We have officially been on the go for two months now. We are finally slowing down and taking more time in each place. If you missed month 1, you can find that by clicking here. If you’re all caught up, here is month 2:
Countries Visited
2 – New Zealand & Indonesia (not counting the few hours in Australia during a layover)
How We Got Around
- 2 flights. AKL-BNE-DPS. 4,206 miles/6,768 km
- 1 rental car loop around the North Island
- 1 4:30 AM Uber to the airport
- 1 vintage Volkswagon ride around Bali
- 3 air conditioned minivan rides to get from place to place on the island
- A ton of walking to see everything we could possibly see
Best Meal
Steph – Auckland had some amazing food that J already shared here. I think my food highlight for the last month has been the smoothie bowls. We have tried one in almost every color. The fruit here is so much fresher and there are some that we have never even heard of – the Snakeskin fruit stands out for me.
Justin – Last month I definitely took the coward’s way out and went for an easy pick like pizza. I stand behind that choice but this month the selection for best food is much more difficult. The multitude of smoothie flavors alone makes picking a best near impossible to me. There is, however, one unsurpassable slab of sustenance that does take top prize for the month of May.
The blue ribbon from me goes to the Hi Jack Banh Mi sandwich from Habitat. This grinder is just the type of item that would be quickly dismissed during dinner selection by my folks. The pulled jackfruit tastes like it has been bathed and basted in a slightly-sweet, slightly-spicy BBQ for more than a week. It was then so perfectly paired with pickled peppers and onions that were fire-roasted before being united. The ingredients are then scooped up and delicately laid into a nicely toasted Vietnamese baguette and served with a side salad. Mmm, sự hoàn hảo.
Most Surprising Thing
Steph – My complete state of calm about not having a plan. I love to have things planned out. Every flight we have is logged, every dollar we’ve spent is carefully tracked in a google doc and all the important due dates for payments is entered with reminders in a calendar. But the fact that we have no idea where we are going after Vietnam or a timeline is totally good with me.
Justin – Hands down it is how happy people can be and are with so little. I know that not every corner of the world is consumed by consumerism like the US is but I am in awe at the level of jubilance people reach with what they have. I could handle seeing a little more of this natural gratitude every day in my real-life. Oh, since we were in two countries this month it is important to clarify that this is in relation to the people of Bali.
Our Peak
Steph – Being able to spend two full weeks in one place. We found a favorite spot for food, a favorite for coffee and we also figured out where we could get the cheapest cold Bintang. Ubud was a wonderful place to relax and explore. We recapped our first week here and our time at the Sacred Monkey Forest, but we will have more to share soon.
Justin – The immersion into such a welcoming culture has been incredible. I speak, of course, of Bali again and don’t want to be too repetitive but the genuine smiles and shouts of “hello” on each street for no other reason than to be friendly is something I really enjoy.
Our Pit
Steph – One of our credit cards were stolen while in New Zealand. Nothing really lost on our part, but it sucks having to deal with that from far away and now we don’t have that card to use at all. The thieves were trying to buy expensive things on Walmart.com. Also, the dogs in Bali. It’s hard to describe the feelings I get when I see them, but maybe I’ll try and write a longer post about it. In the meantime, you can donate to help them here.
Justin – Well, I guess nowhere is perfect. Not yet anyway. Bali does crush my heart as much as it fills me with joy. There are A LOT of stray and homeless animals. Primarily dogs, but some cats too. This is one of those things that causes me great conflict. I want to run to them and give them all the belly-rubs and ear-scratches but know that only aims to do them more harm than good. The amount of mangy pooches has reignited my desire to do more for our four-legged friends.
Grateful to have…
Steph – This big bite soothing spray. We are being pretty diligent with bug spray, but our feet are still taking a bit of a beating and there is no place worse for a mosquito bite than your feet. I’m also grateful for FaceTime and the ability to talk to friends & family.
Justin – I am so grateful to have had such awesome experiences due to other people’s generosity. Multiple friends’ from back home sent over some birthday money for us to splurge a little during our poor man travels. Some had things in mind and came with notes that said “you better ____ with this!” And others just wanted us to treat ourselves. Another amazing human was kind enough to gift us the Hobbiton adventure. May left me feeling very, very appreciative for everyone.
Missing this…
Steph – The transition between spring and summer. The excitement that comes in Minnesota with the end of the school year and summer approaching. Cabin season is one of the best. We are seeing the updates from our nieces’ dance recital and the first of the lake pictures. In New York City, the weather is getting warmer and patio season has begun. Our friends are hiking in the Catskills and playing outside every day. It’s funny that you can be in absolute paradise, but also miss the feeling of home in the strangest ways.
Justin – I miss a lot of friends and family. As amazing as this adventure is and no matter how unready I am for it to end, sometimes you just want to be able to grab a cold one after work with a buddy or talk all things shred with another. Face Time certainly makes the whole world a little smaller, but that technology will always be eclipsed by face-to-face conversation. And a round or two of euchre.
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What’s Next?
Enjoying the next two weeks in Bali (aka island paradise), then a quick few days in Singapore and finally a reunion with some NYC friends in Vietnam.
