From Florida to Wellington- a week of introspection

It has been just over a week now since I embarked upon my solo journey to New Zealand. I can only remember now the thoughts that were racing through my brain as I was about to take my longest trip across land and sea. It is one thing to travel with other people, or to be meeting up with specific family or friends when you arrive in an unknown place. But, coming here I knew that I need to rely on my wits and the kindest of strangers, really. That can be overwhelming, especially for a quiet soul like myself, who mostly lives my days in and out lately only moving to an fro for work. I left Florida with tears in my eyes and uncertainties in my gut. Being an introvert means that I am to muster all the energy I have to engage socially and feel at ease in highly public places. A good set of headphones, my kindle, and of course the smartphone do help to keep me feeling like I have to constantly be into the outside world, but no one wants to seem completely closed off and shut in their own mind. Or do I? Once I left Atlanta, I did happen to sit next to (well, one seat away, as middle seat was vacant) a very nice, talkative man by the name of Carlos. He was more or less my age (guessing, I didn't ask), and we quickly learned that we had so much more in common than we would have ever known had the only words I would have spoken to him have been, "Oh, I believe you are in my seat..". I rarely strike conversation with seat partners on planes, but our conversations had some real merit. He was headed back home to LA to visit family, girlfriend, and to return with supplies. He was a stunt show director for a Pirate show at a resort in the Dominican Republic. So, of course we discuss staged combat, fight choreography, and possible people that move in the same circles, that we may know. After on and off conversations regarding Burning Man, and how we were probably flying over all those silly folk right then, fire props, and the possibility of adding mermaids to the show, I left the plane feeling like the 5 hours flew(haha literally) and also felt like I really made a friend. I possibly also scored some business for some friends of mine, but that I don't know. All in good time, I suppose. I stayed over night(well for about 4 1/2 hours) in a hotel near the LAX Airport. The area seemed a bit seedy, but all in all safe, and the shuttle system was quite easy. Worth it for a bed and hot shower. The next morning I prepared myself and got ready to catch my flight to Honolulu. That flight felt ever so much longer. But, flying into Hawaii during the day was BEAUTIFUL. Seeing the volcanoes, the turquoise waters, and you can almost sense the Tradewinds blowing on your face. It is a shame my stay was so short, and of course, not outdoors. But, I did take a look at the stirring weather outside. In the Honolulu airport, I met a couple of other Americans traveling to New Zealand. Never caught their names, but they both made me feel at ease. Their friendship reminded me of Heather Garry's and mine: two good friends who can share a good laugh, and almost read each other's minds. I felt that way with Heather when we were traveling together. I do miss her so dearly. After hanging in the airport for a bit, I took my power strip from the wall (yes, it did get used by others...people were VERY thankful), and I boarded the plane, to be on it for oh so long. (almost 9 hours). Turns out, the cool girls I met were sitting in the back of the plane with me. We all got our own row! It was pretty nice. I instantly felt better about the time of year that I chose to come to New Zealand. After a long, sleepy flight, I was so ready to be out of a plane and on the Earth for a good while. Getting to Auckland was a bit overwhelming, but mostly because there were a lot of people headed through customs. Once I got out of there, I grabbed the first taxi I could see, and was off to 143 Marua Road, to meet my first CS host. Upon arriving, I felt extra tired, and even more overwhelmed. I payed my expensive cab fare, and wandered up, in the rain. I do believe that I found the door, as the directions were spot on, and I knocked and rang the doorbell. No response. I knocked quite a bit louder, rang the bell a few more times, and once again, nobody. Feeling a little worried,I took a deep breath and maybe realized I went the wrong way. I went to the front of the building and buzzed another door, with 143 above it. Quickly a young man came out, and asked me what I needed. I said I was looking for Anna, and he had no idea who that was. But, he said he believes some girls live around the back, up the stairs, and when I said I was just there, he said, I was probably right. He helped me up, and was oh so nice. I thanked him and apologized, and began to knock again. Knock, knock. Ring, ring. To no avail, I figured that they are either sleeping or no one is home. Tired and frustrated with my situation, I noticed the covered porch, and decided to curl up for a bit, to warm up, it was rather rainy and cold out that night. I tried to get any such internet that I could, and had no luck. My phone was dying. And there was no where open. I knocked a few more times, and even tried to open the door, thinking maybe they left it unlocked. I noticed the fire staffs and had to know I was in the right place. Otherwise, some people are going to leave the door to find some bum just sleeping in the porch in the morning. But, as I was so tired, my tears consumed me, I got a blanket and Huey, my manatee out, and curled up on the floor, to try to sleep. Sleep was hard. My toes felt like icicles and kept going numb. At one point, I thought maybe they might be completely dead. I thought of every possible scenario. I thought of Jason, and how much I missed him, and how I would have sold my soul to be warm in his tent with him. Snuggled in his arms, wrapped tightly around me, and how I would whisper to him, "Please, never let me go. No matter how nomadic my heart is, please always keep me close by". I imagined myself getting hypothermia, or freezing to death, maybe pneumonia. Having the first few weeks of my trip be consumed by fever, coughing, and cold shivers. I imagined some serial killer on the loose, desiring fresh blood, and finding me there, ready to commit the deed. I imagined my host, warm in her bed