Return to the regular (good) life
It has been a pretty chill week back in Dunedin since the mid-semester break, and things have returned to ‘normal’. I don’t have too much to report on. This weekend’s activity was an outdoor bouldering trip to Elephant Rocks (where they apparently filmed some of Narnia) – including sleeping in a tent again AAAHHH. It was a little too far outside of my comfort zone, so I didn’t climb that much. We also visited Moeraki boulders (huge circular rocks on the beach!) and Oamaru (they had a farmer’s market and craft fair happening) on the way back.
I've actually had to do some more schoolwork these past two weeks, and to be honest, it's been relieving in a way to know that that day's job is to go to the library. I have discovered some new study spots (including a library two minutes down the street from my flat -- how close I live to campus NEVER gets old), and a delicious chai latte that I have spent too many hours thinking about.
Recently I've been having dreams where I keep accidentally flying home and wake up, psyched that I'm still here. And I don't even usually dream! Honestly, I haven't once wished to be home since I've gotten here.
February was a long time ago. During those first few weeks I was scared I wouldn't even make it to the mountains. Just the idea of tramping was like a drug. And now, having seen so much (with lots more still to come!) and with the bulk of the tramping season drawing to a close (snow in Alps = dangerous), I feel so satisfied and happy with how I have spent my time so far. It does seem like most people's mind sets have shifted into a 'final hurrah' sort of mentality, in a bittersweet way. BUT IT'S NOT OVER YET. More so, it's been a time of reflection to set some new goals for the next two months: 1. Do a better job at keeping myself alive (groceries, cooking, sleeping). I cook a lot here and have been enjoying it more than I'm used to. 2. Climb a lot. I've been slacking but there has never been a better time! 3. Explore Dunedin a bit more. There are lots of activities to do around here!
