Solitary moments confined in surreal surroundings

A few more weeks have flown by, and here I am with less time in New Zealand left. After I had some luck with a fun circus fit class at the trust in Wellington, I fed some chooks and hung out a bit more with Jeremy, Chloe, and Mikey before I had to head out, and I got a ride from Sunshine to the Under the Spinfluence Festival. I also met Camille, who is French, and the three of us enjoyed a ride together. Once I arrived at the festival, I made it for he opening ceremonies, then I met up with Bianca. Got some food at the pot luck, hung out, and started to make some new friends. The dorms were cool, and quite warm. I enjoyed the performances, meeting new performers and instructors, and hanging out watching fire performers. Adagio and aerial workshops and play time were great, and hooping and meeting new people always fun. Coffee, food, chilly weather, and Saturday night running to town to get pizza with the Silver Circle Crew. It was such a fun few days, then I helped take the dome down, and we headed to South K, where Frenchie and Taz live, and there was a bit of a party. Silly times, Crewe Punch, and silliness. Shenanigans, indeed. I slept well, and Bee and I were off to catch a ferry next day. We got a ride from Picton into Nelson with Karl and Gary. I saw Karl's masks, and they were sooo awesome. Staying at Gary's was nice, and off we went in the AM to start hitching. We hitched up to Riverside, where we stayed with Damara and Che for a night. Kiwa was so sweet, and silks class was amazing fun. Also, getting lost with Bee around paddocks, and such, always fun. Yummy dinner was yummy, and good sleep. The next day we head to hang out with the cutest Twisty Twins and their beautiful pregnant bellies. So fantastic! Did some acro for a while with Tobias, and we were then off to start hitching towards Takaka. Golden Bay. Beautiful, but not when the weather is nasty. But, we did have some nice weather, and of course Dangerous Kitchen was awesome. Shaki's and the kids, and Avner- all so nice. Rock climbing in Paynes Ford was amazing. Made some friends, and I decided not to stick around there, but still, it was nice to see them again when we got a bit of a ride. Walking under the stars, and hearing the penguins at night. Bee and I had a last coffee together, hung out and said farewell. She started hitching to Christchurch, and after I mailed my package of stuff home, I started hitching towards the south. Hokitika being my first main destination. I had some interesting rides, and sure enough found myself in Westport. Stayed at a backpacker's called Bazil's, and had a great veggie burger and a good sleep. The next day, I walked out of town and found myselfa good hitching spot. I met my German friends at the next hitching spot in Charleston, and hung with them for a while. We finally all three got a ride to Punakaiki, and we hung out there and saw the Pancake Rocks. Spectacular. Next, I got a hitch, picked them up, and finished just a little past Barrytown. Then Angie, Doreen's daughter, picked me up and I came to Kapitea Ridge. So beautiful. The lambs, Alpacas, Bella and Nugget. Great accomodation and food. I have given some of my time, and been quite helpful. Today I stayed an extra day because I am fighting a bit of a cold. Not too bad, thanks to the zicam. I could have been on the mood, but one more day of rest was needed. I don't need to be full fledged sick heading down south. I can only hope the weather won't be too terrible. We will just have to see. Staying with Hannah at Fox Glacier, and then meeting up with Derrek this weekend. Should be cool! I hope. :D I need to make my plans for my final few days in Auckland, and see about flying out of Christchurch. So much to think about, and yet not too much. Enjoying this time to be on my own and understand more about myself. Enjoying the people of New Zealand, and wanting to reflect their kind nature in all that I do.