A shocking realisation

When we were hiking in Abel Tasman we met two blond Swedes who did the 3 month Thailand-Australia-NZ tour. In Australia they were going from Sydney to Cairns, and I heard myself saying "I did that too, in 2005." The girls did the 5 hour hike a Gucci handbag, one bottle of water and a bag of crisps. They were clearly heading for beaches and party rather than hiking and a bed at 19.30.

Then we reached Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, I saw this guy trying to sell all kinds of thrills, from jet boating to bungee jumping, to everyone passing by. Apart from us, who he just ignored.

In Lonely planet I don't even read the drinking chapters anymore, but underline "family-friendly establishment", "home-baked cakes" and "beautiful gardens".

We tried to stay in a hostel only once but we were being refused entrance - not because we were smelly or drunk but because we had a child with us. Justus had to be talked out of leaving Junia's fully loaded business card as a souvenir at the front desk. We slept in a beautiful B&B run by a friendly retired couple instead.

When sitting in cafes and restaurants, we realize that we talk more with 65+ couples (have never heard so much about grandchildren before), than with travellers 20+.

During this trip, I have read two books about raising children but not one sleezy paperback.

Instead of being hungover once, I have only felt sick from eating the biggest carrot cake I've ever been confronted with in my life (the picture does not make it justice, but it was delicious.)

The price was not the only criteria when we booked the camper van. Safety and comfort were equally important. We especially liked the fire extinguisher and airbags.

In short, I am trully getting older. The positive thing however, is that Junia works as the biggest ice breaker ever, so at least we get to talk to loads of people. But the days of hard core partying, no worries and no responsabilities are definately over. At least I'm still closer to 30 than 35...