What a difference a day makes!
Took a break from my vow of poverty…of course I have been over budget since I left:) Checked in to my first ever Bed and Breakfast. It’s awesome and only about $40 a day over budget and that’s if I don’t eat or drink for two days. It’s okay though…I needed a little time to myself. The last hostel I stayed in was crawling with people and the witch. I spent two nights and the second night slept outside on a yellow leather sofa to avoid the negative energy of one of my bunk mates (the witch). It actually turned out to be quite comfortable. How easily we let people take our power away. The people that ran the hostel were very kind and wonderful. Just too many people…Well over 40 and maybe 3 toilets..you do the math:) Anyway I decided to cave and spoil myself a bit. I’m in my own single bed with a private bathroom, drinking wine, watching New Zealand TV and writing:) We are all so spoiled..thank you Jesus:) I’m not sure which is best…okay the wine:)
So two minutes talking to my Uncle at the B&B (I call him that because I told him I had never stayed in a B&B and he said it’s like staying with your aunt) and he had me squared away again and feeling like a real traveler and not a lost soul.
There is the green bus that loops the inner city going in one direction. It’s $2 bucks every time you get on. As people get off they say, “Thanks Driver.” Do we do that? I don’t ride buses much but it seemed nice to me so of course I did it too:) I went to the wharf and had a lunch that I really couldn’t afford. Mussels in curry sauce and wine…YUMMY! I found out there is a ferry to a little island for around $11.00. I may explore that tomorrow or go too the museum. I’m letting weather decide for me. The bus looped the inner city and I got to see a lot. The weather …well for me it leaves a lot to be desired. It started out nice and warm, I changed into shorts and a sleeveless shirt to head out. I was going to go get a sweater and my uncle assured me I wouldn’t need it. Within an hour it was freezing. Much like Seattle weather..drizzly and cold. It’s the only time my uncle:) has steered me wrong.
Already on this trip I have had to repair my backpack..Lost the doohickey that buckles at the waist of my backpack…You go looking for the doohickey male part that fits into the female part that straps around your waist on your backpack…4 stores later and lots of awesome people (including the French couple in Fiji that gave me some store possibilities) Backpack was repaired! YEA! Went to a movie to lick my wounds, walked for miles in really adorable boots that I shouldn’t be walking miles in…also cuteness was lost in translation…but I got it:) I’ve spent time at Burger King and a library just to get internet…at Burger King internet didn’t even work and I still had to eat that crappy little breakfast sandwich…The library, Jubilee community center, became my mecca in the storm. It literally made me jubilant:)
Anyway today things have turned once again. Back in to marvel mode. Still miss everyone, especially Robert. Just seeing an email from him brings a tear to my eye, even if it’s funny…Of course in a month I won’t even remember who he is…just kidding:) My dog, well I can’t even think about him or mention his name…I think that is the biggest difference between me and the other travelers that don’t seem to be ready to go home…I’m in love, and not just with my dog:)
Okay…from Auckland, New Zealand…carry on, chin up.
Probably won’t post for several more days while I adjust to South Island…but I’m doing GOOD! No worries Mates.
Hey Lady,
Love the posts – keep them coming. The South Island will be just what your soul needs. Can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy the people of NZ.
Hi Lori! I just arrived on the South Island. You’re right, quieter, simpler, better! I’m in Christchurch for 2 days…walked at least 2 miles to get to this hostel with a 41 pound backpack and then some…renting a car in two days and am going to tour about. Look out New Zealand! So far the people of New Zealand hae been amazing. All friendly and helpful, it’s only a couple of foreigners that have sucked:) Hope I’m not on of those. Happy Thankgiving.
‘Ello Mate! You’ve been blessed with having the help you have thus far!! You’re posts are wonderful and they are so enjoyable to read. You are missing NOTHING here, it’s still cold and windy and miserable. I ‘checked’ on “Rob” Sunday and he’s doing fine…he was doing his ‘chores’ then on Skype with PP and Rile when I was there so I got to say ‘Hi’ to them and they are looking forward to having the guys come down. Pilar was excited to be cooking the big bird, etc. Dixie and Leo played for a while; Leo running around the yard like a maniac! He’s doing just fine and is being well cared for; I’m sure he’ll be excited to see his big brother for a few days. Everyone else is good. I’ll be across the street with ‘the kids’ (they get to cook and clean up!). Keep the info and pictures coming! All is well here my friend. Love you! Megan
Hi Megan! Thanks for the update:) I actually talked to Robert, Garrett, Riley and Pilar today for a second and made them hold up Leo for proof of life:) They had just arrived in Houston after driving 18 hours and I was fixin to board a plane. Of course I boarded in tears…I’m so cool! Having a great time for the most part but really miss everyone. I’m learning sooo much, I had no idea I was this stupid:) Happy Thanksgiving to you and the newlyweds!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Thanks for the tea tip Karen:) Give Doug, Jill and Terry hugs for me.
