Well, if you are reading this, chances are: you know me, Allison K; you know someone who knows me; or, you don't know me and are just reading this because New Zealand is awesome! Any way you make it here, welcome to my blog! I plan on making it a schmorzborge of photos, videos, reflections, thoughts, and travel itineraries for any other students/travelers/backpackers that might be reading.

I am enrolled as an International Student at the University of Otago in Dunedin. (Probably one of the coldest places I've ever lived, if not the coldest) I'll be studying here for their Semester 2: beg. of July through the middle of October/early November. Then I'll have a month to travel around the islands, and hopefully wwof at some farms. I live in spiffy, sterile, "Little America" (credit to Emily P who coined this term...or was it Polly...anyway, not me...) flat complex known as Willowbank Quarters. We're right next to the Botanic Gardens of Dunedin, which are quite pretty. I live with four others, another American, Celia from New Hampshire/UVM, Vie, a Malaysian grad student, and Sasha, my kiwi host with his girlfriend Nicky. It's really quite a lively little flat with someone always cooking, cleaning, hanging out, or drinking tea...

I just went in on a car with three other American girls, so we will be able to explore many of the cool places around New Zealand. I think we might have named him Simon, although an official name-christening ceremony has not yet occured. He's a 1990 Nissan Skyline, and the perfect student car that will last for (cross your fingers) the five months we need him for.

 
With classes underway, adventure trips being planned, and many more posts and photos to come, please enjoy your time looking through these entries and photos.... I'm sure I miss you! Allison