I'm finding it diffucult the write much about New Zealand. Not beacause I'm not doing and seeing preserved interesting things, but because so much of what surrounds those doing things - getting there, buying lunch, talking to people - is conpletley normal. Previously I would write about a crazy bus journey, interesting street food or an unusual village custom. Here I feel like writing "I saw a waterfall. It was nice".
You might remember from my 'Leaving Asia' post that I was anticipating New Zealand as an exotic and strange new country, so similar to home but so different from everywhere I've been for the past six months. Well that obviously didn't last long. I've very quickly slipped back into 'western' life. In fact when I saw a begger on the streets of Wellington I was stunned. Despite having walked past beggers every day for half a year it had taken me just a week to forget that in most of the world homelessness and poverty are all too common. Although the thought of going home seems strange and eveu unimaginable to me now, it made me realise how quickly I will fall back into day to day life in the UK. A slightly sad thought after what is supposed to be a 'life changing' trip. Hopefully I will be able to hold onto some of the things I've learnt.
With that in mind, looking back on that first paragraph it sounds like I'm just not trying hard enough. The roads are as interesting as in India (they're in better condition but just as windy, and this time I'm driving, so I can't shut my eyes at the steep drops) and I'm sure there are just as many bizarre village customs as in Malaysia, as much unusual food as in Vietnam and as many locals with interesting stories as in Burma, as long as I ask around, look hard enough and don't become complacant.
So for now here are a few pitures from the North Island and I will do my best to discover/experience/explore some Kiwi cultrure on the South Island, where I'm headed next.
You might remember from my 'Leaving Asia' post that I was anticipating New Zealand as an exotic and strange new country, so similar to home but so different from everywhere I've been for the past six months. Well that obviously didn't last long. I've very quickly slipped back into 'western' life. In fact when I saw a begger on the streets of Wellington I was stunned. Despite having walked past beggers every day for half a year it had taken me just a week to forget that in most of the world homelessness and poverty are all too common. Although the thought of going home seems strange and eveu unimaginable to me now, it made me realise how quickly I will fall back into day to day life in the UK. A slightly sad thought after what is supposed to be a 'life changing' trip. Hopefully I will be able to hold onto some of the things I've learnt.
With that in mind, looking back on that first paragraph it sounds like I'm just not trying hard enough. The roads are as interesting as in India (they're in better condition but just as windy, and this time I'm driving, so I can't shut my eyes at the steep drops) and I'm sure there are just as many bizarre village customs as in Malaysia, as much unusual food as in Vietnam and as many locals with interesting stories as in Burma, as long as I ask around, look hard enough and don't become complacant.
So for now here are a few pitures from the North Island and I will do my best to discover/experience/explore some Kiwi cultrure on the South Island, where I'm headed next.
Above: Hukka Falls, Taupo.
Above: Hukka Falls Dam. The dam opens up four times a day for fifteen minutes, turning what was previously a tiny stream into a torrent of icy blue water.
Above: Cider tasting and a steak - Im definitley not in Asia any more!
Above: Mt Tongariro, used in the filming of Lord of the Rings as Mt Doom!
Above: Art deco Napier, where we stay with some of Alex's family friends who own a vine yard! We have a great few days being excellently looked after, get three loads of washing done and leave with a couple of cases of wine after a tour of the vine yard.
Above: Boarding the ferry to the South Island
Above: Leaving Wellington after an excellent day at ths museum (my favourite display was of a preserved Giant Squid)
Above: Arriving on the South Island - Its warm!
It looks so lovely. Thank you for your Asia vs western observations they are certainly thought provoking? The paradox of travellers of looking forward to the new and unusual but the comfort and reassurance of the familiar.
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