Serendipity
‘The flower has opened, has been in the sun and is unafraid. I’m taking more chances; I’m bold and proud.’ – Paula Cole.
The other day, I was sitting on the bank of the Rangitikei River
feeling a little bit tired and rough after a heavy night. A group of us from
the hostel had gone to River Valley Rafting Lodge for a night away from
Wellington – to chill out, relax and have some fun. Satisfied that all my
planning had gone well and that everyone had indeed enjoyed themselves
immensely, I was now taking a bit of time out before the drive home to gather
my thoughts and enjoy the peace and quiet.
feeling a little bit tired and rough after a heavy night. A group of us from
the hostel had gone to River Valley Rafting Lodge for a night away from
Wellington – to chill out, relax and have some fun. Satisfied that all my
planning had gone well and that everyone had indeed enjoyed themselves
immensely, I was now taking a bit of time out before the drive home to gather
my thoughts and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The sun was shining, it was
very warm, I felt sleepy and not altogether with it. I became a little bit
hypnotised by the water that was flowing endlessly past me. The swirls, ripples
and bubbles mesmerised me and my mind wandered back to the same time last year –
how on that Sunday I’d been feeling pretty similar hangover wise, except there
were also a million other emotions going on inside me. That Sunday was the last
Sunday I was going to spend at home for an entire year and I was nervous,
excited, tired, sad, happy and a bit stressed because the epic hangover from my
going away party had left me unable to do any of the packing I’d planned to do
that day.
very warm, I felt sleepy and not altogether with it. I became a little bit
hypnotised by the water that was flowing endlessly past me. The swirls, ripples
and bubbles mesmerised me and my mind wandered back to the same time last year –
how on that Sunday I’d been feeling pretty similar hangover wise, except there
were also a million other emotions going on inside me. That Sunday was the last
Sunday I was going to spend at home for an entire year and I was nervous,
excited, tired, sad, happy and a bit stressed because the epic hangover from my
going away party had left me unable to do any of the packing I’d planned to do
that day.
All of a sudden, I felt extremely proud of everything I’ve
accomplished in the past year. Sitting there, on that river bank, was a
culmination of everything I’ve achieved – I was meant to be there, enjoying
that moment, with the cloudless blue sky and the bright, warm sunshine. I was
supposed to be sitting a little aside from my group of friends, who had
gathered under a tree and were chatting quietly, sunning themselves before the
journey back to Wellington. The moment felt serendipitous.
accomplished in the past year. Sitting there, on that river bank, was a
culmination of everything I’ve achieved – I was meant to be there, enjoying
that moment, with the cloudless blue sky and the bright, warm sunshine. I was
supposed to be sitting a little aside from my group of friends, who had
gathered under a tree and were chatting quietly, sunning themselves before the
journey back to Wellington. The moment felt serendipitous.
I’ve done a lot of things this year that I never thought I would do. I’ve
done a lot of things to be proud about, not least getting on that flight to New
Zealand completely alone, fully aware of the fact that there was only one
person there that I knew! For anyone who has done something similar, you’ll
know that it takes a lot of guts and determination to get yourself on that
plane. It takes a lot of difficult goodbyes. You know that as soon as you
leave, nothing is ever going to be the same again, because you’re never going
to be the same person again. The moment you take a risk and make a change, you’re
going to become a different version of the person you were before.
done a lot of things to be proud about, not least getting on that flight to New
Zealand completely alone, fully aware of the fact that there was only one
person there that I knew! For anyone who has done something similar, you’ll
know that it takes a lot of guts and determination to get yourself on that
plane. It takes a lot of difficult goodbyes. You know that as soon as you
leave, nothing is ever going to be the same again, because you’re never going
to be the same person again. The moment you take a risk and make a change, you’re
going to become a different version of the person you were before.
Getting on the plane in the first place aside, I’ve done other things
in the past year that I’m particularly proud of.
in the past year that I’m particularly proud of.
Jumping out of a plane at 12,000ft.
