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1996
Around the world (NEW ZEALAND )
Bec2004-09-20 11:38:03
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was also quite touristy but I did not feel like a part of the herd so I enjoyed it. Moreover, Dunedin had a friendly cyber cafe where I was able to get in touch with my friends back in Montreal.
WELLINGTON
From Dunedin, I went back to Christchurch for one day and spent a couple of days in a friendly hostel called "Bumble's" in the small town of Nelson on Tasman Bay before taking the ferry from Pictou to Wellington on the north island. I got here on a Sunday when just about everything was closed and made the mistake of staying in the huge Downtown Backpackers which was comfortable but quite impersonal. I like to backpack alone because I can decide freely when and where I want to go. I also find it more stimulating than travelling with a friend because I can be completely available to the people I meet and completely free to engage in whatever adventure that might tempt me.
Solitary travel generally works out fine when there are interesting people to meet, exciting things to do and great sights to enjoy. The downside that it can leave you vulnerable to feelings of isolation and loneliness when the absence of these stimuli cannot be compensated by the presence of a congenial companion. I have indulged in several extended solitary trips in the past five years, Central America, South America, South East Asia, Africa... I must admit having had bouts with these negative feelings sometime or other during each of these adventures. On this one, it happened in Wellington and I felt miserable...
ROTORUA
After two days in Wellington and two days in Taupo which I found lovely but touristy and moved on to Rotorua which is even more touristy but which I enjoyed anyway thanks to a friendly bunch of travellers at the Cactus Jack Hostel and to the good atmosphere of the Pig & Whistle Tavern. Rotorua is very much "a city that tourists made" just like Queenstown but it does offer
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See photographs from:
New Zealand Gallery
