Yes, every time I go to the bathroom now I don’t have to anticipate if there will be toilet paper, and I can flush such things down the toilet now as well. When I brush my teeth I don’t have to worry about using tap water. When I order a salad or buy an apple from the grocery store I don’t have to be concerned about getting sick… All the wonderful things that I used to take for granted when I was at home are all back and making me feel that much more on ‘vacation’.
Yesterday Mike told me he felt anxious, as if he shouldn’t be just sitting around, he felt he needed to be doing something more. I told him that we are now truly on vacation, the mission is over, and we need to learn to enjoy it as before we know it we’ll be back to the grind at home and dreaming of such moments when we had no worries and we’re surrounded in such comforts. It is a difficult transition I must admit, as even though we haven’t gone to work for the last 5 months, everyday almost seemed to be a new challenge and believe me, there were several days where going into work seemed like a piece of cake compared to what we were up against.
We are truly on vacation now, the mission is over. Although Mike and I do feel ourselves going through withdrawals from being on a ‘mission’, we are enjoying it quite a lot. It is amazing how much easier it is to travel in a car vs. on the motorcycle. I miss the wind rushing past me, and the smells and road feeling so close, everything that the motorcycle brings to the rider, but when it rains, I crack a big grin on my face, turn on the windshield wipers and feel relieved. When bugs hit the windshield it reminds me of the huge smacks across my leg that I would have received prior. Everything has become that much more comfortable.
Getting back to New Zealand itself. It is the size of California and only inhabits 4 million people (along with 40 million sheep). As it is an island (actually two: north and south), it hosts some amazing beaches and scenery. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It is where we landed and spent a few days before heading out on the road for more exploration. It is the ‘biggest’ city and yet has a small town vibe with all the amenities of a large city. It is hopping with trendy cafes, delicious restaurants, boutique shops, etc. From the looks of things, everything seems to be clean and new, this place has recently boomed quite a bit in recent years. The real estate market, luxury cars and cost of everything reflects this as well. Everything here is SO darn expensive! We at least still have a little advantage on their dollar, but not near as good as when I was here in 2001. In 2001 you would get 2.5 NZ$ to the dollar, now you only get 1.3 NZ$. It boggles Mike and I how people can afford to live here as their average salary is much less than what we make and the cost of food, gas, etc is so much higher. Gas prices are 4 US$ a gallon, a typical meal at a decent restaurant will run at least 15-25US$. The worst part is that the food is so good, it’s been hard for Mike and I to restrict from eating out all the time!
Just outside of Auckland, without even driving far, you are surrounded in either rolling hills or lush jungle; it is beautiful. The roads are empty, beaches deserted and there always seems to be several small towns dotted along the road offering homemade goods and fresh roasted coffee. It’s a good life here. The wonderful lifestyle is truly reflected in the people as everyone is so darn friendly! Everyone seems to go out of there way for you.
This is the first place that Mike and I feel we could truly live. It is clear how much better the quality of life is here; if it weren’t for our strong ties to our friends and family, I don’t see why we wouldn’t make the move.
One of the oldest Kauri trees in New Zealand (~2000 years old!)
Auckland - view from the bridge
Enjoying breakfast
...the view from breakfast
Great scenery
...more New Zealand beauty
These Chilean tourists we couldn't get away from...kept seeing them everywhere
More of Northern New Zealand
90 mile beach, the very northernmost of New Zealand
Mike is growing an afro!
Here's a closer look at the progress!
Endless beaches here
Mike is about to take flight
Is that Magellan's ship approaching?
Yes, it's definetly not crowded here
Our campsite near Bay of Islands
A walk through Auckland (yes, I am a dork)
Mike sporting his newly purchased tshirt
Amie modeling her new pair of shorts
We ran across a car show...Mike was excited
More New Zealand beaches
One of the MANY cute restaurants in Auckland
Tea anyone?
First annual Beer Festival, New Zealand
