by Aria Kerebs

It’s been two weeks since I landed in the beautiful Hilo, Hawai’i, and I can happily say I’m starting to get settled in.

Leaving home and the comfort and familiarity of New Zealand was no easy task, in fact, I am still constantly hoping to hear a familiar accent. But alas, as I appear to be the only Kiwi at UH Hilo, I will continue to proudly say that I am from New Zealand (and not Australia) and convince everyone to come and visit New Zealand. As well as trying my best to explain slang words that fly over virtually everyone’s head.

The flights from Auckland airport to Hawaii (Honolulu and then a connection to Hilo) consisted of 9 hours and 40 minutes in total. Fortunately for me, my flight was during the night, so I was able to manage (a very light and uncomfortable) six hours of sleep, and ultimately avoided any feelings of jetlag! In terms of time difference, New Zealand is 22 hours ahead. Being only one day behind and two hours ahead makes ringing home a lot easier, but I do have to remember that birthdays and important events for my whānau and friends back home are actually occurring a day earlier.

Culture shock has definitely been something that has affected me in the short while I have been here. I had a good idea of what to expect before coming here, but there are lots of small things that seem so different to home. For example, with driving on the right-hand side of the road, I’ve found that everyone also gravitates towards the right-hand side of the footpath, so unfortunately, as someone used to walking on the left, I tend to be in everyone’s way.

But ultimately it is clear to me, even in the short while I’ve been here, Hilo Hawai’i is a unique and beautiful place, and I am sure to enjoy the adventure that lies before me.