Auckland Again



Rugby.



Roast Chicken, stuffing, veggies.




Pumpkin Pie. Of sorts.

 4th of July I was in Taupo at the Meditation Centre. Not really a place of meditation but it was still cool. they made me an American dinner in celebration of Independence Day. Ever so thoughtful. the Singapore guy made the pumpkin pie. I was excited for all the kiwi's to try it since pumpkin is never a sweet but a savory. Alas, I forgot this dude was a health nut and you could taste the eggs more than the pumpkin. He didn't add any sugar. Nuff said. It was nasty. but the thought was there and thats what counts?

I'm back at my Uncle's and so happy, I have missed them oodles! Aunt Mary is back on both feet. They are returning the crutches today and she is ecstatic.

It's sad having to explain to everyone why I'm back in Auckland. With only a week left my time here seems so short. I've been wracking my brain for things I need to do so to double check I'm not missing out on any experiences. Wish me luck!

If you can't handle the heat..

I still can't believe the people who I am sharing my life with for the next week. Everyone here is too bizarre to be real. Why does everyone insist on spoon feeding me??

A guy taught me how to see the energy of a leaf yesterday morning. Honestly. Half the things he says just have to be made up but you know he believes himself. And that sometimes rubs off on you.

There's a 56 year old from Singapore who pats you on the back after everything he says, which is usually thank you no matter what you do or say. And then he will say 'oh I will be so sad when you are gone'..

Another fellow who heals through a native american drum sort of thing.

Then a guy who does sweats.

I could go on. The weird, but maybe not so weird, thing is I love spending time with all of them. And I think I'm actually beginning to believe in this energy stuff. People may think it's bogus or that it's some shaman thing but it's fairly practical. Many thought Prince Charles was crazy when he talked to his plants, but research shows it helps them grow. He was sending his energy to them and it worked. As the kiwis would say- the proof is in the pudding.


Mom here are the photo's you have been requesting. I didn't even realize I had them on my phone. It's your lucky day :)

'The Lone Gumtree'

View from Tauhara

How long has it been since I saw library card index? Second grade.

Plant tissue paper. Yup.

What's in her bowl? Hot cocoa.

My caravan. Yes that my laundry all over the place. And yes it is surprisingly warmer than my room was.

Said room. As you can see my side was the clean one.

Tauhara centre.

Real

I haven't been thinking much of anything except my self the past 5 months, and within the past few days it's become apparent how out of touch with everything I am. 1- I watched the movie "The Constant Gardener", 'nuff said. 2- I found out what life in China is really like.

I realized I don't think I have ever met someone from China, who currently lives there and grew up there. Japan, sure. Korea, of course. Same with many other countries in Asia. It's blowing my mind, and when the two girls were talking like Hong Kong wasn't in China it confused me. Was I that horrible at geography? But the laws are completely different.

On a good note, I now have a Chinese name. It sounds like Lay Ju Hui and it means "Thunder Intelligent". A very serious name...

Winter Solstice

black swans at lake taupo with florian and jojo

Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in the southern hemisphere

This treasure is made of flax and just happened to be laying around..

Solstice time.

Everyone's candle

My Future.

Iris with our glow sticks

Lantern trail

Yesterday was the winter solstice and at Tauhara we held a festival. Kids from the local Steiner school came out with lanterns they made and walked around outside with them. We ate homemade pizza and didnt have to do dishes! Bless those Steiner parents. Once those little rascals left we had the real shabang which started with lighting of the candles in celebration of the return of the song. then the dances for universal peace began. We did the Kiwi take on singing Kumbaya around the camp fire, but it was Hallelujah around a star of candles while dancing in a spiral thing. It was weird but cool? The three Asian girls quickly exited after this.  German guy didn't even attend the beginning. I stayed because I knew some poetry was about to unfold. Patrick had been a trucker all his life and bam!- writing poems. Super rad. I totally shared my fav by Shel and it rocked. there was a cute couple who played the uke and bass and they did a few songs. And another lady who played the uke and guitar and her own songs which were so good! I thought she looked familiar and guess who it was. The lady who had been at Harmony Farm who came to have a jam session!! So crazy that we met up again! 

I met this lady from Iran who was the nicest! And she was into the peace dances man. Swayin and movin, girlfriend was feeling it. She went out of her way to really talk to me which was surprisingly nice, and just shared so much of her story with me. People here are like that though, they want to get to know you and what is happening in your life. Sometimes I think 'ok who are they fooling, this is unreal' but I think they are genuine. hopefully at least. I really connected with the lady Maria who is a complete gem, a professor at a university here and full of laughter. I saw her giving a tarot reading to someone and I have always been curious but felt it was sort of depressing thing. I asked her if I could watch her do one but she offered to give me one. It was an absolute positive experience. I'm not staking everything on it but yea it was rather accurate (though I suppose you could say that about a random horoscope reading..) and I like to think everything was true. But only time will tell and I didnt have to spend a large amount of money, so I am pleased.

The kids are planning a trip for tongariro crossing and i feel for them. They are out of their minds to be doing it at this  time of the year! I hope they make it! It makes me feel so glad I did it during the summer and was mostly prepared for it. I will be lonely when they leave because then it will just be me here. Crossing my fingers someone else will show up!!

Treasures

There is a resident woofer lady who does the dinners here. She is a refugee from Zimbabwe and had to leave her home country at the age of 65. She is incredibly lovely and sweet. After having her home shot at and intense inflation she had to leave. Not to mention she was involved politically so the target was rather large on her. Leaving her successful business behind and coming to NZ with nothing, suffering from PTSD, she is still a happy person. I'm inspired by her and the life she now leads.

I have finished HP4 audiobook via my ipod and it was like reading it the first time. I was gasping with shock and responding so often, it's a completely different experience I'm so glad I was given the files! But now I really want to listen to 5 which I dont have. But a girl from China is here with me and after sharing our love of Doctor Who we stumbled upon our other favorite British National Treasure: Steven Fry. And girlfriend has 4 of his audio books which she has given me. Huzzah!! Let it be known I love everything he has to say, including him talking about his wicked case of diarrhea and then segue into facts about Peru. Steven Fry is the man.

Heads Up, 7 Up

Does anyone even remember the point of this game? Everyone puts their head down and a few students would go around tapping people on the shoulder. But then did they have to guess who tapped them??

Just thought I would make a disclaimer that I'm going to be one of those annoying people who talk about their feelings and good intentions from now on. As if you havent already noticed. I'm off to Taupo today for another meditation/yoga retreat center but this time I'm wwoofing. I've heard great things about it and I figure it's run by a couple from Scotland so you know it will be fabulous. I just ran into 4 people who were at meditation with me and one of them is about to head off to the airport back to Germany, so sad! But it was great to see how everyone was doing a few days after. I may or may not have had a break down Sunday afternoon. Who knew it would be so intense? Promise more happy posts to follow!

Vipassana

 My room. Just cleaned.

 Outside the meditation hall.

Folks, I have just returned from my 10 day silent Vipassana meditation course. It was awesome. When I use this word "awesome" when speaking of New Zealand I need to clarify that I am using the 19th century definition. In awe. I had sort of known what I was in for from my friend who had just completed it, but if I had really known I may not have gone. I am so happy I did though. The schedule ran from 4 am to 9pm. About 11 hrs of meditation but I'll be honest and say I slept in till breakfast at 6:30 and took the meditate on your own from 1-2:30 as 'lie in my bed and watch the clouds pass by my window' time. But I needed that time because whoever thinks meditating is easy is crazy. Days 1-3 we focused on our breath. Day 4 is when Vipassana started, observing sensations both good and bad while not becoming attached to them. Sensations will change, as everything will. Becoming attached causing craving which causes misery. and the point of this style is to stop misery to become equanimous and peaceful. But for real most of it was pain, misery. Days 4-7= misery. I thought I couldn't go on. We were told not to expect a moment of light or nirvana to occur. but on day 8 instead of misery I found Happiness and I became incredibly attached. I was done with pain. Day 9- calm. day 10- we are allowed to talk! who knew talking was so precious? though I had never spoken to these people before I felt close to them from sharing energy for the past week and a half. And it was all for free. Donations accepted. The food was incredible! Possibly the best ever. I'm lucky to have found this and will continue to go every year. It was hard but I have never felt more happiness and peace.

Fresh Prince

My last day in Waitomo and it's cold. No surprise here, but I wish it wasn't because I keep thinking Christmas is around the corner. Boy am I in for a shock when I get back to 104 degrees. I can't help it that I know want carols and santa hats. Humbug.

Meditation starts on Wednesday!! Eep!! I'm freaking out! No blogging for the next 10 days. Try to carry on.

On the Graham Norton Show the other day my boy Will Smith had an appearance. He sang the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song. I was rofl-ing. Bible. Nothing has made me happier. I used to have that song as my ringtone for when my siblings called.

I was kindly reminded about JK Rowling's new book coming out in September. This is the best year ever. Though, Jo, would it have killed you to make the book release September 1st? Just sayin cause you know you were thinking it. Oh and get all the books up on Pottermore. Er yes I realize she doesn't read this but I'm putting it out there.

Did you know...

Maori first borns are often sent to live with the grandparents for a few years. As they will be a natural leader in their family later in life they learn early from the gparents. I for one am in love with this. I was (and am) jealous of my cousins who lived in the same city as my grandparents. Getting to spend extra time with them and hanging out. And probably getting all the fun spoiled times. Ok maybe I was a needy child. But how lucky are these kids who get to really know their grandparents! It also helps you know your parents in a way you would never see them. Ahh tradtion.

Sick Nasty

I'm sick. And nasty. I decided to use the hankerchief that was given to me by a fellow traveler. Outcome: it was gross. I dont know what to do with it now. And I'm beginning to regret giving Natasha all my tissues. Murphy's Law my friends.

Thoughts..

Advice given to me today, "Don't be a hero". Sir, it's a little too late for me. When you have read HP as much as I have certain characteristics start rubbing off on you. Hero Complex for life.

There is a Maori King. Who knew?

The lady I'm staying with just got back from Hawaii with said Maori King where she had breakfast with Barak Obama's sister. Gotta love the 6 degrees.

In the Maori culture turning 21 is a big deal. Turning 21 and not being in jail or being a parent. Who knew?

Comedy audiobooks are the coolest.

Christchurch

We did another LOTR tour in Wellington. And it happened to turn into a private tour. No one else signed up for it, how lucky!! Our guide was an orc in the scene where Aragorn tells Frodo to make a run for it at the end of The Fellowship. How rad! He could have been an elf but before they called back he cut off his long hair. Bummer. We went everywhere! Many of the places were so random you would have driven right past it not evening knowing. 

In Christchurch now and its a bit of a sad place. They are demolishing the entire city centre, making it look like a bomb has hit the place instead of an earthquake. I am positive it would have been a great lovely place if the natural disaster had spared them. I won't hid it though that I am glad we leave tomorrow morning and continue onwards.

Watched The Fellowship last night so I could see all the places we have gone to and notice all the secrets we have been told. Will never see it the same way again! So I leave you with..

Wise Words from Gandalf (who else):

"Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends."
"A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."

"Keep it secret. Keep it safe."



 "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
 
"If in doubt always follow your nose"

Sisters

 She did that. She actually drank all of that milk.  #cowbreastmilk

She wanted to get wifi from the church and stood outside in the rain to get it. #stubborn

My sister arrived and we have been wicked busy! It's so nice to have a car and drive wherever we want and stop wherever we want. Or in most cases to take pictures wherever Natasha wants. She is taking my mom's orders seriously of taking pictures. I'll be the first to admit: I'm horrible at capturing moments via camera. So maybe its actually a blessing in disguise, her constant snapshots?

Big Deal: WE WENT TO THE SHIRE!!!!!! AND IT WAS AMAZING! Pictures on her cam obviously. But it was the best ever! It was pouring when we got there but the gods smiled down and it was beautifully sunny :)

Finally saw all the cool geothermal stuff in Rotoura! Awesome! and tash wanted to see a Maori cultural experience. Honestly it frightened me. esp the haka war dance. Pushed back my chair as far as I could. They may be the nicest people but they can also be the scariest. Stopped off at my old digs in Otaki for some free wifi then off to Wellington!

Fight Club

 Display outside the art museum

 Serena's glitter cupcakes!

YES. I stared at this the entire evening. The entire HP set. But with new covers!

Hamilton was cute. Typical NZ town with rolling hills and beautifulness. I hope I dont ever become used to the scenery. We ate feijoa crumble for breakfast. with a side of ice cream. we arent heathens afterall. and later we went to a place called something like "california burrito"? where i had the worlds strangest burrito. There was broccoli in it. and if that doesnt shock you enough i also found peas. PEAS!! they are in no way mexican! an experience anyways.. but there is no way for them to know. ahh tex mex i miss you.

There is an underground market every Saturday night. I felt like i was being invited into a fight club. its sort of sketchy and exciting at the same time. half the stuff you know fell off the truck. the smoke from all the people cooking food is overwhelming at first and there was some coughing involved. maybe also because of some cumin? But it was awesome! oh new zealand and your hidden treasures!

Cockle Bay

Hands down this house has the most beautiful view in the world. Bias? Maybe. I haven't been doing much these last few days except reading and watching E! aka the Kardashians and all the other drama I have missed out on. I made it back in town for Serena's 21st birthday bash and it was so cool! Fireworks and amazing cakes/glitter cupcakes. A girl brought glow in the dark nail polish, which I obviously used, and it freaked me out when I went to bed that night. I was going "whats on my hands?!?!?! i'm an alien!!!" haha.

This girl is so lucky! And I still cant believe how we meet one Sunday in Brisbane, Australia only to meet up again. #smallworld.

Yesterday the Love's and I (my aunt and uncle) went into town to go see the Degas to Dali exhibition at the art museum. Coincidence that it came from Scotland? Oh how the stars align for me. Seeing these paintings reminded me how much I love doing art. Yea I'm mediocre but as I'm learning, that ain't so bad. I saw many paintings for the first time, a few from Degas and one from Van Gogh that seriously made my jaw drop. It was 'Olive Trees' and it's the sort of thing that sets your soul on fire.

Mordor, as Treacherous as They Say

Just got back to my uncle's and I couldn't be happier to be here for full recuperation. Now my Mordor Saga..

Three other gal pals from Harmony met up in National Park to complete the 3 day tramp of the Tongariro Crossing aka where Mt Doom is. We were all so excited and yea a little bit nervous.

Day 1: The first day was all up hill with plenty of people passing me up. The one day tramp is insanely popular and a huge tourist attraction. But the weather was beautiful, we sang happy birthday to an Argentinian, made it to the top and continued on. I am so pleased to have gone with such great girls that everything was fun even with all the sweat! Highlight of that day: sliding down this avalanche of rocks. And falling down the avalanche of rocks. Thrice.

When it was time to get to our hut it was plain stupid. The path went left, right, left, right, when we should have been able to head straight down to the visible hut. Obviously I was grumpy/hungry/annoyed with the park people who created the down disaster. After 30 minutes we made it to cook our dinner in the dark. When we were all ready for bed this couple stumbles in wanting to make a reservation.. uhhh yea they walked here in the dark without a flashlight. They had passed the point where they were supposed to exist the track and kept on. All they had with them was a bottle of rum and some noodles. These kids were smart..

Day 2: Beautiful weather again! and even better news- all down hill! Or so I thought. After about 2 hours my left knee was hurting something horrible. Let it be known I have never had any problems with it. It was so bad I had to stop several times. But thankfully it was only went it was downhill which after a while it stopped being. We made it to this lovely river and Fangorn Forest. We all entered at different times, I was obviously last because at this time it was near the end of the day and my knee was now a consistent throb. Walking uphill was now painful. But the forest was peaceful and green. Then we realized Annie was no where to be found. She was always at the front because of her crazy walking pace and leadership tendancies. We yelled/whisteled for a while and then decided she was most likely waiting for us somewhere at the top like normal. But then we remembered that once we crossed the bridge it sort of looked like you could head left/right as well as straight which the arrow pointed to. We conferred with the picture we took of the map. Oh what silly girls we were, the hut we were staying at that night was before the forest! Oh ok. But poor me walking downhill was honestly the last thing I wanted to do. Cursing myself for not thinking to bring actual whistles, I slowly made my descent. Once almost out of the woods I hear "Saryah! Stop! There is no hut, turn around". I'll admit it. I threw down my pack and fell to the forest floor.  I wanted to cry. And be left there. I would have stayed if they would have left me.  Again I slowly made my way to the top. Where Annie was indeed waiting. Let's me clear. In the beginning we were 3/4 of the way to the top before we went all the way back down again. Talk about mixed signals, it would of course happen in Fangorn Forest. Where were the Ents when you needed a helping hand? Annie was amazing though and took my pack as well as her's for the remaining way. I really would not have made it without them. The hut was only 30 minutes away and it was magnificant. It was 8x bigger than the one previously. With running water and electricity! I took off my boots, wanting to shake out all the rocks, but there weren't any. Just blisters. Everywhere. The funny thing about it was no matter how horrible I felt the views at the end always made up for it. I would look behind and think "wow. I just did that". That night we pulled off our little mattresses from the bunk beds and put them and our sleeping bags in front of the fire to fall asleep.

