5 Things I Can't Wait to Explore in my own Backyard.

March 17th 2020, I jumped on several different planes. I made my way to New Zealand. Less than a week later everything was shut down due to COVID-19. I've been sat in isolation ever since I arrived.

I've been dreaming of this trip for almost two years. I'm so grateful that I could even make it here in the first place. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to make it here at all with everything happening.

Against a good amount of odds though, I made it!

New Zealand has been at Level 4 lock down since March 25th. They moved to Level 3 lock down on April 27th.

It's been pretty tough being in such a beautiful place and not being able to go out anywhere. There's beautiful hikes, amazing beaches, and incredible activities to do on this breathtaking island. Here I am though, stuck in a house, only able to look at the mountains down the road.

Since we're all a little unsure when this is going to be lifted. Here's the first five things I can't wait to do once I'm out of isolation.

1. Hiking, Hiking, and more Hiking.

I am beyond excited to go on an endless amount of hikes throughout the country. Being able to see such amazing things up close. In the famous words of Bilbo Baggins "Mountains Gandlaf, I want to see mountains."

Coming from a flat mid-west state, I have never been more excited to go out on a walk before. I know it may sound weird, but I have had dreams of exploring unknown paths. Seeing strong rivers, beautiful flowers, and taking incredible pictures on my camera.

For two years I have been planning out camping trips with my mom. We've been finding amazing trails scattered across the country. For day trips, weekend trips, and out of this world camping trips.

I am incredibly ready to jump out of my comfort zone and see what New Zealand has to offer.

2. Tourist Antics

You can't travel around the world without seeing some of the most sought out sights. Of course New Zealand has some amazing things to see other than the Lord of the Rings sets, but as a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I want to see it all.

Not only are there awesome movie sights. All I've thought about since I got here is when I can jump off a bridge, or out of a plane. I know that sounds crazy, but believe me I want to do it safely. With bungee cords and parachutes of course.

New Zealand is known for it's amazing sky diving. Also for there incredible dare devil antics. From jumping of bridges, to giant human swings over huge canyons.

Once this isolation is over, I can't wait to check it all out. Possibly jump off a few bridges too.

3. Exploring the Unexplored.

I probably would consider myself an Indiana Jones type. I definitely want to find cool things. Find undiscovered caverns, new waterfalls, even fossils maybe. This all may be a fantasy of mine, sure. Am I still going to dream that I am going to find something absolutely amazing. Of course I am.

Sometimes the most amazing things can be found right around the corner. Exploring new places around where I currently am is one of the greatest adventures there can be.

4. Meeting New People

One of the best things about traveling around the world is meeting new people of course. Seeing local sights, fully immersing yourself into a fun culture. Also, just going out to bars is always fun.

New Zealand is full of amazing different places to find all sorts of fun loving folk. Am I excited to try my hand at social interaction, after a long time of social distancing. Absolutely.

5. This One may be Odd, but I Have Concert Tickets Man.

I have Harry Styles tickets for his show in Auckland in November. I also have Fall Out Boy, Green Day, and Wheezer tickets.

Now I understand this may not be what you want to hear, but it is the dang truth. I am excited as all heck for these shows!

Also, Auckland is an incredible city. I love a big city. It would be an absolute lie if I told you that I wasn't excited to jump into a big city and see as much as I can.

But the true matter of this one is, I will be really upset if I miss a Harry Styles concert. That's the truth here.

So, yes, I am incredibly excited for this isolation to be over. I can't wait to go out an explore everything New Zealand has to offer. Being able too see what my own backyard has to offer. That's my virtual postcard.