The Song Is Over

Well, here it is. I'm sitting at my desk in Wellington, New Zealand at the end of one of the most important journeys of my life. I've spent the last week packing and preparing for my long journey home and finishing the few things off of my checklist that I meant to do. Two days ago, about ten of us leapt off the Wellington Harbor into the unfathomably frigid ocean at about 6 p.m. on a very cold and windy night. When asked by friendly passers-by just why we were doing it, I replied "just because!". "Good on ya, mate," they replied. We did it for no other reason than to know that we could. I've never felt more exhilarated in my life. My few seconds in midair were transcendent as I hurtled toward the freezing water below. I have only snapshots in my memory. The adrenaline that flowed through me rendered me impervious to cold or fear. I felt as if I could stop a moving car. Jumping off of the edge of the wharf into the water far below required me to overcome every instinct and primitive thought in my head that screamed for me not to. I feel as if this was a perfect way to wrap up the experience I've had coming here. I flew halfway across the world with nothing but myself. I made great friends, saw amazing things, and have created for myself an immense sense of personal satisfaction and pride. In short, I know that I did something initially very difficult and ultimately something to be very proud of.

I don't know how, but I can sense that I see things differently. I am especially aware of this when I remember back to how I saw certain things back in June and compare to how I see them now. My last night here was fantastic. A few of us are leaving today, so my group of international friends all had a nice dinner on the wharf and proceeded to watch a fantastic fireworks display over the harbor. I was really happy to be able to celebrate Guy Fawkes day officially. This country being part of the English commonwealth, takes part in England's celebration of the foiled gunpowder plot. The most fantastic part of then night was after the fireworks show. Everyone, EVERYONE had fireworks of their own that they launched on and off all around the harbor for hours afterwards. It was odd to see so many fireworks launched by civilians; I've grown to used to fireworks being illegal in Rhode Island and many other states. In what was probably not the best use of judgement, we all held our firework sticks above our heads as the bursts of brilliant color launched into the sky. It was a magical experience and a perfect ending to my time in Wellington. I spent the night reflecting on my time here and appreciating the friends I had made. I'm now going to feel weird come November 5th...It'll feel uncelebrated.

I'm being picked up by an airport shuttle in about 3 hours. I have 20 hours of flying ahead of me, and if all goes well, I'll land in T.F. Green airport at midnight on Friday the 6th. I am feeling waves of sentimentality and bittersweetness as I look at Wellington on this beautiful, 67 degree spring day. I'll never be able to adequately communicate what it feels like to look out your window at the Misty Mountains and a beautiful, shining harbor at the same time. New Zealand can only truly be understood by really seeing it in person. At the same time, I feel pure excitement to see all of the familiar faces that I've missed these four months. My appreciation for my normal life in North Kingstown has grown exponentially while being here as I realized just how much of an important part of my life all these people and places are to me. This, I think, will be one of the greatest benefits of my journey.

On a similar note, I cannot wait to eat an American pizza and drink a root beer. I have been deprived of both and never realized just how delicious they were until I was without them.

I will put up a few more posts with anecdotes and pictures after I arrive home and shake the ridiculous jetlag and disorientation. For those of you who complimented me on/read/commented on my blog, sent me e-mails, and wrote me letters of support and greetings during my time here, I thank you. Everyone has been so very invaluably supportive of my unbelievable decision to live here in New Zealand for four months. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I'm going, now. I think I'll take one last walk through the Wellington Botanic Gardens and take my last glances at New Zealand. I look forward to seeing everyone in the good old U.S.A. very soon.

Thanks for Reading,

Bill