Well lucky for us, 12/21/12 came and went here in New Zealand and working towards its end in the US.
Where do I even start?
The past few weeks have gone by far too quickly. I've seen a fair amount of places, met some amazing people, and taken just a couple pictures!
It's dawned on me just how funny it is when I stay in one place for more than a day or two... because it quickly becomes familiar, homey. I've spent the past five days or so in and around Takaka, a super small, hippy town, between a couple gorgeous National Parks. The people I've met in various campgrounds have shaped and made my trip all the better. I've seen people and just had a little feeling that I should approach them, and before I know it, five minutes of small talk turns into a few days of quick and deep friendship. I've gotten to know various people here better in two days than some people I've known for years. They talk with ease, with genuine interest, with excitement for your travels more so than their own. And then, before too long, you have to say goodbye. I am not one for goodbyes, so I prefer a 'see ya later, safe travels' even though the prospect of actually seeing them again is quite slim. Places, scenery, food, attractions... that's what most people travel for. But I am traveling for the people. Each morning I wake up and have NO idea what will come of the day (I've gotten pretty good at improvising), yet it always works out. I always end up finding that perfect place, that special person.
Yesterday while sitting at my picnic table, drinking coffee, and hoping the dark clouds rolling in were just a tease and not a promise for rain, I asked myself would I be okay with my life if in fact the world did end today? There is so much I haven't done, but so much I have. I have a great family, and a better relationship with them than most. I've fallen in love. I've been heartbroken. I think everyone I love and care for knows it. I haven't seen the whole world, but I've experienced enough variety of it to be satisfied. Most importantly... I am happy. Simply happy. I know adventure and crazy travels etc are unlike anything else, but to just be content with everyday details is more than I could ask for. Little things like a good cup of coffee, a game of farkel (or zilch) with new friends, eating excessively huge ice cream cones and making a ridiculous mess of myself and not really caring.... it's so little...but so much. Honestly the fact that I am in New Zealand still hasn't hit me. It's the biggest factor of all, yet the smallest.
So many little things have happened on this trip, too many to write down with the amount of money I am willing to pay for this internet usage. But I tomorrow I set off on the Heaphy track. It's the longest track in NZ and trails through mountains and beaches. I would have rather met some people and spent Christmas with them, but that didn't really play out, so I made up my mind to be in the wilderness on Christmas. Being away this time of year really made me realize a lot...that I don't want to be away from family over the holidays again...that maybe I am actually human afterall and don't want to spend the rest of my life alone. So I will be hiking for 6 days, and I am actually looking forward to get away from this glamping routine I have become used to. I am looking forward to camping in a place with no street lights, no flushing toilets, no showers. Just me and other hikers...the stars (which are amazing here)...and my little bitty tent, with my few belongings. Simplicity. It has become a major factor in my life and my future... something that I am striving for.
I wish I had time to upload pictures, but unfortunately I am out of coins ($2 for 20 minutes goes pretty quickly). Hoping to get another entry in before the New Year. Unitl then, I hope you all had a 'great day to die'.
