E noho rā Aotearoa

The time between when my dad was here and today, my last day in New Zealand, seems to have flown by. I can't believe I'm already leaving, living in Auckland for 6 months has made it seem like home.

As I sit in this lovely egg-shaped chair in the Auckland airport, I've been thinking about the things I'll miss most about New Zealand...

1. Being in a city that's clean enough to walk around in barefoot...

2. ...especially when the beach is within walking distance.

3. Amazing sunsets (and the occasional double rainbow) 

4. The excessive use of "as" after almost every adjective, and other Kiwi terms like "heaps", "keen", "gutted", "bro", etc. And playing off of that...

5. The accents. They've become almost unnoticeable now, but I'm going to miss hearing the delightful Kiwi accent and having to ask people to repeat themselves at least twice.

6. Fush 'n' chups 

7. LOLLIES. 

8. The additional "u" in certain words. Neighbours, colour, favourite...it all seems so much better when you spell them that way

9. The unique hipster/surfer/preppy fashion combo that's become a pretty normal everyday sight

10. And last, but obviously not least...all of the fantastic people I've had the privilege of meeting over the past 6 months. Kiwis and people in the program alike, I've had the wonderful opportunity to make new and close friends that I'll miss heaps (ha) when I get back to the States. Reunions/concerts/Kiwi-themed parties are definitely in the cards this summer and next semester, but it still won't be quite the same.

I have more than enough souvenirs, trinkets and clothes purchased here to remind me of the amazing time I've had, but I'm sure I'll be looking through the pictures on my computer at least once a week for the next several months as I go through withdrawals from the fresh air, greenery and overall New Zealand vibe.

Peace out New Zealand...I'll be back.

xx T