And it begins

Well here I go. . . .  a trip forty years in the making.  I'm off to New Zealand tomorrow night.  My first trip outside the country and my longest plane ride ever.  I don't look excited on the outside, but inside I'm beaming!

So why New Zealand???



He's gonna kill me for this picture!

Twenty years ago, while working at an outdoor science school in California I met Roger.  We've kept in touch for 20 years.  There are only a few people (aside from my family) that I've known as long as Roger


Two of the Macs

 I've seen him a few times in those years, the last being October 2011 when he brought his wife Andrea and two of their girls to the states. That trip let me get to know Andrea and the girls a lot better.  We Skype as much as possible.



My special New Zealand bank

During the past 20 years he never missed an opportunity to give me a hard time about not coming to New Zealand to visit.  Once I met his girls, they jumped on the bandwagon too!  They brought me many, many, many New Zealandy things including a bank to save for my trip.  So this past school year I taught an extra class and started preparing for New Zealand.  Passport, International Drivers License, new purple suitcases, new purse, new shoes. In February I made a countdown chain that crossed my wall several times.  Now I'm down to one loop!   My bags are full of stuff to bring to New Zealand. I am so excited to go.



The chain at the beginning

I hope to chronicle the trip for those that want to keep track of me.  I won't be able to post every day, but I will catch up when possible.  Also feel free to ask questions - I may not be able to respond right away, but I will respond.   I hope you enjoy my trip of a lifetime.