November 24th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!! (it's your birthday in the states today...yesterday here)

So today is my dad's birthday, and thanksgiving is in a couple of days, then it's Christmas already!! it's extremely odd seeing Christmas decorations everywhere when it's sunny and warm. i think because they don't have thanksgiving here, Christmas celebrations start about a month earlier. the huge Christmas parade is on November 28th...how crazy is that! In honor of thanksgiving and everything that i am thankful for, my flatmates and i are preparing a feast. my flatties from Canada missed their thanksgiving, which was in late October, so we're joining our efforts tomorrow for one giant celebration. fingers crossed that it'll be edible.

Yesterday i went to the Auckland city art museum. it's in a beautiful building, but has a surprisingly small collection. it's was a good experience, and also a free one. being surrounded by art for even just a little bit makes me feel like i could be in a museum back in Minneapolis. and for even more of a taste of home, i went to Starbucks after (every Starbucks looks and feels exactly the same).

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone i love back home. i am so thankful for you and the support i've received.