I got this piece as a way to commemorate visiting New Zealand over the holidays. I've always been a bird watcher at heart, obsessing over every bird book I could find throughout school. New Zealand has so many unique birds, and a rich culture surrounding them; getting up close and personal with the keas felt like the perfect snapshot. I actually ended up with another kea-related picture from Fell before she left, because I wanted a physical souvenir, and had fully expected not to be included in Takumi's January comms. Happy accident teehee.

Aspen -  Venusium
Art - TakumiFarms

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December 24th, 2024.
I left my apartment, suitcase in tow, totally underdressed for the cold in Canada. I was standing in the elevator going down, feeling pretty chill. No panic, no stress. Suddenly, the stress from last couple of months of running around getting all the documents I needed for the trip I had already booked melted away. It had started with renewing my health card, then getting my photo ID sorted so I could get my birth certificate reprinted, and finally, my passport. I applied for my NZeTA with just two working days left in the year and was freaking out I wouldn’t get it in time. They said processing took average 24-48 hours, what if I didn't get it? But later that day, there it was. All of that panic was over, now, all I had to do was get to the airport.

December 25th, 2024.
Christmas day, right in the middle of 31 hours of flying over the ocean. It was an overnight flight, so I had prepared by purchasing 5mg melatonin gummies for the first time. I was a bit clueless on how to use them, so I popped two—nothing after thirty minutes. Tried two more, this time after piling up my sweater, those crappy airline pillows, and my purse on the tray to make it less uncomfortable—still nothing. Eventually, I just grabbed a handful and ate them. If there was a lethal dose, I probably hit it. Spoiler: they didn’t work. So I spent my Christmas sleep-deprived in a flying aluminum tube, thousands of kilometres from home.

December 26th, 2024
I landed in Queenstown from Brisbane. I don't think you need a doctor to tell you the human body isn't designed to be awake for two days straight, but fortunately for me, I'm not straight, so I handled it quite well. I was as excited as I was anxious to grab my bags, clear security, and meet online friends for the first time. I waited at the baggage claim as suitcase after suitcase came off until no more were left... Where was mine? Too exhausted to panic, I did as I was told and filled out a report for my missing bag. I couldn't get away without a bit of teasing from the airport employee about having maple syrup in my suitcase. I wandered past security with all my essentials, sat down in Grizz's work truck, got confused by the wheel being on the other side, made a bottle of Gatorade disappear in 3 seconds flat, and stole a single chicken McNugget from Nether. I wanted to just go home, shower, and sleep, but unfortunately, the only clothes I had were the ones I'd been wearing for the last two days. If there ever was a true test of friendship, I think dragging me to Kmart in that state for a couple of outfits has to be pretty high up. Due to Canada Post strikes prior to my trip, I didn't have a working credit card either, but they didn't let me go without. When we finally got back to their house, I looked over at the fridge and there upon it is this picture. Cheeky bastards.

December 27th, 2024
Surprisingly, I wasn't jet-lagged in the slightest. When you time travel 48 hours exactly, continuing on like nothing changed is surprisingly easy. Nether had to go to work this day, so a good chunk of it was spent with Grizz. I was obviously excited about all the fun activities that would be coming up once Fell arrived, but there were so many simple pleasures. He took me downtown so I got to enjoy a fresh made bacon baguettes, the native seagulls by water, and even a bird of paradise posed suspiciously statue-like atop a statue in the park. It was hotter than hell, so we took retreat to a local grocery store for some drinks. I was eyeing the selection, not recognizing a single brand when Grizz handed me an L&P soda. I didn't know iced tea soda could taste so good. Shit. I got addicted. Me and Grizz then headed out to Wānaka for one of his work calls which introduced me to the talking public toilets. I impressed the very American toilet voice with my instruction following, then regrouped with Grizz to grab some groceries for supper. I will never forgive North America for making eggs shelf unstable.

