Arrival in Christchurch!

Hooray! I made it. What a long flight. It was such a relief to get out of
L.A. though. What a contrast to New Zealand. Arriving into Auckland was
(literally) a breath of fresh air. I know I'm going to have an amazing
time.

Things which I immediately noticed upon arriving in New Zealand:
- cleanliness.... clean air, water, airports.
- Amazing landscape..... like nothing I've ever seen before. Unique flora
and fauna.
- relaxed pace..... people don't get too strung out about much. Maybe
that's an Island characteristic?
- People are happy and friendly! What a contrast to L.A.!
- Lots of space and not overcrowded with people
- Boutiques in aiports sell homeopathic remedies and herbals instead of
cheap sunglasses and costume jewlery
- Maori people (or people of Maori descent) are much more common than First
Nations in Canada

I'm now in Christchurch doing a bit of exploring. It's a very European
feeling city with a big cathedral and old college reminiscent of when I
visited Oxford. VERY clean though. It's nice. Weather has been around 17
celcius and sunny to overcast. Beats all the snow in Vancouver.

Anyways, thinking of you all and hoping to hear from you soon!