Yes, They Do Drive On The Left Side Of The Road...

Hello again! The family is now in Lake Taupo, enjoying breathtaking scenery. We took an Emirates flight over, where both Mom and Dad watched 27 dresses, while I got to enjoy A Bug’s Life. After arriving in Auckland, we rented a car [grey station wagon] and started our supposed 4 hour trek to Lake Taupo. And yea, they drive on the left side of the road. So- I became the navigator/Face of “Yonker family morale” in the front left seat, Dad was the driver in the front right, and Mom sat in the back trying not to react to Dad’s driving and the steep New Zealand hills. I have to admit I feared for my life multiple times, and the falling rock signs really didn’t help. The opossum was just as scared as I was after Dad slammed on the breaks to avoid hitting him. After we got to the unheated cottage, we all found comfort in the heated beds. Oh wait- I forgot to mention that we took a wrong turn, so our drive was extended to 6 hours and we stopped and enjoyed pineapple and cheese sandwiches at a local cafe. However, everything went well today- and we drove up to a ski hill and swam in hot springs. The average temperature here is 11degrees Celsius, but it was snowing in the mountains/volcanoes… so zero degrees or lower [I try not to look]... hope Illinois is just as refreshing!

Smiling in Sydney

Well, we made it safely and we are all having a great time. The traveling went smoothly- Thanks for all your prayers and an extra thank you to everyone who went out of their way to say goodbye!!

So far we have explored, been very adventurous, toured the opera house, visited Wildlife world, found 20,000 bats in the Royal botanical gardens, hiked the blue mountains, rode the steepest train ride in the world, watched the sun rise in the harbor, toured the historic district, and my favorite- “partied” with a bridal party on the 36th floor of the Shagri-la Hotel. Yes, we went up to see the city via the bar on the top floor of the hotel, and then a very nice, intoxicated Aussie bought me my first drink [peach puree and Champaign]. We then found out he was part of a bridal party and the bride invited us into the party room. Mom and Dad made friends with everyone and soon I found Stewy singing “Girls just want to have fun” to me after he found out that I live with 70 other girls. This city is absolutely beautiful and people are so much fun. It actually feels like a dream- I’ve been thinking about it and planning for such a long time, that I can’t believe that I’m actually here.

Oh- and I almost forgot to share my athletic club experience. I ran one morning and agitated my planter facitis (sp?), so I decided to visit the V Club for this morning’s work out. The club was decked out in Metamora colors (black and red) that were quite intimidating. Aussies must sleep in because only 3 people were in the 4 story gym at 8:45am. So, then I had the great idea of doing a spin class. I should have turned back at the sight of the “Mountain Room” where it was located. But, I decided to tough it out and soon found myself sweating like never before due to the commands of some guy that looks like he drank Gatorade since infancy. Seriously- I have never seen anything like him (and I have seen a-lot of work-out junkies). It was a tad bit hard to understand him due to the Aussie accent, and at one time I thought he screamed “Come on everyone- lets get married” but he just said “Lets get em, Mate.” The music was techno- for a complete hour, which I have to admit is frightening when all the lights are turned off and Mr. Big Muscles was yelling. If I would have known, I would have brought my glow sticks to brighten the mood.... Well, after feeling pain… lots and lots of pain, I completed the intense hour session with the incredible hulk. It was a very entertaining morning, and the story was worth the sweat, tears, and … you get the picture.

Tomorrow we leave for New Zealand!! We will be there until the 4th of July, when I meet up with my group. Hope all is well back home! Love and miss you all!

p.s. For all my Indy house girls- I had crepes here!! They were yummy, but not as good as the ones made on the 426 Berkley griddle!

Tres Dias

Three days. Seriously?!? [Insert Alicia's hand movements]. I have visited a Target or Wal-Mart every day, but thanks to visits of some great friends I am getting really excited about leaving. The family and I will be leaving on Monday, and then heading to Sydney, Australia. The total flight time is expected to be 26 hours [including our flights to Chi-town and LAX], and I say bring it on. I really do love flying- great people watching. In fact, you get to see people at their finest hour. I actually have a laizee-fair approach to the whole ordeal, since I've gotten used to it. Another reason I love flying= the flight attendants on these flights have sweet accents and they give you good food. And, my favorite- personal TVs. Although I am the only child, the remote is still a prize possession at our house. Now, I can watch old movies, play games like a 5 year old, and then listen to what ever music I like... for 16 hours! I am almost done with the doctor visits, and today's agenda is full of conversations with whoever will listen about what exactly I should take. Hope everything is going well for you, and give me a call before I head out if you have time!

The photo above is my farewell to Lexi, my beloved car that will be sold while I'm in NZ. I begged Mom to take of the hood ornament, but she said no...

7 Days and Counting

The idea of being on the other side of the world becomes more real each day, and this morning it definitely hit me. It is an adjustment to come back to Metamora [Now officially Germantown Hills- we’ve moved out of village status! WooWho!!], and I can only imagine the adjustment when I get there. Even if I spend three hours trying to sort things out, I only make a dent in it. And by dent, I mean the small ones that happen when someone swings their car door open to fast, not the big baseball bat dents when people see them and go “ohh…”.

But really, please pray that I become more confident and trust God to take care of me. It is scary seeing myself react this way, since all the other times I’ve traveled abroad [including the last time to NZ] I had the “Go get em’ mentality.” I have a feeling that as soon as the clothes go into the suitcase, I’ll be feeling a lot better about things. If you know me, you know I’m a planner- and I can’t really plan anything right now, which leaves me totally out of my comfort zone.

Speaking of packing, I found out yesterday that I need to bring a sleeping bag. First- why? I really want an explanation. Second- talk about too big! I’m choosing between my favorite sweaters, pants, and shoes [necessities] and now I have to pack a sleeping bag…. Looks like I will be making my first abroad purchase earlier than I thought.

Take care and enjoy the beautiful sunshine today!!

Kia Ora!!

Welcome to Bethany's blog! I will soon be leaving the country, and heading off to the other side of the world to study at the University of Auckland, in Auckland New Zealand!! This blog will provide updates while I'm abroad.... so check it out whenever you miss me : ]