Work then Play

I really like blogging as it helps me recall my experiences and remind me that I’ve done stuff and that it’s only been 4 days! It feels like so much longer, but if that would be true, I’d feel like I haven’t done enough.  Nevertheless, here’s an update.

The view from the end of the camp driveway

Yesterday was fairly status quo (whatever that is here), I didn’t go for a run this morning, but went for some mini runs later on in the day.  I destroyed a bunch of stuff (finished a boiler room and almost finished a bathroom), had breakfast for supper and then had a wonderful skype conversation.  Before I knew it, it was dark outside and time for sleep!   I’d been meaning to do it the night before already, but I finally slept outside under the amazing amazing stars in front of my cabin!  It’s really crazy how many stars there are out here!   I wish I could properly show/explain it to you, but let it suffice to say, it’s incredible!

NZ fact of the day: Due to the lack of…bad things(?), there are no screens on the windows and closing doors is completely optional.

The lake we went to today, it was super beautiful!

Today was another fantastic day, I woke up to the sun feeling only slightly wet from the dew and went for a glorious run.  I did about 6 km in 37 minutes, but it’s very hilly, so it affects the time.  Then I finished destroying the bathroom for and hour with Martin and his girlfriend Mel, and then it was party time!  As part of the canceled family camp, the camp hosted a “Lake Day” and it was awesome. A time of  tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, and just playing in the water as I got to know the Tui Ridge staff and their families a little bit better.  A definite highlight was near the end of the day when two locals (Sesh and Jaden) took me to a near by rock which we jump off of into the lake!  It was a great time with amazing scenery along the way!  They swam and I  took a (terrible) kayak (the kind with your legs inside) and flipped twice, both times needing to thrash around until I could slip out.  (it didn’t have the cover it needed, so doing a full rotation out of the water was out of the picture).  It was fun talking with them and learning about the NZ life, and they also assured me that my accent is very strong.  I like this, because I feel like if I’m asking silly questions or doing foolish things, those around me will be more understanding. J

  

New things: Hokey Pokey cookie, and Ginger Beer, both quite delicious

NZ fact of the day: The weather is deceiving here.  In the sun, it’s very very hot (as previously stated) but in the shade, it can still be quite cool.  And the evenings cool right down.  I have started to always take a sweater along as any shade is chilly, regardless of the sun. 

NZ FUN fact of the day: Scooters are the big thing here, not skateboards or BMX bikes, and the (skate)parks are full of scooter kids.

  

At the end of the day, I’m not sure if I’m really cut out to be a travler,  I love the new things and the fun and adventure, but I still miss the comforts that family and friends provide back home.  Perhaps travelling is just a way to remember that matters most and to stay grateful for those things.