By: Derek Wang

Through his stories, Derek shares bits of his life with us as a blogger for FCSN Voices. Check out the Blog Project and Derek’s page & stay tuned as we build his page and add more stories! 💌

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I went on a trip with my Mom, Dad, and Megan, my sister.

🏔️❄️🥾 New Zealand

Day 1 - December 14th

My family and I first traveled to New Zealand. 

We took a walk in Christchurch in the evening. There was a cable car, Christmas tree, and Bridge of Remembrance.

Then, we went to the Botanic Garden. There were many roses.

Day 2 - December 15th

We hiked at Castle Hill in the morning. There were many rocks.

Then, we went to Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. There was a creek and cave.

Finally, we hiked at Hokitika Gorge View Point. There was turquoise water.

Day 3 - December 16th

We hiked at Franz Josef Glacier in the morning. There was a waterfall. 

We went to Lake Matheson in the afternoon. There was moss, snow in the water, a parrot on the tree, and a fallen tree.

Day 4 - December 17th

We took the helicopter at Fox Glacier in the morning.

Then, we hiked to the top of the ice Fox Glacier trail. The four of us were sitting next to the ice cave.

This was me making ice.

Day 5 - December 18th

We hiked and had a picnic at Hooker Valley in Mt. Cook. There was snow on the mountain and waterfall.

Day 6 - December 19th

We had lunch at Ferg Burger in Queenstown. There was deer meat and beef.

Day 7 - December 20th

We went to Millford Sound to see the waterfalls. 

We went to Gibbston Valley Winery for wine tasting. There was a wine cave and wine barrels.

Day 8 - December 21st

We had dinner at a Finz Seafood & Grill restaurant to celebrate Mom’s birthday. We ordered mussel dumplings, lamb, green mussels, shrimp, pasta, oyster, tuna, salmon, and sushi.

Day 9 - December 22nd

We took the ferry to Winery Island.

We went to Stonyridge Vineyard to see the grape vines.

Day 10 - December 23rd

We went to Hamilton Garden to see many flowers. There were tree branches covered with leaves.

We took the bus to Hobbiton Movie Set. There were colorful doors, pumpkins, honey, cheese, and tools.

Day 11 - December 24th

We went to Kiwi House to see the kiwi bird. There was an Elegant Gecko, Forest Gecko, Paradise Shelduck, karariki, and pleakley.

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🌧️🌊🕺 Bora Bora

Day 12 - December 25th

My family and I went to Bora Bora. Mom and I kayaked in the ocean.

This was me on the swing and playing the drum.

It was raining hard.

Day 13 - December 26th

We went snorkeling in the ocean. There was a manta ray, sharks, and fishes.

We had shell crafts. I put the shells together and made a flower.

We had live music at Tipanier.

Dad took a video of me dancing with pom poms.

Day 14 - December 27th 

Megan and I went jet skiing in the ocean.

Jet Skiing feels like a roller coaster.

Day 15 - December 28th

We took the airplane from Bora Bora to San Francisco airport.

My favorite activities were snorkeling and jet skiing.