Escape the Concrete Jungle
Stepping through the sliding glass doors of the hotel, I was greeted with a breathtaking, ice cold breeze. Something that I hadn’t felt in a long time. It had reminded me of the winter months in the land from which I departed eight years ago, Northern Ireland.
As I made my way across the car park towards our car I couldn’t take my eyes off the mountains that stood in the distance. Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe — or Mount Doom to all you Lord of the Rings fans.
It looked like something off of a postcard — or a Google image for the younger readers.
I just had too stop for a minute and enjoy the view.
Walking to the edge of the car park — so as not to be standing in the middle of the road like a crazy mad man — I came to a stop before the brambles and allowed myself to just be in the moment.
Taking a long, deep breath in through my nose, the crisp morning air filled my lungs and there was a transformation somewhere deep within me.
Growing up in cities and suburbs, my body had become accustomed to the smoke-filled, smog that lingered in the air consistently.
Something I doubt the locals here, at National Park, had to deal with.
As the clean air rushed down my trachea and expanded the capillaries of my lungs there was a sense of clarity. Something just felt right.
My body was relaxed but my senses where sharp.
A feeling of calmness rushed through my veins in a moment that I could enjoy forever.
This is how humans are supposed to be living.
At one with nature.
Not bundled together in a polluted concrete jungle.
“Ryan! C’mon! We are leaving now” yelled my partner from the car.
I was summoned from my perfect daydream. It was time to go explore the trails.
If you spend the majority of your time roaming the concrete jungle then I highly recommend you escape it every once in a while.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
It’s the perfect way to clear your mind, gather your thoughts and come back feeling fresher and sharper than ever.
Experience the world as it is supposed to be.
