On My Way to Australia; Adventures in Public Transit
About an hour before leaving, I was an emotional wreck! I honestly couldn’t believe the amount of tears that were running down my face. I was experiencing so many emotions from anxious thoughts of not knowing exactly where I was getting the train and bus to the airport and facing the realizations that this was one of my last moments in New Zealand before heading home. I called my dad’s girlfriend Shelley and she was able to remind me about the journey that I have already been on and how much I have accomplished. My dad on the other hand, had a message of tough love and it was a bit much for me to handle. “You chose to do this. This is supposed to be fun for you.” What he was saying was 100% correct. No one was forcing me to go to Australia. I could just stay put for a while and await my return to the States, but that wouldn’t be me. J I was hoping for some gentle encouragement, but what I felt I needed, I didn’t receive, but maybe that was a good thing. I couldn’t control the way my dad reacted to my emotions and I knew that he loved and supported whatever I did, so all was good.
While walking to the train station, I encountered a mess of construction around the station and had to ask several people for direction. Luckily, I was able to find a station worker listening to his iPod and politely asked him what steps I needed to take to get a ticket. After using the kiosk, I was assured that I was on the right side of the platform to take the train I needed and my first train ride in NZ was about to begin. Entering the train, I asked a nice lady if this was the train to Papatoetoe and she ensured me that it was. Phew! Once on the train, I was able to relax a bit. Once my bag was off of my shoulders and onto the seat beside me, I again realized how much I probably over packed and that it would be a bit of a challenge having to haul this pack around for the next month. I thought I had learned, but I just can’t make up my mind on what clothes to take and what to leave. You just never know what the weather is going to do, right?!
After 15 minutes, we were at my stop and I proceeded off the train to the bus stop where I was to meet the 380 bus to the airport. A kind man who was also sitting at the stop engaged in conversation. We talked about my travels and about how he would love to see Australia but with a lack of funds and a family, it seemed just a dream. I encouraged him to pursue his dream of seeing the country. He then advised me which bus to take and while on the bus, he reassured me which stop to get off of. He was like an angel in disguise. I have such uneasiness about traveling on public transport and getting lost, but he was able to offer me a peace of mind. After proceeding through check-in, security, and passport checks, I was on my way to the terminal. As I was about to sit down, I recognized one of the passengers. It was Jimmy who I had stayed with in Motueka with Emma and Tony back in December 2012. What a small world!
The 4 hour flight seemed to last forever because of the aggressive turbulence. I have never felt nauseous on a flight until this one. I had to close my eyes, focus on my breathing and listen to calming music to keep the chunks down. Once I was off the plane, I grabbed my backpack off the luggage belt and proceeded through the easiest customs check ever. I then grabbed the Skybus and headed to the tram station where I met Sarah, my lovely hostess for the next week! I am currently in Melbourne City at the moment and having a rest day. I am excited to explore this creative, artistic city a bit and eat some delicious food!
I know what it is like having fear while you travel. I usually check to make sure I have my passport at least a dozen times an hour lol! It does get easier the more you do it and fortunately everyone in the Southern Hemisphere appear to be kind and friendly. I think you are amazing taking the challenge and following your dream even when it is a bit scary! Not too many Americans even leave the country to explore so kudos to you mate!!
That’s one of my favourite perks of travelling…you can always rely on the kindnesses of strangers. One of the not so perks..eh choking back chunks on a bumpy plane ride! I’m glad you made it safe and vom-free I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in Oz!