After much research, endless vaccinations and a very important shopping trip to Mountain Equipment Co-op, I was ready for what the world had to offer me. A 19-hour flight was all that separated me from the land of the Kiwi, New Zealand.
As I descended towards the Auckland airport I could see the mountains, the water and the large buildings that filled the city. It seemed so similar to the West coast I had just left but I knew it was going to be very, very different. My flight touched down at 6 a.m. and all I could ask myself was "now what?" With a 50-pound pack strapped to my back and a smaller backpack strapped to my front, I grabbed a map and headed for the bus. I had absolutely no idea where I was, no plans and it was the greatest feeling I had felt in a long time. The Kiwi folk were very helpful and directed me to the correct bus that would take me into the heart of the city where I could try to find a hostel to drop my bags.
I was lucky enough to be able to check in so early and secure a bunk in a 10 person dorm room at a local hostel. After my bags were safely locked to my bed and my money pouch was tucked tightly under my shirt, I was ready to hit the town. My first day in NZ was pretty relaxed. I was still trying to adjust to the massive time difference and become familiar with my surroundings but I knew that the excitement was about to begin.
Jealous right here!
ReplyDeleteTo go to an unknown place with no plans and just a pack on my back, wow. I can't wait to keep reading about all the adventures you had.
I remember what it was like to get to New Zealand. I went to several New Zealand towns and cities. Auckland, Christchurch, Napier...they were all fabulous, if not VERY different from Canada. The mountains and the fyords were breathtaking. My best memory is, surprisingly, running on a treadmill at my cruiseship's gym in front of bay windows as we sailed through the fyords. Amazing. Miss that sight!
ReplyDeleteDawn, I give you a lot of credit. My dream is to explore Europe for a couple months, staying in hostels. But my ultimate goal is to go to Australia where I'll find my Australian husband, and possibly party with Matthew McConaughey... care to join me? I need that push to get me on my way!
ReplyDeleteDAWN, I am so jealous,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to go to New Zealand. Rest assured that one day when i decide to travel the world I will definitely call you up.
That would be an amazing feeling to have all the freedom in the world. How exhilarating and how exciting. Well done Dawn.
ReplyDeleteAfter all these wonderful and exciting stories about New Zealand, not only I am going there for a visit, but also I am already making plans to move there! Nice blog, Dawn.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have made it to NZ. Life in Aussie was amazing but I would have loved to see some NZ. Hopefully I will get back there one day, and if im lucky someone else will be paying for it.
ReplyDeleteJust your wallet, a few hopes and a million adventurous possibilities... sounds like one heck of an experience. I'm envious of the courage you have mustered up to 'just get up and get out'. I hope to do half of the things you have experienced some day.
ReplyDelete