New Zealand
The Travel Day That Felt Like Forever
Today was going to be a long travel day - there's just no way of getting around it. And when you know that it's going to be a long day, it just never helps. I have three flights ahead of me. Queenstown to Christchurch: 1 hour Christchurch to Singapore: 11 hours 30...
Falling from One of the World’s Largest Swings
Along this 9-month adventure that I've been on, there were a few key activities that I wanted to do along the way. And for the most part, I've accomplished them. Zip-line in Costa Rica Surf in Indonesia Sky dive in Australia Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef Fall...
Just a Casual 11-Mile Walk on Kepler Track
Molly and I woke up feeling pretty sore after our hike yesterday (dang switchbacks). So what better way to work out those tense muscles than going on a 11-mile hike?? (Fun fact - lots of things could be better such as a nice warm bath, a massage, laying in bed all...
A Hike Up to Key Summit
Today was a flood of emotions. I woke up this morning to several texts letting me know that one of my friends back in the Gold Coast had died. From the news that I got, Tom went out swimming with friends, but the current was too strong. He crashed into nearby rocks...
Cruising Down Milford Sound
When I was first exposed to pictures of New Zealand years ago, Milford Sound was one of the first things I saw. I was drawn in by its steep, sea cliffs (one of tallest in the world) and dark waters. It was in that moment that I put it on The List. And today is the day...
Eating the Notorious Fergburger
Back home in Dallas, I would consider myself a Burger Connoisseur, and I do not take this title (nay, responsibility) lightly. I’m bold enough to say that In-N-Out burgers are mediocre at best, Whataburger is vastly underrated (for fast food standards), and that Hop...
Learning to Stay Flexible in Tekapo
I’m going to give you the best travel tip I’ve learned thus far: you must remain flexible. Things will not always go your way - guaranteed. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus would say, “the only thing that is constant is change.” So you have to be ok with letting...
Hop, Skip, and a Flight to Christchurch
I absolutely love traveling with a familiar face. There’s just something so comforting and relaxing about having Molly join me for the south island. When you find those people who are so easy to travel with, you hold on to them. I’d just like to say that Molly is...
We’re Going on an Adventure to Hobbiton!
I woke up this morning to an exciting day ahead of me. 1) MOLLY ARRIVES TO AUCKLAND! 2) We go to Hobbiton!! Honestly, two amazing things in one day - not sure how to contain the excitement. Molly was my desk neighbor when I was working in Dallas, and we’ve been...
Travel Days Are Better With Steak
Today was Tama and I’s last day of our road trip across central North Island. We saw some really beautiful things, we listened to some really jammin’ tunes, and we had lots of meaningful conversations. Overall, I would say that it was a successful road trip! But with...
Learning about the Maori Culture in Rotorua
I woke up this morning super excited about the educational day ahead of me. Today I would learn more about the Maori culture - the original inhabitants of New Zealand. Since Tama is part Maori and knowledgable about his history, he was going to be a solid tour guide....
I Drove 110 on the Left Side
Tama and I didn't have any big plans today except for driving down to Rotorua. And ya know, stopping off and eating something somewhere at some point. Priorities, c'mon. So we left Whitianga around 10:30am and hit that open road. To be honest, sometimes I wish I was...
Moody Weather at New Chums Beach
There are some things that have become pretty standard with Tama and I's travel this week. But the #1 thing? We both sleep in until about 11am. And you know what? I'm totally ok with this. I haven't been able to sprawl out on a king-sized bed for this many consecutive...
A Bit of Brunch
It's official - Tama and I are in such chill moods. We've both been pretty hectic lately, and we just can't seem to motivate each other to do anything productive. More often than not, we encourage each other to not do anything. We all need friends like that. So after...
Jet Skiing My First Full Day in Auckland
Back in Indonesia, Tama and I had our routine. I would go lay out by the pool, he would sleep in until about 11am, and then we’d both meet up and grab brunch. We did this for weeks. Though we’re not in Indonesia anymore but instead in Auckland, part of that routine is...