Sorry Mom, I hitchhiked...

Sunrise on Shotover St.

I’m finally settled in! I took a full time job at Captain’s.  We had a tasting for our Fall menu yesterday, which includes kobe beef tartare, tarakey risotto, lamb shanks, braised pork cheek, and apricot coconut crème brulee.  Um yeah… it was the highlight of my normally pb&j filled day.  Working in a restaurant abroad is wild.  People from all over the world come to Qtown, so the language barrier can be tough; speak slowly, annunciate, be patient.  My first night I learned in the UK you do NOT clear plates from a table till everyone is done from an uppity British man.  I’m still learning the lingo (lemonade= sprite, Kumara= sweet potato, entrée= appetizer, filet is pronounced “fill-it". Not working for tips is also a new concept.  I wish I could just get paid for hiking and taking pictures, but unfortunately there are no openings for that. 

Wonder how long this will last... 

I’ve hiked Queenstown hill (Nick and I made some patriotic stone art at the top), Tiki trail, Bob’s Cove, and on Thursday Anthony and I did Moke Lake and Lake Dispute.  Sorry Mom, I really did hitchhike, and it was awesome.  Anthony’s tutorial: when you hear a car, make eye contact and stick your thumb out! Hitching is very common around NZ, but I was really sketched out to try it.  A fifty-something y/o couple, Robin and Kevin, picked us up.  They are on holiday from Auckland, continuing their 30 year honeymoon J.  In addition to giving us a ride, they hiked with us for awhile and gave me their contact info to come stay with them when I move to Auckland in June.  Their daughter studies at U of Auckland, and they have a chemist friend who may be able to give me a job. 
First hitching experience, SCORE! The hike was about 
2 hours, of sunny hills surrounded by snowy capped mountains, sheep, cattle, flowers everywhere.


It really sucked.

Moke Lake

Today I moved into Reaver’s lodge.  Crashing at Lauren and Katie’s was fun, while adjusting and flat hunting, but finally unpacking today feels good.  At Reaver’s I’ll be working 12 hours a week (3 x 7- 11am breakfast shifts), in exchange for a room+ all bills, breakfast, wifi, access to a hot tub, pool table, free laundry, and some good hook ups for outdoor adventures that the lodge books for guests.  The staff is all young and really cool, and I’ve convinced a few guests to come visit me at Captain’s tonight! It’s hard working two jobs, waking up early and staying up late, but if I’m living the traveller life, I’m going all out.  It’s fulfilling to work hard and see it pay off

Anthony by Lake Dispute

I’ll admit I miss my family.  My cousin Phyllis had a heart attack, and all I can do is pray for her.  I haven’t talked to my brother since he deployed.  This is also the longest I’ve gone in six years without talking to Shae.  Don’t get me wrong; I love the simple lifestyle.  I might be the happiest I’ve ever been, but I could really go for some March madness and a night out with Chris right about now.  Bottom line, being here is a once in a lifetime opportunity.   The myriad people I’m meeting are opening my eyes to foreign cultures and new perspectives.  I’m also learning a lot about myself and what I’m capable of with a little effort.

Being here and sharing stories with new people is a reality slap for how lucky I have been to have good friends, supportive family, and all the opportunities I sometimes overlook.  This kind of travelling is not for the faint at heart; I didn’t shower for days because there was no hot water (I eventually caved... ice cold showers aren't so bad) and I’ve been living out of a backpack and gone a few days with only 1 meal.  Many people I’ve met have been through worse, but they are all the stronger for it. Life, every experience, is what you make it.  Attitude is everything.  Perseverance and sincerity will take you a long way if you’re open to new things.