People

Travelling for me is about seeing new countries with their culture and mostly beautiful and unique landscape. But it is also about getting to know different people, and learn from them, from their way of life, perspectives and heritage - and from their character. So much input that can change my view of things and life and enhance happiness. Important most of all is to respect the culture wherever you are and try to adapt.

Especially here in New Zealand I met and continue to meet wonderful souls.

There is Billy in Fjordland who upkeeps kind of a hostel for kids to come in groups and learn to live close in nature. We will see him soon again.

There are all those lovely people who helped us all along our stay(s) here in NZ, many of whom have become friends for a lifetime.

Hiking the day before yesterday I met a Harry. He had a big backpack on his back and a handsaw and flower cutting scissors in his hands. He had a big smile in his friendly face with two missing front teeth, an uncut beard and clothes dirty from the country hike. Our conversation started the typical way. "Beautiful day for a hike today" he said. "Yeeees", I answered, "a bit too hot but gorgeous". "29 degrees is predicted for today" he continued, "it's summer". For a day, I thought. The weather here is changing sometimes by the. Minute from hot to cold and vice versa. Asking him where he is coming from he replied: "Oh just from the Bay on the other side today, just about 10km already. I am maintaining the 4 day track so the people can enjoy the nature." I thanked him for his work (well yes, I am one of the people profiting) and replied that he has a wonderful working place, with gorgeous view and fitness program included. As we continued chatting, he repeatedly said from the heart, that he like doing it because it gets people out and enables them to see this beautiful land. And i believe him, it seems to make him happy because of that. Having hiked the 4 day track he was looking forward to some nice fish & chips once down in town.

We shall not forget of all the people who maintain all the parks here in New Zealand and everywhere else in the world so that tourists can come and enjoy their precious vacation time in clean and well taken care of environment.