December 28th, 2024
Doggie arrived. I think, I've been using my photo gallery on my phone to recall everything but have nothing for this day. I guess the company was just that good.

December 29th, 2024
Fell was feeling pretty groggy from the flight, spending most of her time recovering in bed so the only notable event was going out with Morghus and Khyber for sushi. It's no Atlantic Canada in terms of freshness, but it was still tasty. I didn't mention it before, but every day prior I was riding Virgin Australia's ass about my bag, getting the constant runaround. Shoutout to mom because she called Air Canada on my behalf and they found my bag. Turns out, it went to Tokyo. Took a couple more flights, and it was finally in my hands, with not a single thing broken. It was nice being back in my clothes, and bestowing my friends with gifts. Especially Fell, a comedy of errors resulted in her getting four new mugs.

December 30th, 2024
The first activity we did as an entire group was going to the kiwi conservation park. I can't get over how cool all the birds are, especially since you're allowed to just walk into the cages with them. A drake with less self-control would have snagged one of the really fat woodland pigeons, but I held strong. I got to go into the kiwi exhibit and hear all about how they live, hunt, and operate as well as the conservation efforts by New Zealand to get rid of non-native predators like possums and rats. You'd think going to the country where the locals are called kiwis, I'd be most excited about the kiwis, but I was most excited by the kea enclosure. Ever since I got told about the little rascals, having the intelligence of a 4-year-old child and being equally destructive, I was in love. Oh, and the tuataras. They were neat too.

December 31st, 2024
In the morning, me, Fell, Grizz, and Nether all went for a "walk" up a little peninsula type hill which turned out to be much more of a hike. I was definitely not dressed for the weather with hot pink pants and a hot pink sweater, but the view was absolutely gorgeous. In the afternoon, we joined Morghus and Khyber for a nice barbecue dinner, then finished off the night drinking to ring in the new year.

January 1st, 2025
Overall, an incredibly chill day to recover from New Year's, but at night we could see the southern lights just by standing outside, so that was really pleasant.

January 2nd, 2025
Nothing notable, but we did have breakfast as a group of 6, which was nice.

January 3rd, 2025
Fell drew Nether on the whiteboard with giant titties, and we went for pub pizza.

January 4th, 2025
We decided to visit Arrowtown. We went to the sweets shop so I could try some New Zealand candy. I got these "Mega Sour Cola" candies which are apparently so sour, the cashier had to warn me eating more than one at a time would cause chemical burns. They were going to put them back thinking I didn't want them, but honestly, I've never wanted candy more. We also went to the jade factory where I got to purchase a really nice pendant that I'm wearing as I write this!

In the evening, we took the gondola up the mountainside so we could take a ski lift up to luge down a few times. I nearly wiped out like crazy, but that's half the fun. Who knew rolling down a hill could be such a competitive sport. After our three rides, we headed inside to a buffet where I discovered pavlova. Absolutely delicious. We ended the night with drinks, Grizz with big boobies on the whiteboard, and stacking a leaf on Nether anytime he dropped his guard.

January 5th, 2025
I think we just hit up the town because the only picture I have from this day was when we went to Cookie Time for delicious ice cream drinks. Nobody ended up with what they ordered though because the employee called the wrong drink name, causing Grizz to get Fell's, I got Grizz's, and Fell got mine. Surprise bonding exercise.

January 6th, 2025
We stormed the port as we tried to pet the ducks waiting to take the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peaks for a buffet, the worst cocktail I've ever had, and to witness a sheep farmer showing how the job is done. It was really cool seeing such a small dog sprint up a hill to bring in so many sheep based off a few whistles. The highlight of the show was definitely the sheep being turned on his butt and completely mentally shutting down for shearing.

