The Life of a Dreamer: Thoughts, Reflections, Observations

I have been traveling for 18 days now. It seems like it has been so much longer yet at the same time it feels like I’ve hardly been here. To say the least, it has been awesome. So much more than I could have ever imagined. Here are some thoughts, reflections, and observations so far.

· In the 13 days I was in Paihia, it became something like a home to me. I think that’s something unique about traveling. In normal circumstances, it takes a good month or two to feel even a little connected to the place you are living (at least in my experience). Paihia was small so it didn’t take long to get accustomed to the area and once I began work at Saltwater Lodge, I had some routine in my life. Those I worked with became like a family to me. Even though I’m traveling alone, I wasn’t alone. I didn’t want to leave but knew I had to move on in order to do all the things I wanted before making it to Wellington for my flight to Queenstown on March 1. Now that I’m gone, it feels odd. Paihia is definitely a place I would go back to.

· Traveling by myself was really strange at first. In the first couple of days, I had doubts as to whether or not I would like it. As time has gone on, I have come to enjoy it. I can still find people to hang out with in hostels and also have the freedom to do what I want when I want. For example, when I was in Paihia, I spent a good amount of time with those I worked with yet when they didn’t have the desire to go on some of the hikes, I didn’t let that stop me from doing it.

· I’ve had thoughts about rescheduling my flight because I want to stay longer. Or maybe I’ll just have to come back.

· I have met more people traveling solo than I expected.

· There are A LOT of Germans traveling in New Zealand. I’d say at least half of the people I meet, if not more, are from

Germany

. There is also a fair amount from England.

New Zealand

is stunningly beautiful. I haven’t even been to the South Island, which is said to be the more beautiful of the two, and I still think it is gorgeous. I don’t know why more Americans don’t travel here. Seriously, if you have the chance, come to New Zealand.

· Food is expensive here.

· Seeing people barefoot in grocery stores is common. Some even go shirtless and it’s not a problem.

· You don’t go for a walk through the forest. You walk through the bush.

· Car park=parking lot

· There is some bug here (maybe sand flies) that love my legs. My feet and ankles itch so much. It’s terrible.

· Although most days are sunny, the weather here is somewhat unpredictable. There have been several days where it has been warm and sunny and then within a few minutes there are some rain showers.

· I think I’m finally getting used to driving on the other side of the road.

· When given the green man signal to walk across the road in Auckland, you are permitted to walk diagonal.

· Internet is expensive. $3 for 30 minutes isn’t uncommon. I have yet to pay for internet.

· What I would enjoy most right now? A great night sleep. Not that I haven’t slept well but have had interrupted sleep due to people coming into the hostel room late or moving around early in the morning, or having to wake up early for bus or boat.

· I have managed to not have an alarm clock so far.

· Fish and chips are great.

· My large pack weighed in at 21.5lbs. when I checked it in at Denver. My small pack weighs slightly under that.

· The vegetation here is interesting. There are trees that seem like they could be from MN yet scattered through out them there are palm trees.

· I should have brought a belt. You know how when you wear jeans repeatedly without washing they don’t fit the same. I’m having that problem. I’m hoping to find a belt at a second hand shop sometime.

Here is what I’ve done since the last post. Yesterday I woke up early to go on a 4 hour boat cruise in the Bay of Islands. It was my opportunity to get out in the bay after being there for almost 2 weeks. It rained. The whole time we were out. Of all the days to go out, I probably chose the worse day but I had already booked it so I was going. It wasn’t terrible but would have been more enjoyable if it wasn’t raining. The islands were beautiful and we saw a few dolphins. It arrived back in Paihia at 1pm and my bus was to leave at 4:30pm. When I got back to the hostel, one of the guys at the hostel had made pizza to share with everyone. It was delicious. This was followed by a warm shower which felt fabulous after being out in the rain. I hung out at the hostel for a bit before walking into town where I got on my bus headed back to Auckland. It took just under 4 hours to get to Auckland. You know what I did when I got to Auckland Cara? I stopped at that kebab shop and got that kebab I craved. I was slightly disappointed. It didn’t even come close to the kebabs I had in Europe. Oh well. I walked down Queen Street where I caught a westbound train. After 45minutes on the train, I got off and walked to the Pelz’s house where I was to stay the night. I talked with Jeff for a bit, figured out a few things for this morning, and then went to bed. This morning I woke up, had breakfast, collected my bags, and walked briskly to the train station. I had to pick up the pace a bit to get on the train in time but I made it without getting stuck in the doors. Upon arriving in downtown Auckland, I walked to the ferry dock and booked my ticket to Coromandel. After 2 scenic hours on the ferry and 10 minutes on a bus, I made it to Coromandel town (which is a part of Coromandel Peninsula). I secured a place to stay and then walked into town. By the looks of it, it is even smaller than Paihia, with only one main street. I treated myself to ice cream and sat in a small park for a while before going to a small coffee shop where I am currently writing this. Tomorrow I plan on heading over to Whitianga.