そんなわけで、～

so these funds that i have received recently had re-fueled my drive for traveling abroad. in the beginning of the year (or ending of last year), i had intended to do some volunteer work with orphan children who had lost their parents due to HIV in mombasa, kenya. the result? summer school had robbed my initial $300 deposit and time to do this project, and left me in a "boo" state. not even a word and very juvenille, but while in this state, i blew almost all of that saved money towards my japan trip this past spring break.

i figure i have about a little over a week of summer vacation after both of my sessions are over with, and chicago/canada first popped into my mind. chicago because i have relatives and victoria because of my friends i've made while studying abroad. furthermore, shunge had not been to the mainland yet. but little old selfish me does not want to give up an opportunity to go abroad versus going to the states, and new zealand's airfare this august was cheaper than usual and our dollar does go a little further than theirs. and among conversing with the tibetan monks at sera monastery, hiking peru's macchu picchu, and salsa dancing in the rain with a beautiful spanish lady in the cobblestone streets at night, new zealand's sheer beauty falls into the category of "must-see places before i die" category. well, no brainer; we are departing hawaii on the fourteenth of august.

after we depart honolulu int'l airport, we will arrive in fiji the next day (due to international date line) in the afternoon and have a nineteen-hour layover. all the more reason to explore fiji for a short while. the next day, hop on the plane for three hours and arrive in auckland. skiing is definitely on my agenda, as this time of the year is the southern hemisphere's winter, and picnicing with the picturesque new zealand alps for my backdrop and using a sheep for my pillow as i lay in some meadow will definitely occupy one of my days. ugh...just sugoku excited.

vacations are just so awesome as a means of not thinking about school or work and the like. but please do believe that my shit-talk will not discontinue, so i'll be sure to be posting blogs with photos during this time.