January 7th, 2025
Today was originally going to be a rest day. However, I wanted to get the most out of the trip, and having seen so many para-gliders coming down over the city, I decided to join them. I was hoping to convince everyone, but Nether & Grizz weren't keen, but Fell was. So we got dropped off in Queenstown to fill out some paperwork, and into a suspicious white van we went. While we were in the van, both me and Fell took a medication called Sealegs to help with any kind of air sickness (foreshadowing). I also learned Fell's real name in that van. It took 2 weeks and a very excited employee thinking I was her, but I unlocked forbidden knowledge.

When we got to the top, it was surprisingly simple. My guide showed me the ropes, both figuratively and literally. Did a little test take-off, and we were ready to go. One step, two steps, three steps, five- nine- thirteen- and suddenly there were no more steps as we sprinted straight off the cliff and into the open air. Fumbled for a bit to get my leg bar behind me, but eventually, all that was left was to enjoy the ride. It was so cool seeing all the gorgeous views from so high up, waving down towards some bikers, and shooting the shit with my guide. I know it's silly to say having a drake character, but with my arms out-stretched, it felt like I couldn't get any closer to being a real dragon/wyvern dominating the skies.

It was about 10 minutes into our descent when my guide looks at me and goes, "You wanna do some tricks?". There is only one answer someone with nothing cooler to live for can say, "Fuck my shit up fam." And he did. Nose-diving towards the ground, feeling like my guts had no gravity, just to tilt up and feel like I hit a wall mid-air. Spiraling downwards towards the grass to wane off speed until all that could be felt were my shoes being absolutely demolished as they acted as landing brakes.

I said goodbye to the camera as Fell came in from the sky. I shout "YOU'RE DOING GREAT!" for encouragement as she makes her descent. I run over excitedly to share how awesome the experience was. I flash a thumbs-up. She gives one back. and BLARGGGHHH all over the grass. I guess we should have gotten her Airlegs at the pharmacy instead. She unclips and heads to the bathroom to wash up while I pay for both our photos/videos. I told her I was sworn to secrecy and nobody would know. All I got in response was "Oh I'm telling them right away". And I guess, dear viewer, I'm telling you now.

January 8th, 2025
Not taking a single day off, we went to Shotover Jet to skim just 10cm of water with 2 V8 engines. When I say this was some of the most fun I've ever had, I genuinely mean it. From the views, to the high-speed winds freezing my face, to the spins that bounced, soaked, and spun me like crazy. It's such a simple thing, but getting to look over at Fell every so often and seeing her return my shit-eating grin was the best. I got absolutely scammed on the price of photos/videos again, but they were worth it to relive skipping over the water at lethal speeds. The next stop on our journey was food, so we got some wood-fired pizza. I wonder how the pizza's gonna get a job now.

We ended the day by going to [place I don't remember], which suits it, because it sure was the middle of nowhere. We got to go to the water, get some real fruit ice cream, and find ourselves in one of the many scenic areas they filmed Lord of the Rings. Now, I'm not gonna call myself an eco-terrorist because I chased some sheep that were hanging close to the road. They deserved it for looking so chaseable. Unfortunately, they were too fast so I went home defeated.

January 9th, 2025
I'm sad I didn't get any pictures of what we did this day, but it was hard to as the main attraction were glow worms! One of the first things Grizz promised me we'd do when I got there, and it was finally time to see them. They're not actually worms, but maggots. Slightly less cute. After a long boat to the cave, I got to touch some of the coolest moss varieties I've ever seen as we ducked and weaved deeper into the cave system. Once we were deep enough, we hopped in a tiny boat that was NOT designed for people of my leg length, but being able to look up and feel like the night sky was inches from my face was unforgettable. Watching as the lights blinked up and down for 20 or so minutes. It isn't the flashiest thing you can do, but it's something you can only experience by being there. This night we slept in an Airbnb in Te Anau as the next day would be very driving intense.

