New Zealand -- Say Yes To Everything

 A few days ago I was standing on top of a cliff an hour west of Rotorua.  Thirty feet below was a lake – blue, clean, perfect.  Between the water and me were two trees, which I would have to clear to avoid spending the rest of the week in a New Zealand hospital.  I said to my buddy Michael, “Man I don’t think I can do this.  I’m too old for this shit.”  Mike smiled and said, “Pete, say yes to everything.”  Then he jumped. Who am I to argue with logic like that?  I followed him over the edge of the cliff, landing safely for my first New Zealand swim. 

Mike’s words became true north for orientation.  Raft class five rapids?  Yes.  Crawl through coffin sized caves a hundred meters below the ground? Yes.  Show my new friends how Aquinas boys shake it at Rotorua’s hottest dance club?  Absolutely.  To make a long week short, orientation was non-stop and amazing. 

Now I have arrived in Dunedin.  I live in a flat with both international students and Kiwis.  Dunedin is a college town.  It’s crazy.  The University of Otago makes Eau Claire look like a Mormon ice cream social.  It is not an easy village for an elderly man to call home.  But I’ll try my best.  Yesterday we went to the beach -- swam in the ocean, napped in the sand, and burned away winter skin.  Here is a photo to let my snow babies know what they’re missing.  

Remember, it doesn’t matter what side of the Pacific your on, keep saying yes. 

Sayonara Nerds

            I leave tomorrow my packer babies.  I got 33 hours of traveling, and I want to lay departing words on all the great Midwestern metropolises where my friends and family till soil.

Eau Claire Boys – Remember, no one said the road to liver cirrhosis would be easy.  But I believe in you.   Keep working hard.   You’ll get there one day.  When the ole’ Chippewa thaws, grab a bag of funyuns, the nearest life raft and think of me.  I’ll be floating with you soon enough.

Madison – You guys have educated me in the ways of hip shaking tunes and Thursday night drink specials.  Whether you are dancing under black lights or bar lamps, you’ll be out later than my wrinkled eyelids can handle.  But don’t be afraid to sit still on a Saturday night and listen to a fella play guitar.  You’ll feel better in the morning.  I’ll make my way back to your deceptive liquor bottles and potluck bars in a few short months. 

Minneapolis – Friends, I’ll dream in four-part harmony.  Every weekend I will picture you folks up top the lighthouse, elastic waistbands cradling your hips with instruments in hand.  Perhaps if Mick has his way, you’ll spend a few nights nursing cotton candy homebrews, while looking up Grupon specials.  But don’t be afraid to get a little crazy after dark.  Go to a tavern.  Maybe walk up to the Witch’s Hat Tower.  Who knows?  The world is yours for one last semester.  

            Family, I wish you the best of luck in all hypothetical skiing goals, hunters’ safety classes and hopes of Minneapolis doggie stardom.  Zula bug, I know you can read this. Uncie will miss you the most.  Keep Gus in line. 

La Crosse – Mom and Dad, thank you for everything.  You guys are the reason I am able to go to New Zealand.  I can’t express how much your love and generosity means to me. Again, Thank you. 

            So with the packers in their rightful place as world champions and the prospect of two more months of winter bearing down on the Midwest, it is time for me to say sayonara nerds.  I’ll return when the trout are rising in Vernon County.  I love you and will miss you all.