Day 3:  We knew it was going to rain. But we slept in until 7 because my alarm/phone died in the night. it was to be a 5 hour walk to the village and had been told it was mostly flat terrain. We started off and it was what we expected, rain, cold, windy. The girls were always far ahead of me because I was too slow, limping along like quasimoto. Oddly enough, I knew I could do this. I knew I could/would accomplish it, that it was flat, and the weather could be worse. Physically I thought I was going to die. But in times like these it's more mental than anything. How could I forget to mention that Vera, one of the girls, was having knee problems as well.. However she was at the front today. Knowing she had pain but was such a champ about it, leading the group was such an inspiration. Annie was offering to carry my pack again, which was too nice of her. But the pack was the lightest it had been as we had eaten much of the food it had contained so it wasn't a problem. Bethany the entire time was singing. Singing people. In the crazy weather she was happy and singing the whole way. These girls were my hero's. We made it to the end in less than 4 and 1/2 hours. Champions.

I have never been more proud of myself or the girls. Turns out Bethany's singing was because if she stopped her thoughts turned negative about not being able to finish. Annie was prepared to literally carry one of us to the end. Vera never once complained. And I managed to stay positive the whole last day, knowing we could do it.

Anna and Collin's

Oh what a crazy week. I had a bit of time to kill between leaving the beloved Harmony Farm and the Tongariro Crossing so I decided to visit this lady Angela in Gisborne. Who hadnt responded to my email. And yep she was out of town that weekend and luckily Anna said I could stay at their house for the few days I needed. I finally got to try a persimmon! It was yum! And tasted a bit like melon? One of the girls, Lisa, had been in NZ for 8 months and she is leaving in a week. When we talked about it I felt like it was me leaving I could feel her sorrow. I feel bad for whoever will have to sit next to me/her on the flight home. 16 hours+ of tears.

I got to hear about how being here has changed so many people's lives. Its so inspiring hearing about aha moments about knowing what they want out of life. I got to recommend Ron's place to others and Anna loved hearing all about it. I think she may go to visit!

And I need to tell about Harry. From Hartford. Where Hurricanes Hardly ever Happen. yes I said that. And immediately apologised because you know it happens every time to him. When I first met him i wanted/did instantly disliked him because of his accent. Horrible I know but it was exactly like some evil lord from the 1700's that wanted to steal all your money even though he has his own vast fortune. But of course I changed my mind after 5 minutes when you knew he wasnt an evil mastermind. Butttt he did go to bording school since 7 and is wicked smart. So part of my theory was correct. First impressions crack me up, they are usually way of mark. The wwoofers and anna's were too funny and i already miss them! ps. harry's last name starts with a P. and i may have said his name imitating Hermione. Once. Or twice..

Even though I was there for a total of 3 days these kids all woke up at 6 am this morning to say goodbye. Something that has never happened before at Anna's in her 3 years of wwoofing. It was honestly the sweetest. People continue to surprise me.

Thigh Master

compost toilet. right out by the kitchen window..solar shower
one of the caravans and the place i was sleeping in to the left. and some little feijoa trees.
annie trying to get the fire started..


