Returning to Paradise

I’m feeling old and nostalgic as I shuffle thru the photos I took at the end of my trip through New Zealand.  A few months ago, I filled you in on the first half of that trip, but I haven’t gotten around to telling you about the second half.  Those 10 days before I returned home were among the best 10 days of my life!  I look back now and am brought to tears with how lucky I am to have had this experience. 

From Wellington, I took a 6-seater Cessna on Golden Bay Air to the start of the Abel Tasman trek.   I packed well for 3 days and 2 nights.  Soymilk and cereal for breakfast, PB&J for lunch, and buckwheat pasta with a can of tuna for dinner.  I snacked on trail mix (and a few figs) throughout the day and ended each night with hot tea and a couple of Oreo cookies.  It was simple and wonderful.  On my last day, I found the most beautiful beach, and I had it all to myself.  There are pictures of that paradise spot in the album.  With the sun shining, I happened upon it and found a log to rest on and enjoy my last PB&J sandwich.   After lunch I took a quick siesta in the sun.  It couldn’t have been more serene, beautiful, and perfect!  It’s one of those magical moments that will stay with me forever.

A couple of hours later, I finished the trail and my driver (the owner of Golden Bay Air) took me to my hotel/hostel for the night.  My one night at the Sans Souci Inn (“No worries”) provided me with as many “wow” moments as my 3 days of trekking Abel Tasman.  Built and run by a Swiss couple, Reto and Vera, this eco-friendly retreat was the perfect place to spend the night.  Built of mud brick with green roofs, communal spaces and composting bathrooms, Sans Souci was a place I was proud to stay in.  I heard dinner here was supposed to be fantastic, and Reto didn’t disappoint!  It was one of my favorite meals all year!

http://www.sanssouciinn.co.nz/

I made some friends at the table next to me and ended up joining them at a local bar for the final of the Rugby World Cup where we watched New Zealand take home the title.  Good timing and a memorable bar experience.  The Golden Bay Air pilot picked me up from San Souci the following morning and I sat in the cockpit of the 4-seater Cessna we flew back to Wellington.  From there I caught a flight to Queenstown where I spent a night before finishing the year in Doubtful Sound and finally the Milford Trek!

Abel Tasman:

https://picasaweb.google.com/101056834070973951663/AbelTasman?authkey=Gv1sRgCJWguZP2iubnJw

Queenstown Views:

https://picasaweb.google.com/101056834070973951663/QueenstownViews?authkey=Gv1sRgCMWc9v-W26bvdQ

Happy 30th, Shersher!

Joel, you've got a birthday tomorrow if I'm not mistaken.  Happy birthday, buddy!

And to Miss Lee Zion...Happy birthday coming up!

Playing Catch Up

I’ve been back from my Aussie life for 3 months now and I’m still doing a lot of smiling.  I’d say the adjustment back to the real world has gone as well as it could have gone.  My days are more packed, and I have some real responsibilities on this side of the globe, but I’m still finding time to catch up with the part of me I was so in touch with in Australia.  I’ve found a voice that says, “No” when it wants to.  I’ve found a better balance of boundaries in my life, liberating myself from spending time in situations I’m not excited to be in. 

I’ve taken the time to further explore the hobbies I discovered in Aus.  I’ve continued taking photographs, something I will undoubtedly carry with me through life.  I derive a lot of pleasure through them, but the feedback I receive from you gives me great pride.  Reading your comments and hearing your remarks makes me feel wonderful about the pictures I’ve shared with you throughout this past year.  I’d love to continue sharing them.  Feel free to opt out of the blog (or the googlegroup to be more accurate), or to stay tuned and enjoy when they arrive.

I still owe you photos from the end of the trip, and I’m getting there…

While I continue to trade during the day, I’m working at Engaged Health Solutions (www.engagedhealthsolutions.com if you’re unfamiliar with the business or who works there) in the afternoons.  I’ve learned new skills and have enjoyed being a part of a wonderful team that appreciates my efforts.  Last month I wrote a blog post titled, “Prioritizing Time for Yourself”.  It’s something that I obviously studied extensively this past year, so I’ve been meaning to share the post with you.

http://engagedhealthsolutions.com/2012/01/prioritizing-time-for-yourself/

Also, here are some links to photos I’ve taken since being back.  Hope you enjoy!

Costa Rica:

https://picasaweb.google.com/101056834070973951663/CostaRica?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyZytn99dOlqQE

Copper and Izzy at the Beach:

https://picasaweb.google.com/101056834070973951663/CopperAndIzzyAtTheBeachJan2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCMCy2La-yNHtSA

Shabbat Shalom at 1803 N. Orleans:
https://picasaweb.google.com/101056834070973951663/ShabbatShalomAt1803NOrleans?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHriKuvpbzqEw

Happy Belated Birthdays to...
Big Danny, Marc Aarons, and D for Deanna!