Am I really going home already?

Are you sure I really have to leave? I cannot believe how fast these last 5 months have flown by. It has been the absolute best experience of my entire life. I have met so many new friends, seen so many different places, and just experienced some of the best things of my life such as scuba diving and sky diving! These are moments I will never forget.

We had to be out of our hostel at 7 pm, so we had a van pick us up and take us to the airport. The unfortunate part was that our flight wasn't until 7 am... so we had 12 hours to spend in the airport. It was a good thing that we had some cards to play with. I taught all of the girls how to play 3-13, a card game that I play with my grandmom and family! Sara loved it! We played so many rounds of it. We must have played cards for 4 or so hours!

We finally were boarding the flight. I cannot believe we are actually going home. It still doesn't feel real.

 After a long ride, we finally landed in Philadelphia and were welcomed by our families!

It was so nice seeing my parents, sister and friends! I cried instantly as soon as I saw them!

This was a much needed mommy hug!

Because I was starving, what better place to go eat than Pat's Steaks!?!? It was my grandmom's first time there!

It was so nice being home and being able to cuddle with my sissy!

I still cannot believe I am actually home in America!

Waiheke Island

Today we are off to Waiheke Island for a tour! 

We took a boat ride over and it was a beautiful day!

Such a beautiful view.

So many beautiful beaches.

Today on our tour, we actually met another girl from Philadelphia! There were about 4 other girls on the tour with us. They were all so sweet. Our driver was also amazing. She told us so much about the island. We saw many different vineyards, beaches, different properties and so much more. There are different private communities on this island that only the rich people live in. There are only a few different schools on the island too. Overall it was a great day and so nice to see another island.

Bay of Islands Tour

Our next trip was to the Bay of Islands. This reminded me of Airlie Beach whee there are just many different islands all around each other. We took a boat out around the islands and were able to see many dolphins which was awesome!!

If you look in the middle of the picture you can see two dolphins diving into the water.

The dolphins loved being close to the boat. The employees on the boat were telling us how the dolphins can hear us and know that we are there and watching them so they show off for us!

Our next adventure was to the Hole in a Rock!

On nice days when it isn't windy, the boat we take actually goes through the little hole in the rock on the right. But it was too windy so we were unable to go through it.

I could not believe that the boat actually goes through there!

On Thanksgiving, since New Zealanders do not celebrate Thanksgiving, we decided that we still needed to celebrate, so we enjoyed a nice lunch at Denny's. It was nice being able to relax and enjoy a good meal.

After lunch, we then went to the aquarium! My favourite! This was the van we took over to the aquarium since it was about 15 minutes away.

There were so many penguins swimming and having a blast.

This one even gave me kisses!

Oh my! I was getting eaten by a shark!

This sting ray loved the camera.

I even saw Nemo!

Dory too!

So, there weren't any turtles on display, so I asked an employee if they had any turtles in the aquarium  incase we missed them. He said they had two turtles in the back that were currently in rehab. This aquarium takes in hurt and sick animals and put them through rehab until they are healthier. So the man took us back to and we got to see the turtles! I told him how turtles are my favourite and how he made my day!!

Once we got back from the aquarium, I facetimed my family because I wanted to say hi. It was Thanksgiving and everyone was still over my house at home so I wanted to see them all!

It was so nice being able to FaceTime my Grandmom,

cousins,

parents and sissy!!

Arrived in New Zealand!

We finally made it to New Zealand! Me, Sara, Becca and Siena were spending a week in The North Island of New Zealand, staying in Auckland. We had a few different trips planned this week and I was very excited.

Because New Zealand does not celebrate Thanksgiving, they starting decorating for Christmas already. This big Santa Clause was right on the main intersection, so it was a great view! Because we were missing Thanksgiving, it was making us excited to be home with our families for Christmas.

This is the Sky City Tower which is a beautiful site to see, especially at night.

One of the things we had planned was a trip around the island just to get a better understanding of New Zealand. Our first stop was the Navy Museum. It was so interesting. There were many different stories that were framed in the Museum, including letters to wives about their husband's passing.

 I thought the different medals were really cool. Depending on their level, they received different medals and badges. I sat there for a while and read all of the different meanings which was neat.

The view was spectacular. Although it was a bit rainy and cloudy, it was still amazing. New Zealand is a beautiful country.

On our walk home, we saw a man who looked like a statue, and then once someone gave him some money, he changed to a different position. He really scared us when he moved because we all thought he was a statue. Becca then gave him some spare change and he changed positions which was cool.

In New Zealand, they have warm cookies that they can make into an ice cream sandwich. It's called Mrs. Higgins and it is so beyond delicious. That was always our dessert!

Our next trip was to the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. I was so excited for this as a bunch of friends told us to go to these places. The Waitomo Caves were caves in NZ that are lit up by thousands of little glow worms. While in the caves, you cannot use your phone or take any pictures because any lighting affects the worms, which then ruins the caves.

The greenery on the way to the trip was unbelievable. It was very hilly and just a sight to see. I have never seen greener land ever! It was amazing.

Once our boat ride through the caves finished, we were able to take pictures of the outside of the cave, so that is what it looks like.

We now were on our way to Hobbiton which is where The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were filmed! How cool! Although I never saw the movies, it was still so cool to see.

Us four ladies!

The hobbit houses may have been the cutest thing I ever saw. They were amazing. It was such a fun trip. We learned the story behind the land and the movie set which was cool! I really enjoyed this trip. Now I have to go home and watch the movies!