I write this as I sit in the International Terminal at the San Francisco airport. By the time you read it, I will have landed in Auckland, New Zealand, ready to begin a fabulous week of explorations of the City of Sails (well, perhaps I’ll need a nap first after the 13-hour overnight flight).

This trip marks several firsts for me: First trek to New Zealand — or anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere, for that matter. Therefore, it will mark my first crossing of the equator — and of the International Date Line, too. First trip as an official representative of Global Traveler. First solo international trip. First time having access to the lounge (I could get used to this!). Am I excited? You bet!

My host for the week will be the Langham Auckland property, and the itinerary planned for we media folk has a host of fun, interesting tours and activities day and night. I opted out of the bungee jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge (much to the relief, I believe, of my family); but I plan to be an active participant of the winery tours, shopping excursions and cultural stops. In between all of that action, I’m looking forward to availing myself of some spa treatments at the hotel and indulging in its signature high tea at least once.

I think it’s safe to say that during my years as an English teacher, I never imagined that my writing and proofreading skills would some day lead me to travels to a faraway land I’ve always dreamed of visiting. Hey, moms and dads, try dangling that possibility in front of your kids when they want to know why they have to learn where to put a comma and what a dangling modifier is!

I’ll be sharing my adventures in upcoming blogs and perhaps in future issues of GT as well. Here I go!

— Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader