Leaving Rotorua

I'm just leaving Rotorua, I'm very glad. It's an excellent place, I'd really recommend it to others, but I don't like it myself and I doubt I'd go back just for fun. 

I've never been a fan of cities that look a little bit tired, I like cities with tall, grand buildings, works of architecture and green spaces, urban development that leads to a city of art. This city is low lying, the buildings are old but lack charm and beautiful architecture to me, they are mostly utilitarian or outdated. I'm not putting the place down, it seems like a hugely sentimental place, very residential but for it's HUGE tourism industry, there are streets and streets of motel style lodges, hotels, backpackers hostels, like their own little villages. The suburbs are nice enough and what it lacks in urban charm it definitely makes up for in natural beauty and individuality. There are many places to enjoy the geothermal wonders, from walks to hot pools and spas, and the sulphur is unescapable. It really is a unique place, it's just not for me, and I'm really glad about that because imagine how fed up I'd be if I'd loved it and only had two days before having to leave. Better yet, I stayed two nights and two days rather resigned to the fact I didn't like it and I managed to sit with those feelings, accept the reality of what is and remember that I would be moving on soon (a terrifying thought in itself). I know when I visited new zealand the first time and arrived in Christchurch I felt exactly the same and don't get me wrong I have been tempted to book whatever I could get my hands on in Wellington and run off there, abandoning the rest of my trip for folly. Yet where the difference lies is that three years ago I actually did do that, abandoned my plans and ran back to Wellington but this time I didn't, not for lack of wanting, but if I can persevere, I may learn from this whole escapade and you never know, I might even enjoy it too. 

Over the next few days things will be a bit uncertain, I'll try to keep this up to date but I'm not likely to stick to a daily schedule (as if I ever do...).