Final Blog

Looking back on the month of January, I cannot believe how much we have accomplished in such a short time. I am sitting on the plane, on our way back to Philadelphia, and it is bittersweet. I am excited to see my family and friends and share with them all my stories, but at the same time I am very sad that this trip has come to an end.
It is hard to choose one thing as my favorite memory. I have experienced so many amazing things. Black water rafting, zorbing, bathing in mineral pools in Rotorua, being sung happy birthday in Maori, dining with the neighbors in Waiheke, wine tasting, the Tongariro Crossing, boat trip to White Island, and of course all of the beaches. I guess my fondest memory will end up being a combination of these things. I will think of the beautiful landscape of New Zealand, from the beach, to the ocean, to the mountains. I will remember the views on the Tongariro Crossing and the cruise around the bay of Islands. I will even think of the endless hours of staring out the bus window at the farms, sheep and mountains in the background. Whenever someone asks me about my trip to New Zealand I will immediately recall the most gorgeous landscape I have ever seen.
As for overcoming my biggest challenge, that would have to be traveling half way across the world without originally knowing anyone on the trip. I was nervous coming, and knew that it would not take long before making friends, however I could never have guessed how close the group would become. I have met amazing people that I am now privileged to call my friends. One of the hardest parts about the trip coming to an end is not seeing everyone everyday. Although we are all going back to UD, it won’t be quite the same. All good things much come to an end, but I am so thankful for being given the best experience of my life.