Relaxation and Wellington

When we got back from the Crossing, we all ordered separate pizzas and pigged out. Talk about being hungry. The guys also made me try this Scottish drink called Irn Bru and I really enjoyed it.



We paid a bit extra to take a different bus from Stray the next day because the day we all needed to be down there, Stray wasn't operating. On the way, I was quite bored. I think I was just used to being extremely busy but luckily both Martin and Chris have great taste in music so we just swapped our iPods around the whole time. There are a lot of bands they introduced me to as well and I'm really going to look into them more now.

Finally, we made it to Wellington. It was our intention to go to another bar...basically it was our last night together as Yvonne was leaving the next morning and then we were all parting ways on Sunday. Without even a second thought, I followed them to the bar. On the way there, Martin mentioned my heart necklace I always wear. He said that women hold necklaces that mean something to them and he'd seen me hold mine before. I'd never heard that before but I thought that was really cool...yet sad at the same time. I realised that I hadn't really spent much time with God recently and I had changed so much in three weeks I was beyond confused about everything.

We got hungry a bit later and made our way to Burger King. Chris and I somehow managed to get on the topic of how I try to fix people. I don't know why I do this. What's even weirder is that the topic came back up later when I was talking to Martin. A lot of what Martin said was quite challenging. It really made me start thinking hard about why I believe the things I do. The questions I once found so easy to answer all of a sudden seemed difficult. That's what travelling had done to me. It was then that I realised how much my heart and my mind are at war.

After about maybe 4 hours of sleep (our hostel had 20 beds in it!), we got up and went to the Te Papa museum. I really like this picture I got of the guys as they had a Scottish exhibit in the museum:



What's really funny is that they asked me to point out Scotland on the map inside and it made me nervous. I knew where it was but I was just so scared of being that "dumb American." Haha.
Afterwards, we went to ride on the cable cars. Had I been more awake, I might have enjoyed the view a bit more. It should come as no surprise that I went back to the hostel and took a nap.

When we all woke up and waiting for Chris to get ready (wow he's slow), I was getting everyone to write their email addresses in the back of my journal. Stupid I know. I wasn't exactly paying attention until I heard Martin say, "Is it okay that I'm reading this?" I'm pretty sure I flipped out because Angela said, "What's the big deal?" to which I explained it contained personal stuff. All I could think about was the spiritual struggles I had written about and how embarrassing that would be to have someone to read it. Oh well.

I believe this trip was full of rather interesting conversations. That night I found myself having a convo with all of them about not being in a hurry to get married. If I've learned ANYTHING in New Zealand, it's that marriage is hard and I am nowhere near patient enough nor do I wish to give up my independence yet. Being around all of them made me want to travel forever. Just work for the government in different countries, immerse myself in new cultures and just live every day amazed by all my new surroundings. It's really difficult when you catch the travel bug.

My last talk with Chris proved to be an interesting one. It left me so confused about my life, but not entirely in a bad way. Travelling has changed me...and not all for the best. My relationship with God has become rather shaky. I hate admitting it but it's true. I suddenly was so tired of standing out and being different. It was only after I returned to Auckland that I reminded myself that that is what I'm called to do and wishing to live even remotely close to my old ways is beyond foolish.

When I returned to Auckland, my boss asked me if I planned to renew my Visa. While it's very tempting, I have to think about God right now because I haven't done a good job of that lately. Obviously, I haven't done my best spiritually as of late and that's no one's fault but mine.
I'm getting ready to leave for the South Island soon and I'm going to try my hardest to fight harder. I do love God, but a lot has changed and I don't want to become lukewarm. I write all this because it's all I know to do. I write...that's my thing.

Leaving New Zealand is going to be difficult....but going back to the States is going to be even harder. How am I supposed to go back to my old life when I'm no longer that person? I don't hate the States, don't get me wrong. I want to see my family and friends, but I have this desire to travel as well. I hope this explains the whole heart vs. mind thing I'm presently struggling with.

There are heaps more pictures that you can look at if you get a chance.

Here are the links:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2121203&l=22706&id=36600409
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2122029&l=6317a&id=36600409
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2122785&l=f82a7&id=36600409
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2122790&l=94e0b&id=36600409
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2122792&l=25dc5&id=36600409

On Saturday, I'm off to the South Island for the month, so don't expect me to write on here often, if at all. I'll write when I can!

