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When I first got to New Zealand (about a week ago) I had grand plans to go on an epic, solo hike. I asked around and settled on the Rees-Dart Track (just outside of Glenorchy). Well, one thing lead to another (mainly LOTS of rain), and I decided to bail on the hike and just hang out in Wanaka for a few days before my homeboys (from the Ice) get here. I’m staying at Holly’s Backpacker (just off the main drag) and really enjoying myself.

Friday night I went out to Cinema Paradiso to see “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” on a whim (it was wonderful, by the way). I got to the theater with plenty of time, so I called and talked to Meredith and Christine for a bit. Then I ran into some people that I’d hitched with earlier that day (who were wait-listed for the movie) and ended up talking with them until the last possible minute. When I finally got into the theater I took the only available seat up front and was instantly surrounded by a rowdy bunch of British girls. I asked them what their story was: they said it was “her birthday” (pointing to the girl at the end) and then they asked me if I wanted to help them “move house” the next day.

HELL. YES.

A lot of people in the world hate moving. I love it. It’s a time to really, ruthlessly, go through your crap and simplify. It’s a time to figure out what is important to you and trim the fat. It’s a time to see how big the “goodwill” pile can get. And on top of all that, you get to spend quality time with friends. Sure, there might be some drama, tensions are high, tempers are short, and it’s not completely 100% fun 100% of the time, but that’s all part of the awesomeness. There was absolutely no way I could refuse an offer to help these girls move.

I got to their house (just down the road from the hostel) a little after noon. I packed things, lifted things, drove things, folded things, joked things, and broke things (jk) until about 5pm. Honestly, it was like we were best friends.

At one point a few of us went to get a bed from some other house. We loaded it up in the van and I rode back to the house all by myself in the back, rolling around on the mattress. For a second there I was completely in the moment, for a second there I forgot that I had just spent 5 months in Antarctica, and for a second there I was just helping some friends move.

For a second there I wasn’t a tourist anymore.