Kiwi land

First sight: out of the airplane window -- green, lush, islands. Blue, clear ocean.

First breath: tastes and smells green.

I think I'll like it here!! I keep having to remind myself that I'm not back in Canada. I keep thinking "I'm on that little bit of land at the bottom of the map!". After South-East Asia, everything is beautifully familiar. Still, my time in Asia has affected me. Yesterday I felt most comfortable while hanging out with two traveling Filipinas! We bonded over being cold. I was wearing my warmest clothing and still shivering while the kiwis were tramping around in shorts, t-shirts and light jackets! Seems that I will have to do some shopping. Unfortunately, I also got used to Asian prices and therefore everything here is incredibly expensive. I have to pay more and a buck or two to eat? WHAT? haha.

Another funny tid-bit: I'm now the one with an accent. When I talk to people, they often ask me to repeat myself and I watch them concentrate while listening to me! People still ask me where I'm from, but not because of my looks... because of my accent! I've never been on that side of the conversation before.

In a few hours I'm off to do a Goenka Vipassana meditation retreat! This means to internet, ipod, reading or even writing for 10 days. I'll see you all on the other side.....!