Well the highs and lows of travel are very high and very low indeed:)
I am doing well but exhausted and at this point missing some of the comforts of home. I expected this would happen at times but this week, it hit like a brick. Today is officially 1 month away from home. To quote Charles Dickens…”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
So people what I suggest is you hold that wine glass in your hand tight (don’t lie I know it’s there.) And hug that extra pillow you sleep with on the comfy mattress your body is sprawled out on and then look around at all your treasures that you have managed to collect over the years. Why? Because you wanted them, because they’re beautiful, because for whatever reason they spoke to you. I wonder how long after I’m home will it be before I start taking all those things for granted again:)
So here are some of my lessons. I don’t really do poverty well. I watch the young people around me and they get it, they know how to do it. Even more than that, for them it is not even suffering. It’s just no big deal. For moi on the other hand, the more I try to deny myself, the more I want. If I have a shitty day or stayed in a bad place I treat myself to a great dinner and some wine…usually two and this is, in no way, on my budget. New Zealand and my lack of taking my commitment to poverty serious has put me hugely over budget. I told my son, Kyle, that I was looking forward to getting to Asia where things would be cheaper. He reminded me that Japan was very expensive. I said I knew that and meant the rest of Asia. Then he said, “So you want to get to a third world country so you can exploit them in typical American fashion?” I said, “Yeah, Kyle, I guess that’s about right.” Then we both bust out laughing…what a smart ass. I wonder who he gets that from Robert?
Lesson two, all hostels are not created equal. I’m actually proud of myself that I am doing this hostel thing at my age…not that I am the only one, but we are definitely in the minority. The young people for the most part have been awesome, as have been most of the hostels….most! So I just escaped the gulag…that was the hostel in Wellington. It was called the Set Up on Dixon and was very oppressive with signs everywhere telling you what you could and could not do. We were told to wash our hands, when to turn off lights, how long to shower etc. Everywhere there was a sign demanding we behave, as if we’re all idiots…of course this totally made me want to misbehave:) The kitchen was poorly appointed and no coffee cups. They said they were in the room and I said they weren’t in my room and he said oh, you’re in a dorm. We don’t put them in dorms. I said, “really, so if you stay in a dorm you’re not allowed to drink coffee or tea? That is ludicrous!” He just smiled and nodded. The family or multi families that ran the place were not friendly and had all the kitchen taped off for their personal belongings….YUK! They should never have been running a hostel…maybe a prison. To contrast that though, the hostel I stayed at in Picton was wonderful, warm and inviting. The couple that ran it were nice and cheerful and went out of their way to make you feel welcomed. They even made fresh biscuits in the morning and set out breads and cereals. It was called Tombstone because it was across from a graveyard so of course they went with a day of the dead sort of theme. Honestly, it was awesome!
Lesson three, people are people no matter where they’re from and some you click with and some, well, you just don’t:) At Tombstone was one of the most obnoxious people I have met (not as obnoxious as the witch though:) A late 20 something English guy that crawled in to the hot tub with me in his underwear. Not a big deal since I have raised 3 sons and have seen more guys in their underwear on this trip than you can imagine (I wonder how they would feel if I walked around in bra and granny panties:) I think they would be horrified…what’s good for the goose may not work for the gander:) At any rate the English chap speaking very proper English (just imagine the monocle and walking cane type of Englishman but younger:) began to give me a dissertation on everything wrong with America and then went on to slam Australia. I couldn’t get out of that hot tub fast enough and away from that pompous little ass. Then there was the very sweet girl from California that was stuck in the Gulag with me. She had just been there a week and her room was not ready so she had to stay at the hostel. She was looking for a job, the weather was awful and she was very homesick to boot. My heart went out to her. We commiserated over our dreadful accommodations and I encouraged her to hang in there that it could only get better from here. She had a job interview today and I bet she get’s it. The list goes on and on of the people I’ve met and the ones I haven’t. Sometimes you just want to be by yourself:)
Lesson four, is quality time versus actual time, I vow I will not spend less than 3 days anywhere and preferably four at any point from here on out. I have moved far too often and have just exhausted myself and sometimes missed out on whatever was there to see. Also I have been following summer or so I thought. I have had a total of 3 days of sunshine since I left. The weather has been less than wonderful and cold….not cold like Colorado, but I have had my coat on most of the time. All this said and all these lessons I would not have changed a thing…maybe my current attitude, but that’s it:) I’m heading to Tauranga next to spend 3 days rejuvenating before heading to Japan to meet up with Kyle. I’m hoping in those three days I remember to be grateful for this opportunity and the journey that I am on. There have been many more than four lessons and some I may not process for a while. But all in all I’ve learned that you can teach an old dog new tricks…but sometimes she may bite you while you’re trying:)
From Rotorua New Zealand….keep smiling and stay warm my friends!
