Greetings from the Southern Hemisphere!

Hello Everyone!

I am thrilled to be living and working in New Zealand for a few months of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. I have been here for two weeks now and loving every day of it! I am just now getting used to the subtle differences in culture; like driving on the wrong (I mean left) side of the road, realizing that small handful of change is worth ten dollars (thanks to the 1 and 2 dollar coins), and the price of things is actually what is says - because tax is already included in the price and this isn't a tipping culture. Some of the common words are funny like "rubbish" instead of garbage, "give way" instead of yield, "hire" instead of rent, "flat" instead of apartment.... the list goes on. Aside from these small reminders that I am in a different land, this wonderful placed reminds me of Colorado in some ways. The mountains are spectacular and the summer weather is fabulous: 70's, sunny and not too humid.

I am working in the bike shop at Outside Sports in Queenstown - a sister city to Aspen in Colorado. Queenstown is a very international town; I am meeting people from all over the globe. I have been going on a variety of adventures with my coworkers and already I have made some great friends.

I am living in a great house with 7 other people. It is a large A-frame up in a neighborhood called Fernhill. I have my own room and we have a great yard and breathtaking views from every angle. The roomates are from all over - Australia, UK, Taiwan, Chile, and New Zealand. Almost everyday I bike down on some fun mountain bike trails to work, and then it is a long haul back up the hill each night. I definately will be getting into shape walking and biking up Fernhill!

I hope everyone is doing well this holiday season and I will try to keep this blog updated to keep in touch while I am away!

Laura

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