City Slickers

Maddy Dunn
Mar 17
2 min read

We took Homy into Auckland yesterday. It was her first experience in the big city while in our hands. And just like how Ronan and I felt, she was out of place.

For Homy, it was the hills and the traffic lights. You could hear her cry going over speed bumps and moan through traffic. While on the highway, her side mirrors weren’t strong enough to hold against 100kms. Her curtains didn’t close tight enough to keep the streetlights or strangers eyes out. Her rustic vintage appearance looked ancient compared to her modern and electric peers.

For us, it was the hustle and bustle. The stress on people faces as they rushed through crowds on the crosswalk. It was the sky scrapers that made us feel like ants in a cage. Or the minuscule amount of earthly creatures or color. It was the fresh business suits compared to the outfits we wear for three days in a row. Or the lack of genuineness in our brief conversations. Or the paid parking and fast fashion that (unfortunately) took our money.

It was all of our first times in the big city for a while and it felt so strange. And don’t get me wrong, I actually really enjoyed the experience. Mostly because it reminded me of how small I am, how insignificant my life is to others, and how beautiful that is. So far on our journey we have been through small towns, had lots of conversations with strangers, bumped into the same people, and camped beneath the mountains or next to the sea far from any major civilization. We’v’e been able to make connections with people that have shaped our perception of New Zealand. We’ve been humbled by the sublimity of New Zealand’s outdoor spaces. And we’ve been able to live a slow, stress-free life (despite car troubles).

As we exited the city, I said to Ronan how grateful the city makes me feel – a feeling I’m sure many people can agree with. Grateful for my capabilities, my opportunities, and for my life (that does not exist in a city hehe).

I have the ability to do whatever I want! Just like Homy, Ronan and I were built for adventure. We are meant to experience it all (including the city from time to time), to feel small and big, to not care about the opinion of others.

Unlike homy, I am in control of my life. I know that no matter what it entails, it’s purpose will be to experience it all.

Speaking of, we'll be in Noosa, Australia for the next two weeks. Stay tuned for our next experience!

All for now,

Maddy