I like Queenstown! And another favorite place. I didn't think I would count it as a city. Well, maybe calling Queenstown a city is a bit exaggerated. Queenstown is more of a 'town' or even a village. In any case, Queenstown has enchanted me. Or maybe it was the landscape around Queenstown or the insanely good weather. Man, that was pleasant! Sun, blue sky, and a gentle breeze. People, I felt so comfortable! Like I've known Queenstown forever. Do you know that feeling? So on Thursday afternoon, I strolled comfortably through the town. I had longer conversations with some people. I just smiled at others or greeted them politely. By the way... I notice that significantly more people here have a smile on their face. It's normal to be asked 'how are you doing' constantly. I feel like there's a much better work/life balance here than in Germany. Well, this is also a completely different mentality. But back to the topic, sorry, I like to deviate from it. So we were strolling through the town. It was a great day! I prefer doing things like this alone. Luckily, there's a big park in Queenstown where you can play disc golf. So David was well taken care of, and I could pursue my interests. Besides, it was the perfect opportunity to get a small surprise for David's birthday. My flat white coffee tasted fantastic... Sometimes everything just falls into place. But back to the view. Queenstown is located on Lake Wakatipu. The way there is breathtaking. The landscape looks like a painting. As David beautifully said, 'It feels like standing in a painting.' You can't imagine how clear the water is.
The day before, we were at the famous Milford Sound. We left at 7 o'clock in the morning. Unfortunately, the weather on the boat trip wasn't exactly optimal. But it was mystical! It is said that you experience the Milford Sound and the Fjord National Park best when it's raining. And so it was. When it rains, waterfalls shoot down from the mountains everywhere. Impressive! Unfortunately, I missed the jumping penguin on the shore. David saw it. Well, what can I complain or be upset about now. Hello, I'm in New Zealand with my own camper and all the time in the world? I'm just happy.
Next stop, Lake Pukaki. However, we made a stop at Lake Dunstan. The way there leads through some wine regions and orchards. There we started a very special day with pancakes. David's birthday! The day ended at Pukaki with a beautiful parking spot and a stunning view of the lake and Mount Cook in the distance. You can't imagine how blue the water is! By the way, this is another favorite place. It just doesn't stop 😃
Do you know that feeling when you're on vacation and after 3 weeks, you develop a feeling of being 'in the travel'. You have gotten to know the country a bit, roughly know how things work, and start feeling really comfortable... And then you have to go home again.
That's what's special about this trip! We're 'in' now and we just get to keep going. Great feeling :)