Stepping out of the airport at 7 AM and feeling all the humidity and heat on my body, I knew right away I was about to have the most exceptional six weeks of my life. I have already picked up on few aspects of the New Zealand culture over the last days. Kiwis are particularly relaxed and kind-hearted people. Every time I get on the city transport, they greet me with a genuine smile and a hello even though my bus card happened to not have money on it a few times…
Kiwis are also extremely close to the nature of their country; indeed, I went to Totara Park and saw a man walking barefoot in the paths! To be honest, I would do the same if I lived in a country with such nature! Totara Park felt as if I was walking in the jungle but with a temperature of 20 degrees and not any sight of bugs, only lovely chirping birds.
Compared to Canada, Kiwis have strict alcohol rules. One time on our way to Waiheke Island I went to Countdown, the IGA of New Zealand, in search of a rosé with two of my friends, Kayla and Sam. The cashier asked for Kayla’s ID and approved it. However, since she was with Sam and I who did not have our IDs with us they declined her purchase. We ended up going to another store and waited for her outside.
The Island felt like a movie. We swam in the extremely salty and huge turquoise waves of Palm Beach and tanned with a breeze under the hot sun. Sitting on the beige sand the ocean felt like never-ending water. I am still tying to process this astonishing day. As for the volunteering I am doing, it will kick off next week. We are cleaning beaches Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I am also planning on visiting Hobbiton with few friends from my hostel next weekend! I cannot wait to share my future adventures!
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