After 6 months

I remember leaving home and telling myself to just be free, do whatever I wanted to do and be who ever I wanted to be. Just on one condition: "do not get a boyfriend". But what happened my first week of arrival? I met a guy who changed my perspective on the world. This is how the story goes: When I first arrived in Auckland, I felt ill and needed to get over my jetlag. I met this wonderful girl called Fanny, who was from Liège in Belgium. We became really good friends but then our ways split. She left and I was still there figuring out my plans. As in one of my first blog messages I talked about getting a ticket on the stray bus, and that's what happened. The bus took me up north and dropped me off in Paihia. The first thing I did was getting myself some groceries. And of course, who do I meet in the supermarket? Fanny! What a coincidence. She told me she was staying and working in 'the bay adventurer' which was the hostel next to me. So the next day I decided to not jump on the bus, but to stay another night with Fanny. I walked into the adventurer, searching for her. And this is where I saw him, Max. I had no idea he was going to be my Max at that time... but he wasn't bad looking at all I thought! I asked him where reception was and later that evening, I found myself sitting next to him. We were playing cards with a huge crowd and that escalated into drinking games. I liked his presence and unconsciously wanted to be near to him. We had some great fun and the next day we went to the beach with a lot of friends. This is when we first had a real conversation. It was the first time since my arrival that I heard some good music, and it was his! So we talked about music and how he liked DJ-ing or how he has a weird bone conditioning. He explained how people get stuck in Paihia and how he worked on a little cruise boat. Next day, we were both bored and I invited him to play cards in my room. I felt attracted, but didn't expect anything more. I had no clue that he would have any intrest in me. But after hours of just playing cards and talking about the meaning of life, the values of family and the power of traveling there was a spark. And it wasn't a small one. We said to take it slow, but after 3 weeks we decided to start traveling together. And that's where the real journey began.

We promised each other to travel together, but to admit if we wanted some space. In the past I would never have the courage to ask someone for space. But with him, I could. He is the person who understands that asking for personal space is something natural, and that although there is love, there has to be 'your own life' as well. He is a joker but he has a warm heart and a beautiful soul. We can laugh about stupid things but also talk about though subjects. It's always been hard for me to fully show what a person I am. This because I'm a joyful, adventurous and passionate girl but also really sensitive. And being in here in New Zealand, away from home and experiencing so much... things can get emotional. Although I had my ups and downs, Max has always given me as much support as he could. He might not always understand, but he will be there. For the first time I felt loved on a level that I've never reached before. I feel secure and warm but most of all, I feel confident. He makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. And although it's hard, sometimes I do believe him. In the past I used to look down on myself: not feeling good enough, pretty enough, strong enough etc.... Max helped me so much in the proces of looking different in the mirror, and I'm so grateful. I'm grateful to have met him and to be by his side. Another good thing is that he helped me improve my English. I was never bad, but I wasn't good at all. He went hard on me, correcting every sentence and explaining me every word. It has helped me so much through these months. But then you might wonder, if he's that good to you... what do you give him in return? Although lovely Max took me for a romantic dinner a couple of times... I started experimenting my cooking on him. I tried to help him eat more healthy and made him some delicious meals. I'm still growing, but you know what they say: " The heart of a man goes through his stomach" ;)