Kia Ora! 

I won’t sell you the wonders of New Zealand, nor will I share travel tips. I want to share the reflections that emerged after our journey. Yes, we had our ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ moments. 

Disclaimer:
This note might be quite personal, resonating primarily with Akshay (my brother) and Nikhil (my husband).

Our adventure began conventionally but unfolded uniquely. 

Beginning with the skeleton of the experience

We tried out various accommodation options—hotels, Airbnb, holiday parks, studios, and shared spaces, among others. Explored diverse landscapes by driving over hills, under mountains, crossing lakes and rivers, and navigating towns. Walked through traffic, strolled alone, hurried along, and wandered without a destination, only to discover that fatigue is a myth. Living in a simple house, following traffic rules, and walking while observing our surroundings made all the difference.

Discipline holds significant importance. Unfortunately, it’s often associated with group behaviour. If only the collective mindset leaned towards a disciplined lifestyle, we could all savour each moment, currently overshadowed by the chaos we live in.

About the body and functionality of the experience 

We tried different burgers, pies, coffee, and meat. I can’t speak for the guys, but I packed lots of clothes for pictures. Talked to people from different countries, ages, and genders! Even though these things aren’t new to you, here’s what I thought afterward. 

Vegetarian burgers and chips tasted better than other options. Why? It’s been a while since we enjoyed veggies, raw leaves, and simpler spices. It might be age (I’m not that old), or just my preference, but now, fewer ingredients and items on the plate make my tongue and stomach happier. Another important thought – go for simple food.

Regarding clothes, it was very windy, so despite wearing different tops/dresses each day, I stuck to the same three jackets throughout the trip. Choose your clothes as you like, but consider the purpose behind each outfit. Is it for the camera, or does it serve a practical purpose? Earlier in the trip, I challenged myself to use the phone less (often linked with Instagram) to experience things differently. I realized the value of an experience. While I was previously viewing everything through the camera lens, this time I was truly present, experiencing the essence of the journey.

Conversations are life’s teachers. I spoke with two ordinary yet enlightening individuals!

1. A man who guided us through the locations where iconic Lord of the Rings(LOTR) scenes were filmed. No sets, no commercial antics—just pure passion. His heartfelt connection to LOTR, cultivated since the age of 7 through his father’s readings, was magnetic. Despite our limited knowledge of LOTR, his enthusiasm ignited a desire to delve deeper. It ceased to be just about the movie; we were captivated by his dedication, instantly envious of a man who transformed his hobby into a profession.
   
2. On a glacier hike, we crossed paths with a remarkable lady. In the midst of casual conversation, she shared her story. In her mid-60s, she flew from Kentucky, USA, to check off items from her bucket list. Her narrative went beyond the typical ‘It’s never too late’ attitude. Instead, it resonated with the courage to take fearless action. The barriers of career-building, taxes, savings, and raising a family didn’t deter her. Her story inspired me, emphasizing the profound impact of pursuing dreams without reservation.

Time to conclude with the soul (the core of the experience)

This marked the first occasion for my brother and husband to interact purely as individuals, free from biases and external influences. I find joy in witnessing connections between people I love, not just predefined bonds like being brothers-in-law, but in how they perceive each other as unique individuals—much like neurons making connections and learning.

To my surprise, I discovered a new connection with both of them during our drive through the landscapes of New Zealand. It wasn’t in our spoken conversations but in those quiet moments when we synchronized with the sounds of nature. It was in the anticipation before skydiving and the shared hug after conquering our fears upon landing. No words were needed; our hearts were in harmony.

In a world buzzing with words, those who know me recognise my love for expression. Amidst this linguistic flurry, let’s venture into a deeper connection—a soulful language written in the quiet pauses of shared moments, beyond the confines of spoken verse.