January 10th, 2025
The driving intense day. The mission: Milford Sound. It took two hours to get there, and would take 4 hours to get home, but all that was between were beautiful stops. Fresh water rapids, beautiful lookouts into the mountains, localized waterfalls, BIRDS SINGING SONGS. There wasn't a single spot on the entire trip that was not picturesque. Before I knew it, we were at the port, plastic ticket in hand, annoying Nether with "Aur Nauurrr" jokes. The boat trip was incredible, being surrounded by these giant peaks and crevices formed by glaciers, with waterfalls on each side. We went to the bow of the ship and played with the wind for an embarrassingly long time, taking in all the views. As we got to the farthest point it just opened up into an empty sea, and it was surprisingly intimidating, there was no more land, just the vast ocean. And just like that, it was over. The 4 hours home started and I realized that I needed the bathroom, quite badly. Now I don't know if you've ever had to use a drop-hole toilet before, but I will admit, the yellowed seat was not inviting. You got a seat, and a hole in the ground, good luck. Never doing that again. On the bright side, however, while waiting for our turn to pass through the mountain tunnel, we were able to step outside and see a real Kea!! This moment was the one Danie captured in the picture for me. I wanted to see one ever since I learned about them. The conservation park was cool, but right in front of me was a wild one. Attacking a tire! Such a cutie patootie.

January 11th, 2025
All of the planned activities were done, so all that was left to enjoy was each other's company. We went to another pub, Fell helped me concept some characters on looseleaf paper, and the day was done.

January 12th, 2025
The only thing I felt was important enough to log with a picture this day was the Vegemite Morghus gave me to try. It was absolutely delicious, even though Nether objected heavily.

January 13th, 2025
We started with the best savory pie I've ever had, oh how I miss here, then into the desert we ventured! ... For a couple of hours. Equipped with all kinds of beverages, but very little water we did a nice walk on a trail. I say nice in retrospect, but it definitely kicked my ass. I work IT and it was 30C+ with only the occasional gust of wind. There were some smaller moments I'll cherish though, from sliding down the dirt slope (getting pricklies in my butt), to watching my friends get lost in a cave I was too tall to get into comfortably, to eating random unripe fruit that left my mouth feeling like I ate a fistful of flour. My favorite photograph from this day was definitely Grizz T-Posing on me.

But my favorite picture was the one of Aspen with the world's biggest kea that Fell drew for me. I didn't really expect to get the slot this opening, but with how much I love keas, I couldn't be happier. I now have it framed in my room as the best souvenir I could ever ask for. And all it cost me was 10$~ in drawing materials and a couple shots of Tofka + Amaretto teehee.

January 14th
All good things must come to an end, and with other obligations, we had our breakfast with sugary frappes. We did a little bit of shopping, me getting a nice crochet shirt (even though it was actually machine knit), Fell getting a car shirt, and Nether getting some comfy house clothes. Then, I gave Fell a big hug as she walked into the airport. I was still going to be visiting for a week, but you don't really realize just how good something can be until it's over. I don't know the next time I'll laugh so hard at someone making a chomp sound every time I take a bite of food. This day was the first time I really had to say goodbye to someone, and even though I knew it was coming, I could never be prepared for it. I hope we can all get together in the same place sometime again.

January 15th, 2025
Not a lot happened today. I was alone in my section of the house, but I didn't feel at quite as much as when I stepped out into the hall. My mom always told me when I moved out she kept my door closed so she could pretend I was still in there. I always chuckled because I never really understood, but looking into the empty room where a floor bed and fell once stayed. It hurt. Suddenly the smallest things felt much bigger. Re-adjusting the shower head to be angled for my height instead of hers felt a little different knowing it was the last time I'd do it.

January 16th, 2025
Suddenly I was alone. Truly alone. The gays had to go to their new house they just bought to be prepared for their move. I stayed in the apartment because while my boss was beyond generous with his offer for me to take all my vacation days early and work when I can, some issues couldn't be solved without me, and it felt like the best time to do it. I don't think I got much done though. Come lunchtime I was eating the last slice of Fell's lasagne she had made a couple of nights prior for everyone. I couldn't tell if the saltiness came from the over seasoning or my tears dripping into the bowl. Yet another last.