Taupo - Tongariro Crossing

The Tongariro Crossing is rated one of the best one day walks in New Zealand. I know why. My pictures don't do it justice but I've said that about every place I've been in New Zealand so I'm not surprised anymore.

We started walking the 18k walk at about 7am. The first obstacle was making it up the Devil's Staircase. I would like to say that it was more difficult than I initially thought it would be. After basically rock climbing, we made it to the base of Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings). Now, they say that if you have trouble with the Devil's Staircase you shouldn't try climbing Mt Doom. I looked at it wondering if I should and realising I'd regret it if I didn't, I began to climb. I've never actually climbed up a mountain full of volcanic rock before. To say it was difficult is an understatement. I was so tired by the time I made it up, but completely thrilled.



When Chris and I finally made it to the top (I think he stayed behind because he felt sorry for my slow butt! ha) we sat and ate lunch. The view was beyond amazing and I didn't want to leave, but we were on a schedule and didn't want to miss our bus (haha I laugh at this statement).

They say that climbing down should only take about 30 minutes. Once again, because I'd never climbed this sort of mountain before, I found this to be a challenge. I'm not sure that challenge is a strong enough word here, but it will have to do for now. I'm really not sure how long it took me to get down. Let's just say that I thought Chris had left me and was long gone by the time I reached the bottom. Actually, I was almost to the bottom when a guy who was climbing said there was some guy waiting for me. (YAY!) I wanted to cry I was so happy he'd waited but I was already covered in my tears in fear. Yes, you read right. I cried about half way down the mountain. I fell a couple of times and pretty much scared myself so badly I was in tears. I cried, I prayed, I sang some church songs. I did everything I could think of to have enough faith that I was going to make it down. Let's just say that by the time I made it down, Chris and I were about an hour and a half (What?!?) behind schedule and the bus had warned us that they would not wait for anyone. Oh. My. Goodness. How were we going to get to the hostel?

Chris tried to convince me that it wasn't the end of the world if we missed the bus but that we should at least try to make it anyway. And so the very quick walk began. I kept wanting to stop for water and Chris kept saying wait till we reach this point or here have some chocolate, keep walking. Seriously, he was beyond encouraging and I am forever grateful for him putting up with me that day. We reached this bush area and according to our schedule, we had about 1.5 hours left before the bus left and a suggested 2 hours walk ahead of us. When we reached the forest, we had 45 minutes until the bus left and it was suggested that it would take at least an hour. At one point, Chris got a bit ahead of me and seeing as how it freaks me out to be in the woods by myself, I jogged to catch up to him. We finally saw the exit (thank you God!) and our bus was still there! We made it....with two minutes to spare! Wow.

Now, here's a picture of the reason I made it to the bus on time:



And here are some other pictures of amazing things I saw along the way:

Taupo - Skydiving

We left for Taupo the next day. Immediately after we arrived, I headed to Skydiving Taupo to jump 15,000 feet out of a perfectly good airplane. It was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I got a DVD, pictures and a t-shirt and am soooo glad I did it. The scenery was beyond words and I can't imagine a prettier jump than that.

Rotorua - Girls Just Want To Have Fun

After this, we headed to Rotorua where I found myself in an interesting situation. I met this girl from Germany named Hanna and I completely believe it was God that knew we needed to meet each other. Out of nowhere, she asked me if I had any beliefs. Turns out, she's a Christian as well. We talked all through dinner about scriptures, the difficulties we face being backpackers and just where we're at spiritually. Best of all, she's living in Auckland presently. We haven't hung out yet but I hope we get to when I return from my South Island adventures.

It was Megan's last night in New Zealand and the group of them were going to a bar. I don't like bars. I don't like random males coming up to me as if I'm a piece of meat and I don't like putting myself into that environment either. However, because it was Megan's last night, I really wanted to go. Chris said he would look after me and that made me feel better as well. In case I didn't mention it, he's a cop back and Scotland and like twice my height so yeah, I knew he's protect me.

I guess I should explain Chris before you all think some crazy thoughts. I will never forget Chris. Because of our little adventures on the beach, I got to know Chris. Well, at least what I could in such a short time frame. What I appreciate most about him is just how real he is. He'll talk about anything. It's funny though because he's one of those guys that walks into a bar and all the chicks attach themselves to him. I don't understand how he does it, but he's definitely got some magnetic vibe. Chris has a girlfriend back home though and I think that's another reason we got along so well. From comments and things that later occurred, I felt as if Chris was tired of girls hitting on him non-stop. I'm sure that the attention is nice, but I think he just wishes they wanted to be friends. I suppose that's where I come in. I'm like a little sister to guys like that. Being a Christian definitely helps because obviously I'd never "chase" after him. Chris also really respected my beliefs which definitely says a lot about him.