Reading about your experiences has been bringing back lots of memories of the feelings I had way back when, when doing all that you are now. I remember being so tired-tired of moving, tired of not being comfortable, tired of talking, tired of people, tired of those damn hostels, tired of not having surroundings I could call my own, which was probably the hardest part. Always being in a flux of temporary. Yup, traveling was the hardest thing I’ve done and also one of the best. Hardest because of all the things I just mentioned and the best because I got to know me. And I was forever changed. Never saw the world in the same way again, which was a limited view of things prior to going. And the same will be for you. This is the hard part, the beginning time when you’ve first left home, the homesickness and longing for your own place and the people and the animals you love. I don’t know if it will really get better but you go through it, not wanting to give up, thinking there will be something new and extremely exciting in the next place, and there might be. But it’s the whole experience and the process of a metamorphosis that makes it all worthwhile in the end and when you look back on this time, you will be happy that it will be part of your life’s story.
Proud of you! Your life has an electric current running through it right now, your senses are on alert, you are alive!
Thinking of you and always will be here for you. On to Japan!
❤️
Yeah it’s kind of crazy…wonderful and hard all at the same time. You know me though, I’m not a quitter and will just suck it up when I have to….or spend so much I’ll have to come home;). I’m on my way to Tauranga where I will motel it for 3 days(since when did a motel become the ultimate luxury;) and then go to Auckland for one night(last New Zealand hostel) and fly out to Japan to see Kyle. I’m excited to see Kyle and see his version of Japan. Should be very interesting to be with someone that speaks the language;). Got my hair dyed today so all is good;). Love you!
Ahh Leigh Ann, your account of what you are experiencing, although some of it likely frustrating, is very eloquent and detailed. You are a wonderful writer! Just keep in mind how lucky you are to be able to do this at all, right? Not many people out there have the opportunity to be able to do what you are doing! Each day I check here to see what you’ve been up to and its refreshing to me. Maybe you should invite the crabby Englishman to come to Fort Collins and we’ll give him a taste of what America is all about! HA! It’s pretty boring around here…news: the stadium on campus is a ‘go’ albeit with trepidation; McElwain quit – he got a job at Florida State; and CSU will not only be needing a new coach but a new Athletic Director, so a bit of upheaval. The Rams are playing in a bowl game in Vegas. I’m looking forward to seeing Riley and Pilar over Xmas week as well and everyone else. Otherwise BORING here, so you are missing NOTHING! Love ya!
Hey Megan! Nice to hear from you. YOu are right not many people have the opportunity nor would they want to:) I did hear about McElwain on facebook but not the stadium…I know you didn’t want that…What are they going to do in your backyard? Talked to Robert today…other than feeling under the weather he sounds good. Looks like Riley and Pilar have a lot of plans while they are there and Robert will be babysitting dogs:) All is normal at home:) Love you and what do you mean I’m missing nothing…I’m missing YOU:)
Backatcha Sista! Miss you too! Looks like, at least for now, they Hughes property will be sold, so all I need is about 10 million and I will have the worlds largest dog park. I will be playing to Lotto more so I can come up with the money. Bastards. Just my luck some developer will come in and build apartments or something stupid. Then I’ll have to think about moving. But all is not set in stone just yet. Maybe if I quit picking up Dixie’s poop it’ll be too stinky for anyone to want to buy….hmmm…:). As of now it doesn’t look good for me to be able to meet you in Africa; but again, maybe that Lotto thing will pan out. I was in touch with Asha (India connection for you) and she mentioned she is looking forward to meeting you and wants to be in touch closer to the time you are going to be there. Can I send her this link so she can also see what wonderful things you are up to?
Take care my friend…Love ya!
Yes, please send her the link…that way she can gracefully tell me she’s out of town after reading that I’m kind of a looney toon:) And as far as Africa goes…well if that doesn’t work out maybe something else will…you never know:) In the meantime, keep playing the lottery and remember your friends!
Love you Cid, I will give Kyle big hugs and kisses:) I can’t wait to see him…It’s been 4 1/ months. Hope all is well with you and your gang….Can’t wait to see you in India. Did you download viber? Viber and facetime are the only way I can make calls.
I will call you this week sometime…love you!
Hey Lady,
Love the blogs. It sounds like overall you have enjoyed the South Island. Good to hear since it has a special place in the Bonham heart. It’s comforting to know that good days and bad days are universal even when traveling the world. Given the choice, I’d take traveling. You are an inspiration so keep your chin up, and smile on. Savor your time with Kyle. Happy Holidays to you!
