Canada Day In New Zealand During The Pandemic

Canada Day in New Zealand during the pandemic was lackluster. I couldn’t really high expectations; its a Canadian holiday, and this is New Zealand. There’s also a pandemic going on, which has brought on a level of xenophobia I didn’t think possible. Never have I felt so unwelcome in a country (except the time I was in the Ivory Coast, but that’s a VERY special case). And it’s not just me. Its any immigrant, foreigner, and tourist. On the bright side, it is getting better by the day; as things return to normal, the distrust returns to curiosity. This post ins’t about xenophobia though, it’s about Canada Day!

Like Every Holiday, I Slept In And Called My Parents

It’s become an on-the-road tradition to give myself a little sleep in on holidays and special calendar days. Today I let myself sleep until 9, and lay in bed until 10. Its late, but compared to what my sleep habits have been like; I’m doing pretty good!

I called my Mom and Dad around 1pm. It’s always such a treat to talk to them. They excitedly asked me what my plans were tonight. Its weird seeing them have anticipition for me to drink. I guess it really shows how much I’ve cut back; and how entertaining stories of my escapades are when they’re not in abundance.

Though tonight I will not be drinking. I have a ride at 7am to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s largest mountain. I’m still not in a financial position to really be having fun, but i don’t think I can take this rut any more. Well, I could if I had too, but you can only sit and suffer for so long, banging your head on the wall before you try other ways to alieviate your depression.

Hiking; seeing nature’s marvelous sights, and getting away from urban sprawls has always worked in the past. Statistically, its my most trusted rut breaking method; and the crew has found a way to do it at an affordable price. Plus Mom and Dad’s birthday money meant for a steak dinner will be better spent on a car rental and gasoline. At least I think so.

Its Technically Not Even Canada Day

It’s hard to talk about Canada Day in New Zealand during the pandemic when the timezone’s have you between worlds. The 16 hour difference between Toronto and Auckland has New Zealand in the future and Canada in the past.

Its the first of July here, but in Canada, the country celebrating independance, its still June. Or was, at the time of writing its now Canada Day, which means here it’s the 2nd.

Since it’s Canada Day in Canada now, I wonder if now’s the time to scream and shout freedom and liberty. Salute our troops and bow to the healthcare, teachers, and public servants. Then again, back home will have it’s own problems. Canadians love a party; though maybe not as much as the Kiwi’s. They are a wild bunch. I have concerns that this day will bring another spike in COVID infections, like the May-2-4 weekend.

It Was Still Kind Of A Holiday

It was pissing rain here all day. Our boss offered us the day off. In a funny way, the universe provided me a day off for my national holiday. Though I decided to work. Bush-life has had me working every Canada Day since finishing University. I long for those summer days where Connor, Fil and I would get day-drunk and terrorize the Barrie Waterfront.

Typical to Canadian fashion, it was a particularly cold day. It didn’t snow in christchurch, but it was chilly. During the hour where I considered taking the day off, I reached out to several contacts in the city. The average answer was staying indoors and trying to stay warm.

So I’ll Spend Canada’s Canada Day In New Zealand During The Pandemic Responsibility

The streets were dead, not becasue of COVID, but because of the rain. Tomorrow may not be different, though I won’t know. I’ll be spendidn the day in the mountains, far away from people and COVID. Surrounded by rock, ice, and desolation.

I’m so flipping excited.

I guess I really am getting older. No longer focused on drinking, I’d rather stare at rocks and snow. Fuck it; I’ll age like wine, not fruit.