Meeting the Locals and Figuring it All Out

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Its crazy to think that we’ve almost been here for a month now. Its so true what they say, time flies when you’re having fun. Our time with Simon and Carol has been very homey. It’s been really great to be a part of a family. We both truly feel at home here. We’ve started quite the routine. Up everyday at 7:45, coffee, breakfast, then getting the worst part of my day over with - brushing my teeth. After, up to the house where I milk the goats and Patrick does ‘boy stuff’ like build the house. I do ‘girl stuff’ like garden and cook. I actually really quite enjoy it. Carol and I have made a wonderful connection. My mom away from mom.

One of my favourite parts so far is meeting the locals. The town is very small and its incredible how everyone knows everyone. It very much reminds me of Nelson BC – quite progressive and many ‘back to the landers’. Coming from a city of over a million to a town of 4,000 is very different. Patrick spear caught a fish along with their son Peter. Literally the next day everyone knew about the two trout. Everyone knows what is going on where each night and who had dinner with who. Incredible and I love it.

Another amazing thing about this place is a wonderful bar - The Mussel Inn. Holy shit balls. It’s so rustic and energetic. A place where the locals gather with great micro-brew and terrific music. Patrick and I have been there on a rainy day to play board games or to meet up with some of the locals in town. It’s actually pretty crazy how our current social network are adults over the age of 50 excluding their son Peter who loves the clubs. Not our thing. Still he’s still fun though. Having 50 year olds as friends is definitely providing a different perspective on life. Seeing things through our parent’s eyes.

We’ve done some unreal trips these past two weekends. One to the beach and the other an overnighting hiking trip. See the pictures- they tell a thousands words.

This down time away from the comforts of close friends, family and the Internet has provided a lot of thinking time for the both of us. The ole’ meaning of life thoughts. Its been great. I’ve realized that my purpose during this next year is to really narrow down my passion into something that I want to do. I down right refuse to be a wage slave and therefore, I must create my own destiny. Patricks really thinking hard about going to school to learn more about creating micro-brews and starting a pub. Well for me, I’m still unsure. I’m OK with that too. I love the endless possibilities. Our conversations have been truly special between the two of us. Something that I’m very thankful that this trip has provided thus far.

Our plan is to be here for another two weeks then head to a Permaculture Hui aka convergence for all of New Zealand. Its being held over Easter weekend. Afterwards, we are going to hike on the of the 10 Great Walks called the Able Tasmen. Its right along the coast line scattered with beaches. After that we are going to head south and do a little camping and exploring while the days are so beautiful (25 degrees). We are headed back up to Carol and Simons for a week because Carol is having a huge 50th birthday party that we are going to help with. Then, up to the North Island for the winter.

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