Enough said, really. I’m scared of heights and although doing a skydive was on my NZ bucket list, I was definitely very nervous
about potentially doing one! In the end, it came about in a completely
unplanned manner, which was probably for the best, and we threw ourselves out
of a plane the day after doing the Tongariro Crossing. By far the
scariest thing and the most awesome thing I’ve done in 2015, and definitely
something I’m extremely proud of!!
about potentially doing one! In the end, it came about in a completely
unplanned manner, which was probably for the best, and we threw ourselves out
of a plane the day after doing the Tongariro Crossing. By far the
scariest thing and the most awesome thing I’ve done in 2015, and definitely
something I’m extremely proud of!!
Above: flying above Taupo
Putting myself out there and being rewarded with amazing friendships,
some of which will be lifelong.
some of which will be lifelong.
It can be difficult to speak up and introduce yourself to people. The
more you practise, the easier it gets, but it can still be a bit intimidating,
especially when faced with a large group of people who already all know each
other (this happened when I arrived at the Dwellington). Still, I’ve succeeded
in meeting some of the most interesting, friendly people in the past year that
anyone could ever wish to meet. I’ve met people who I know will be lifelong
friends – even when we’re off travelling again or living thousands of miles
apart. I now have a global network of friends and acquaintances with a single
thing in common – our love of travel and experiencing new cultures and
exploring. It’s a wonderful thing to have friends all over the world. I’m
proud that I have started conversations with people from so many different backgrounds
and cultures and that in doing so, I have learnt more about the world and the
people in it than I thought possible.
more you practise, the easier it gets, but it can still be a bit intimidating,
especially when faced with a large group of people who already all know each
other (this happened when I arrived at the Dwellington). Still, I’ve succeeded
in meeting some of the most interesting, friendly people in the past year that
anyone could ever wish to meet. I’ve met people who I know will be lifelong
friends – even when we’re off travelling again or living thousands of miles
apart. I now have a global network of friends and acquaintances with a single
thing in common – our love of travel and experiencing new cultures and
exploring. It’s a wonderful thing to have friends all over the world. I’m
proud that I have started conversations with people from so many different backgrounds
and cultures and that in doing so, I have learnt more about the world and the
people in it than I thought possible.
Above: just some of the amazing people I’ve met this year
Recognising when I made the wrong decision and changing my situation
to make myself happier.
to make myself happier.
My gut feeling told me that I was making the wrong decision moving out
of the Dwellington at the end of January, but I ignored it and moved anyway.
Two months later, I moved back into the Dwellington. Although I’m glad I had
the experience of living in a flat in Wellington and seeing another side of New
Zealand life, I’m also really proud of myself for recognising that I was upset
and not enjoying myself and consequentially doing something to rectify the
situation. I wish I’d not ignored my gut feeling in the first place, but you
live and learn! From the moment I moved back into the Dwellington I was tonnes
happier and the homesickness that had plagued me for two months disappeared
within days.
of the Dwellington at the end of January, but I ignored it and moved anyway.
Two months later, I moved back into the Dwellington. Although I’m glad I had
the experience of living in a flat in Wellington and seeing another side of New
Zealand life, I’m also really proud of myself for recognising that I was upset
and not enjoying myself and consequentially doing something to rectify the
situation. I wish I’d not ignored my gut feeling in the first place, but you
live and learn! From the moment I moved back into the Dwellington I was tonnes
happier and the homesickness that had plagued me for two months disappeared
within days.
Driving in a different country.
Yes, it’s only New Zealand. Yes, they do drive on the left hand side of the
road just like in the UK and yes, most of the time I have driven automatics which are a hell of a
lot easier to drive than manuals. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the
first time I got behind the wheel in this country, I was shitting a brick and
worrying constantly that the police were going to pull me over. I stayed under
the 100kmph speed limit the entire journey!! Now, I’m proud of the fact that I’m
perfectly happy to hare about in whatever vehicle I’m given, including the work
utes (Kiwi for truck) and a camper van!
road just like in the UK and yes, most of the time I have driven automatics which are a hell of a
lot easier to drive than manuals. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the
first time I got behind the wheel in this country, I was shitting a brick and
worrying constantly that the police were going to pull me over. I stayed under
the 100kmph speed limit the entire journey!! Now, I’m proud of the fact that I’m
perfectly happy to hare about in whatever vehicle I’m given, including the work
utes (Kiwi for truck) and a camper van!
