Today hasnt been the greatest. I think Ive reached a point in long term travel that I wasnt expecting to reach, or even had on my radar as being something that I would eventually encounter. I feel like Im just done with this particular phase of the journey and am eager to move on to Thailand. Its not that I dont love NZ, bc I do, or that Im not sad to be leaving. I just feel that right now things are not flowing smoothly and Im feeling frustrated on a daily basis. It wasn’t one bad thing, or even a dozen bad things — and to list everything (and I will), it seems like Im just whinging. After all, Im travelling in New Zealand, how awful could it be, right?

So. To itemize the things making me feel frustrated:

1. My weight. Yep, still at #1. I saw a photo of me from Rainbow Serpent and boy did I look terrible. They say pictures never lie, but they do represent a moment in time. And at that particular moment, I looked like a house. The image has been with me since I saw it yesterday and Im unable to shake it.
2. I wasnt able to go dolphin swimming today because of rough seas. The boat still went out, and Amy went with it, but because of the choppiness of the water I chose to back out and get a refund. I was absolutely miserable on the 2 hour Kaikoura trip, I can just imagine how a 6 hour one would be. Ive been taking an anti-motion sickness pill called Sea Legs for some time now, but I dont think it could have handled these waves. As I only have one week left in NZ, I wont be in Paihia long enough for the waves to die down (they said it would be ok by Sunday or Monday) and do the other things I want and need to do before leaving on March 2. Id been looking forward to this trip for a year, and Im feeling a little frustrated and betrayed by my body. I had to cancel doing the Tongariro Crossing because Id twisted my ankle, and now this. I know a huge part of having an enjoyable travel is to be flexible with your plans, but again, Im just feeling like Im getting in my own way and it makes me sad.
3. Im itchy. Something bit me on Friday night in Auckland, on my leg, and the welts still wont go down. Id assumed it was mozzie bites, but Amy thinks that I should have it looked at as a week later they are still red, sore and well, welty. *sigh* I also have bites on my chest, arms and tummy and with the crazy humidity we’re having, I itch all the time. Ive been putting a topical cream on them, and taking an antihistamine, but its not really working. I really would rather to not see a doctor, as visits are around $50-80 depending where in the country you go. I’ll pop by the chemists tomorrow and see if they cant help me any
4. Things are breaking. My point and shoot camera broke (the lens wont retract), leaving me with only my very heavy and obvious DSLR. One of my two pairs of pants ripped today, and as I took the belt off, I noticed thats falling apart too.
5. My bags are still way to freaking heavy, and I dont know what else I can send home or toss out. The carry on bag that I impulsively bought in Melbourne weighs a tonne and Im thinking that it may have to be left behind as when I have my camera and laptop in it, it weighs at least 8-10kg. I feel like a pack mule

So there you have it, my whinge of the day.

Related posts:

1. Up
2. Welcome aboard
3. Waiting is so not my forte.