Time flies when we start to LIVE. Well, but living is so different for every one of us, right? Now I'm passionate to share with you - how it feels like to be in New Zealand for a year and what challenges I face.
Cute animal time, Wellington Zoo
New Zealand now is officially 2nd country I can call my home, and unfortunately, the borders are currently closed for all tourists. Like it was yesterday I remember how far away this place seemed to be, how different, and magical the idea of it I had in my mind. If you haven't been here, do you feel the same? If so, it's absolutely okay, as New Zealand is basically on the opposite side of the world.
A bit of everything real
Now, let's travel back in time, to the year 2019, when it all started. I figured out what I need to do in order to leave Latvia and kick myself out of my comfort zone. Back home I loved comfort but I absolutely felt - something is missing. The truth is, comfort kills your dreams! Harsh but can you imagine creating something completely new and different being in the same place you are right now, taking the same actions? I bet the answer is no.
Sunrise on the other side, Cape Palliser
Reality of loving challenges
New Zealand hasn't always been easy for me and probably I will have quite a few "hard moments" in the future. I've struggled with moving into a van for a couple of days, meeting new people non-stop, moving every 3 months, and even with finding the food I truly enjoy. Obviously, now I know what to expect in most places but it's still a hell of a journey in front.
In the last 12 months, I've worked in more places than in my life altogether before: 3 months in a massive gift shop (Queenstown), a bit more than 2 months in a vineyard picking and sorting grapes + helping with gardening (Waikari), 3 months in a different vineyard during the pruning season doing all ''man jobs'' (Blenheim), and now for 3 months I'm a part of the team at pretty busy local café (Napier). Before and in between all the jobs I travel which is the main reason I chose to leave home. As most Working Holiday Visa holders I work to save up so I can travel further and try things that I couldn't back in Latvia.
One of the biggest Farmers Markets, Hastings
Deeper than usual
Diving a bit deeper in career, it's normal that here I even worked on a field to challenge myself but back home - I just wouldn't go for it. Now I sure know how to fix a broken water pipe or ride Kubota.
The other day I was chatting with a Latvian friend from my last job and we came to a conclusion - now it's cool to do what makes you happy, instead of becoming a professional in something that pays well but you actually hate doing. I honestly hope you are finding yourself happy most days, if not just shoot me a message, I might know how to help.
A&P Show - I even won some toys , Hastings
Moving isn't always easy, actually for me it's always hard. I can't stand moving in with strangers every 3 months (laughing) but that's how New Zealand works. So far I've lived in Queenstown, Waikari, Blenheim, and Napier. Most people like me, rent rooms, instead of houses. Ou, they don't have flats, pretty much everyone lives in a house.
3.9 km of fresh air and beautiful hike, Ta Mata peak
Napier
I was terrified and a bit tired of moving again. Honestly! Had to pack and unpack again, move into our new room, etc. I would never think I'll love the place so much by the end. House owners are great, fun people, both happily married and waiting for their 1st baby to arrive which is exciting.
At the same time, my new profession as Head of the House in the café is giving me headaches. I love providing value and creating the best experience possible for the clients (especially happy ones), having great conversations, sharing information about Latvia but café life isn't only about that. The team behind is everything and here the fact that I'm not local kicks my a*s.
Lifestyle
Dancing isn't replaceable honestly but I can work around it. Gym 3 times a week next to "So You Think You Can Dance" is a sweet solution.
Gym time, Napier
More than ever New Zealand has shown me how to eat healthy, support locals, and see nature. I've never spent this much time outside hiking, walking, reading. Most days the weather here is perfect - not too hot, windy, or cold, which allows exploring.
Jumping to almost the last (ok, the last one) thing I want to mention - support and love matters. Doing something only because someone told you to or your family/friends expects you to - that's not the way of living YOUR life. Everyone has a story, unsolved conflict, old pain, or fear but it is your one and only task to find your purpose, which makes you truly happy. I'm not an expert on happiness but I sure know that anyone has a choice. What's it going to be for you?
Supporting the local coffee culture & locals, Hastings
Thank you for all the support you’re sending my way! I appreciate every single comment, feedback, and smile. Enjoy your day!
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