Pushing myself to my limits and saying ‘yes’ a whole lot more than I
used to.
used to.
Walking for four days solid and not showering for four days solid?
Fine. Battling sea sickness so that I can see a whale? Put me on that boat!
Overcoming my fear of heights to get onto a chairlift so that I can go luging?
Um, okay then. In fact, I’ll do that one twice! Beating potentially one of the
worst hangovers of my life to climb into a helicopter and take a hike on a
glacier? I can do it! Fly a plane over Wanaka and Mt Aspiring? Not a problem!
Saying ‘yes’ a lot more has led to loads of unforgettable memories being made
and some fantastic fun. I’m proud I’ve said ‘yes’ a lot more this year.
Fine. Battling sea sickness so that I can see a whale? Put me on that boat!
Overcoming my fear of heights to get onto a chairlift so that I can go luging?
Um, okay then. In fact, I’ll do that one twice! Beating potentially one of the
worst hangovers of my life to climb into a helicopter and take a hike on a
glacier? I can do it! Fly a plane over Wanaka and Mt Aspiring? Not a problem!
Saying ‘yes’ a lot more has led to loads of unforgettable memories being made
and some fantastic fun. I’m proud I’ve said ‘yes’ a lot more this year.
Above: about to head into the air about Wanaka
Going camping and, wait for it, actually enjoying the experience!
Although I like the great outdoors and spending time getting back to
nature, I have to admit that camping was never really my thing. Sleeping on the
cold hard ground, waking up freezing in the middle of the night and cooking
over a primitive gas stove are activities that have never really floated my
boat. But, as I discovered back in April, opinions can be changed.
Despite the fact it was extremely windy and we didn’t get much sleep, my
opinion on camping was changed as we gazed up in awe at the beautiful starry
night sky, chatted for hours and drank a few beers. There was something
incredibly relaxing about the whole experience. And because I had enough
duvets, I didn’t even get cold! That camping trip to Cape Palliser has led to
me camping a few times since then (including at River Valley), and dare I say it, they’ve all been okay
experiences! I’m proud of the fact I overcame my camping prejudices to give it
another go and discover that I actually don’t mind it all that much after all!
nature, I have to admit that camping was never really my thing. Sleeping on the
cold hard ground, waking up freezing in the middle of the night and cooking
over a primitive gas stove are activities that have never really floated my
boat. But, as I discovered back in April, opinions can be changed.
Despite the fact it was extremely windy and we didn’t get much sleep, my
opinion on camping was changed as we gazed up in awe at the beautiful starry
night sky, chatted for hours and drank a few beers. There was something
incredibly relaxing about the whole experience. And because I had enough
duvets, I didn’t even get cold! That camping trip to Cape Palliser has led to
me camping a few times since then (including at River Valley), and dare I say it, they’ve all been okay
experiences! I’m proud of the fact I overcame my camping prejudices to give it
another go and discover that I actually don’t mind it all that much after all!
Above: camping life!
Spending my first festive season away from home.
