This week, I’ve been feeling very homesick for New Zealand, which was my home from July till November of last year. I spent a semester studying abroad there with 16 other kids from Loyola, and had the most incredible experience. I truly do miss it every day, and would give anything to be able to make it back there one day in the future.
What I liked most about being in New Zealand was that there was never a shortage of things to do, places to go, or people to see. Although it was a small country, we were studying in its largest city, Auckland. We were constantly discovering new restaurants, parks, and other cool spots around Auckland. I don’t think I was ever bored for even a second there. We were constantly exploring, hanging out, and seeing the country.
It was so easy to travel throughout New Zealand as well. You could fly, or even rent cars, which we did a few times. They drive on the left side of the road there, which was an interesting thing to have to get used to. I was able to see the majority of the country while I was there; from the top of the North Island, all the way down to the very bottom of the South Island. We took trips almost every weekend (except for three), so I really felt like we took advantage of all the time we had there.
The people in New Zealand were some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. I still talk to my New Zealand flatmates at least once a week. Every shopkeeper, restaurant employee, and flight attendant was so unbelievably friendly. They were so welcoming, helpful, and had a lot of pride for their country, and for good reason. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful, untouched countries in the world. Every place I saw there was more beautiful than the next.
New Zealand was the most incredible experience of my life and one that I will never forget. Although I am back in the U.S. home, my heart is still there and it always will be. I made the best friends I could’ve asked for there, did so many once in a lifetime things, and got to know a country all the way on the other side of the world. New Zealand will always be my home, no matter what. I know it’s there waiting for me to come back, and I can’t wait to be there again one day.
