Over the giant pond

I made it. I made it through 3 flights, one 4 hour, one 13 hour, and the last piddle of an hour one. It was a trip, both figuratively and literally. Somewhere along the line I lost all concept of time. I had left home at at 5:10 pm Wednesday. I arrived at my final destination at 8 am Friday. It was still Thursday at home.

Good luck trying to make sense of it, especially when on the plane.

The last flight was the killer. I had to drag myself onto that thing. After conquering a 13 hour journey, just having to board another beast was brought fatigue.

Despite my initial grumpiness, the last hour gave me an adrenaline burst. The windows did not hold the infinite black ocean or just clouds any longer.

Mountains. Mountains the whole ride, cutting through the top of the clouds with jagged peaks. I couldnt help but lean over the dude next to me the entire way. I grew up a Midwestern kid. This was on the level of the hobbits seeing minas tirith after knowing nothing but the shire.I had never seen anything like it.

I was picked up by some of Tyson's flatmates and being a typical American, attempted to enter the car on the driver's side (right side) and then commented about how odd it would be to drive on the left side of the road. I passed out upon arrival.

The next thing I heard was Tyson's laugh. We reunited. I missed him quite a bit and its just great to hear his excited laughter and poodle talk once more. Already I have heard "Whats with you and poodles?" in an Australian accent. I could only smile.

Speaking of which, part of the reason I chose New Zealand for my first out of US experience was the fact they spoke English as well. And while its true they speak it, there is still a daily struggle to understand what they hell anyone is talking about.

New Zealand-isms so far:
Pissed = Drunk - yeah...that got confusing. "Why were you pissed? At who? You were ALL pissed?"
How are you going? = How are you doing?
Cheers = Good bye or Thank you. I havent determined if its both or what yet.
Z is not pronounced Zee but rather "Zed"
Fuckall = jack shit

Tyson and I have been busy looking at flats in Christchurch, where the first few months of my NZ journey will be spent. Its a gorgeous, quaint city complete with trolleys and cafes galore. The park is larger than all Chicago parks combined and many times more beautiful. Pictures will be posted when we move in, probably later this week.

Its winter here, but it feels like fall to me. Ive dealt with Chicago winters, this is really fuckall. In Tyson's current flat we make a fire in a woodburning stove at night. I had my first experience chopping wood with an axe. Its as satisfying as it sounds.

The first few months will spent with weekend trips and possibly a part time job in Christchurch, getting acclimated to the country and hopefully making a few friends. I am considering buying a van for when I leave CC and begin to tour the country. We shall see.