Arrival in Christchurch

Family and Friends,

I have arrived in New Zealand! Since my last post, I enjoyed a ten hour plane trip from Los Angeles to the Cook Islands, a three hour plane ride to Auckland, NZ, and an hour and a half plane ride to Christchurch. It has definitely been worth the wait.

After picking up our baggage at the airport our study abroad group headed to Lincoln University on the outskirts of Christchurch. We received our individual dorm room assignments and toured the beautiful campus. Lincoln University is currently on summer break, but normally have approximately 3,500 students enrolled in class and on campus. The buildings and landscaping are very clean. The tees and shrubs are especially noticeable, as they are trimmed VERY neatly and precisely. Following our tour, the Missouri and Nebraska students gathered for a BBQ near the center of campus. Grass-fed beef and deer made up the main course, with many pasta's and salads on the side. Dessert was an excellent ice-cream and mysterious baked item. Hopefully I can figure out the name of it and let you all know.

The difference between New Zealand and the United States hasn't been a huge issue so far. New Zealand is 19 hours ahead of the central time zone in the midwest. This means New Zealand is a day ahead of life in Lincoln, NE or Villisca, IA. I will keep this time difference in mind when I call Bryttni or call home! I think both of you will appreciate that.

I plan to head to bed within an hour to be at my best tomorrow. We have breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and lecture beginning at 9 a.m. Talk to you all again soon.

Stay warm,

Matt