But Mom, Life Is a Vast Wilderness

In the twilight of my twenties, as I peer into the vast wilderness of life, an impromptu decision in early March 2024 whisked me away on an adventure that would redefine my perception of freedom and spontaneity. It began with a simple video that captivated me with the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand – its rolling landscapes and the quaint, mythical Hobbiton. This was not just a call to adventure; it was a summons to live.

Compelled by a sudden surge of spontaneity and a flicker of youthful rebellion, I decided to break free from the routine. I skipped my classes, a decision not made lightly, and booked a flight to Auckland. This choice was driven by an overwhelming desire to explore, to see with my own eyes the sapphire waters of Lake Tekapo and to roam the undulating landscapes that I had only dared to dream about.

Deer Park Heights Queenstown                                                                                                                                                                                          2024/3/5

Imagine sipping butterbeer in the very setting that inspired the tales of hobbits, encountering herds of deer by snow-dusted lakes, and exploring Christchurch’s stunning floating architecture. Picture me, dancing with abandon under stormy skies in nothing but a swimsuit, wearing clothes that resonate with my soul’s deepest tones, and singing songs that stir my core.

This spontaneous zest to spin the globe and let my finger fall upon New Zealand transformed into a 14-hour flight toward this dreamlike place. As the plane cut through clouds caught between the realms of heaven and earth, I pondered a haunting question: If today were my last, would I be wrapped in regret? Amidst turbulence, a profound sense of peace enveloped me. No regrets, just an awe-inspiring appreciation for the landscape unfolding beneath me—a mosaic of unexplored lands and mysterious waters.

New Zealand seemed to be sculpted in a moment of divine revelry, where the universe, in its boundless mirth, spilled a canvas of wonder. Here, clouds are stitched into the sky with celestial threads, seas interlace with shores in an eternal dance, and creatures twinkle like terrestrial stars. Envision towering mountains cloaked in snow, sprawling plains whispered by the wind, and forests deep and secretive.

In Queenstown, I embraced the liberating winds that coursed through ethereal valleys. I applauded the unmet faces of fellow dreamers and embraced praise as freely as the air itself. Each step, each choice, whether filled with light or shadowed by doubt, became a part of the journey to keep the mountain of my dreams in view. This perspective, my compass, guided me through storms and starry nights alike, ensuring that no matter the twists and turns, I moved closer to where I truly wanted to be.

As I now reflect on this adventure, I am reminded of the delicate magic of childhood—sweet, untainted wonders that have given way to the deeper magic of adult aspirations and responsibilities. This journey was more than just a break from academia; it was a pivotal chapter in the narrative of my life, reaffirming my belief in the importance of each footstep and the beauty of the path.

How did the Creator conjure New Zealand? It seems as if sculpted in a moment of divine revelry, where the universe, in its boundless mirth, spilled a canvas of wonder. Here, clouds are stitched into the sky with celestial threads, seas interlace with shores in an eternal dance, and creatures twinkling like stars scatter across the landscape. Envision towering mountains cloaked in snow, sprawling plains whispered by the wind, undulating hills like the backs of slumbering giants, forests deep and secretive, streams that weave tales of old, waterfalls that cascade like the gowns of angels, tranquil lakes mirroring the vast heavens, herds of deer flitting through city lights like spirits of the wild, all under a canopy of lights that flicker like a constellation brought to earth.

Each journey, each gaze upon the verdant sweeps and majestic heights, rekindles the flame of wonder that childhood first lit within me. As I walk the earth, from the silken shores to the rugged cliffs, I find my spirit buoyed by the timeless symphony of nature's grandeur. In the hush of the ancient forests, the murmur of the lakes against their banks, and the soft sigh of the plains under the moonlight, I am reminded that in every end there is a beginning, and in every departure, a return.

Short Vlog for New Zealand (Try 4k!)