Ready, set, go...

Welcome to my journey to New Zealand and Australia. I always enjoy writing back home because it makes me feel like I brought all of you along with me on my trip.

So, I am packed and ready to leave (see picture). I have learned from my Kenya trip, and packed a change of clothes and toothbrush in my carry on. I have several books in my bag, which I will pass on to others or some way get rid of before I return so that I have room for souvenirs. I also use the bags that squash the air out for my clothes on the way home to get more room.

I will be gone for 4 weeks, which is the longest I have been out of the country since college. It will take me 30 hours to reach Auckland, New Zealand - 24 hours in flight and 6 hours in layover. Hopefully I have everything I need to keep me occupied for this long.

My plan is to write daily, assuming I can find a computer. I am likely to write in the evenings, and given that I will be anywhere from 15 (Australia) - 17 (New Zealand) hours ahead, that means I will likely be writing in the middle of your night (if I did the time change correctly).

Here is a summary of my itinerary:

1/19 Leave Cleveland

1/21 Arrive Auckland, NZ (I've gained 17 hours)

1/22 Arrive Nelson, NZ

1/23 Meet up with rest of group and begin first leg of trip, a tour of the south island (we go all over)

2/1 Fly to Brisbane, Australia for 2nd leg with group

2/6 Fly to Kakadu National Park, Australia (rest of group will return home)

2/10 Fly to Cairns, Australia, sight of the Great Barrier Reef

2/15 Leave for home, arrive in Cleveland late at night (I lose 15 hours)

Keep me in your prayers for safe travel.