Hi all!
My name is Sam Schenk, for those of you who don't already know me! I'm a second year BSc student, studying paediatric nursing at King's College London.
I'm going on a nursing elective in the Chatham Islands for 4 weeks, then travelling with my dad for 3 weeks around the south island of New Zealand. The Chatham Islands are made up of Chatham Island and Pitt Island, roughly 500 miles of the coast of mainland New Zealand, with a population of around 700 people.
This completely remote location may seem a frankly ridiculous to go on elective to, from an average persons perspective. However, the idea came about from my early childhood and spending most of my second year of life on the Chatham Islands. Whilst my dad was the resident medical officer on the island, my mum was heavily pregnant with one of my younger brothers, she also had my older brother and myself to supervise.
So, today, roughly 20 years later and 3 days until I leave for this unique adventure, I'm now pretty excited and nervous. With the help of my parents, most of my clothes are ready to be packed once I'm back to my flat in London. With 3 days to go and lectures to go to in the meantime, packing my suitcase and everything I need seems quite daunting. Mainly as my mum has previously always packed my suitcase and looked after important documentation! :p
I now have a few final tasks to complete before being ready to travel to the otherside of the world for 7 weeks! Packing and exchanging money being the main priorities, before boarding 4 flights to arrive at my final destination in the Chatham Islands on Friday 2nd March!
For now, (until I can hopefully find some internet) that's it from me.
Sam
