The Beach Beckons

Trip Start Nov 30, 2004

Trip End May 30, 2005

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Where I stayed

The Opotiki Beach House

Flag of New Zealand Opotiki, New Zealand
Wednesday, December 22, 2004

I think I belong next to the ocean. In the few short days I spend inland, I developed a serious case of what I now call "Oceanic Withdrawl". Its symptoms include restlessness, figeting, complaining, and under-appreciation. The coast brings me peace.

From Rotorua, British Joe and I headed for the Bay of Plenty, and a hostel called "The Opotiki Beach House". This place gave me the coastal fix I needed, with a great deck, and a view of the waves crashing on the beach about 30 meters away.

Although we only spent one night there, I had a wonderful chat with a pair of Israeli girls about the conflict of their region. I left the conversation both enlightened with new facts and perspective, and depressed by its hopelessness.

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