It's All Part of the Adventure
What comes to mind when others mention adventures? During the final semester of our undergraduate studies, my friend Fan and I embarked on a 20-day trip to New Zealand, a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Among all the memories from this dream trip, one day stands out as a quintessential adventure.
On that particular morning, the sky was cloudy and the wind brisk as we made our way to the black beach. We strolled along the endless coastline, searching for signs of sea lions, yet the only living creatures around were seagulls battling the strong winds. Soon after, the rain began to fall, leaving me shivering from the cold. In New Zealand, Kiwis often forgo umbrellas, and we, wanting to embrace the local spirit, decided to do the same. I tucked my camera and long lens inside my down jacket, hoping to keep them dry. As the hours passed, my jacket became both wet from the rain and dry from the wind, creating a constant battle against the elements. However, the stunning sea view and glimmering shells kept my spirits high, despite my mild disappointment at not yet spotting any sea lions.
Just as the rain subsided, we reached a turning point, where a passerby informed us that a sea lion was ahead. Eagerly, we searched the beach for a brown figure. Finally, we spotted a relaxed, furry sea lion lounging on a rock, seemingly indifferent to our presence even though we were only five meters away. After our first encounter, we crossed a stream and stepped onto a small island, where we discovered groups of sea lions at nearly every turn. Tourists were happily observing these adorable animals, while ensuring they didn't disturb them with food or loud noises. We simply watched, enjoying harmonious moments with nature. Waves crashed against the shore, and a rainbow arched across the vast sky, enhancing the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us.
So absorbed in the moment were my friend and I that we failed to notice other tourists gradually leaving the island. When we finally realised we were the last two people remaining, the stream had transformed into a wide river, blocking our path back to the shore. Unable to find any visible stones to step on, I cautiously extended my foot into the river. Fortunately, I managed to stand in the rushing water, which rose to my knees. I moved slowly, with my heavy camera hanging around my neck, my heart racing as I dared not contemplate the consequences of a fall. A kind-hearted foreigner waited for us on the other side of the river, encouraging us with supportive words. At last, we reached solid ground and expressed our gratitude. "Thank you for being there for us. We were foolish not to notice the rising tide." After confirming that we were safe, he laughed and replied, "So was I. Anyway, it's part of the adventure!"
As we continued exploring for more sea lions, we attempted to call an Uber, but to our surprise, no driver responded. This meant we would need to walk another two hours back to our hotel. Nevertheless, these setbacks did not discourage us; we embraced the attitude that it was all part of the adventure!
This journey through New Zealand was not just about breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters; it was also about the unexpected challenges that make adventures truly memorable.