The Day in Gore

Some travelers will say that travelling is all about the people. Travelers with this thought may think a country can only be revealed so much through it's tourist sites, activities, and even it's cuisine (which in our opinion is highly important); it's about conversing, walking, watching, and being with the people from that place in the world that begins to teach you to understand and truly appreciate their way of life. Naturally, independent travel allows freedom and can be the best way to meet many people from different walks of life that move and shape the country that you are in. Mostly, Jason and I prefer to travel this way. You can change your plans and stay those extra two days or even take that dinner invitation from that nice family. With independent travel you can "blend in" or at least try, which can make one more approachable and disguises that big "tourist" sign that blinks across many a tourists forehead. Being a covert tourist, which in my opinion makes one a respectful traveler, is where stealth people watching skills are perfected, lessons are learned, revelations occur, new things are tried, unlikely adventures surprise, boundaries are broken, relationships are born, connections are made, and most importantly; where stepping outside ones comfort zone is not all that uncomfortable. We need to humanize the places we travel to.

While staying in Invercargill with a lovely family that I had met via a Pilates connection, Jason and I had one of these travel "people" experiences. We were graciously invited to a big family birthday party by the family we were staying with. Off we drove from Invercargill to Gore, about an hours drive, to a family cattle station. We were told to be prepared to walk and get ready for tons of food and activity. Already sounded like our idea of a great afternoon. One of the last to arrive, we were greeted by family on a big wonderful front lawn with playing kids, men in circles conversing, women dashing in and out of the house preparing the meal, and young men showing off their latest gadgets for their fast cars and motorbikes. Walking shoes were on, walking sticks were in hand, and bottles of water at the ready for our "walk". Thinking to ourselves, "this should be interesting", we had never been to a family get together that began with a hike which included all family generations, shapes, sizes, and dynamic. Heading to the "wee hill" in the distance we began our walk up, very up, with children in the lead and adults trailing behind in a diverse blend of conversation. As we walked and walked up and up we talked and talked with the family. We answered questions and asked questions; tripping, learning, and laughing all the way up the hill. At the top, the kids were waiting and exploring the ridge after their swift ascent. We were welcomed by crisp views of the valley below us and a nudging breeze that made the bushes and trees dance. We all stood; maybe with one foot up on a rock or coats wrapped tighter against the chill, but definitely all with the satisfaction of the climb, the company, and the conversation. The uncle fascinated with geography wanted to know the details of American geography, all were struck with awe to learn of Jason's boat captain career, the use of the hamstring muscles while climbing was thoroughly discussed, opinions on the current events in South Africa were voiced, and a common interest in hunting was revealed. An explanation of lives, travels, interests,and plans were superficially mentioned in these brief initial conversations, enough to open a small window and take a glance into who these people may be and enough for them to see who we may be.