New Zealand's Natural Discoveries

In the midst of winter, Hailey and I spontaneously embarked on a two-week road trip across New Zealand's South Island. Seeing the Southern Lights was high on my bucket list and Lake Tekapo was well known for it. Opting for a spontaneous night of cowboy camping to enhance the experience, we were met with unexpected challenges when temperatures dropped to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Over 12 hours of shivering, we only saw very faint white clouds and lots of stars. Despite enduring one of the most difficult nights of my life, this entire trip became a crucible for my personal growth and solidifying it as my most challenging yet transformative experience.

When I got homesick, I knew that going to the beach was a cure. Unlike most people who played in the freezing water, I unconsciously collected limu/seaweed. I frequently sought out limu back home so I guess it was a habit. However, I was not able to name the limu. I stumbled upon unfamiliar species that had unique features that I tried my best to explain with the knowledge I had. Collecting limu/seaweed during my time in New Zealand was one of the few things I did that reminded me of home and my passion. I love the ocean and all of its marine organisms.