What's on Your Brain, Jane?

You have read a Chat With Pat, now it is time for What's on Your Brain, Jane? Patrick asked the questions and I have the answers! Read on to find out all about what is on my brain!

Patrick: What is your favorite part of van life?

Jane: I love waking up on the beach. I like being able to start my day surrounded by such beautiful scenery. It makes me motivated to start the day!

Patrick: What are your overall thoughts in van life?

Always chasing waterfalls!

Jane: I am pro van life haha. I could live like this for a long time. Especially if I had a home base. I could see myself wanting a home on wheels for weekends and holidays. It is such unique way to travel and it is surprisingly comfortable.

Patrick: What is your least favorite part of van life?

Jane: The lack of showers. In particular right now haha. I think it has been more than a week since our last real shower, my hair feels pretty gross and sandy. Somehow even after swimming there is still so much sand in my hair.

Patrick: What’s the best way to handle a hangry Jane?

Jane: Easy… give her some snacks.

Patrick: What upgrades would you give our van?

Jane: Should we name it?

Patrick: We did! Miss Vanjie (after Ru Paul drag race contestant).

Jane: I would ideally add a backboard to the kitchen, solar panels, new pillow cases and maybe get some plants like we have been discussing.

Patrick: What are you most excited for on the journey?

What is beyond the bridge? Who knows! Just kidding I know, it was a tunnel.

Jane: Thats tough. We have already done so much but I am probably most stoked to bungee jump. And maybe see those purple lupins (flowers) on the South Island. But honestly everything has just been so beautiful I just want to continue traveling around and exploring.

Patrick: What has been your favorite part of the trip so far?

Jane: Kiwi picking… just jokes. Probably white water rafting, it really got me excited for this whole adventure. Also buying and trying the surfboards is a big highlight.

Patrick: What do you think about surfing?

Jane: I love it! I think it is really cool to learn a new skill. But I definitely struggle a bit with being a beginner. I haven’t been a beginner in something related to sports since I retired from swimming. It can be tough to just have fun with a sport sometimes haha.

Practice makes perfect!

I want to be a pro overnight and at the start it can be discouraging when you have a bad surfing day. But I feel like we have improved so much that I am super motivated to keep practicing.

Patrick: What’s the most unbelievable movement of the trip for you, or the most surprising?

Jane: Seeing all the farm land is pretty wild. I imagined New Zealand to be pretty much just beaches, I didn’t expect all the farms.

Patrick: What’s your favorite restaurant in New Zealand?

Jane: Sumthin Dumplin! So yummy! This is a dumpling takeout place in Auckland and every time we drive through we pick some up.

Patrick: What’s it like traveling with me?

Jane: I think we have been good travel partners. We have gotten better at communicating since the trip started. It is nice that we like to do the same things. Although I will say you watch a concerning amount of Marling Baits videos. For those of you reading this, Marling Baits makes fishing lures on youtube and has a channel that Patrick watches religiously.

Patrick looking for some new fishing spots that would make Marling jealous.

Patrick: What have you learned about me?

Jane: I have learned that you are very determined. You will accomplish what you set your mind to, like catching those fishes or catching those waves!

Patrick: What do you miss the most about home?

Jane: Family and friends hands down. I’ve always lived with multiple people whether it be friends or family and I miss that sense of community.

Patrick: What have you learned about yourself on this trip?

Jane: I have learned that I need structure and I need exercise. As much as I love going with the flow each day I need some sort of over arching goal. And as for exercise, if I don't go and burn some energy or stretch it out I feel really antsy in such a small space.

Patrick: How has this trip changed you?

Jane: I think I have practiced patience and problem solving a lot. It can be challenging living

Feeling motivated to start my day in beautiful New Zealand!

in a van because it is a 2 for 1 deal haha. So when we were buying the van I felt really helpless and impatient. Not only did we not have a car but we also did not have a home. I felt similarly when we needed the radiator fixed. But I felt like I dealt with that situation with more grace than I did the first time around.

Patrick: How did you like this chat?

Jane: Amazing! 10/10 I felt like a star!