Lori
Hi Lori! Yes, absolutely loved the South Island and the people. Everyone is so nice. I like North Island too but not as much…the bigger cities like Asuckland and Wellington are like big cities anywhere…people not as nice and in a hurry working all their very important stuff:) I’m in Tauranga now though chilling before I get to see Kyle in Japan! Are you in California with the girls? I saw y’all on facebook:) Looks like you girls are having fun! Merry Christmas to you and your family…don’t forget this summer:) Then you could experience the good, the bad and the ugly with me:)
Hi Kim! Are you getting ready for Christmas with those new grandbabies? It doesn’t even seem like Christmas to me. I have to remind myself that by now I would usually be very stresed out, have spent alot of money or so behind and needing to spend a lot of money, decorating, wrapping etc. It’s very weird and a little bit wonderful to not be doing that, but I’m sure I will miss it with the family. Robert said he had a lot of fun at Rhonda and Jeff’s wth y’all. Thanks for looking in on him…he sounds like he is doing well and has totally bonded with Leo:) talked to him yesterday and both him and Garrett today. All is well! Hugs to you and yours!
Hey Leigh Ann!
Love reading about your adventures!!! I would have been on my way home about day 10! I am living vicariously through you so keep the great stories coming!! Stay safe and know I miss you!!!!
Hi Shawn! I’m so glad to hear from you…I thought you had forgotten me:( Actually you would hate this so just keep reading:) For once, let me do the work and you can just sit back and read about it…sometimes vicarious is the way to go:) I’m really having a great time though and I have no regrets about the crazy decisions I make in life. Hope all is well with you and all your agents are being kind. I know you’re busy doing all the generous Christmas giving you do…thinking of you. Missing you, Merry Christmas my friend!
Well, I finally took the time to catch up on your blog today and I have to tell you, you are an excellent writer, my friend! I am thinking that by the time you read this, you will either by in Japan or on your way there. I know seeing Kyle is going to take away some of that homesickness. I’m sure you and he will have a blast! Seriously, Leigh Ann, take care and know that all of us here at home miss you terribly, but I am for one am happy to live vicariously through your blog! Safe travels and love you!
Hi Syl! I made it to Japan!!! It is beautiful and they don’t speak English:) I’m with Kyle now and thankfully his grasp of the languange, transportation and knowledge of the sites has made it easy…once we hooked up that is…getting here was harrowing but more on that later:) For now I am being well taken care of and enjoying Asia…it’s cold here though…I said I was following summer and so far that only happened the first week in Fiji:) Anyway miss you, Merry Christmas to you and yours. Love you Syl!
Sounds like you’re having quite the experience in New Zealand! Hopefully you’ll have some warmer weather before you head out to Japan. Great advice to spend at least a few days at each location and relax a bit. Safe Travels and good luck in Asia!
Hi Matt! Yea, it has been great so far. I went to Franz Josef Glacier as you suggested and it was amazing…thanks! My timing was perfect. There was mist and clouds everywhere except right at the glacier. I did the 1 1/2 hour hike and when I made it to the final viewing point it was gorgeous. I walked back and when I made it back it was all clouded over and you couldn’t see the glacier. I felt really bad for all the people just starting out. I am now in Japan with my son. It has been amazing. In two days I’ve seen beautiful gardens, ancient temples and an enormous Bronze Buddha! Life is good!
Hi Lee! Thanks for the information. I have heard similar things on Morroco and am excited to see it. I’ve heard different stories about being a woman alone there…have you heard anything about that? Hearing they felt safe makes me feel better. I definitely want to see the bazaar…to see all the colors and smell all the spices…can’t wait. I’ve also heard the architecture is beautiful.
Any word on Egypt? I’m in Japan with Kyle now and it’s amazing. More on that later, we are busy seeing incredible things. Take care.
Love you.
Merry Christmas to the Arizona Peters too! Yes, Kyle and I are having a wonderful time. I love Japan but it doesn’t really feel like Christmas much to me. Next year I’ll probably really go nuts:) Missing the family, friends, etc and the holidays…but not missing the stress. Love to all of you! Give my love to Jill and Terry too!
Hi Joan! Good decision:) Someimes it’s better to stop and just drink wine:) That’s part of my travel lessons too…I am loving Japan and Kyle has been a great guide. It’s amazing to watch the ease at which he gets around here. Honestly I would be lost without him. I am missing the holidays but you’re right, they make me boinkers. It’s always so stressful I usually make myself sick by Christmas. This has been a breeze in comparison…although I still miss the rest of the family it’s nice to be with Kyle. Merry Christmas to you and Mikey! Enjoy!
Hi Jane! Nice to hear from you. Hope you are enjoying the holidays. I think of you often. Tell Jess I said hi. Maybe we can swap bad hostel stories when I return:) The towel has been great too…thanks to you both! I’m missing Fort Collins too but still happy about my crazy decision to do this. It has been quite the learning experience in so many ways:) Love you Jane, Merry Christmas!