January 18th, 2024
First time jump of this long essay, but it's because quite frankly, I sat home alone working for the last 3 days. I went out with Nether, I got a pie from a French bakery, I pet the grocery store cat and found John Helldiver himself driving. It was nice spending a day together.

January 20th, 2025
Ever since I arrived, I'd been eager to try Macca's to see how it compared. Nether took me to one, and though I initially wanted a Big Mac combo for a true comparison, the "Kiwi Angus Burger" caught my eye. I added it to my order so naturally picking the drink was next. Now, I've always been a fan of root beer. Wouldn’t it be absurd if one of the many cultural differences was that New Zealand doesn't carry root beer at fast food places? :) . We snuck into a corner booth to have the most scenic fast food meal possible. Opening the little cardboard box, I was greeted by a marvelous creation: a Big Mac but with egg and beet on it. I was pleasantly surprised—it wasn't just edible—It was good?? My fingers weren't covered in grease, I didn't feel terrible the next day, I can't believe they have food standards in New Zealand! We ended the day as all good adventures should — petting the grocery store cat.

January 21st, 2025
Most of the time today was packing and generally preparing for my flight out the next morning. I was drowning in my woes knowing that I would be whisked away from paradise the next morning, when around 11pm, Grizz got bored and asked if I wanted a thick shake. Of course, I did! Into the truck we went, until we landed at the only place still open so late: Night & Day. Grizz treated me to more Tim Tams since the ones I had bought to import into Canada were opened by SOMEBODY a couple of nights prior. We ordered our thick shakes and waited, and waited, and waited some more until I was handed the most absurd beverage I have ever consumed. There were like 8 different kinds of candy on top. I was perplexed, but truly, it was the best final night I could ask for.

January 22nd, 2025
The final day. I wish I could say it was a blowout spectacle, but my flight was early, so at the crack of dawn, Nether and I left for the airport. Grizz had to stay in bed because he was sick, making it a two-player mission. We stopped by a local place to get some breakfast, although I only had a drink—my stomach just wasn't up for a meal. We sat at a very short table, shooting the breeze as we shared our final meal together, it has become a tradition for friends leaving, and today it was my turn.. As we got up to leave, we realized my flight wasn't for another two and a half hours; it was a small airport, so we had some time to spare. We hopped back into the car and headed to New World. I was deployed near the front doors, where I said one last goodbye to the grocery store kitty, before zooming back to the airport.

Standing in the parking lot, I couldn't find the words for everything I wanted to say, but I gave Nether the tightest hug I possibly could. Only a week prior, Fell had walked through the airport doors and out of sight. Now I found myself doing the same. The weight of the finality of everything hit me as I stood there. I wasn't going to see any of them again for an indefinite period, if ever. I took as many deep breaths as I could while clearing security, but as I sat down to download more audiobooks, I couldn't hold it any longer. I sobbed into every tissue I had. I stared at my phone clock, contemplating what I could do in the final ten minutes. Then, a loud announcement came on demanding everyone to evacuate the building. Hundreds of people gathered outside for just over twenty minutes, only later learning the cause was an unattended bag. Suddenly, I was in a massive time crunch. The second trip through security took infinitely longer than the first, but I was on my plane with minimal delay. I had to be expedited through Auckland airport to catch my connection, but I made it. I sat back, plugged in my headphones, and let twenty hours of flying come and go. After landing, I picked up my bags and headed out into the cold Canadian winter, left with a hole in my heart, a hole in my wallet, and the imprint of the best trip I could ever ask for.

February 8th, 2025
If you've read through my entire vacation up until this point, thank you. I wanted to write it all out as an open diary to future me to remember all the small things I wouldn't at a later date. It took far longer to concoct this essay than I expected, so if you did more than scrolling down to see how it ends, I appreciate it.