A good 10 days spent in South Islands of New Zealand, and those 10 days gave me a new perspective about life. Every trip to somewhere is always a learning experience. New Zealand and stress doesn't go well together. It's super laidback, everyone's just doing their own thing, super friendly. It's a bit of a culture shock. All the basic daily interactions between people there are so rare in Singapore. It's just sad that Singapore doesn't own that culture - of politeness, graciousness, conscientiousness, and many other values that seem so innate to the New Zealanders.
I didn't just get to see magnificent landscapes, but step on their very land. & it reminds me of how beautiful the world can be. I didn't get to fulfill everything that I wanted to do - paragliding, ziplining, hot air balloon rides, skydiving, visiting vineyards and farms - well it's a family trip afterall and I can't possible request my grandma to do those things with me. It was more of a roadtrip and sightseeing trip. I'm contented, but I'd definitely visit NZ again to do all those things that I couldn't do this time round.
It wasn't a comfortable trip. Staying on a campervan with 6 other people was just difficult. We had to make use of every pocket of space that was available on the vehicle. AND GOD, SHOWERING IS SUCH A PAIN. Such a hassle it was, at near 0degrees, and struggling with water that is either too cold/hot.
Dad was talking about immigrating to NZ. I thought wow, that would be really nice. But at the end of the day, my home is still in Singapore. I remember the excitement when the plane's descending, when I saw the coastline of the island, and when the captain said "Welcome home", I just felt proud that I belonged here. Yes, my home isn't perfect. There so many imperfections, and things we grumble about from day to day, but ultimately it's still one of the best places to live in.
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