Nine Years of Enchanting Travel: A Hilarious and Unforgettable Vacation Experience
While traveling is often full of wonderful moments, sometimes the most memorable incidents can be some of the funniest and most peculiar. In this article, I will share one of the craziest experiences that occurred during my vacation to New Zealand, a place that offered a blend of lush landscapes and intriguing stories.
Invitation to a Brother's Wedding in New Zealand
Nine years ago, my husband and I were honored with an invitation to my brother Rob's wedding in the majestic country of New Zealand. Rob had planned a bach (a holiday home) for a weekend stay in Russell, a historic village located in the Bay of Islands, shortly after his wedding. The wedding was a family affair, including Rob’s three adult children, two of their friends, and myself, making a total of nine of us.
A Journey Through New Zealand's Enchanting Scenery
On the morning of Friday, November 13, we set off from my brother’s hometown of Waiuku, our destination being the picturesque Russell. Our route was filled with beautiful sights: quaint towns, rolling green hills, and dense forests. We navigated the car ferry at Opua and then drove up the winding roads, the last leg of our journey, to reach Russell. The road was a gateway to a different world, a place where history and nature intertwined in a unique tapestry.
Discovering the Unique Bach
Upon arriving at the bach, we were greeted by a delightful surprise. The house was perched on the side of a steep hill, accessed by a steep tarred driveway. Its front facade was partially obscured by an ancient Syringa tree, adorned with moss and lichen, its sweet fragrance filling the air. Across the road, the oldest church still in use, Christ Church, stood majestically, built in 1836, with a small graveyard nearby where the first white woman born in New Zealand was buried.
After parking our cars under the house, we climbed wooden stairs to reach a wooden deck that encircled the living area. The view of the bay was breathtaking, and our bedrooms were on this level. The upstairs contained the other bedrooms, all with glass sliding doors that opened onto the deck.
A Night of Curious Encounters
The experience truly began the night we arrived. Ray and I opted to explore the graveyard across the road, a place that held a special interest for me due to my fascination with old graveyards. We strolled around, reading inscriptions, while Ray took pictures of the white-painted wooden church and the bell tower. Our family soon called us over to help prepare for the barbecue that was to follow.
After a sumptuous meal, we settled down at the dining room table to play Cluedo and other board games until the late hours. As night fell and the games wrapped up, goodnights were said, and we went to our respective rooms. Ray headed to the bathroom, while I slipped out the sliding door to enjoy a last smoke on the deck. Out in the serene darkness, I gazed at the clear night sky, taking in the crystalline air before lighting up my cigarette.
From the road leading up from the waterfront, I heard quiet voices and soft footsteps approaching. By the faint lamplight, I observed a couple walking hand in hand, eventually disappearing into the shadows up the hill to my right. Almost immediately, I heard heavy hobnail boots padding from my left. I leaned over the balustrade to catch a glimpse, but there was no one. Just then, a sleek car passed smoothly by, and I thought surely at least a shadow of the hiker would be visible. However, there was no one. The heavy footsteps continued up the hill, past the bach, and up the road.
Slowly, a chill worked its way down my spine. The experience was a strange impossibility, leaving us all wondering about the peculiar happenings of the night.
The Aftermath and Reflection
Despite the eerie encounter, the experience was a lighthearted reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel. It added a layer of intrigue and excitement to our vacation, making it a story to cherish for years to come. New Zealand, with its blend of enchanting landscapes and bizarre events, always had a way of weaving together the best and most peculiar of experiences.
While the experience was memorable and a bit alarming, it also served as a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination. These unusual encounters are not only entertaining but also add depth to our travel memories, creating a rich tapestry of stories and experiences.