Anyway, back to that night in Rotorua. I went to the bar and after a soda, Hanna went back to the hostel to sleep. I drank sodas all night long, danced till my legs hurt and just had a great time with all of them. I don't make it a habit to go to bars and I don't make it a habit to stay out late, so please stop assuming things. If you're worried or have questions, talk to me because I'd rather not hear it through someone else. In all honesty, I see how I can be viewed as a hypocrite since I made a big deal on New Years and that's something I've thought about. We all come to these points in our lives where we start questioning our convictions and yes, some of mine have been tested.

But then I think, why are people upset? What kinds of people did Jesus hang out with? Tax collectors, leapers, etc. People completely looked down upon. I never looked down on any of them because I am probably one of the worst sinners of them all, but Jesus exposed himself to the world to try to save it. If I always keep myself locked up how will I ever make an impact on the world? I realise there is a fine line though...something I will be more careful of whilst in the South Island.

So, I say all this because I can't lie on my blog. Actually, I don't want to lie period. Was going to a bar the best idea? Probably not. But I made sure I was with both males and females I'd come to trust and they all looked out for me. I'll go back to this more later.

EAST CAPE

This was my favourite part of the trip. When I think of it, I just smile. I met some incredible people. Touring the East Cape included Megan (American), Yvonne, Angela (Swiss), Chris, Martin, Iain (all 3 Scottish) and myself. Driving along the coast cannot be described. The amount of beautiful beaches still floors me to think about. We spent our first night in Maraehako Bay and I spent quite a bit of time talking with Megan. She has been all over the world and it was so inspiring to talk with her about her travels. It really made me that I haven't been anywhere yet!


Back: Yvonne, Angela, Iain, Megan
Front: Me, Chris, Martin

The next day we stopped at two churches. One was the first church ever built on the East Cape. It sat at the edge of the beach and just looked like a scene from some old movie. The other church was just as amazing as it was built in memory of all the fallen NZ soldiers from WWI and WWII. The stained glass window was the best part. It had these two Maori soldiers (Lt and Cpt I believe) kneeling at Jesus' feet. The church was beyond peaceful and I wanted to stay for hours but we left within minutes.

We eventually made it to Tokomaru Bay where I attempted surfing again. Unfortunately it was a short board and I was beyond unsuccessful. Afterwards, I went for a walk with Chris. This was the beginning of mine and Chris' crazy adventures. I can't recall for how long we walked but when we got back, everyone was gone...including our bags. Now I know what you're thinking but imagine how I freaked out. My passport was in there! I had two locks on my bag though so if someone did steal it, they'd have a hard time with it. I just kept telling myself that everything could be replaced. There was a possibility that people took our stuff back for us, but we weren't sure. Without our bags and with no shoes, we walked back on gravel to the hostel. Imagine the relief when we made it and found our bags in the bag of the van. Sigh. It was a stupid move I know.



The next morning I set my alarm for 5:30 so I could watch the sunrise. I wanted to see the first sunrise in the world..why not???



I thought it was totally worth it. :)

When we left the hostel, we stopped at this 660 metre pier. I think it's the longest one in the Southern Hemisphere as well.



We later arrived in Gisbourne but quickly left to go to the Rere Waterslide and wow, it was so much fun! Sliding facefirst down this waterslide took me back to when I was a child and spent my summers at Big Canoe. My mother knows exactly what I'm talking about as I wore out many swimsuits there. Luckily they provide a raft for this one. They gave me a small wetsuit to wear and I put up such a fit about not being able to fit into it. After they all told me to fit, I tried not to be stubborn and actually got it on. Hmm...guess I should have shut up.

That night everyone was drinking again except me. That night I just got down and felt so useless. I felt like I annoy people and it was best to keep to myself so I went upstairs and tried to go to sleep. I actually started feeling like Yvonne all of sudden hated me and would have rather been talking to a wall than me. I can't explain it. I just kept telling myself that it was stupid to care what people thought of me. I just didn't want to be that typical annoying American and overthought everything. I guess I just sometimes feel like I need people more than they need me...

