A brief overview of New Zealand December-February

The idea to create a blog came to me 3 months ago - at the beginning of the journey to New Zealand - but as often happens, I didn't execute my plan. This perfectly reflects the time that has already passed: 'Planless and spontaneously without end'!

Back when we were on the plane, I actually wanted to spend the perceived eternity reading my travel guides. But that thought was quickly discarded when I saw the selection of TV shows in front of me. Watching the entire 6th season of Game of Thrones for the third time sounded much better, and back then, dealing with Westeros seemed more relevant than realizing that I would soon be thousands of kilometers away from familiar Bottrop. I have no regrets. If Lisa and I had booked and planned every detail in advance, we would never have ended up where we are today. It sounds clichéd, like one of those phrases you always hear from adults. But it's true, so true. I have never been happier or more content with myself than in that very moment. And the memories of climbing into the glowworm cave in Whangarei, the power outage in Pahia, Hobbiton in Matamata, the spontaneous rooftop party in Hamilton, Christmas in a beach house in Wellington, the Rhythm and Vines festival on New Year's Eve, working on the blueberry farm in Hastings, the Tongario Crossing in Taupo, and ultimately our city life in Wellington are currently forming the most beautiful adventure of my life.

Finding oneself in unusual situations always leads to encountering extraordinary people. More than the places, it is the personalities one meets on their travels that leave a lasting impression. Wow, I just hope that I can manage to stay in touch with most of them, whether they're hippies or students. I'm so grateful to know how many good and amazing people are out there. It has changed my perspective on the world for the better, and to be honest, that's exactly what I hoped for from work and travel.