A Canadian in New Zealand

So I've been in New Zealand for just over a month now and I think it's safe to say I have settled in. I've explored some of New Plymouth, visited the botanical gardens, walked on the coastal walkway, and even climbed Paritutu rock, a 153m portion of an old volcano. I also experienced my first international birthday, celebrating my 24th with new friends, new drinks, and a Kiwi style Octoberfest.

I've felt many different emotions during my first month; it's been an array of happiness, excitement, loneliness, and homesickness. The strongest emotion, however, has been the overwhelming feeling of being alive. The other day I walked along the Foreshore Coastal Walkway, sat for a rest and watched the sea and its waves lapping the rocky shore. I thought how lucky I am to be experiencing New Zealand and how great it is to be alive, despite being so far away from family and friends. I'm just a little speck in the universe but my time in New Zealand will forever remain in my memories and will undoubtedly affect my future in ways to be determined.

I suppose I've always had emotions and thoughts like these: driving with the windows down on warm, sunny fall days, sitting by a fireplace while watching the sparkly snowflakes pile up, and eating apple cider doughnauts are all things that make me stop and remember how lucky we are to be Canadian and, more importantly, to make the best of the simple things in life. The natural things.