Oh my!

I have been delinquent! So sorry, dear reader. It warms my heart to see that people have checked the blog for updates, but then disheartens me that I haven't provided. It's been a whirlwind of activity... I'll do my best to provide a concise, yet interesting, insight.

I thought it was getting cold two months ago. And now, it's actually Winter. In Melbourne, this means more inconsistency in temperature, but generally cooler. For example, today is a sunny & relatively warm day, but by about 5pm, the sun will be gone, the air will be cool, and the prevailing winds will become increasingly noticed. However, being the massive country/island/continent that it is, it's possible to escape Wintery-ness! Which is exactly what I'm about to do.

Queensland is the northeastern-most state of Australia, marked by a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season that has basically just "ended". (In quotes because it could and very well will rain whilst I'm there). I believe I mentioned it in the last post, as I was headed to the southern part of the state a couple months back. I did enjoy it thoroughly. Definitely a different culture, including activities, sport, people, among others. Also, they employ a thing called Queensland-time (see previous post on Hawaii-time), which I can really get down with. Laid back mentality... nice weather... I've never seen so many people grocery shop without a shirt and/or shoes on! And I was only in the very South of the state. This time I'll be flying into Cairns, a bit further up. Actually quite a ways up (it's always so hard to tell on the map - I can't emphasize the vastness of this space enough).

Anyway, looking forward to that.

But let's be honest, the most exciting thing I have to write about is the three weeks I just spent traveling in a campervan around New Zealand. I mean, seriously, one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. But even better than seeing some sights, the consistency of the place really blew my mind. It wasn't like you go see a beautiful thing and then go somewhere else to see another beautiful thing. Especially on the South island, the beautiful things just don't stop! I had a traveling companion for the duration of the trip, and I'm glad I did. Being in disbelief alone is only so satisfying.

There are eight sheep to each person in New Zealand, or so they say.

 We first flew into Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. Christchurch was hit by a massive earthquake, and a number of aftershocks ever since, in early 2011. I wish I could have seen the city before because, even two years later, the rebuild was still going strong. In fact, a sizable portion of the downtown area was still closed off due to construction. It's unfortunate when an earthquake shreds any place of course, but Christchurch was particularly known for its historical and impressive architecture. So, by taking these out, an important aspect of the city's heritage was also destroyed. Due to the extreme damage, many people fled Christchurch, their jobs and/or homes no longer in existence. On the one hand, this is a devastating outcome. And on the other hand, I was wonderfully impressed at the display of progress that initiated as a result. Many of the buildings are being rebuilt, with respect paid to the original craftsmanship. But so many other structures are being built with a fresh perspective. For instance: a chapel built of thick cardboard insulation, a city-wide mini-golf course, a community space pavilion constructed of wood pallets, a shipping container mall, and many more displays of art, commemoration, and growth. It's especially interesting because a lot of this growth & change is being initiated by the younger crowd. I think it's probably a bit easier for them to see this natural disaster as an opportunity. So, while there were definitely plenty of reminders about the tragedy, I felt invigorated & excited for the people of Christchurch, as they step slowly but surely forward.

In Christchurch, we also acquired what would be our home for the next three weeks:

Never a shortage of great spots to camp!

Relocations (the process of returning a rental car back to a more frequented area) are very popular in New Zealand. Usually, the company provides free mileage and/or fuel, if you return the car in a certain number of days. But (because we were traveling to Auckland, where most people arrive), we were lucky to find one that charged a very small rate, but with indefinite time limitation. This meant our accommodation & transportation was sorted, and cooking gear was provided. Too good.

We traveled far & wide, doing our best to see a lot but also take the time to thoroughly appreciate it all. I think, instead of a written recollection, I will use photos. Naturally, I will preface this visual collection by saying: photos continue to undo justice. Guess you'll just have to go there yourself some day...

Like a model village in Autumn

After Christchurch, we began our journey South to Wanaka via the inland scenic route, which was recommended to us back in Melbourne. And good golly, what a treat! I'm telling you, this is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on, and with perfectly sunny days to boot. We were basically, mouths gaping open the whole way, with lots of "Whoa, look at that!" and "Holy crap, where are we??"

Lake Wanaka - this is the point where we decided that extending our trip was a necessity

 As stated, New Zealand is a land of rarely-rivaled beauty. A long-term isolation of the small country (that has a population of Melbourne I might add!) has allowed the exotic flora & fauna to flourish with limited interruption. The diversity is also striking. For instance, the following photo was taken facing inland from a free-standing look-out point on the West coast.