The next morning, the guy showed up to take some people shark cage diving. As it was $250, I declined. However, when the guy got there, I was the only one awake so I started talking to him. He asked why I wasn't going and I told him it's hard being a backpacker with a budget. He said, "I'll tell ya what. If you can get a few more people to go, all I need is $600 for the boat, so I'll charge $150 each." I couldn't pass that offer up so I hurried and got my swimsuit on, brushed my teeth and left.

When we were on the boat on our way out into the deep blue, I started to wonder if I would get sea sick. No sooner did I think it that Chris got sick. He actually threw up several times, but I was just sick to my head/stomach/everything. I wasn't so sure if I would throw up though. I think I have my father's iron hard stomach and I got through it. Chris, however, puked on a sharks head. Ha ha.

All in all, I'm glad I went...sickness and all. It was amazing being in that cage, the sharks coming up and tapping against the cage, then swimming away and eating the bait. Oh wow. I'm really glad I did that.

Hahei Beach, Raglan, Maketu and Rotorua - 27 December 2007 - 5 January 2008

On our way to Hahei Beach, we stopped at this mountain, Paku, that had the most incredible view. I met an English couple, Kat and Jimbo, on the bus that I started hanging out with. There was this German guy, Sebastian as well but that's a long story that will require some explaining.




We arrived in Hahei and went swimming almost immediately. The water was a bit cold but once you're in it becomes perfect, especially on such a hot day. The four of us later went kayaking a bit later. Sebastian and I were paired up and he wanted the back to control where we go. That proved to be a bad decision as he ridiculed my paddling skills, but he would stop paddling when he was trying to steer. Can someone please explain to me how rhythm exists when ONE person is paddling? Needless to say, we did not agree. Finally we stopped at Cathedral Cove for coffee and we swapped places. This is my turn to gloat as I'm proud of my female qualities that include multi-tasking. With me steering the kayak AND keeping up with his "rhythm" we were going so fast we stayed well ahead of the guide most of the way.

I would like to say that the several dolphins we saw were the most amazing part of kayaking but instead, it was the lesson I learned. Here it is: It's important for me to lead (paddling and setting the rhythm) and women are needed to help guide at times and follow their lead). I have no idea if this makes but it really opened my eyes to the whole leading thing a bit more.

After that "interesting" event, we went to Hot Springs Beach. Pretty much you just dig a whole and roast your bum in the hot water. Crazy.

The next day we headed to Raglan where I learned to surf! It's a black sand beach that apparently has one of the best left hand breaks (?) in the world. I stayed another day and went surfing again. The first wave I caught the second day, both Kat and I rode it all the way in together. I love surfing so much! I didn't want to leave, but as I was on a time restraint I had to leave.

After Raglan, we left for Waitomo. I went abseiling in the glow worm caves there. On a side note, I can tell I've been here too long. I sent a text message to my parents afterwards and they wrote back saying, "Abseiling?". I thought that's what we called it in the States and was highly confused. I asked this American on the bus what we call it and she said, "Repelling" like I was stupid. Repelling! How weird. Anyway, it was such a cool experience. The last little bit I was climbing through and it was so tight I had no idea how the males were going to fit. Ha. I loved it.
I went to Maketu that night for a cultural night. This Maori family had built a Marae (basically for money as it wasn't a real one) but they put on a show for us which was pretty cool. As there were only 7 females there (sad), they made us dance with pois. I really wish some males had been there so I could have watched them learn the Haka.

The next morning, we stopped in Mt Maunganui which was BEAUTIFUL. I wanted to stay and surf but unfortunately there wasn't enough time. I was just happy I got to go there as it wasn't on Stray's itinerary.




It was on our way to Rotorua that I learned the East Cape bus wouldn't be operating until that Saturday which meant me and this girl from Switzerland, Yvonne, were stuck in Rotorua until then. It was Monday.

New Years in Rotorua is one I will never forget. There were five of us: Yvonne, Heidi (American), two German girls and myself. Before you read this, I should warn you that whilst I stand firm in the decision I made this night, it wasn't an easy one. That explanation will come later.

To start off, there was this really annoying Canadian there who just wouldn't stop saying how dumb Americans are and how much he hates them. If we bother him so much, why is he wasting his breathe? It just got old, but of course everyone was finding him incredibly funny whilst I found him drunk and sad.