Hi Colie! Nice to hear from you. You’ll be doing some traveling soon too. I bet you’ll be happy to get back to Colorado for a while with your family. Give them all my love when you see them. I’m assuming you are celebrating Thanksgiving on the farm? I’m really doing well…and still making lots of mistakes but now I just laugh at myself because I’m like my own little walking tragic comedy:) Seriously having fun and learning lots. Beautiful here and nice people…just like you! In fact I met a New Zealand Nicole…looked just like you and she made me smile:)
Hey L.A.! Sorry, I haven’t been on the grid for several days, so I had a lot to catch up on with reading your stories. Had the crud for several days, boys here visiting for T-giving week. …all the good and bad you’ve been going through is totally normal, especially in the beginning days of traveling. I can’t tell you how many times I was scared, pissed off, frustrated, elated, etc, etc. the difference was I had Mark to take it out on, haha! (Poor him!)…you are so brave to do this all on your own and all your experiences will be heightened as a result. You’re wise to treat yourself sometimes-stay in those better places, eat some good meals , drink better wine. It renews you. All the feelings you are experiencing are part of “the change”. It’s also probably a good idea to seek out those places and opportunities where you don’t have to put up with sleeping in the same room with other people, like in crowded hostels. That gets old real fast. (I always didn’t enjoy that much). Other options are out there… I was so surprised to see that Fiji had a water shortage. November is usually the beginning of rainy season. The earth is really going through a change. …Anyway, enjoy NZ and I’m looking forward to hearing more. Really enjoy reading about your experiences. And, by the time you get to India, you’ll be a seasoned traveler so all this stuff you are going through now will feel like it was the easy part. It’s awesome you can share your diary with the people you love and get to see them through FaceTime, it helps with the sadness of missing everyone. Miss you a bunch but at least through your blog it doesn’t feel like you’ve just dropped off the face of the earth. Try and remember this…All great changes are preceded by chaos…So, on this Thanksgiving day, I want to say how thankful I am you’re in my life, old friend….Cheers and love to you!
Thinking of you on this the American turkey day. We spent one in Jamaica and I was amazed there was no turkey to be found and to everyone there it was just Thursday. Have Graham and Kate and Don’s Dad and his girlfriend here with us. His Dad’s girlfriend not Don’s-just to be clear! Have fun sweet wee wee! You are a brave girl and I hope your travels have fewer trials and more pleasures but remember, without the trials the pleasures would not be so sweet. Love, Mary
Thanks Mary! That is so great that you have everyone together. I know it gets harder and harder as time goes by. I got to facetime with Robert, Garrett, Riley and Pilar in Houston. My new daughter in law took good care of them and cooked them all a feast. She’s awesome! Rex went over the night before evidently to hang with them. I didn’t see him when I was there. I think we all know that Rex, Robert and Donnie are totally gay for each other:) Remember those bad boys in college? Nothing has changed. I’m really doing well and having fun despite all the stupid shit I keep doing. You’ve know me since I was in highschool so I can’t think you would be surprised:) Give all your family a huge hug from me…especially Donald Leroy:) Love you!
Happy Thanksgiving to the Beckett Family!!! So nice that the boys are there…Anna too? Sorry you were sick. That is no fun, especially when having company and cooking too. Hope you are all better. Any good news firmed up yet??? I am doing really well Louise. Starting to feel more confident and honestly having fun. Today has been crappy weather, rainy and cold so I have just laid aroound reading and talking to people. It’s actually been nice. Tomorrow I rent a car…a little nervous but I know it will be fine! I miss you too and am very thankful for a friend like you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Love you!
Mrs. Peters,
We hope you are enjoying yourself. Stay safe and we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Love you,
Matt and Brooke
Hi Matt and Brooke! Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving to the both of you…Where did you end up, Colorado Springs or Fort Collins? Please give the family my love and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I’m doing well so far. Pilar cooked a feast for Robert, Garrett, Riley and herself. Sounds like it was spectacular. So proud of her! I forgot to ask who did dishes though:( It better not have been Pilar gentlemen! Love you both!
Hi Lee! Happy Thanksgiving, I hope it was wonderful for all of you! Unfortunately I did not bring the tiara, but I did bring those awesome red gloves:) I could use those to strangle her with and then no fingerprints:) Yikes, I guess I’m not that nice. Thanks Lee, I’m doing great and looking forward to seeing you in Europe. In the meantime take care of my sister please, I only got two and they are both irreplacable. Love you both.
Hi! Kim! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! Saw a photo with you and Sophie…so beautiful, looks like she is doing well! Yea! Tell Matt thanks for the tips. I will do exactly that:) Nice to get some insider tips. I’m renting a car tomorrow and will explore the South Island for 10 days. Having a ball and doing well…learning lots too. Didn’t realize I was so stupid:) DOH! I feel like Homer Simpson all the time:) Robert told me he saw all of y’all last Friday and had fun. Thanks to all of y’all for keeping an eye on the old boy. Would you mind going to the house and occassionally playing with Leo? Just kidding Kim, but I know you would if I asked or at least you’d send someone.:) Love you, hugs to Dick, you and the family.