New Zealand.. Greatest Country in the World?

Q: So what do you do when the University gives you a week off to study for final exams? A: You book a two-week trip to New Zealand.

I missed my last week of class and combined it with my one-week study recess to take a two-week trip to the South Island of New Zealand. And I can say without a doubt that it was the best two weeks of my life.

Everything I heard about New Zealand was true. The scenery was incredible. The Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand, and what I saw looking out the window during the long drives was even more spectacular than the movies. The people were just as friendly as I was told they would be. And yes, there were sheep everywhere. And I mean everywhere.

But what made the trip so special was the people I met on the trip. I decided against travelling with friends because their travel plans and times didn’t match up well with mine, so I hesitantly packed my bag and headed off to New Zealand on my own.

I booked a Stray bus pass, where I was told I would be able to meet a lot of cool people and get to see the Island. And I met, travelled with, and got to know some of the coolest, nicest, funniest people I’ve ever encountered, and they absolutely made New Zealand that much more incredible.

I jumped on a bus of 24 people, and I easily stood out. I was the only American – everyone else was from different parts of Europe – mostly England. And I was the youngest – almost everyone was in their mid to late 20’s. There was a great variety in the group, from groups of friends travelling together to couples to lone travellers like me, but from the very beginning, we got along great. By the second night, we had already become good friends, feeling like we had known each other forever, and by the third night, we were planning our visits to each other. I can’t wait to save up some money to go visit England and Ireland! We spent the two weeks together in constant conversation – whether during the long drives, touring around, eating, or at the local pubs – and by the end of it, we had all gotten really close. With everyone being older than me, many of them referred to me as their ‘little brother,’ and they acted upon it, helping me cook, sharing life experiences and stories with me, and giving me career advice. I learned more from taking this trip and meeting these individuals about life, people, and myself than I ever could have imagined.

I will post a blog detailing the various places my trip took me, but unfortunately I can’t do so right now because, being the forgetful person I am, left my camera at the hostel in Queenstown. Luckily, my friends are still there and have it in their possession, so once I retrieve it from them somehow, I’ll make sure to put the pictures up! I snapped a few on my other, older camera, but these aren’t as nice.

Highlights included Abel Tasman, Franz Josef, and Maikaroura, but without a doubt, the best part of the trip was Queenstown. A fantastic ski town, it had just a vibe and energy that made me want to never leave. I stayed there for five days, and it was a blast getting to enjoy the city with my new friends, making it the perfect way to end the trip.

And what is a must-do in Queenstown? Besides getting a Fergberger (the best burger this side of Charlie Beinlich’s), you’ve gotta bungy jump! Queenstown is the birthplace and capital of bungy jumping, and I knew beforehand that, despite my phobia of heights, I wanted to give it a go.

This may be the single most palpable way I’ve grown during my time abroad. I’ve always been the person to ask the question “Why?” when facing a decision. Now I find myself asking “Why Not?” It’s a simple shift in mindset, but I’ve learned that there are always a million reasons not to do something. It’s all about whether or not you’re going to let that stop you.

So off I went to take the jump, and I’m not even going to attempt to describe the feeling of jumping. All I’ll say is everyone needs to give it a go. Push yourself, strap yourself to a sturdy rope, and jump.

I know my mom will freak when she sees this video. Sorry mom.

Additional highlights: pulling an all-nighter to watch the World Cup in Queenstown: South Korea takes down Greece, and the US draws against England. Also, sneaking on to Gondolas, climbing glaciers, and going seal-watching.

Like I said, hopefully a more detailed blog post will come. Not so much for you my readers, but more because I’d like to document it as much as possible.

I had to bid farewell to one of my good friends as he left for home this morning, thus beginning a parade of goodbyes that I am not looking forward to. But it is inevitable, and it makes me realize that time is quickly running out. Here’s to making the most of the next few weeks.

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