Chillen at the lake

Near the city, you have some nice hikes, always with views of the lake and the mountains. The mountains had some new snow along the edges. You could feel the chilly winds. Autmn is coming. The famous lonely tree in the lake … with a dry summer is stands almost on solid ground. The water in the lake is at its lowpoint, you can now walk to the tree. Still getting your feed a bit wet, but if you don’t mind…

I walked along the shore, picked places to chill. And sometimes to work a bit. Most of all, I had interesting conversations with Aussis, Germans, Canadians. Quite interesting, what people share about their travels and live. Even made new friends. Why is that easier abroard?

Last day of summer, I put my swimsuite to use, once again. You know how much I like to dive into natural waters? Not that I’m such a great swimmer, definitely no diver, despide the choice of words. Just test the water, feel the connection. Feels different, every time. 

What I realised at that point: On the Northisland, you had much more the chance to learn about Maori culture, not only at spots open to tourists, but also through its applyance in every day life. Here, in the south, it is almost not present at all. Not in the language, not in the presentations, not that much in towns and the landscape. You still can find places, you have to search carefully and watch your surroundings with attention.