Just go, C!
I'm Charity, a proud auntie, wine lover, semi-nerd, and dreamer who can't stay in one place for too long.
Well friends, I made it to Auckland!
All went fairly well on the journey, save for the lone screaming child on the flight who was seated in the row in front of mine. I probably wouldn't have slept much anyway, let's be honest. Got through customs with no issue, found my transport to the area of Mt. Eden where my hostel is situated, the sun was shining, the air was cool and crisp, and all was right with the world. Got to the hostel and that's when I started to question my life choices just a bit. Hippie twenty-somethings were huddled in the kitchen and dining area where there were not one but four acoustic guitars hanging on the wall. I walked up to my "room" where there are 5 bunk beds and I had thought for SURE that I had booked an all-girl dorm. I did not. It was warm and smelled of dirty socks. There was one of the 20-somethings in the room when I walked in. Me, baffled: "Is this coed?!?!?" Him: ".....what?" hahaha. I walked out of the room into the hallway to collect myself, trying to look super cool like I belonged there and was really hip and lit and on fleek and all that. Oh boy. Fast forward a few days later, and I think I've adjusted fairly well to hostel living. I have actually been sleeping like a champ (probably thanks in part to the Melatonin chewies) and have learned a few tricks to making it more bearable: 1. Learn the schedule of the other occupants and adjust yours accordingly. I shower and eat at the "off" times. 2. Buy a padlock. 3. Bring your own towel. Thankfully, I had bought a microfiber type towel before my trip. 4. Know that everyone else doesn't want you messing with their shit as much as you don't want them messing with your shit. It's the golden rule of room sharing. 5. And most important - EARPLUGS. Truly, it is not all THAT bad and I would do it again. Spending just under $100USD for 5 nights certainly helps me get over myself, not to mention the experience of leaving my comfy zone and knowing that it could always be worse. They could allow the guitars in the dorms.
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Yeah. It still feels weird to even say it. But, it's happening.
I have to admit that I've thoroughly enjoyed the facial expressions and questions I've been asked since informing those around me of my "plans." The most common questions I've been asked are: "What are you going to do for a job?" "How long are you going to be in x location?" "What do you plan on doing while you're there? Where are you staying?" And, of course, "When are you coming back?" And the best part is when I give them my answer which is the same answer for every single question above: "I don't know." HA! What a terrifying response! The looks of bewilderment! The shock! The fear! The nervous laughter! But it's true. I have no idea. And that, my friends, is the whole idea. I mean, yes, I know what day I'm leaving the U.S. and I know where I'm going first (Auckland, New Zealand, for those who are wondering), and yes, I have booked my first few days in a hostel in Auckland. Beyond that, well..... ????? But shouldn't that be the point? I think a lot of people have assumed that I am doing this for a "vacation" sort of deal where I'm just going to be a tourist for an indefinite period of time. And while that would be incredibly luxurious and I would certainly enjoy that, the reality is, I WILL have to find work. I WILL have to budget my money and be very frugal. I WILL have challenges that force me to rely on my own strengths and mindset to get through them. I will probably make a ton of mistakes. I will probably get homesick. I will probably get SICK sick. But here is also what will happen: I will meet some incredible people who are in this with me and people who will want to help me. I will see some incredible sights and marvel at the beauty of this great Earth. I will become stronger, more confident, and more powerful. I will learn to enjoy the present moment and detach myself from routines, monotony, misconceptions, and fear. I will give of myself to local people and communities. I will make a LOT of friends who will stay in touch with me for (hopefully) the rest of our lives. And I will learn SO. Much. about myself and the people and cultures of this planet. I'm about to prove why "I don't know" is a beautiful thing, friends. I hope you will find some inspiration in my adventures, and thank you in advance for your prayers, support, kind words, and yes, the questions! Enjoy the ride! |
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AuthorHi! I'm Charity. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. I quit my job in October 2016 to travel the world. Archives
June 2022
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