Green Minds Think Alike

A month has passed, and I find it challenging to articulate each of the life-changing experiences I’ve endured during the first of twelve months of my Watson Fellowship. In this time, I’ve journeyed from Auckland to Wellington, New Zealand, gradually making my way to the South Island while stopping to see as many stunning landscapes, gardens, and museums as possible. Solo travel has brought its share of hardships, leaving me to question whether I can sustain this journey for an entire year. Simultaneously, I feel like independence is transforming me in ways I could have never imagined. Traveling alone can feel isolating, but it is also liberating; there is no one else dictating my next steps—only myself.

Fortunately, solo travel hasn’t meant being alone all the time. I continue to meet people from around the world at hostels, coffee shops, gardens, and on buses. I recall a recent day when I felt particularly down, doubting myself and questioning my purpose here. I wandered aimlessly until I found a coffee shop where I sat outside, sipping coffee and journaling. I was alone for a while until a woman sat at a nearby table, pulled out her own journal, and began writing. We sat in silent companionship, writing across from one another. Before I left, I thanked her for her company and she introduced herself as Bella, a solo traveler from Australia. She said she wanted to give me a compliment card she carried for moments like this. In that moment, I felt a wave of relief and comfort, knowing that I wasn’t lost or without purpose.

After a remarkable time at Kelmarna Community Farm, I moved to Castor Bay through the WWOOFing (World Opportunities on Organic Farms) program. For nearly two weeks, I stayed with a host family, helping them start their vegetable garden and assisting with household chores for their lively family of five (six if you include their sweet dog, Coco). Creating a vegetable garden from scratch taught me a great deal about landscaping—an area I knew little about. I spent many hours ensuring proper drainage, sun and shade coverage, elevation, and soil composition to prevent flooding from the frequent rain. Listening to “The Well Gardened Mind” by Dr. Sue Stuart-Smith during this time of work, I reflected on the patience and processes inherent in gardening and farming. Frustrations over slow progress were challenged by the realization that the natural world operates without the time constraints we impose on ourselves. These lessons in patience and appreciation were deeply grounding and helped me to slow down and enjoy the process. 

Staying with a host family was a refreshing change of scenery after several weeks in hostels. I learned a lot about Kiwi culture, from films and music to recipes, lingo, and politics. The eldest daughter (15) spent hours explaining the New Zealand schooling system, quizzing me on Kiwi phrases, and even demonstrating the Māori “kapa haka” dance she learned for a school production. I truly felt like part of their family as we played card games, shared meals, and walked the dog together. After a week and a half, I continued my journey to the South Island, traveling from Auckland to Hamilton, Hamilton to Rotorua, and Rotorua to Wellington. On the bus, I saw diverse landscapes—from sprawling orchards and snowy mountain peaks to grassy pastures and rolling hills. Today, I board the ferry to the South Island, where I will work at community gardens in Dunedin.

Here are some highlights from my first month:

• Celebrating my friend Océane’s birthday on Rangitoto Volcanic Island with a hike to the summit, cave explorations, and a picnic.
• Singing “Take On Me” at the hostel karaoke event with my roommates.
• Watching the sunset at Mount Eden summit.
• Learning how to curl at the Aotea Center with people I met that day.
• Doing face masks and meditating with the girls at my hostel.
• Sharing freshly sourced meals with community volunteers and staff at Kelmarna Community Farm.
• Having a cold swim in Castor Bay, collecting sea glass, and even finding a starfish.
• Being invited to spend the day at Kumeū markets tasting locally sourced cheeses, sausages, and jams with another host sister.
• Going to a farewell dinner with the friends I made before departing to other parts of the country.
• Attending my youngest host sister’s final netball game of the season and celebrating their win.
• Exploring Hamilton Gardens and its 17 diverse exhibits, from the Māori “Te Parapara” garden to the “Sustainable Backyard” garden.
• Bathing in mineral hot springs with a view of Lake Rotorua.
• Learning new techniques through Bikram and Yin Yoga at a Wellington yoga studio.
• Hiking seven miles through the Pari-Whero trail with breathtaking views.
• Seeing dozens of seals on the coast of the Red Rocks (one of the best experiences of my life).
• Witnessing glowworms in the redwood forests and Wellington Botanic Gardens.

This is just a glimpse into the awe-inspiring experiences of the past month. However, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the difficulties I’ve faced. Navigating the challenges as a solo female traveler has been more difficult than I anticipated. Nonetheless, I have learned so much about myself through this experience, lessons I wouldn’t have learned in the comfort of familiarity. This journey has been monumental for my mental health, offering opportunities to reflect, process, and find both work and play in spaces that feel naturally therapeutic. Despite the inevitable challenges, I wouldn’t trade the memories I’ve made in the past month for anything. I’m excited to see what the next eleven months have in store.