And this photo is the 180º view from the exact same spot. Felt like two different worlds.

I feel like the best way to explore a new place is by foot. Cycling is a close contender, but I reckon more sights are missed at increased acceleration. Therefore, we walked heaps...

...through forests...

...to massive glaciers (Franz Joseph, hmm)...

...around pancake rocks (a geological mystery)...

...across unusual landmarks (NZ's longest swing bridge)...

...through national parks (Split Apple Rock at Abel Tasman)...

...over & around beaches & mountains...

 

---traversed flooded flatlands...

 

 

...discovered turtle islands...

...crossed the Bass Strait on a ferry...

...of course drank beer along the way....

...hiked another mountain or two...

...and always relished in the sunset. Another wonderful day behind, and another yet to come.

Lessons for success: patience, sense of humor, humility, and genuine & unconditional appreciation for the world

Yep, that works better than words. Especially, as sleepiness calls... I'm sorry that I'm mostly rubbish at keeping this thing updated! I'll try to do another one soon, as there is plenty of natural Australia beauty that I've mostly neglected to portray of yet. It deserves better than that. As do you.

G'day!

Life is best enjoyed out of doors

So, it’s March. For Australia, that means the start of Autumn. Hard to believe I’ve seen out an entire season here. And let me tell you, Summer in Melbourne is pretty effin sweet. And active. In fact, I was a bit overwhelmed by the breadth of choices on any given day really, but especially any given weekend. I mean, massive events happening all over town, and you can only do one at a time. And really, you can only do one period. Because I use the term “town” lightly. In fact, different neighborhoods in Melbourne are essentially like traveling to different cities. Different culture & people & places. And all so far apart. Well. Comparatively.

Probably my favorite times here are spent on my bicycle. Galaxy, she’s called. (Appropriately named by some lady on the street because of the wicked splattered blue and silver paint job.) There’s a bike shop in my neighborhood called The Freedom Machine. The name couldn’t be more representative. I can get anywhere in the city on my bike. And fortunately, there is frequently comfortable infrastructure all the way. (In fact, recently I had to get to the outer suburbs, and a little research showed me a cyclist’s ferry for crossing the river. It was fun, and is partially funded by the Department of Transportation, thus encompassing one aspect of official public transportation – awesome!). Otherwise, there are heaps of bike lanes, and even cycling and walking trails that will get you many places, without cars whizzing by. So, yes, biking here is really great. Not too hilly to boot.

Also, public art is very big here. In fact, at one point I considered an entire entry entitled “have a little heART”. But I suppose the title is about as far as I got. Sometimes the city sponsors big public displays. 

Christmas in the summertime!

 And in some places, it’s not regulated, but is condoned. Right in the CBD for instance. Yes, this leniency toward graffiti means there is some really unimpressive simplicity displayed along train lines and alleys what not. But it also means there are some really remarkable pieces. 

Alleyways dedicated to graffiti allow artists to perform in the daytime, and not lurk around in the night.

"Raise your hearts in marvel for this painting captivates the immediacy of your eternal presents without application of technology or conceptual engagment"

I also give props to the city for supporting a number of impressive displays. From the simple to the extravagant.

Sweet laser light show projected onto Town Hall

Admittedly, it's not all sunshine & rainbows in Melbourne summer of course. This has been the hottest recorded summer in many many years. And as usual, the bushfires ravaged multiple parts of the country. And where fires don't strike, the residual smoke does. Check out this smoke cloud moving in. It seemed to appear spontaneously, real apocalyptic-like.

View from the train

 

Oh, and then the wildlife. If I’m going to be outside, I’m bound to encounter other outdoorsmen. 

You know koalas spend the vast majority of their lives eating eucalyptus leaves. This baby's learning the ropes...

And wallabies spend a lot of their time relaxing. These animals have really got it right.

And then, of course, the beach. We just don’t have beaches like this in Texas. At least not ones I’ve seen. And there was ninety-four miles of this one! And check out how many people are on it… so good.

Anyway. I have many exciting travel plans in the next two months, all culminating in my exodus from this city. I'm very much looking forward to exploring new places in this massive island-country.

Life is good. Love to you all.

Accidental photo, but I like it.