New Zealand

August 12-25, 2009

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My trip absolutely changed my life. I have a brand new outlook on who I am, what I want, and what I will be in this life. My goals have become grander, if that was even possible, my heart has been reborn, and my inspiration for new photographic experiences has been rejuvenated.

I spent these two weeks (well, 12 days after the travel factor) with three absolutely amazing, sweet, kind and caring people (Lee, his girlfriend Krystina, and Ben). They made me forget about everything back in Chicago, and have inspired me to live my life to the fullest, as they've all done in their lives.

I kept a travel journal from this trip, and am still deciding if I want to post it or not. In the meantime, I will post some of my favorite images, along with a link to my facebook photo album on my photography page.

Thank you SO much again Lee, Krystina and Ben! The beauty, adventure, culture and unexpected surprises are things that I will continue to strive for throughout my future adventures in life.

xoxo

~amy

As a side note, many of the above pictures were supposed to appear as panoramic shaped photos, however, they have somehow been cropped along the right side of the images. My apologies for technology being crappy.

To see more from my absolutely amazing trip, including FULL uncropped images, check out my photo album on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=104653&id=10720871199&l=c4c4e5b414

Because I Couldn't Resist...

Queenstown, New Zealand

August 22, 2009

11:30am (how's that for a wake up call?)

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I wasn't going to post anything until I returned to the states from my two week journey, but I HAD to share this one!

Two days ago, I woke up fully anticipating a nearly two hour chopper ride around the southern island in New Zealand. When weather wasn't exactly cooperating, I had to be a bit more creative.

For the record, absolutely nothing was going through my head the entire time other than how beautiful the view was, how cold the air was, and how my ears hurt because I couldn't pop them.

I can't wait to do this again!

xoxo

~amy

And now, for the video...

Adieu

August 12, 2009

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This is going to be REALLY hard for me to do, but I will be going dark for the next two weeks. No Facebook, no blackberry, and no blogging. I will be enjoying New Zealand the way it is meant for me to enjoy it - with camera in hand, mind, and spirit (as well as some fabulous experiences and new friendships that will surely be made).

I will be posting when I return. Expect to see a LOT of photos!!

A VERY special thanks to my family for their help tonight and tomorrow. Thank you to Chad for house and kitty-sitting for me, and a VERY special thank you to Mara for helping me pack - there'd have been no way I would have known what to do!!!

Much love to everyone

~amy