inside, maybe completely unaware that I was there, because I had a timid knock. Because I did not want to be a bother, and so all I could do is suck it up. I thought that I had done this before, what wrong could really happen? Hours passed. I do believe I slept for about 2 or 3 hours, and morning was approaching. So, I gathered myself, left some stuff, and went to walk around. I had to find a phone..somewhere. I found a pay phone, but it was ripped off the cable. So I tried one gas station, and no luck. I tried a second one, and still no luck. So, the third place. It advertised coffee, which is always a good sign to me. And, it was open. So, I go in. I ask to use the phone, and he says that would be fine. But, then he says, "are you a backpacker, staying over here?" When I said yes, he knew exactly whom I was talking about and says this happens all of the time. He calls, and speaks with Anna, who then heads over. I purchased a cappuccino. It was the most delicious cappuccino I have ever had. I saw the sign that said, "Karma Cafe", and I really felt like my humbling experience had them come full circle. As I saw a beautiful, young woman approach me I already felt better. Meeting Anna was like another piece of heaven. I only wish I hadn't had the experience, because I did not want to make anyone feel badly. All in all, it worked out. Karma was on my side. And TheSpace was amazing! I slept in the loft, and had yummy food, delicious beer, and great moments. Mountain biking with Fu and Anna, and watching them climb, staff lessons and playing in the dance room with Amelia, Mags, and other friends, and Dr. Who. I found out that the doorbell was broken, and that I should have "banged" on the door. Meek Marla learned her lesson...but was given the best gift of meeting these beautiful souls. I was a bit sad to leave TheSpace so soon, but I did say I would be back. One day. If not, I will definitely hope to host them in Florida. I met Charlotte, who was heading south on that Sunday, so she offered to take me to Matamata. Sweet! She was good company, and I bought us breakfast pies as we cruised through the countryside. When she left me at the Horse and Jockey Inn, I knew I was alone again. But, a nice hotel would be just what I needed. It was quaint, and definitely not as fun, but it would work for my stay in Hobbiton. I left for my tour, and was so happy to be a part of that! Into the Shire I went, with hobbit holes, and lambs bounding around. It was a bit rainy and blustery, but the sun did end up shining. The Green Dragon was so nice, and I met some lovely European backpackers. A cider and warm fire made me feel all fuzzy inside, and off I was, back to town. Chinese take away, and the warmth of my room helped me to relax. I went to bed pretty early, as I had some planning to do the next day, and of course I was off on the next part of my adventure. I decided to get a phone from Vodaphone, and then I could talk to Jeremy. Having touched base with him, I caught my bus towards Wellington. I spent the day moving all through North Island south. I saw some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Ice capped mountains, rolling hills, and desert colored clay. Glades, and Glens, and amazing inlets and rivers. The point of realization that you are lucky enough to see just how amazing this land is can be quite humbling. I remember feeling like I could stay on the bus forever! But, I arrived in Wellington, and hung out until Jeremey and Mikey came to pick me up. I felt at ease again in the company of perfect strangers. But, they were beautiful, and so nice. I came home where I met Chloe and Dido, the cat. I had some tea, and biscuits, and chatted with them. I learned that Chloe works for Youthline, which is an organization that helps distressed children and teenagers, working to keep them on the right track in life. Jeremey is a musician and teacher, and so is Mikey. In a lovely home of love, I was offered the music room to sleep in. I feel so fortunate to have stayed here, and no matter how cold it is, I feel the warmth from the type of people they are. I wish I could do so much more for them, but I made delicious vegan mac for them last night, and maybe tonight I can make something else. (or buy dinner?). Or purchase some tea for them. Downtown Wellington is great, I loved the Te Papa Museum. Feeling pretty inspired by the WoW exhibit of wearable art, and really excited about the giant Squid I saw. I purchased a cape also, which was quite nice, although a bit of a splurge. I do need to send some post cards, so maybe tomorrow I can do so. Write them tonight, and mail them from here, mayhaps. I am going to attempt to take a hand balancing class tonight at the Wellington Circus Trust, so looking forward to that. I thought about going to the CS meetup, but not so sure. I hope someone wants to help me out tomorrow, but if not, I should be fine. A backpacker hostel could work, potentially. At least that way would be a bit better than paying too much for a hotel. Although, with all of this roughing it in a way, a hotel shower could be rather nice. It has been really nice listening to the piano lessons that are happening in the other room. Such a cold day, and yet so much movement of my soul warming me up. Genuine human interactions have been quite nice, and I continually realize I have so much to work on within myself. Sustainable living, including having a garden, recycling better, composting properly, and using less energy is something I really do want to improve upon. We Americans take everything so for granted, and in general don't care about our carbon footprint on the Earth, but it is a huge one. Intentional communities created to help others learn about sustainable living together are what could help, and it is obvious that is happening in much of the world, including parts of the U.S. I don't know why I don't jump in on this more. I love my Moodhoops family, my blood family, and the people that I create life with, but there is so much more needed to be done. Artistically, ethically, earthly, and well, mindfully. I know this all probably sounds super generic, and out dated in terms of progressive thinking, but it is like I have been living in the dark at times. Well, time to get ready for hand balancing class. I should make my way towards the circus trust soon. Until next time!