I’m still here…

When walking with mum in St Arnaud, I introduced her to one of my favourite Disney tracks, ‘I’m still here’ from Treasure Planet (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA68KUb4e7Q). It’s an absolute banger (in English or Spanish). It is also very fitting for my current situation…I’M STILL HERE.

After increasingly struggling with a sense of isolation in Canvastown I am now in Christchurch, living with Martin, who is without a doubt one of the kindest people I have ever met. He has welcomed me to his house with open arms and has shared everything he has. My new friends also include a Frenchman, who has cycled from France to New Zealand over the last 2 years, and a young Danish couple. I arrived on Sunday and that evening we celebrated my birthday again with a second cake (see below), a huge dinner, drinks and lots of laughs. It was so refreshing and was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered (well except for the cake maybe…).

Backtracking slightly, my final weeks in Canvastown had some special moments. I made some solid progress with archery (I am thinking of continuing with this when I get home), upped my chess game, did some serious thinking about the future, developed a fascination for Kauri gum and walked a lot. The valley was a beautiful place to live and I was blessed with pretty incredible weather nearly the whole time. Even on rainy days the valley was gloomy, mysterious and atmospheric. I also had one of the weirdest and most memorable birthdays in New Zealand. After an early morning run, we had pancakes for breakfast, before a walk, drinks and cake. It was a lovely day and David and Sarah helped make that happen. However, after many weeks I increasingly felt the need for a change and especially more human contact.

Martin’s household has provided that, and then some. After a wonderful welcome party (Sunday) we have done gardening, walks to the beach and eaten like absolute champions. We share two meals together every day and I have been treated to some beautiful dishes. In particular my new French friend is a keen chef and has made cakes, soups, risottos and roasts. Tonight is my turn, so I’m aiming for potato skins and home-made coleslaw (the bar has been set incredibly high by the others so I hope not to disappoint). I feel completely re-energised and ready to grasp whatever the future holds. At this stage, I still haven’t got a clue. But then again… who does? All I can say with certainty is things are well and truly on the up.