I’ve got about two weeks left in New Zealand. Meaning that it’s been over three months since I left home.
Either this is the normal time for travelers to start getting home sick, or I’ve just been reflecting on some of the facets of home that I might’ve taken for granted a bit.
Here’s a list of the top 5 things I miss (apart from friends and family, which is obvious):
#1. Reliable and accessible cellular data and internet access
Using cellular data is one of those things that you don’t actively think about unless you’re on a really tight family plan. I very rarely came close to going over my plan’s monthly allotment. It ties into something listed later, but being able to use the “For You” feature in Apple Music and stream new songs on the go was almost a daily activity for me. As well as crushing through Podcasts.
Hostels and accommodation were slightly better about having decent, unlimited internet on the North Island. On the South Island, a lot of places give you a voucher for 1GB per night and there are places (like the brewery where I’m currently writing this) that don’t offer wifi at all.
It’s not even about Netflix. You just really don’t understand how much bandwidth you use daily when you’re no longer able to. And this is exacerbated when trying to maintain a few accounts that require a ton of media.
#2. A tall, cold, hazy Falcon Smash
I mean, honestly. Any IPA, particularly New England style, from a Richmond brewery would be so clutch.
Beer in general here is super expensive. Anything decent and craft is about $12 NZ/pint. It’s impossible to go out and have a “Nathan Saturday” which would be like 5 beers at a few different breweries. Even two beers and I’m feeling like I shouldn’t eat the next day to balance the budget. There are some cheaper options, and maybe a happy hour at a bar overrun with wasted 19yr olds. It’s just not the same.
#3. ZZQ & a Buffalo Chicken pizza from Belmont
Shit. It gives me pangs just thinking about it. Between Rob and their Instagram account, images of ZZQ have been too present in my mind. I can’t escape that overly indulgent and deliciously tender plate of meat. God. Salivating. Dammit.
Also, I think I’ve had pizza maybe once since I’ve been here. It is weighing heavily on my appetite. I haven’t been eating out in general, but if I’m going to, is it smart to spend that money on pizza? Can it be trusted? There’s a really high bar to meet. Otherwise, there’s some bullshit $5 personal pizza from Domino’s. And honestly, I’m almost desperate enough to do it.
Update: I have been binging pizza. I caved for that Domino’s deal which ended up being dumb because I found a bunch of other solid $5 pizzas around town. Think I’ve eaten it everyday, sometimes twice a day.
#4. Routine
I don’t consider myself a very regimented person but having a built-in structure is something that keeps me on track. It can be problematic without any variation for a while, but I think I do pretty well in that regard.
Don’t get me wrong, traveling is so damn awesome. Seeing all these unique places and interacting with people from all over the world is incredible. It just gets to a point sometimes where it spirals. I have a nagging guilt in the back of my head that becomes deafening when I get behind on posting, managing or updating any of my media.
It’s impossible for me to turn it off. Just the way I’m built. I’ve been doing a good job of being open and spontaneous when it comes to overall trip plans, but producing meaningful content is something I’ll always be chasing.
#5 Music in its various forms
The music scene is so good in Richmond. There were times when I took advantage of it, going to several shows a week. Also, The Broadberry and The National were pulling some good acts on the reg. I’ve seen one concert here which was quite solid actually. Subsequent shows will have to line up serendipitously with my location, otherwise it’ll be a while.
Playing music is a major deficiency as well. I’ve picked up a guitar at a hostel once across my entire New Zealand tenure. At this point, my callouses are gone. It’ll be a journey getting them back. That creative and collaborative process is a big void from time to time.
At some point I’ll make it back home and experience all of these things again. The reintegrate process will be interesting, but there’s no sense in agonizing over it now. Still plenty of places to go and people to meet.