Packrats Anonymous

Hello. My name is Bethany, and I have become a Packrat.

Have you ever tried to pack your entire life into two small suitcases?
If you haven't, don't try it.

I'm not sure why this whole packing thing seemed like an easy task in my head, but I was clearly delusional. Things that I thought were mere essentials are spilling over the top of my bags, casualties of what I like to call "Tiny Suitcase Syndrome." Why must my bags be so small?? I have never been one to bring a bunch of crap on trips--even when I moved to college, I had a shockingly small amount of stuff (I swear, ask my freshman roommate if you don't believe me!), yet my beloved possessions are just too much for this minuscule luggage. But I'm not going to succumb and add another suitcase--I won't do it! Part of this whole study abroad experience is to push yourself, to face new challenges, right? I guess my first challenge will be deciding what my true essentials are. I suppose I can sacrifice some of my cuter clothes...the Kiwis will just think I'm some American neanderthal in yoga pants and an oversized plaid. Oh, well. At least I'll be a neanderthal in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.

Oh God.

I haven't even tried to shove my hiking boots in yet.

Anticipation

Twenty-four days until I'm on a plane, and the anticipation is starting to take over. Two of my amazing roommates, Laurel and Sarah, have already begun their international adventures, and so I have resorted to stalking their blogs and living vicariously through their experiences. So tonight, with the help of my best friend Molly, I decided to create a New Zealand Bucket List to help curb some of my excitement. Here are some of the highlights: 

-Go bungee jumping

-Visit the Shire

-Hold a koala bear (Australia)

-Drink cider on tap

-Pet a sheep*

-Get to know a rando in a cafe

-Go wine tasting

-Go tramping (hiking)

-Kiss a Kiwi (bird)

-Kiss a Kiwi* (human)

-Learn at least one Maori curse word*

-Find P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney (Australia)

-Waitomo* (go caving) 

-Attend the Garden Festivals in Christchurch

-Get a spa treatment*

-Try at least one seemingly repulsive food

-Go to a rugby match

-Go to the Auckland Zoo*

-Buy a hand-knit sweater

-Go sailing in Auckland

-Go horse trekking in a national park

-Take a Maori Heritage tour

-Take at least two spontaneous road trips

-Catch a fish*

-Go trap shooting

-Swim with dolphins

-Take a kayaking tour

-Dress like a tourist* (fanny pack included)

-Have a brunch date*

-Chill in one place for at least three hours*

-Write a new piece at least once a week

-Pull an all-nighter with great friends

-Learn to cook some native recipes

* indicates a Molly creation

I am so looking forward to beginning my time in Christchurch. In the meantime, styling doll hair at American Girl, spending quality time with my amazing family and friends, and stalking my roommates will have to do. 

I'll take it.