I will try to remember always, always to have a good time

It was about 2 in the afternoon. I looked around the apartment looking for something in which to invest my time, having accomplished all that I had to in the day.

My eye scanned for possible activities from books to guitar and then rested on a the back tire of a bike peaking out from beneath a tarp on our patio. It was a beautiful day and the bike beckoned for a master.

I flew into Christchurch with a bit of recklessness. While the city is beautiful, as documented, I wanted to see more. I thought to myself "You are in New Zealand. Go see it a bit of it."

It wasnt long before I didnt recognize where I was. Now, normally meaning back home, this is cause for panic. This time, I shrugged. It was a shot of refreshing freedom. I assured myself, I knew, that I was capable enough for whatever obstacles lay ahead in the unknown.

I had my doubts again. When I found myself on the minuscule bike lane of a highway, cars zipping by me, I began to doubt. "Holy balls man, this is madness." I thought.



I destroyed the thought before it had a chance to influence action. I was going to be fine. No, more than fine. I was going to see the damned Pacific Ocean for the first time in my life. Lost? What is being lost? Being on a set path or making your own?

So I rode on. My legs complained. I noticed them. I didn't let them bother me. This is yoga talking. Real bikers, including a substantially large portion of the Christchurch bikers club passed me up. They were equipped for this. As my coat formed a rather sweet shadow on the ground I realized I more closely resembled batman than an athlete.

I rounded a corner and saw something I am not accustomed to.



Parks in or around Chicago just dont have such sights. Needless to say, I stopped and explored a bit. I had been riding for about 2 hours at that point and needed a lil respite.

Shortly after I had resumed the adventure, I saw something in the distance that conjured a familiar old feeling. You know, that feeling all young boys have in which they NEED to investigate.

It was this that did it.



Investigated:



And there it was. The Pacific. A beautiful scene. The goal accomplished. The defeat of exhaustion and doubt.



Home was approximately 8,300 miles thataway.

I debated climbing a less imposing, but still awesome boulder as I took in the scene and rolled a cigarette of celebration. As I took a drag, a boy no older than 8 appeared at the top. I smiled. I wanted to thank the mother for letting her children explore, and just letting them be kids. Fear doesn't beat you, you beat yourself if you let it control you.

So I completed the day.



Cheers.

Christchurch, En Zed

These are a FEW of the pictures I have taken of this gorgeous lil city.


These creatures were spawned of the local Arts festival. They roamed throughout the city making beats and noises by banging wooden sticks on different city property.



Beauty. Relax.








A horizon to conquer.

For more pictures, check the facebook.

Things have been progressing. I am starting to plan my journey through the country - checking maps, prices on vans etc. All flatmates have arrived as of yesterday. A guitar has been purchased. Jobs are being hunted, though not easy prey.

I would be a liar if I said this transition has been easy. Its challenging me like I have not been challenged in a long, long time. Its forcing me to look inward moreso than I was willing or able to do at home.

As said though, this is what I needed. This is why I am out here. That, and a lot of fun.

+20 to Willpower.
+10 to Focus.