then classes. The campus is great as well as the people. I will post pictures of the city and my room as soon as I finish everything up. Have a great day mates!