New Zealand, eh?

Holy-cow am I excited. Student-teaching in New Zealand, the NZ as the locals call it, god that sounds awesome right now. First of all I will miss a Northwest/Bellingham winter. It will be summertime when I am down under and will definitely not miss the hurricane force winds and sideways rain as I walk on South Campus. Those of you who go or went to WWU can testify to the hellacious-ness of the weather in these parts. BUT that does mean I am going to miss the most epic winter at Mt. Baker, but this is a consequence I willing to accept.

I'm going to be staying in Wellington, NZ. This is the capital city and located on the southern tip of the North Island:


Wellington, from what I understand is a really awesome city. It is in a great location because it is located on the North Island, but only a short ferry ride away from the South Island... and yes I will be visiting both. Lord of the Rings tour? I'm thinkin so.

The capital city is located in a bay that is absolutely beautiful. It kinda reminds me of Bellingham (without the tropical appeal) because the city and surrounding suburbs are located within the bay itself:

Pretty flippin' sweet huh?

I will know more int he coming weeks about my living situation and where/what exactly I will be teaching. New Zealand is setting up to be a crazy/fun adventure and I am so ready to both travel to a new country and to teach in another location. I can't wait to learn and experience something different. Washington, you are great and I love you dearly, but it's time to experience something new.

Later,
E

The Blog is Back!!

Oh snap, Schmidt's at it again. By popular demand the blog is back. But instead of filling you in about my travels around Europe with my seven best friends, I will be describing my adventures to New Zealand! NEW ZEALAND! YESS!

"How did Erik manage a trip to Middle Earth?"

"Isn't he still in school?"

"How did is he paying for this trip, he ain't got no job..."

Well all you haterz, let me catch you up with my life. I'm currently in my last quarter of classes at WWU for my teaching degree. All I have left to finish up my program is a 10 to 18 week internship aka student-teaching. I have decided to take this internship abroad and go to New Zealand. Leaving in mid-January and coming back end of April/early May. About to buy my ticket here any day and trying to decide on where to visit.

List of potential places to visit when in the Southern Hemisphere:

-Australia (no way this one doesn't happen)

-Thailand (strongly considering)

-Japan

-India

-China (probs not tho)

-Fiji (strongly considering)

-Hawaii

Any suggestions? Lemme know plz i appreciate any insight that you might have. Oh boy, such a big post. I'll be updating you with more information like what city I'm in and my trip prep. Plus I gotta fix this blog and tidy it up to fit my new adventure. Check out my old Europe posts to get a preview of what is to come!