Shire Inspiration

For this random thought adventure, I want to dive into another vacation destination that has been collecting dust on my bucket list. In a similar post, I talked about the main motive for visiting the infamous land of Italy. Not too far down on the agenda of places to see is New Zealand. Aside from the obvious excuse, New Zealand has been on my wish list for different reasons, too. I suppose, though, it would only be right to begin with the more conspicuous one.

I’m sure you’ve already guessed, but yes, the world-beloved home of the hobbits is without a doubt the number one incentive for going to this beautiful country. Reading Tolkien’s captivating descriptions and seeing them come to fruition on the silver screen are well and good, but it’s a completely separate experience seeing it with your own eyes. As a dedicated fan, I strive to have that experience for myself!

I also have a particularly interesting pretext for venturing to New Zealand, and the only explanation is this: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturi

pukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Listen, I pride myself on being a creative writer but even I couldn’t make this word up, and honestly, I tip my imaginary hat to the person (or people) who did! By the way, yes, it is in fact a real word. To be more specific, it’s the name of a town in New Zealand, the town with the longest name in the world! Now, a storyteller such as myself obsesses over a good story, so of course, I want to hear the story behind this name. It’s guaranteed to be entertaining as well as enlightening!

Lastly, I’m positive that most of my time in New Zealand will be spent drinking in the scenery. I don’t think “beautiful” is enough to describe how this place looks, the word just seems to fall short. I specifically wish to witness the breathtaking night sky there, I get the impression that it will be humbling as much as it is awesome. With that being said, let me go ahead and start my plans for this trip. I’m going on an adventure and who knows, I may prolong it indefinitely!