last night

it's the last night of my trip in new zealand and i have mixed feelings about going home. first off, i'm just plain exhausted. i've really done it up the last few nights, reuniting with some of my bus tour buddies. i've been up until the wee hours of the morning the last 3 nights and it's finally hit me tonight. and when i say i've been partying, i mean i've been PAR-TY-ING-AH. whew, who knew having fun could be so tiring? ha!

i'm very very happy that i was able to extend my trip. that was a total blessing in disguise and all worked out perfectly. on this trip, i've realized that i honestly do have good trip karma. things just go my way without really trying. i'm one lucky chick.

anyway, i the reason the week extension was good is because one week ago, i was so not ready to come home and have this experience end. i couldn't comprehend going back to cold ny and getting back to work. but this extra week gave me more time to see more of this amazing country, meet more cool people, have more time with the people i already got to know, and like i was saying before, lots more partying which has made me so tired and ready to go home (not looking forward to the work bit, but my apartment and my bed are calling to me).

i can't even comprehend drinking an alcoholic beverage at this moment. i think i've got my fill for the winter ahead. i also will not be able to be spending money like it's going out of style. i'm gonna be BROKE when i get back. when i travel i like to just use what's in the bank account and not think about it too much. why should i not do something when the opporunity presents itself, just because of some stupid money? i mean i haven't been staying at the nicest of places (bunk beds for the last few nights and tents most nights before that) and i haven't been eating fancy dinners, but i definitely have not deprived myself of little luxuries like the most delicious lattes every day!

won't go into details about the little flings the last couple of days either, but let's just say i'm not going to be in need of affection/attention when i get back to NY either (filled up for the winter on that one as well). heh. i wasn't necessarily looking for love on this journey, but fun times are always fun. never have deprived myself of fun in that way either. and of course last night (my last big night out) was the night i met a real cool dude. we did some serious club hopping last night. 4 to be exact. 2 backpacker bars (which i'm totally over at this point), a weird rock club and finally the place i was looking for: the dingy, dark drum and bass club. it was heaven! such good beats and a really cool small group of locals. ended up dancing with a sweet kiwi guy and well, the rest is history. spent all day together today. good times.

i LOVE the kiwis. best people ever. so kind, generous, great senses of humor, a bit crazy, and always willing to help out a wandering wanderer. and the country itself, like i've said over and over and over... bloody fantastic (been hanging out with too many brits!). i'm practically falling off of the chair at this point from getting in at 7am this morning, but just wanted to write my final post from this fair land. i've had the best time ever. and all i want is more more more.

i will be following up with more random thoughts when i have time to digest this journey. and of course, photos. think good thoughts for a safe ride home.