Life Changing

I remember finally seeing the ocean. Emily, Bonnie, and I had been biking (or more like hiking while walking our bikes) for several hours in an attempt to find a cave on the beach to camp in. Although those hours were tough, similar to the hours it took to get to the magical country of New Zealand, it was totally 100% worth it. The view was magical. The community members in the village on the edge of the water were friendly and greeted us with huge smiles and waves. Once we settled in the cave, we realized that the fire wood was wet and lighting it was not going to happen. So, we sat in the dark - enjoying the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks and the sand while breathing in the freshest air my lungs have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The morning started by watching the southern hemisphere sunrise which I had yet to experience. Considering the fact that our trip there took longer than expected, we decided to get an early start to our trip back home. Luckily, we found a cafe to stop at for a delicious breakfast, to me, anything would taste better than the bread I had packed for the trip. In an attempt to find a shorter way back, we ask the employees of the cafe for advice back to the university. We decided to go with their advice and turn left instead of right on our way out. The whole ride home was along the peninsula, down hill, going through cute towns along the way. This experience, which took place just 2 weeks into being in Dunedin, made me understand why everyone I know has fallen head over heels in love with New Zealand. The scenery was beautiful. The air was refreshing. Most of all, the people were the kind of human beings I have dreamed about - friendly, caring, happy, and helpful. If the rest of the world could learn something from New Zealand it would be to take life with a grain of salt. There is no need to worry, always find a way to enjoy life, find a reason to smile everyday and the world will smile with you. I can not wait to go back to the land of the long white cloud.