Preparations

Although all of our plane tickets are dated October 2, this journey really began on March 17, 2011.  An idea that at the time seemed outrageous.  Beth and Adam found themselves wanting to travel after graduation, so when Beth's farrier suggested that they travel around his homeland of New Zealand she found herself suggesting it to Jeff and I as well.  At this point in our lives when we all have college degrees, but all lack serious careers, it was easy to agree that moving to New Zealand for a year simply for the adventure was something we would be interested in. Adam's brother Nick was also very eager to embark on this journey with us.

Now, it is one thing to say you want to move to the other side of the world, and another to actually do something about it. We knew it wouldn't be an easy feat, and I was absolutely sure I knew nothing about New Zealand, let alone how to start a life nearly 10,000 miles away, but I was also absolutely sure there would not be another opportunity like this one.

New Zealand's aging population allows for the vacancy of many jobs for younger adults.  The country actually recognizes this need, and the United States ability to fulfill the need, by offering working visas to US residents that fit this age bracket, among other requirements.  Sooo, after confirming both our good health and good character, we were one step closer to becoming kiwis!

Since March it has basically just been a saving game... working like dogs to have enough money to enter, live, and leave New Zealand, under the impression we will have jobs there.  We have booked a hostel for the first 2 nights, expecting to be tired and somewhat disoriented.  Our flight comes into Auckland, which is NZ's largest city, pop. 1 million, which will be a great place to get started in buying camping equipment, a car, and other essentials.  From here we will travel the North Island in its entirety, and proceed onto the South, where we expect to fall in love with a city there and settle down.

We have most definitely learned a lot in these past couple months, and know there is so much more to come, but I have confidence that between 5 people, we can survive this adventure.
I will spare you the boring details of tax numbers, exchange rates, and choosing the perfect purple sleeping bag, but here are a few facts to better acquaint you with the life of a kiwi:

• Total Population 4.1 million TOTAL
• You can snowboard all day, then go home and surf :)
• NO SNAKES!
• Marlborough region produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc
• Inviting neighbors to all our your outdoor BBQs is a must!!
• They produce copious amounts of affordable organic fruits and veggies 
• There are more sheep than humans!!
• In its entirety (North, South, and surrounding islands), it is about the size of Colorado
• Our chances of actually catching a fish in this years are very high

I am writing this blog (along with my fellow travelers) as the most efficient way to communicate back home to my very large, loving family.  I hope to make this the most accurate portrayal of a year in New Zealand as possible.  Please leave any questions and comments you may have, and expect lots of pictures post-Oct 2nd!!