Hello from New Zealand!
We have sublet our apartment, sold our car, given up our jobs and are currently living out of backpacks. This weeks’ goal was to buy a car. We have now walked to many districts in Christchurch and added at least 80 kilometers of wear to our shoes (as well as a few blisters and sunburns). It has been exhausting and there were times when I felt like we would never get out of the city. But today was a happy day as we are now proud owners of a 1997 kiwi car. A bonus is that my very minimal knowledge of vehicles has grown significantly.
I am looking forward to what will be instore for us over the next few months. The landscape is inspiring, the nature is exciting and strange and I cannot wait to see the ocean! Along with focusing on my art practice and learning about the local whales and conservation/research that is happening here we are also excited to spend time volunteering on organic farms.
Coming from a place where whales have also played a significant roll in its history, culture, and development it will be interesting to see if the parallels and similarities between New Zealand and British Columbia.
NZ tidbit of the day: Did you know that New Zealand boasts 38 species of cetaceans?
Embrace this adventure fully, Natasha, as I know you can! I’ll enjoy your posts along the way. Best wishes to you both.
Shirley