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Published: January 23rd 2010
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I brought in the new year by myself. In my little room listening to music while lost in thought. Things weren't right. I wasn't being my usual self. In the beginning hours of 2010 I figured some things out. I was unhappy in my shoes, lonely, uninspired and a little frustrated with everything. As these are things I told myself that would not happen on this trip, I made a decision. So in a matter of only days my notice was handed in at work, phone calls were made, emails were sent and flights were purchased. Today I am excited, well motivated and eager as can be to hit the road again.
As things unravel themselves quickly in life they can usually be followed by a quick curveball that puts it all in a different perspective. And I have learned that perspective is a very important thing in life. I had a wonderful day off with an American guy named Brandon. We talked travel plans and traded some books and even watched some travel shows. In this series of events I refound what I am supposed to be doing. Travelling. Its that simple. I left home for a reason. One
doesn't sacrifice family, lifelong friendships, a good job and possessions for nothing.
As many of staff members were leaving within the same week, a farewell party was planned. The cafe was opened late and we had a private staff party. My guitar came along and we belted out our favourite hits. It was alot of fun, free booze was handed out, old jokes were told and many noise complaints were made. Just my kind of party. I recall chairs being thrown, tequila shots with the worm and even a dance off. A permanent marker appeared and my guitar became the message board, so now my guitar has character.
The next morning I was eager to leave. I was up and waiting for my last van to take me to my boat to freedom. Symbolism is not something I notice in everyday life. But I pulled out of Torea Bay for the final time on board the Cougar Line and the rains just kept coming down harder. What was the symbolism of these rains from above? Well I don't exactly know myself but I'm sure it marks the end of one chapter and the start to another. Maybe there
is more to it than that, but lets not get too deep.
I had more emotions leaving the Portage then I thought I would. Happy to go but somehow sad to see it disappear in the mist as the boat pulled away. I will miss the people and the fun times that we enjoyed out in the sounds. And there are things that I won't miss either.
A few hours in Picton before I got my shuttle out to the airstrip (a little piece of tarmac surrounded by fields of sleepy cows). Got on the Cessna Caravan and flew into the afternoon skies. The sounds below were beautiful. The blue waters, the fingers of land jutting out in all directions, the little islands, the boats below, the mist and the clouds moving by. The Cook Strait below the south island behind me and the north island just ahead. My mind lost somewhere in between thoughts of a new adventure, memories of the last adventure and anticipation for the times to come. We touched down in Wellington international with a plane just leaving the runway in front of us and one right on our tail. It was the fastest I
have ever seen a plane taxi off the runway. In no time I was on a bus headed for downtown reading the weather forecast that was predicting rain and clouds for the next 5 days. Maybe Wellington hasn't changed in my absence.
Met up with my good friend Phil and was shown to my new residence for the next few days. Its nice the 11th floor with a balcony, right downtown. Me and Phil caught up on old times and hit the city on foot. The bohemian streets of Cuba and the busy shopping streets on Lambton Quay were revisited. It is nice to see a familiar place and its also nice to be back in a busy place after all the peacefulness of the sounds. Wellington Is a placed I really enjoyed my first time through and this time is much the same. We will see what stirs up in the next few days as I am here for 7 days in total.
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anonymous
non-member comment
OK>>>>. you had me all excited thinking you flight booked was to come home lol I should have known your adventure is not over yet! Enjoy! No regrets.....you family and friends will be waiting for you whenever you get here! Live it up and we all will live through your storieswhen you do venture home; as if we were there! Thanks for the updates! Take care & STay safe!