8,977 miles

2·12·2017

It’s currently 71 degrees fahrenheit and sunny in Auckland, New Zealand.

As I lay in my bed typing this, it is 13 degrees fahrenheit outside, amid a nor’easter that is expected to dump a foot and a half of snow. It is now less than two weeks until I board a flight in Boston and head toward, presumably, the experience of a lifetime.

I’ve spent the past two months counting down days while surfing the online shopping world. Ordering things from bathing suits, to an outlet adapter, to hiking boots. I ordered a packable raincoat I have yet to figure out how to pack. And I Packing ordered a packable backpack that came prepacked, that I haven’t unpacked out of fear that it will suffer the same fate as my unpacked packable raincoat. Let’s just say, I have a lot of packing ahead of me. It’s very intimidating. The program tries to guide us with online PDFs and past student experiences. It says (ad lib): “a dufflebag, a school backpack, a hiking pack, a carry-on, and a rolling bag that could undoubtedly fit a small human, or a combination of a few of these. The seasons are opposite, so spring is fall, and winter is summer. It’s warm but not that warm, but kinda cold too! They’re trendy, but casual. Pack enough, but be sure not to pack too much! lol good luck, see ya there!” It’s puzzling, to say the least.

I’ve briefly scanned the participant list for my program (and by briefly, I mean I’ve practically memorized it). The people on the list are from places like California, Florida, and Texas. One person goes to Temple University – my alma mater severed by homesickness and a higher than average crime rate – so that should be an interesting conversation. I’m the only one from New Hampshire, which got me thinking, what do I say for it if anyone asks? There are trees? Politicians? A lack of seatbelt laws? Perhaps a ‘New England Patriots Super Bowl Champions L1’ shirt or the slip of the word “wicked” will reveal my origins before I do. I’m beyond excited to meet people from other parts of the country, as well as the kiwis, of course.
10 days. Several monotonous work days. 3 Lord of the Rings movies. A packing list to intimidate even the most weathered traveller. 20+ hours of traveling. 8,977 miles.