Sorry I haven’t updated in a long time… having a 2 year old means there is little ‘down’ time. And during that ‘down’ time, I haven’t managed to find time to update this blog. But anyway, here’s a couple new videos for you.
VIDEO 1: This was shot about a month ago. Xander is learning so fast; he’s a sponge for information. He can identify his numbers, alphabet, and colors. This video shows him IDing his numbers (but he mixes up the 6 and 9 and the 1 and 7). I know it’s just memorization but it’s crazy to think my 2 year old can ID his numbers and alphabet but some Kindergartners I use to teach couldn’t tell me what an M or 3 was.
VIDEO 2: This is from yesterday. Xander likes to (pretend to) play the WII. Nick helps him out, and I cheer. And then Nick nearly breaks it. 
Overall the hostel experience was positive. The people I met and saw in the hostels were mostly in their 20s. Though I did see some older people as well. Everyone was very friendly, especially at the hostel in Rotorua. Some people traveled together but it did seem that there were many people traveling solo (and thus were willing to strike up a conversation and share traveling experiences). Most of the people I met were either studying abroad, traveling around the world or traveling during a break from their work visa. I wish I had done one of those things in my 20s. Unfortunately, it isn’t an American thing to do. The pressure to graduate college fast and to get a job and start working is the norm. Taking a year off to travel or to work abroad in the hospitality industry is considered almost-irresponsible to some people. I disagree and wish I had taken advantage of the hostel scene in my younger years. The only complaint I have about my time in the hostel was the heat in Auckland (no AC meant 70 degree temps in the room at night) and the noise on a couple of occasions (thank goodness for my iPod) which made sleeping difficult. I was slightly sleep deprived on this trip.
