Far beyond lies Antarctica
On the southernmost tip of the south island sits Curio Bay, the closest I’ve ever been to Antarctica. Wind whips my face and hair and I feel I might blow over the cliff’s edge into the ocean. There seems to be nothing else around save wind, sea, and waves. I feel alone here in this whirlwind. Beyond lies that one and only great icy landscape. I can almost touch one of my dreams.
Read MoreDriving to Te Anau
First by car, then by plane, then by car, then by boat. It was night. Arriving at the dock felt like stepping into a scene from Lost’s Dharma Initiative, eerily lit, the sound of water lapping against the boat, some unknown location isolated in the rain forest.
Then by foot, bending and wriggling through the cave entrance, walking precariously on a metal bridge. Glacier water rushing beneath us, hungrily escaping the depths of this great earthen cave.
Read MoreDriving across the southernmost coast I realize that New Zealanders are clean orderly people and that there are not many of them (just 4M compared to 37M in the state of California alone). There is no trash strewn about, there are no garbage cans in public places (not even gas stations), and there are recycling bins, even in the most remote hard-to-get-to locations such as Milford Sound. This observation is shocking considering that a developed city like San Diego does not even have a recycling program.
Read MoreA sunset like no other, sea rolling in, sun bleeding through clouds. The most magical eve. <3
We arrived at Karekare beach just in time to see the sun bleeding through the clouds. Waves rolled in, white and foamy, reflecting the soft dazzling rays of sunlight as the clouds diffused their shine. This is the beach where The Piano was filmed, and amidst the overpowering beauty of the Earth's elements, there was also a moody feeling of both romance and the gentle but constant reminder of Mother Nature's power.
Milford Sound
When traveling to the other side of the world you lose a day, poof, just like that. In the land of kiwi birds, you must embrace oddities and opposites. For example, it is practically summertime back home in Los Angeles, but here in the southern hemisphere red autumn-colored leaves smell fresh and crispy, and a winter chill is threatening. Other curiosities I have found thus far: soap nuts (little bags of nut shells used to launder clothes), Farmville (the real place) and Teacupland. Also there is this: driving.
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