I arrived in New Zealand a few days ago. But first! Let’s talk a little about Brisbane, Australia. 

I had a layover that lasted all day, so I took the train from the airport to the city. Southeast Asia can spoil anyone with cheap food and coffee (cheap everything, really), so it was a shock to see how expensive everything is in Australia. Welcome back to the “First World.”

All I did in Brisbane was visit the museums with free admission, take a stroll around the botanical gardens, and take a ride on the City Hopper ferry before making it back to the airport. There wasn’t a better way to kill time. Except…

There is a donut shop called Doughnut Time that has some of the vegan variety. 

I sank my teeth in one and it was so delicious, it almost moved me to tears. In Seattle, I keep telling everyone how they need to try a Mighty-O donut because it’s the best. And people should still have one! As far as being the best I’ve ever had, I’m so sorry Mighty-O, I really do love you, but…

I have since made it to New Zealand. 

As cool as Wellington is, the point of going around the world has been to challenge myself in new environments. Wellington is practically Seattle’s Kiwi cousin, which isn’t a new environment at all. In fact, I feel right at home.

It’s not a bad thing, though it’s interesting that I’ve actually been feeling restless from the lack of adrenaline that steadily pulsed through before. New Zealand is a fairly safe place to be. Walking alone at night is apparently okay, but the idea is still unsettling. 

Nonetheless, the vegan scene here is thriving. There is a little store called V1 Vegan that opened up a just few months ago along Cuba St. I had a pain au chocolat.

The owners are so nice and welcoming and I definitely want to come back! Later that night, I went to a vegan night market that happens every first Saturday of the month. Can I just stay here forever?

There is an art community here, though it’s not quite as strong as Seattle. Then again, I am clearly asking for too much and could just appreciate the art Wellington does have to offer. 

As for the quirky style I’m into, there’s Matchbox Studios, which is a boutique and art gallery. Currently, they have an exhibition called Pet Project: An Exhibition of Cute Animals. You had me at “cute animals.”

Wellington is a very walkable town. I have spent the week getting to know the city either by walking or running through.  

What I’ve noticed lately is how my sense of direction has slowly been returning, especially after taking off for this world tour. PTSD can truly disorient someone. It’s been easier to take a step back from being so wrapped up in the vortex of my own mind. Sometimes I will look at maps to ensure I’m on the right track, but usually there isn’t a need to. Finding my way back when I’m not 100% sure where I’m going almost feels like a magnet along a path. I can feel the pull of the destination.

Currently it’s also peak winter over here. Going from tropical weather to a cold, wet, and grey environment is quite an adjustment. It’s like my system is going through sunshine withdrawal. (Guess I have to turn in my goth card for that.) The southern latitude is on par with Seattle’s northern counterpart, so the sun goes down as early as the north in December. I should be used to having the winter blues by now, except that it’s July! It will be okay; staying active and mindful can make all the difference. Usually I’m sequestered indoors during those months, unless it’s time for a run. It’s just that it was a bit of a struggle last winter, and trust me when I say that having the ol’ seasonal depression once a year is more than enough. 

Just keep breathing and keep going. 

But you know, I’m safe. This town is lovely and I’m in good hands. I can get around without incident and more resources are available to me now. Pretty soon I will start WWOOFing (acronym for World Wide Opportunities on Farms), which is the primary purpose of my time here in New Zealand. So, I’ll finally get to contribute some time and volunteer work, which is what I’ve missed doing. (Hence the working holiday visa shown above.)

So far, my impression of Wellington is that it’s very similar to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest: from the weather to the vegan and art scene that the city offers. Then again, I’ve only been around just Wellington.

The winter blues can go to hell, because this is nothing short of a magical place and I’ve been enjoying every minute of it.