If a P.E. coach had told me to do squats/lunges for 3 hours solid, I would have used the words "sadistic", "crazy", "fired" and headed straight to the principal's office to complain. Yet there I was yesterday doing such things for harvesting feijoas.. My butt/legs may never be the same. And it was then I decided I needed to book it before peak season set it. When I first arrived we were doing 10 buckets. Yesterday it was 132. And it would be 200ish soon. Dont think so bud. So here I am in Gisborne once again staying at the Flying Nun hostel without much plans. I need to find a next wwoofing place soon. And today... I buy a ukelele!!!!!!!!! HUZZAH!!! As of right now I only know row row row your boat. but soon i shall be a master musician!

Ron

I may have picked both of these types of silver beet when I thought it was rhubarb. In my defense they look so different! So we put it in a vase for our centerpiece.

Hannah and Chris on a bike ride into town.


I swear Ron is unlike any other human being. He is so positive about everything. And wants to teach all about how to improve their life. Never have I seen a man so open to talk about anything and willingly admit that he cries about things. He is completely down to talk about periods, and when Bethany told him she had a waste free period his response: Congratulations. Share this knowledge with the other girls. hahahaha I die over this. We often wonder how in the world this man can exist, and i want to be just like him in his directness. There is zero skirting around issues but face them straight on with such grace. He is truly inspiring.

My last days are here at Harmony Farm and its so strange to be thinking of leaving. But I am too excited about my meditation! I cant wait for a bit of quiet and centering my life. Sometimes you need to get back to basics.

Today, Be Proud

Thought I would go to the Op Shop "Opportunity Shop", which is a good will, for some cheap loose meditation clothing. Went to the counter to purchase my two items and realized I left all my money back at the farm. No money? No problem. They said they trusted I would bring it back. I swear the people here are the nicest int the world.

I made feijoa jam yesterday! It is so delicious!

There is a French guy at the farm and I just want to live his life in France. He just appreciates every little thing in life. And his one liners. Ahhh. "This is the way", "Be proud", and about Ron "he is everything". hahaha all are so true. And he just wants to sit and watch the sunset. I love it. To him you just need to enjoy.

At the library there are always these school kids who seem to have nothing better to do than sit around playing games. And have really bad language. I'm not sure where their parents are. so weird. and count down for the amount of time each person has left. so annoying.

Easter Sunday

Today Bethany, Annie, and I woke up at 5am for a Maori Catholic service on a hill wher we would sing to a guitar and watch the sunrise. A nice lady named Heather was gracious enough to come pick us up when Bethany went into town to find out service times. Girlfriend even offered us a place to stay if we ever need one. Kiwi's are the friendliest by far! They were self proclaimed rebels of the presbeterian religion. The best kind. Porriage and toast was eaten after. That crowd was a hoot, we have an interview set up to be in the town newspaper. People just love me wherever I go. For morning tea I made everyone pancakes along with homemade syrup. I am becoming a chef master! Tonight I made feijoa upside cake mmhmmm. Called my gma and parents which was ever so exciting :) my dad is going back to HP world!! so jelly! the best part of the day was eating the mini Cadbury creme eggs i bought especially the occasion. i got accepted for a free 10 day meditation course!! its very intensive where u wake up at 4:30am and you honestly meditate all day with a bit of time for group meditation. its going to be brilliant! annie will be doing the same course, but you arent allowed to speak or show body language so we are devising a secret movement. updates on that later. i just finished The Book Thief. amazing!! even though they tell you how it would end you were still surprised. such a great book.
things i have learned today: when someone asks you if you want to talk about ot/something, say yes. also, tea is always the athe way to go.

Priority

Just saw all the pictures from my Aunt's wedding and oh it looked like quite an event! While I'm sad to have missed it everyone looked to have a great time. I'm so excited for them!

We biked into town today and boy oh boy does that take much time off the travel. It went so fast! Why don't I bike everywhere? Ideas.

Thoughts..

I read Dan Brown's new book and it was really good until the ending. Let down baby. Next on my list is Omnivore's Dilemma. I have heard most of it in documentaries and what not but need all the info.

I love hearing everyone's story and what they are passionate about. Its inspiring that people can be so driven to do good.

I am learning to use the word priority. To say "this is a priority" this is not a priority. how it feels when you say them and if it doesn't sound right then you know what matters and what doesn't. Rather brilliant.

I'm learning so much from people and especially the host Ron that its almost overwhelming. How am I going to remember it all? Another thing I'm learning to do: remembering.