Saturday, January 25, 2014

From Marina and Anthony, a few final words from Aotearoa - New Zealand



It’s a very quiet day today in our little house beside the sea in Pukerua Bay. We’re happy to be home, with the NZ Winterim successfully complete, but we miss all our Harpeth Hall friends, and the excitement of being on the road with such a great group, traveling through our beautiful country. We loved the trip with you all, and we really want to thank everyone who made it happen.

We thank the parents and families for supporting the students and sending them our way. We thank Harpeth Hall School for assembling such an amazing group and entrusting us with them. We thank the wonderful chaperones, Mrs Keen and Miss Perry,  for working so hard throughout, taking great care of each individual student, and ensuring the cohesiveness of the group. And most of all…

We thank each and every student - Cason, Betsy, Katie, Casey, Monica Ann, Anne, Riley, Clare, Carson, M.E., Callie, Emily, Brianne, Ellie, Anna, KK, Conleign and Katherine – for being such great travel companions. It was heart-warming to spend two weeks in your company, sharing good conversations, exciting times, funny incidents and breath-taking sights. Thank you for the smiles, the shrieks, the laughs, the songs; thank you for the care you took of each other, and the respect you showed the people and places of New Zealand.

We think of you all as our friends, and would love to see you again one day. In the meantime, we wish you much happiness as your journey through life continues. Take care out there,

Anthony & Marina.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Final thoughts

What an amazing dinner last night!  We were treated to a dinner at The Chop Shop in downtown Arrowtown.  The food was amazing and the girls looked so great! 

We asked each girl to give us a small quote to sum up the trip if she wanted to before we board our plane and get ready to head back home.....

Conleigh: This whole trip has been such a unique experience that I don't think I'll ever be able to replicate again.  I just wish we had time here with our new family!

Clare: I'm going to miss this amazing landscape and delicious food more than I can say.  Most of all I'm thankful for the people I shared my experiences with and the memories we made.

Callie: New Zealand  will definitely be the most memorable trip I've been on.  The bonds I have made with these girls that I was not otherwise close with is very special.  NZ was such a spectacular place and I can't thank my parents, guides, and chaperones enough for this opportunity.

Monica Ann: Thank you for this opportunity to come to Aotearoa with some awesome people.  I always knew I was blessed, but this trip really proved it!

Katie: I couldn't have asked for a better Winterim experience.  Visiting NZ, having the best chaperones and guides, and spending time with my friends made this "holiday" (as the kiwis would say) the trip of a lifetime!

Cason: I could not ask for a better trip with a better group of people.  I have loved practically ever minute of this trip (especially swimming with dolphins)!  I am so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to explore this beautiful country with all of these wonderful people!  Kiaora!

Emily: I have had such an incredible and unforgettable time in NZ on this once in a lifetime trip!

Carson: I have had the most amazing two weeks!  Not only am I thankful to have seen this beautiful country, but am also grateful to have been with these incredible people!

Ellie:  Before our trip to NZ I thought I was simply going on a vacation, but now that I have experienced this two week adventure with Anthony and Marina I have learned that traveling is about appreciating other cultures and lifestyles.

Casey:  The memories made in NZ are ones that I will remember for the rest of my life.  I found a new family and a new home, and while I now must leave it behind, it will never leave me.  As all 23 of us go home and go our own way, but with each other in our hearts.  No matter where I go or what I do, my senior year Winterim in NZ will always be one of my favorite experiences!

Betsy:  My favorite part of this trip has been bonding with 18 of my classmates while immersed in a new and exciting culture.  We have all met incredible people on this trip who I will never forget.  Winterim in NZ has truly bee a remarkable experience.

Mary Eugenia: This trip has been one of the most amazing experiences.  I have enjoyed getting to know each girl on a deeper level and learning so much about the beautiful country of NZ.  Our group will always cherish these special memories together.

Brianne:  This has been the trip of a lifetime:  the place, the people, the adventure.  Nothing can or ever will compare.  I will be forever thankful for these memories and for the people I shared them with.

Anne:  This trip has been one of the best experiences of my life.  I have loved getting to know NZ and all of the amazing people I have been with.  I will miss this trip and remember it forever.

Riley:  I have been living in a dream for the past two weeks here in NZ, but this trip with 17 of the most incredible girls in the world, is an experience I will never forget.  Much love for the HH Kiwis!

Katherine:  I am so thankful for having the opportunity to be on this trip with such amazing leaders, chaperones, and friends.  NZ is such a spectacular place and I will never forget the memories I've made here.  It's been the trip of a lifetime and I will hope to come back soon!  Thanks again to everyone that made it possible!

We'll see you soon Nashville!!!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Fun in Queenstown

Anthony surprised the girls with a Jet Boat tour today!  It was amazing.  It seats 22 people and essentially works like a high-powered jet ski.  The driver makes a signal and you know to hold on while he does a crazy spin in the boat.  It was such a fun adventure!  Hope these quick videos don't make you dizzy!!!!
The girls also went on a walking and biking tour of Arrowtown today.  They biked along the river and rode to a famous bridge know for it's bungee jumping.  We're getting ready to go out to dinner and will be packing to come home tomorrow!!!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Biking in Wanaka

The Shores of Lake Wanaka

The girls spent the morning biking around Wanaka- what a great way to see the sights in a different way than hiking!
Getting geared up and ready to bike

















After lunch we left Wanaka and drove to Queenstown.  There were several "can't miss" views.






 Once in Queenstown, we went to Skyline and we rode gondolas up to a luge track.  The track was set high above Queenstown overlooking the Bay and surrounded by mountains.










 Here are a few of the girls on the Luge Track.... some girls were too fast for me to get a picture!!!!











   Everyone's super excited to be spending our last two days in such a beautiful city!