A week of disbelief

Hey Everyone
I know its been ages since I last updated this but better late then never. So much has happened since my last update. I am now currently in America and have made it to Orlando, Florida.
Anyway before I get into what I have been doing here I will update on a few things that happened before leaving New Zealand. Back in June I flew to Auckland for my visa and had to stay there over night as my appointment for my visa was at 9am. I did not see much as I was limited on time. I arrived and checked into the backpackers and then went for a walk to the Viaduct, then went and had a look at the Sky Tower. My interview was quick and I was told I had two conditions of my visa, they were, to tell my friends about the program and also to sing "A whole new world" from Aladdin. Of course I did not actually have to sing the song but it is one I now word for word. After the interview I met some of the others on the program for coffee. We met up at 10:30am and me and one other had to leave at 1:50pm for our bus to the airport. The whole time we sat there we talked about Disney.
I finished work on the 15th July. I had a few drinks after I had finished work with both workmates and friends. It was a good night.
Well here is the part all of you want to know about the most. I flew out of Invercargill on the 26th July at 11:45am. From there I went to Christchurch then to Auckland. I was there for a few hours and met one of the Aussies that is doing the program. From Auckland I flew to San Francisco, where I stayed over night. I got to catch up and stay with Grace and Cathal. I saw some of the city. I did not get to see the Golden Gate Bridge though. From the I flew to Little Rock, where I stayed for a week with Gordon and Cynthia. The day I arrived they drove me around Little Rock. It was too hot to get out of the car and I did not want to be outside for too long that day. On the Saturday we drove to Searcy where I finally got  to visit Harding Unviersity. It was good to see it for myself after hearing bout it for about 10 years. After that we drove to Memphis Zoo, where I got to see a few animals I had never seen in person before like a polar bear and snakes. I also saw a sea lion show (those that have facebook the video clip will be on there). On Sunday I caught up with Darya and then spent time with Rebecca. I got to see Rebecca's house and also had tim tam slams. Monday we went to Branson for the night. We went to Silver Dollar City where I went on my first ever roller coaster. I did not take photos this time but will when I go back. On Tuesday we went shopping before heading back to Beebe. Wednesday I got to spend the time with the lovely Amanda, who showed me around a wee bit of Little Rock and we had dinner together. It was soo much fun hanging out with her for just about the whole day. On Thursday I caught up with a friend who I met back in 2003 and had not seen since then either. I spent the day with Trixie helping her find things for her new place and moving stuff into her place. I was her first visitor which I am glad to have been. Friday I flew into Orlando, FL. I stayed in a hotel for that night as we could not check into housing til the Saturday.

                                               

I am now all moved into my apartment. I live in Patterson Court. Its a nice apartment and I live with 5 other females. Three from Aus, one Kiwi and one from Taiwan. Saturday night a group of us went to Downtown Disney for dinner. It was soo much fun and made us all want to be able to get into for free now.

Sunday was a day off. I spent it by doing abit of shopping and some swimming. There will be more photos up at a later date.

I hope this satisfies you all for now. Will have more for you all soon.

about 4 months to go....

With about 4 months to go, I still have a lot of things to sort out. In saying that, I have managed to sort out at least one major thing, and that was my flights. Yes my flights are booked. I now have a official leaving date. I leave New Zealand for the first time ever on the 26th July 2012. I leave Invercargill at 11:45am for Christchurch then to Auckland. Will have to find something to do in Auckland as I am there for a couple of hours before departing for San Fran. I stay in San Fran for a night and I am looking forward to catching up with Grace while I am there. From there I fly out in the early morning to Houston then I go to Little Rock. I have about a week in Little Rock catching up with more friends there. On the 3rd August I fly up to Chicago then to Orlando. I cant wait to get to Orlando and meet everyone that I have been talking to on facebook that are also going to work at Disney, from NZ and AUS.

In other news I have finally graduated. I have graduation in the 9th March. We had a great day in Dunedin for it. Was sunny with hardly any wind, but when there was a breeze it was nice.  Photos are below. My dress I had mum make it for me.

I have now been working at the Ascot Tavern for a few months now and am so looking forward to handing in my letter stating when my last day of work will be.  

That is all I have to say this time. More will be posted closer to my departure date. 

New year, new adventures

Well 2011 is now been and gone and 2012 is now here. Looking back at last year I see all the ups and down but also the huge achievements Ive had. My biggest achievement, other then getting accepted by Disney, would be passing my course completely. I struggled all the way through this last year and when I found out I had passed my final paper I felt so happy I made it.

Looking into 2012, I can see already it will be a year of excitement, adventure, new experiences and achievements. Will also be a year of working hard and saving heaps. I started work on the 28th Dec 2011 and will be working 3 to 5 shifts a week which is good means I can start saving but may need to get another job as well. I'm thankful I have found something I am interested. Hospitality is something I really enjoy and am happy when I am working in hospitality and I am one who can keep calm etc with grumpy/complaining customers.

Here to 2012 being a fun, exciting adventure-filled year

Introductions

My name is Nicola Strathern, tho my friends all call me Nikki. I am 23 years old and from Invercargill, NZ. The past two years I have studied Hospitality Management at Otago Polytechnic.

I decided to apply for the Disney International Program because it was an opportunity for me to get out and see the world. Am also going to take the time to catch up with friends that I have made over the years. It is a great opportunity for me as I will also get to work in a place where some people only dream of being able to go. I have already had people say they are jealous of me and I'm sure I will get called a few names when I get over there and start posting pictures. I never imaged I would do anything like this and am thankful I have the chance.

I will be using this blog to keep friends and family informed of how everything is going, what Ive been doing and learning, and where I am. I will hopefully be updating this at least once a week but if I forget I'm sure someone will get in touch with me and remind me to update this.

Today I finally got a job so I can start saving. I will be working at the Ascot Park Hotel in the tavern. I may also try and get another job so I can save more money but will depend on the hours I get at the Ascot to whether I will or wont have the time for a 2nd job.

That is all for now.