Christmas has always been a special time of year for me – I love
spending time with my family, especially as my sisters and I have grown up and
moved out and Christmas has become the one time of the year when we’re all
together again. As well as that, Mum cooks the best roast dinner of the
year and we have some really great food throughout the rest of the day too. So
it was a bit strange to wake up on Christmas morning in the middle of the New
Zealand summer and enjoy a pot luck dinner with a BBQ instead of the usual
roast. I ended up getting pretty drunk (awful Boxing Day hangover, I won’t miss
that this year) and had a good day, but it wasn’t the same. I am proud that I
did it though, and that I didn’t even feel too homesick! Christmas definitely
isn’t a summery thing to do though, so this year I’m heading back to the UK for
a wintery Christmas and some of Mum’s excellent roast – I can’t wait!
spending time with my family, especially as my sisters and I have grown up and
moved out and Christmas has become the one time of the year when we’re all
together again. As well as that, Mum cooks the best roast dinner of the
year and we have some really great food throughout the rest of the day too. So
it was a bit strange to wake up on Christmas morning in the middle of the New
Zealand summer and enjoy a pot luck dinner with a BBQ instead of the usual
roast. I ended up getting pretty drunk (awful Boxing Day hangover, I won’t miss
that this year) and had a good day, but it wasn’t the same. I am proud that I
did it though, and that I didn’t even feel too homesick! Christmas definitely
isn’t a summery thing to do though, so this year I’m heading back to the UK for
a wintery Christmas and some of Mum’s excellent roast – I can’t wait!
Above: let me take a Christmas selfie…
I can think of other, smaller achievements from this year. Days like this one, or the fact that I overcame (admittedly self-made)
difficulties when I arrived in Wellington and have ended up loving this beautiful little city and making a good life for myself here. I’m quite proud
of the fact that I am now dedicated to saving money for travelling – as Dad
will no doubt attest, I used to be the world’s worst saver. As a consequence of some serious saving, I could spend a month travelling New
Zealand in May and splash the cash a little, enjoying a few luxuries and treats, such as my flight in Wanaka. As a consequence of some less serious saving, I can go to the
Philippines for two weeks in December and then go home to see my family.
difficulties when I arrived in Wellington and have ended up loving this beautiful little city and making a good life for myself here. I’m quite proud
of the fact that I am now dedicated to saving money for travelling – as Dad
will no doubt attest, I used to be the world’s worst saver. As a consequence of some serious saving, I could spend a month travelling New
Zealand in May and splash the cash a little, enjoying a few luxuries and treats, such as my flight in Wanaka. As a consequence of some less serious saving, I can go to the
Philippines for two weeks in December and then go home to see my family.
Most of all, I’m proud of the fact that I have released myself from a life
that I wasn’t enjoying very much anymore, and in doing so have opened myself up
to explore the world, if I want. I’m especially proud of my writing and of this blog, which
is developing slowly, day by day. I’m proud of myself for finding things I love
doing – writing, photography, exploring – and of the fact I’m not afraid to challenge
myself anymore.
that I wasn’t enjoying very much anymore, and in doing so have opened myself up
to explore the world, if I want. I’m especially proud of my writing and of this blog, which
is developing slowly, day by day. I’m proud of myself for finding things I love
doing – writing, photography, exploring – and of the fact I’m not afraid to challenge
myself anymore.
**********
Back beside the Rangitikei River, my thoughts were interrupted by my friends coming over to check I was okay and inform me that everyone had paid up and were ready to go. My thoughts slipped away from me as I uncrossed my legs and stood up, pulling my sunglasses down over my eyes.
“I’ll just go and pay,” I said, “And then we’ll head off.”
As I walked towards reception, with the general noise of people climbing into cars and slamming doors and feet crunching on gravel, I smiled to myself. Going to River Valley Rafting Lodge with this group of people was the perfect way for me to quietly celebrate my time in New Zealand and to reflect on my achievements and how far I’ve come in a year. I felt ridiculously happy and extremely fortunate.
Post Script: About an hour later, the warm fuzzy feeling had worn off and I felt ill beyond belief and was struggling to drive. We pulled over for an hour in Foxton before continuing our journey so that I (and everyone else in the car) could recover a little more from our hangovers. It was a horrible drive home and one that I don’t ever want to repeat! Or relive, to be honest!
Look!!! Some actual photos with me in them, not just photos of scenery and stuff!! Enjoy!!
Look!!! Some actual photos with me in them, not just photos of scenery and stuff!! Enjoy!!
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