Early in the day while we were at the grocery store, I told them I would not be going to a bar. First of all, I didn't trust these girls and secondly, I didn't trust drunk men...especially on New Years. They seemed fine with that and we went back to the hostel and made dinner. Later we found ourselves at the park where there was live music. Now I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of reggae but any music live is enjoyable. By this time, the girls had had quite a bit of Malibu to drink and they were dancing and laughing when all of a sudden Heidi says, "This music sucks! Let's go to the bar." As I am stubborn, I refused to back down. This girl had been claiming to be this great Christian not too long ago and wouldn't let it go. She said I'm preventing the group from doing what they want to do. I got a bit bold and said, "Of all people, I expected you to understand." Needless to say, she didn't. Yvonne and I managed to be left behind while they went to the bar. I so incredibly grateful for Yvonne too. We don't have the same beliefs but she respected mine and I felt we go along really well in Rotorua. We even spent the next few days together just reading and talking since our bus schedule got changed and we were stuck there until Saturday.

Anyway, when we met up with the three of them after midnight, Heidi tried to tell me that no one talked to them at the bar and that they had this own corner to themselves. Not even three seconds later, the German girls were discussing these guys who came up to them and grabbed them. I rest my case.

Aside from that drama, the few days I spent in Rotorua weren't awful. Yvonne and I went to this Marae. I find it so beautiful and the carvings just amaze me. I really love the Maori culture. We also made our way to Wai-o-Tapu and it as well was beautiful.

Paihia, Cape Reinga and Russell - 22 December - 26 December 2007

On 22 December I hopped on the Stray bus and headed up north to Paihia. I was quite excited about going up there because I heard it was completely amazing. Not only that, but Melissa from the UNCC study abroad office lived up there the year she was abroad and worked at a hostel called the Peppertree Lodge so I decided to stay there. I was highly amused that there were new owners and had missed the old ones by two weeks. At any rate, I enjoyed staying there.

I spent my first day wondering around being amazed by the beach and booked myself on a catamaran the next day. I'd never been sailing and it was such an amazing experience. All the islands, the blue water and people from all over the world made for an excellent day. Unfortunately I didn't put any sunscreen on my legs and consequently received the most wicked burn of my life (just so you know, the whole in the ozone layer is over New Zealand and the sun is intense). I met quite a few people that were on a Contiki tour and spent half the day with them. At one point we saw dolphins that swimming along with us. It was such an amazing sight watching them.




After I went sailing, I met up with an American girl named Julie who had been teaching in Gisbourne for about four months. We decided we were going to walk to Haruru Falls. I thought I'd read somewhere that it was a 2 hour walk or something but disregarded that and ventured off...wearing jandels (aka flip flops). It was truly a beautiful walk and Julie and I talked about so much I will never forget that walk. One of the best parts was when we came across this long bridge with countless mangroves surrounding it. As it was high tide, it was such a spectacular sight and walking amongst them made me feel as if I'd discovered some sacred place. Eventually we came across a sign which said we had walked 4 K's and it was 1 more K to the falls. Um....what??? Right after that, we realised that the trail had been closed off due to fallen trees. Like rebels, we hopped over the gate and continued on our way. When we finally reached the falls, we decided to walk back on the road since it'd be getting dark soon. There was a couple that stopped and asked if we wanted a ride, and I'm sure they were nice people, but had I hitchhiked I know that my father would have been on the next flight over to kick my butt. We kindly declined but it was a LONG walk back.

The next day I had another crazy adventure. I went up to the Cape where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. I was in complete awe at this place. The Maori people believe that when they die their soles make their way up to the Cape and enter the underworld through this Pohutukawa tree.

After that, we went dune surfing at Ninety Mile Beach. You pretty much ride a body board down these dunes. I had sand everywhere but it was so much fun. So the day up at the Cape was Christmas Eve and the weather was perfect. I can't say the same for Christmas Day though. It rained ALL day and I just hung out and watched movies with people at the hostel.




On Boxing Day, I went to Russell which is like a 10 minute boat ride from Paihia. I made my way over to Long Beach and was completely at a loss for words. The pictures do not do it justice but it was the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. I didn't want to leave, but I had to catch my bus back to Auckland. I wish I could have spent another week there, but the 6 days I was there were fantastic.

Update

I've spent three weeks exploring the North Island and just returned to Auckland tonight. It's going to take me a while to update so please be patient. I have so many great photos too! Check back soon!!