New Zealand Nostalgia

If I were to choose one event in my life that has made the biggest impact on my heart and my head, it would have to be my trip to New Zealand.

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I flew, by myself, from DFW to LAX and met up with a girl named Sarah. We had been communicating through Facebook for a couple weeks, getting excited for our International Student Volunteers trip to New Zealand. She was my only friend, and we ended up getting separated. She had been assigned a different volunteer group. After the 14 hour flight from LA to Auckland, I met the rest of my group. Even though we were only together 2 1/2 weeks, and (with the exception of Ali) I haven't seen any of them ever again, I still think about them often and wish them well.

We had such a unique bonding experience, living in a solar-paneled accommodation with 1 other person on Motuihe Island. Michael was the only person living on the island we were sent to conserve. Our roles included planting over 5,000 trees, and transferring seeds in the nursery that would eventually become over 30,000 trees.

Had to capture my first planted tree on camera. This is FLAX. Think flaxseed oil. A WONDERFUL GEM OF A PLANT!

Planting 5,000 trees was physically draining, but mentally and spiritually stimulating.

Yes, that's right. Boomer Sooner! Baby knows how to saw.

Putting up drywall in the new shed!

We built a shed, took down cattleyard fencing, and created hiking paths. Motuihe has had several ISV volunteers come through to help with the transformation of this historic island. It has even been called an "Eco Success Story" (http://www.newzealand.com/travel/media/features/naturesustainable-tourism/nature-sustainability_motuihe-island_feature.cfm). 

Being a part of something SO much bigger than myself was fantastic. It puts life in perspective. Realizing there are so many people, in so many other countries, with lives functioning that have nothing to do with me whatsoever, helps to cut down on my egocentric views. I have such a special place in my heart for this beautiful country, and in particular, this beautiful island, Motuihe! I thought I'd share my experience, and encourage anybody who is THINKING about travel, to DO IT! Life is short. This is your planet. DISCOVER it and FALL IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!

"Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country."-Anais Nin

"...travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."-Miriam Beard

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home."-James Michener quote, that my Dad wrote down for me before I left. This inspired me to try VEGEMITE!

Birds evolved differently on New Zealand than anywhere in the world. Since NZ didn't have MAMMALS when the rest of the world did, birds evolved without a fear of them. This is a fantail, and these are known for coming right up to you and flying around you. How joyful for a little bird!

"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time."-Andre Gide
(I had no internet or phone while I was in NZ and could only call George twice, from a payphone in Auckland. Not many guys would be as supportive and understanding as my sweetheart. Thanks, George, for loving me enough to let me go for a few weeks.)

"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."-Scott Cameron
(By the way, this is my favorite tree all grown up. The Pohutukawa.)

All of my photos have been manipulated with the very entertaining Picasa Photo Editor. But one of them, I didn't want to TOUCH, because I think it's so beautiful NATURALLY. The picture below was taken without me even knowing it, and I have it framed in my apartment. I also have a oil painting, inspired by the photo, from my grandmother's friend. It's hanging by my kitchen table.