Only when I begin to blog do I know the hour or the day – now that’s a holiday. I’ve been living in a really cool small surf town (2500 people) called Raglan for about two weeks now. I’ve been learning to surf and finally have been able to drop in on some proper waves, which has been an accomplishment a clumsy guy like me. I’m attached to the chill vibe and the people here, so I haven’t had the motivation to wonder off just yet. I ran into my friend from Holland (Roman) while surfing (he was downtown in the Christchurch earthquake) and have made good friends with two girls from France (Sarah and Geraldine whom have been living in their van for 4 months in Raglan and are working in Season 2 of Spartacus).
What do I do that I’m so busy doing nothing? Typically, I wake up at 8:00 a.m. drive 1 kilometer to the beach, eat breakfast (Muesli/Fruit), read (philosophy at the moment – Sophie’s World), study/practice classical guitar, meditate (Reiki), nap, lunch (sandwich), workout (run, yoga, push up/sit-ups), surf, cook a feast with friends at sunset, indulge some beer/ red wine, and either wind down or go out for music/dance. It ends up being a long, relaxing, and enjoyable day. I am healthy, happy, relaxed, and growing both mentally and spiritually. I’ve been working on songs and had my first large audience of 50+…..cows...but they seemed to enjoy the music.
One day/night a mate and I went out a beach house that the owner gave us keys too – hospitality of kiwis is incredible! On the way to the beach house, Roman and I drove over a little tidal creek and noticed some fellas wakeboarding in it, so naturally we had to join them… that’s why I have health insurance.
A couple of days ago, I went on a 5 hour summit hike with the French girls. We played Michael Jackson and danced at the top as a tribute.
My hair has gotten quit long - over my eyes now. I’ve trimmed my beard. I had planned to grow it as long and wild as possible, but it started to scratch my lips – not to mention I would occasionally find second helpings of food…gross. About 3 weeks ago I pierced my ears – a symbol of liberation from the corporate environment for the time being.
Hot showers are a true luxury! Typically, I wash myself in the cool water of the beach shower, which isn’t terrible, but soon it will be cold here….. Yesterday, I visited my brother in Hamilton and was able to indulge in some hot water ‘ )
Next steps: I see people riding horse on the beach, so I going to see if I can help out at a ranch in exchange for some free rides. After, I will do a few tramps (hikes) with my friends from Israel and France and then head up north to do some WWOOFing (Willing Workers On Organic Farms). ….I might also just be in Raglan ‘ )
I hear talk of predictions of a large earthquake on the 20th of this month (full moon). I will be sure to be in my van and away from any large structures.
I find myself writing and speaking quite a bit of broken English as I try and simplify my sentences for those that don’t speak English so well – sorry that it gets transferred to the blog.
Pictures:
That’s all I have time to jot down for now. Hope everyone is doing well!
-Mikey
