Leah - Recap New Zealand

Before we get too far into Central America, thoughts about New Zealand:

1 country
2 islands
3 weeks 
4 rental cars (2 were transfer cars) 
1 night in a hostel 
3 nights hosted by Hashers 
17 nights tent/car camping (only paid for 2)
2 kennels hashed in 
5 showers (2 paid for)
3,833 Kilometers driven 
4 books read 
65.85 Miles ran/hiked 
2.5 bottles of wine drank in 1 night
15 post cards written 
2 large packs of wet wipes 
4 FaceTime calls with friends 
12 ish cans of cold soup 
10ish $5 pizzas 
And a partridge in a pear tree.

New Zealand was an incredible experience different from any we've had so far on this trip. Due to the nature of camping and touring around we did not meet or interact with as many people as we have in other places. This was a place for Tyler and I to spend some serious quality time together; as if we don't get enough of that already, right?? We said goodbye to Harry Potter through tear-filled eyes and traveled with Katniss from the beginning to the end. We had some great conversations that led us down many rabbit holes together and mostly, we spent lots of time discussing our future and what we hope it will look like. There's still a lot of unanswered questions, but it was great to throw some ideas out there.

As I reflect further, I realize New Zealand allowed me to deeply engage in a value that's very important to me: freedom. We were able to drive wherever we wanted (although on the wrong side of the road 😉). We could stop where we wanted, when we wanted. We could hike where we wanted- for free! We went to sleep and woke up when we wanted. Sometimes we would drive for hours without seeing more than 5 cars. We got to explore or be lazy as much or as little as we wanted. We could take wet wipe baths where we wanted. Ok, not everwhereeee where we wanted, but we did in some creative places. It was invigorating to be able to travel no-strings-attached across the most beautiful and diverse countryside I've ever seen! This freedom made me feel very alive and connected with this amazing experience like I haven't felt yet. I'm so thankful for the privilege to be able to know this feeling!

When we did get to interact with people it was with our favorite kind of people: Hashers! We owe a big thank you to the Auckland Hash House Harriers and the Christchurch Hash House Harriers who showed us a great time! We owe an extra big thank you to Sauce, Big Horn, and Bush Banger for hosting us for a night and most importantly, allowing us to take a free shower!!

Thanks for the memories, New Zealand! Until next time!