It can't all be sunshine and walks in the park.


Finding a traveller who has not had some sort of emergency while away from family, friends and all that is known, is probably a difficult task. I guess I should count myself lucky that I have not been mugged, or forced into anything uncomfortable. At least there was not any dangerous confrontation. At least I still have my passport and bags and my voice.

I woke up on Thursday morning well rested after a wonderful night at the Mitai (pronounced MEE-tie). I was pumped to get on to Taupo, where they are offering cheap skydiving at this time of year. I checked out at 10 and trudged over to the cafe Indigo a few doors down. I bought a latte and some fruit and yogurt (a slight indulgence because food is so damned expensive, but felt lacking in essential healthy vitamins). I was reading contentedly outside for 20 minutes or so, when I saw some kids wandering around near by. I subconsciously took note of where my bags were, and everything looked safe. I returned to reading, then for no good reason decided to check for my wallet. It was gone. Those who know me and have travelled with me know that I consistently place things in different pockets and have mini panic attacks about 80 times a day thinking that I lost my passport/ticket/money etc. I was hoping this was one of those same cases. UNfortunately not.

After an hour at the police station on the phone with mastercard I recieved my complaint form and ran to the bus station to catch my bus to Taupo. I won't recount everything that happened, but it included some tears of frustration,annoyance,fear and lonliness. Several collect calls later I was able to get money wired to me there in Taupo. The whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth. I decided to get out of that area, leaving sky diving and all other lake adventures for another time.

The thing about it is that I really don't want to be one of those annoying people who sees a teenager and thinks they are bad news. I guess I should not be so naive as to believe that none of them are trouble, particularily thirteen year old smoking ones on the street midday rather than at school.

I am in Wellington now, and witnessed one of the most beautiful bus rides of my life getting here. We drove through the Tongariro National park, where there are 4 beautiful snow capped volcanos lurking silently in the distance. New Zealand is amazing, green and rolling hills turn to rugged muddy mountains turn to huge flat dry grassy fields turn to volcanos breathing smoke.Amazing. All of these things and very few people make for some excellent vacationing.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/001~National-Parks/Tongariro-National-Park/index.asp