Final Blog

My fondest memory of the trip was all the good times I have had with the people here. I really enjoyed the scenery here as well, but I think it is not necessarily what you do, its who you’re with. Being on this trip has in a way brought me out of my shell, since I’m normally a shy person, and do not know many people since I commute to school. However on this trip I have met some really amazing people that I want to remain friends with for a long time. I definitely will miss this place more than anything, and I plan on coming back again to New Zealand, possibly for school. The things I have seen here will stay with me forever. I can’t really describe how I feel right now though, I miss my family but at the same time, I want to stay here. I have learned so much here doing field practices such as beach profiling and tramping. I have seen many similarities here that remind me of America, but also some obvious and even humorous differences.

I think my biggest challenge this trip was the Tangoriro Crossing. I have never tramped for that long in my life, and it definitely was a test of endurance. It was really intense in the beginning, but the climbing lead to some beautiful views that I will never forget. The descent was interesting as well, going through a rainforest environment after going over the mountains was very interesting in the respect of seeing the contrast of the two environments.