STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

On second to last day of the program, Nick and I decided to wake up at 5:30 am to go see the sunrise on the kayaks. We got the permission from the staff the previous night, so we just went in and grabbed the paddles from the reception and headed towards the kayaks. It was still dark outside when we got out to the water, so we just sat around in the kayaks. The water was so calm as there was barely any wind pushing through. The ripple caused by our paddles spreader out one after another, causing big circles that would get replaced by another one following it.

The calm yet dark morning sky made me think about how far I came along the past 12 weeks. I still remember how, just couple weeks ago, I barely knew anyone on the program. I was scared yet excited to meet new people and explore around half way across the globe from back home. It was crazy to think how fast the past 12 weeks went by—all the memories I made past three months are still fresh in my thoughts.

I met my first friend, Riddhi, on the bus over from the airport to University of Otago when she asked to sit with her.

Our first weekend trip to the Fiordland National Park, where we hiked and kayaked across Milford Sound, and also where I took an unplanned dip into the freezing glacier water at Lake Marian.

Hike to Mt. Cook, which was pretty disastrous due to the HORRIFIC weather and my injured toe. I probably should’ve not done that hike thinking about it now haha, but it was definitely a memorable experience.

When I slipped and fell at a waterfall at the Catlins and Nick fished me out and also gave me a piggy back ride me up the track because I literally could not move.

The 2 hour walk to the St. Clair beach Sara B. and I did because we were too lazy to figure out the bus system. Later regretted the decision along with multiple blisters on our feet yikes.

When Matt F. “trained” some pigeons to play fetch with some leaves. I really don’t know how that happened, but it was definitely amusing.

When our def bods class did a rap battle with the other classes by praising the one and only, J. Craig

All the crazy memories at Sydney enjoying the night life, especially silent disco! So fun.

The unforgettable memories of Sydney Opera House—I planned a group night watching a show called Blanc the Blanc with about 20 people and also a solo night watching Sydney Symphonic Orchestra playing along with James Bond Casino Royale

Where we had THE BEST “spring break” ever at Heron Island, snorkeling 3 times a day.

Meeting the villagers of Nakavu and playing with their children. And also the fun time painting the roof at their school.

When a group of us took a short trip with Terra Trek on their dune buggies, flying through Fiji mountains and having fun at the waterfall (where I got my Fijian parasite and suffered for 6 long days but totally worth it).

All these special memories up to now, where I’m on my last full day of the program. I was able to meet so many great people that are so funny, nice, smart, and caring. I was able to have the time of my life the past 12 weeks. Although I’m sad to say goodbye to my journey and to my friends, I’m excited to see where life takes me next. Also, I’m very excited to see 69 familiar faces on campus next year 🙂 Once again, I’m so thankful to have spent the past 12 weeks of my life in New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji through Pacific Program. These memories will definitely stay with me forever.