It’s been a (long) while.
Well. It’s 2019. Looks like the last post I made here was in 2016 sooo there is a lot to catch up on...it’s kind of overwhelming.
The long and short of it is that I stayed in NZ for a total of 6 years and truly loved every moment. New Zealand is an absolutely stunning sliver of earth and I fell head over heels.
Today (coincidentally) marks my 1 year anniversary of being back in the USA. I moved to Seattle one year ago for a kiwi company with an office here. The irony of life, right?
The Pacific Northwest is a gorgeous part of the states and I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know the area (particularly the great outdoor parts).
After 1 year in NZ I wrote a short tribute aka poem about Aotearoa, that I am going to re-share now since it’s kind of amazing. Can I continue this tradition for a tribute to Seattle? Challenge accepted.
Title: POET AND DON’T EVEN KNOW IT?
girl with backpack arrives in a foreign land a few bucks in her pocket, crap travel guide in hand no idea where she’s going (or even where she’s been) she reaches a backpackers; uncovering within a cozy private yoga studio, helloooo, WIN
instantly enraptured by the beauty of enzed’s scenery she treks volcano after volcano, summit views of endless greenery from one cuppa to another, the the kiwi life seeps in relaxed nature, laid-back attitude (and beers in the chilly bin!)
auckland pleases but she wants more - so to the north she goes (keen to explore) 90 miles (ish) of sparkling beaches and crystal waters delight plus kayaking, biking, tramping and fishermen everywhere in sight
northland: a land of sheer abundance, there’s nothing you cannot procure avos? kiwifruit? bananas? macademias? (oh, rest assured!) greeted with pure generosity and beaming with appreciation she welcomes the wonders of kina, feijoas and authentic fish n chips (did someone say…staycation?)
but with time the traveller’s itch reemerges and back to the south she ventures (on a car, she splurges) kerikeri, paihia and whangerei ensue an old stone building, controversial treaty and picaresque waterfall in view
down she goes with a stop in hamilton to enjoy the vibrant expanse of florets then to waitomo for dark caves, glow worms, twisting roads (while listening to 1984 cassettes) entering the taranaki region, her breath is taken away instantly the grandeur of the mountain dazzles contrasting black sands and sparkling sea
and so, for now, in new plymouth city she rests stealing glances toward the mountain at any request summer’s finally arriving (it was worth the wait) surrounded by tip-top, surfers and jandals - SWEET AS, mate
Title: I live here now?
After six years spent in oceania’s paradise The girl was in love, but still enticed By a new opportunity, back in the USA This time to the pacific northwest, I daresay
They call it a wonderland, could it be true? An October move, I remember only darkness & dew “Sunlight, I miss you” is constantly top of mind Mother-in-law basement units, could be a crime In Seattle at least - as each drop of sunlight is treasured “Wait for summer” they say, as I roll my eyes, displeasured And then..May arrives and sunlight bursts at the seams Of this brand new city I hardly recognize, agleam
Countless national parks to hike and explore A bike ride around Rainier, now I’m done for Never-ending summer days with activities jam-packed We’re entering October again ... I’m ready for a nap