It’s crazy to think that the first part of my trip it already over. I could not have imagined anything better for me to do after graduating. College definitely wasn’t the right option for me yet. I’ve learned so much and had fun doing it all the while.
It’s taught me how much fun travelling can be. It’s constantly a whirl-wind of new people new places and new things to do. One night I could be sitting watching a rugby game with a sheep farmer and three nights later be playing cards in the back of someone’s house truck. Or playing scrabble in two different languages. Or bar hopping with a two other American’s multiple years older than me. It’s a crazy lifestyle to live, and everyone that is doing it seems to be in the same mind-set. Enjoy life now while we are young and not afraid. It makes making friends easy and a constant game.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, it can be lonely. Of the people I’ve kept in touch with they all seem to have the same thing to say. Lucky you, I’m jealous. I wish I could be in New Zealand also. It’s funny because sometimes when someone says that I am thinking the same thing about their situation. I found myself longing for having a place to call home; whether it be a dorm room at college or my own room back in Jersey. I wanted that comfort of having my own bed where I’ve slept for the past two months, and a dresser instead of a backpack. Sometimes all I wanted was my living room where I could curl up on my couch and watch the Discovery channel till 2 am.
I guess I’ve realized how travelling can be an absolute blast sometimes, but others can be lonely; it’s just a matter of finding that balance between the two.
New Zealand has taught me to be independent. I couldn’t call my mom up to let me borrow her credit card to buy something online. I had my own card with my own money. I needed to manage it so it wasn’t gone before I got to Hong Kong. I couldn’t wait for my dad to fix something that I had broken. I couldn’t wait months till I got around doing my laundry. I had to make plans and respond to emails instead of leaving them for later and forgetting about it. All these things had to get done soon otherwise I wouldn’t eat or have clean clothing. I’ve learned to be independent enough so I can function by myself, which was a new concept. And something I’m definitely ready from a break from.
It’s taught me patience. For example: Right now I’m sitting in Auckland the day before I leave writing and watching the last Lord of the Rings on the TV. And I’m perfectly fine with that. I don’t mind just sitting here relaxing, and writing. By comparison, two and a half months ago I sat in Auckland and was bored. I felt like I should be out doing something, or making friends. I wanted to be constantly entertained. I was getting antsy and uncomfortable with it. New Zealand has taught to go with the flow, relax and be patient.
Lastly this first part of my trip has taught me how much I love my family. Missing thanksgiving was difficult. I saw my extended family sitting eating turkey with stuffing while I ate tacos. I remembered them playing the alphabet game and saying what they are thankful for. I hadn’t seen Zach in four months. I lived with him for the first 18 years of my life. I haven’t seen my parents in 2.5 months. And Chris + Tory in who knows how long. I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am to see everyone in three days.
New Zealand also taught me I can grow a sweet beard.
Cheers, for the final time.
see you in less than 10 hours! :)
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