The past 4 or 5 days leading up to my arrival here in Dunedin were fairly uneventful - which was exactly what I was going for. Allie and I parted ways temporarily, so I could make my way down the west coast and she could spend more time in the cities. Given that she lives in Wyoming and I live in Southern California, I think we were both craving what we don't get every day at home - she wanted socializing and meeting people, and I wanted to experienced the untouched natural wonders of New Zealand.
I headed down to Franz Josef Glacier, Laka Wanaka, and Queenstown, where I spent my days taking long hikes by myself and loving it. Talking about, and even showing pictures of, the beautiful scenery here just doesn't do it justice - so for now I'll just say it was awesome and that I enjoyed the many hours I spent in the woods alone.
After those peaceful days, I headed east over to Dunedin, where I reunited with Allie, as well as Tanya, Ted, and their family - friends from the old HI-San Diego days. Tanya was my boss at the hostel, though she is a native Kiwi and returned here three years ago with her husband Ted and two adorable kids, Palin and Kaitaia. Back in San Diego, I was Palin's guitar teacher and looked forward to our weekly lessons at their place, which I was paid for partially in delicious homemade breads and baked goods.
Of course we were greeted at their home with more fresh homemade bread, where Tanya's mum, Palin and Taia (now 11 and 6) were waiting for us. They live in an amazing old house that they've fixed up on their own, complete with a huge garden where they grow every kind of fruit and veggie imaginable, not to mention three chickens! They couldn't be better hosts - they've made us some amazing home-grown and home-cooked meals, lent us their car, and just provided an all-around great stay. And the chocolate cupcakes with homemade rhubarb ice cream they made for Allie's 30th birthday made us just want to move in.
After some time on the road, it feels great to be in an actual home - especially one so lively, cozy, and fun. Their lifestyle is inspiring, and they have all the ingredients of a good life - a loving family, great conversation over great food, surrounded by gorgeous green hills and an ocean view.
Tomorrow's plan is to explore the Otago peninsula, followed by some gardening to pay our dues for the accommodations here. Though we have done a bit of sighseeing today (i.e. scenic hike, art gallery and climbing the World's Steepest Street), sometimes it's just nice to do things like wash laundry and pull some weeds.
