I am of the opinion that I am up for new challenges. And up to the point where it gets serious I am. (Really!) But just a second before that leap into the cold salty water, that moment where all the doubts, the fears and thoughts come rushing in like a crowd of seagulls trying to get that tiny crumb of cake left in the grass - that is the second where I nearly chicken out.
Yet, miracoulusly I find myself screeching as the icy water hugs my body, enveloping my skin with it's way too salty waves after I jump. Now this is the moment where I actually think I am about to jump back into the boat as I am clearly going to drown because of the numbness I can feel creeping towards my chest. And then it all stops. My brain stops feeling the cold, the salt and fear of sharks hovering around the corner also simply evaporates. By now you might have guessed that I am in a Marine reserve not far from Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel. Or not. It really depends whether or not you have psychic powers ;)
Fun fact in-between about my whereabouts: Cathedral Cove was part of the set for the second Narnia movie! Exciting isn't it? I, as a fan of the Narnia books, found it to be really fun to be going through the same "cave" as Susan, Peter, Edmond and Lucy. If you cannot remember or have not seen the movie yet - go watch it this instant! It really is worth it!
Now, while looking at the rough nevertheless still kind of inviting rocks and the smooth green water, imagine me in my bikini and snorkeling gear. This was my first time snorkeling and it was amazing.
Slowly maneuvering around it felt like I was a bird flying in liquid air, looking down on an ever-moving forest being pushed back and forth by the gentle yet determined breeze. In the midst of this new world beneath me I saw shimmering fish curiously eyeing me. Not certain whether or not I was to be feared. Luckily they decided it was save to be around me. I would not try to catch and eat them. So I just swam and observed and was astound. It was a beautiful experience and I could have gone on snorkeling forever. But as Nelly Furtado put it fittingly "all good things come to an end".
I spent a week on the Coromandel reading, studying and tanning. It is safe to say that this probably was one of the best holiday-weeks I have ever had. Having the perfect mixture of action (going for my morning runs, biscuiting, snorkeling, kaiaking and swimming), studying (I am still doing a course with my european Uni, which I have to get done) and relaxation (reading an amazing and very touching book - seriously, it made me cry - by Jojo Moyes called "Me Before You" and tanning) it was just rejuvenating. It sounds pretty perfect right? Well, it was, except for the fact that my back now officially is a piece of art. How? Imagine dark tanned "wings" where a sports bra would leave your un-sunscreened skin to burn. Then add a rim of white around these wings because of the fact that, lets face it, it is pretty hard to sunscreen only the tanned wings without eventually going beyond that line between your tanned and not-yet-tanned skin, which results in some kind of picture-frame. And then add the white stripe left as a mark by the Bikini. Come to think of it though, now my back is pretty unique. And let's face it - I actually really like it.
All in all I have had a really good time up until now!
I am happy that I chose to take the risk and come to New Zealand.
It was daring, it is an adventure and it most certainly will not be easy all the time. But it is worth all the risks, all the past and future Skype-calls, all the heart-ache it will cost me and all of the harsh comments I have gotten for "leaving everyone behind". I did this for me. Not to please everyone in my life. Because essentially that is simply impossible. We all come to crossings along the path that is our life. And on these crossings we have to make decisions that will always come with strings attached. There always is a price to pay as no matter what you do, someone will feel offended, hurt or may think they know what would be better for you. Even if it is of no big comfort and it will not eliminate any of the doubts and thoughts you have when making these decisions, I think the most important thing is to think about yourself and what will make you happy. Stop worrying about what others might say, think or do. Just take a leap of faith and dare to do something for yourself (by this I do NOT support any kind of drug-abuse, harming other people etc.!!!).
In the end it comes down to this: if you are happy those who love you will accept and hopefully support your decisions.
Do you agree with me or do you maybe have a different opinion? I appreciate comments :)
See you soon,
xoxo
Em
No comments:
Post a Comment