Leaving on a Jet Plane

The last few days have been great. Micah got back from his trip to the South Island and so me and him rented a car and headed north. We went up to Cape Reinga (the very most north part of New Zealand) and also visited the Bay of Islands. The weather cleared up and we were able to take a boat ride to see the infamous hole in the rock out in the Pacific Ocean, and also many of the beautiful islands in the bay. Cape Reinga was also interesting because you could see where the two oceans met out at sea.

I also managed to see the Kauri trees which apparently are 1000s of years old.... and I finally got my chance to drive in New Zealand, which very much to my surprise was not as hard as I had expected (considering they drive on the other side of the road.... and also they have some other interesting road rules that are different than the US).

Yesterday was very nice. I made reservations in Orbit which is the restaurant that revolves around the top of the Sky Tower... so my friends joined me for lunch up at the top. There was a wonderful view of Auckland from up there, and I also got to enjoy a very very delicious lamb shank meal... yum.

Today I went to the Sylvia Park and did a tiny bit of shopping....

My trip to New Zealand feels very complete, and I am very very happy that it feels that way, because tomorrow night I'll be boarding the airplane which will be headed back to the United States.

I am so lucky that I was able to come on this trip, and I feel like I've learned a lot about the world, and matured quite a bit since I left. It's been very hard to say good bye to all the friends I've made while I was here, but I am so happy that I was able to met some many awesome and interesting people... and I am sure I will be able to keep in touch with them.

So although I am quite sad about having to leave behind my friends, I am very happy to be coming home to see all of my family and friends whom I had to leave behind when I embarked on my journey overseas. It is going to be a very nice Christmas this year I think! :)

All that's left for me to do is finish up my packing and cleaning my room. I do plan to update this blog a bit when I do return home, so be looking forward to checking that out.

I'll see you tomorrow Mom and Dad!

Cheers,
Shawn