Lake Wanaka
Before I get to the heart of the matter, a LOTR reference is necessary -- I just passed a restuarant that has 'elevenses' as a course heading on the menu.
So I've spent a good part of the day walking around Lake Wanaka, which is in the middle of the south Island, about 100 kms north of Queenstown. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous (as you can probably tell), and it has been like this since we came through the mountains yesterday afternoon.
But.
Along the south shore of the lake an art exhibit is up (nothing like an artist to bring me back to reality) regarding sustainable development, titled Earth From Above, made up of aerial photographs. The photos are from around the world and quite spectacular; I tried to photograph some of them myself but the time of day (and sun placement) wasn't right for it. (In case someone wants to check it out, the artist's website is: www.yannarthusbertrand.org -- i havent visited it yet).
While the sights and message aren't anything new (to me at least, and probably not to any of you), they are certainly disheartening, especially as an American. Immediately, there's the guilt of taking such a trip of this (around the world via airplane), followed by the little actions I shouldn't be taking (not taking the time to find where to recycle my diet coke can, throwing out a plastic bag with peanut butter on the inside instead of reusing it, etc).
It seems to be a constant challenge, reconciling my actual life with my idealistic life -- and the frustration that comes with it also seems to be never ending.
But.
I do feel hopeful, even with all the waste that does exist in our heavily industrialized (and not) world -- I sincerely believe we have the resources (brain powered and not) to kick our seemingly wasteful nature, but we do have to change our lifestyles, as uncomfortable as that can be. Not to sound too preachy. (Jesus loves you!)
(thought you may enjoy a bit of NZ humor/propoganda)
2 comments:
What a beautiful place to reflect on what is truely important to you and the rest of the world.
As another person who is socially conscious yet still stuck in my consumer ways, I have the Earth From Above coffee book table. It is amazing although it weighs more than some small children and takes up about half of the space in my very small apartment. Come play and check it out when you return!
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