Hitchendipity

"Everything happens for a reason."

Duh.

We've all heard this a thousand times. If you don't believe it then you've probably just never experienced the amazing, serendipitous moments of insomnia and solo travel. Rather than re-writing my thoughts, I'll share the Google chat I had with one of my soul sisters back at home. (I did some slight editing for clarification here.)

Me: Yesterday was crazy!
SS: tell me more..
Me: Hmmm well it ended with whiskey in hand, dancing to live rock music. And started with a naked drunk stranger stumbling into the kitchen for water at 3:30am.
SS: Hahaha
Me: He was staying at the backpackers, but still.
SS: I don't know what you mean by "at the backpackers"
Me: the hostel
Me: In between: Emailed HelpX hosts for work exchanges the same day, trying to find a place to stay. Second best sunrise of my life. Secured a work exchange, work exchange pushed back multiple times (11:30 start to 13:30 start to 16:30 start). Ran a few miles in sandals. Sat at a bar for hours waiting for work exchange to start, while looking for places to stay in Queenstown the following night (tonight). Once I uncovered two options, and spoke with Glenorchy host in phone who was frazzled but still said I could just come by to sleep, I suddenly decided to try to hitch into Queenstown a day early. I got picked up in about one minute, by a sweet German couple who just finished the Routeburn/Caples loop. They dropped me at the base of Fernhill, where I hiked up to a house of a friend I briefly met a year ago.  Instantly felt comfortable and welcomed. We caught up on the last year. Another girl from the same night a year ago stumbles in. We freak out and give each other the biggest, long, genuine hug. We all go to liquor store. I drink bottle of champagne. My Indian hosts make delicious Indian food while this girl and I are caught in deep emotional conversation. We go out to a bar literally called "Cowboy". I hated it. I left with one of the hosts so I could go home and sleep. Two doors down we walk pass live rock music in a tiny pub. We walk in, get two whiskeys. Then another round. Then our other friend comes in. Another round. We danced like MAD. Smiles and fun. Dancing friends all around. Stay till 2am...2:30 maybe? Ate carrots with peanut butter before passing out around 3am.

The next day was so lovely, it honestly made me feel I had proof that I needed to leave New Zealand and return at a later date. The moments I had with my English angel - who came to NZ at 17 and was living in Hawaii for three months this summer (US summer) - were very special to me. She allowed me to tell stories I hadn't in months. Some I never had. She shared her turmoils with me. We hiked, irresponsibly. We relaxed on the grass in the garden and watched the clouds, and snuggled up in our friend's bed. We indulged in the savory sweetness that is Fergburger, across the table from each other, in silence and with tomato relish and smiles plastered on our faces.

I think I miss her already. I'm sure we'll cross paths again one day, maybe even before I leave, while boarding a helicopter.

That morning was the most uncomfortable I had felt my entire trip. "I'm the inn keeper," slurred multiple times over a cloud of smoke and a perfume of cheap beer the previous evening was my introduction to the biggest discomfort of my trip. And it wasn't the first time I'd seen a naked body of a stranger or in a surprising moment - not even close. And I'd stayed in room with strangers for majority of my trip. But the most uncomfortable and unsafe I felt was when staying in a private cabin with two American girls I'd been travelling with, behind a hotel I'd stayed at a year ago. But, if that moment had not have happened, I would not have found myself wrapped up in the arms of my lovely friend Beth. She was originally going to leave town the morning before I had planned to get into town. She wasn't even planning on coming to Queenstown. I wasn't planing on going that early. Our paths spontaneously crossed over a brief period of a few hours. She hadn't booked her bus and decided to delay her departure one day.

What's funny is, this is the second time that hitch hiking has brought me to this group of friends. And I've only hitched twice in my life. And only on one route - both times same route, with a slight difference in the departure and arrival location, but both on that gorgeous road from Glenorchy to Queenstown. Both unplanned and spontaneous. Both times, it brought me friends with open arms and big smiles, and food!

I'm sure it won't always be that great. I know I have to be careful. I don't ever plan to do it. I book buses or find rides from people I know. But, sometimes, it's the best option. And in New Zealand it's usually safe. I've heard the tips. I know the rules. I would never get in a car I didn't feel okay with. I actually did already turn down an offer for a ride. But, maybe if I'm lucky, those rare times with continue to bring me dear friends and unforgettable good memories.

Cheers. Cheers indeed.

Oh, that reminds me of someone at my backpacker (hostel) on Stewart Island right now that is driving me crazy. This American boy. I have yet to speak a word to him directly yet, but amidst my writing and reading in the last 24 hrs he has said more than enough for me to get a gauge on him.

Observation 1:
"I've been here for four years. Everyone back home says I have an accent. I've just started saying things naturally. 'Cheers.' 'Aye.' It just comes out."

Um no. You sounds so American, it's embarrassing. Honestly. I don't want to be associated with you. And those phrases become natural after being here a week or two. Four years?!

Observation 2:
Cursing is so unattractive and vulgar. He is the only person in this building I've heard curse, and he does it very often. It makes him seem even more American. It's so unappealing.

Observation 3:
Americans talk too much. And they are way louder. I don't usually enjoy being around them while traveling. They also are very conceited and self centered and think their way is the best way, and lie to brag.

I am in no way saying that I am immune to these shortcoming, since I am American, as well. But, it is a very easy way to look in the mirror and notice things one would not likely notice while still in America. Hopefully, I will be making some positive modifications to my level of American annoyances that I embody. Cursing will be the first I try to diminish. Not cute. And not good when you might want to be a teacher, or work with kids, or run a business.

Ew, stop cussing dude! Oh phew they are leaving. And I just got invited to Pub Trivia tonight. Sweet. Too bad there's a 95% chance I'll have zero contribution. Oh well, I'll dish out the high fives and smiles.