"13 years of travel, but I better keep moving."

If I ask you to think about New Zealand, what comes to your mind first?

The lord of the rings? Manuka Honey? A flock of sheep or Kiwi fruits?

You are all right, but the foremost reason I fell in love with this country is the people.

New Zealand has a diverse mix of fascinating people from so many different backgrounds. I feel a sincere blessing for every single one I've met during my time here. I'll write about people that I meet as I go on as a series - To show you how this country is full of wonders and amazing people.

Hastings is a city in Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest populated area in Hawke's Bay. Hastings is often compared to Napier, which is also located in Hawke's Bay. With a unique concentration of 1930's Art Deco architecture, Napier became one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. However, if you get to visit these twin cities, I highly recommend to take a charming walk-up to Te Mata Peak in Hastings first and appreciate the magnificent beauty that 'The sleeping giant' has to offer.

I met Enea in a small hostel in Hastings town.

Q. Introduce yourself

My name is Enea Morbidelli, and I'm 33 years old. I'm from Pesaro, Italy.

Q. I often saw you doing yoga for hours a day. How did it start?

It started with personal interest and curiosity. First, I started alone and then with friends. As time goes on, I've noticed the incredible benefits on the body and mind. I even went to India to improve my practice, and I keep practicing to this day.

Q. Did your life change before/after yoga?

The Yogasana and Pranayama practice were life-changing experiences, the body, the breathing, and the mind are much more relaxed and energized. The keys, as always, are consistency, determination, and motivation. Because after each session, I feel its impact but, it vanishes if you don't keep it up.

Q. How many countries have you traveled so far?

I didn't correctly count, but I'll try to make a list:

Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, India, Canada

and I'm in New Zealand.

Q. I'm glad you've visited my home country. What was your impression of South Korea?

It was a long time ago, 2009. It was my first Asian country. The first impression that I had at that time was the high level of technology all over the country. I thought it was a completely different world compared to Italy. There are too many things to talk about Korea. I enjoyed the food so much. And I could learn the unique customs between people. I could notice it from observing other people.

Q. As a traveler, how did COVID-19 affect you?

As a nomad, I got used to changing countries quite often, but I had to completely change my original plan. But now I think I was destined to be, probably, the best country for this situation - New Zealand. My destiny wanted me to be here. I am very grateful to be here. And what is my new plan? - To stay in New Zealand as long as possible!

Q. Do you have an experience of total isolation?

A couple of times, So my three months of voluntary isolation in Waipawa was not the first time, but the best one. I achieved strong self-discipline by focusing on Yogasana. And I could clean the mind a lot by silence practice. I also got a good understanding of sheep's behavior, for they surrounded me for the whole period.

Q. Among the countries you haven't been yet, which one do you expect the most?

"All the places on Earth are unique and special in their own ways. I always try to reduce the expectations about something I've unseen to the minimum, so there is no delusion, and I can be content when I face it."

But, I'll give you two names for you - Taiwan and Mongolia.

Q. What is the most unforgettable moment while traveling?

I was in China, and I was 23 back then. There is a place called 'Tagong'. It should be Tibetan territory, but the Chinese took control of it. So that area is filled with Tibetan residents and Chinese military force.

I met a Tibetan truck driver at 4300m high in a mountain, and he gave me a ride to go back to the town. On our way back, I was sleeping at the back, but the driver woke me up and told me that there was a brake failure. Imagine this; we were on a curvy road in the middle of the mountain.

I tried to come up with a solution, but it seemed there was none. I tried to control my mind. My mind can be in turmoil in unexpected situations. Anyway, we found a rocky place that was big enough to stop the truck. That was merely luck. The driver did such a good job and was able to park the truck there. It was the first time of life/death situation for me.

After a little while, I got relaxed and kept moving by hitchhiking toward the town. We became best friends going through that day together. I will never forget him.

Q. When do you miss your home town the most?

When I think about my little sister, and when I reminisce about my lovely childhood there. Thinking about those things made me realize how lucky I am to have a loving and open-minded family. Thirteen years of traveling also made me get used to missing someone or something.

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I don't know for sure, but I can speculate.

"One thing that I know for sure is that I will try to survive the difficulties, as I've done before. And I will be still on the move, appreciating the mystery 0f this world. As long as my body and mind help me stay a free man, I will keep moving."

Q. The last message from your sweet mobile home?

Living on the road for 13 years, I've had so many adventurous situations that I could write a book about. This life is full of mystery, and it needs to be lived fully, but spontaneously. Surrender to the mystery of life, and your awareness will be developed. Ciao.