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Welcome

Friends,

The picture above is from our balcony in Seatoun, Wellington. It was unbelievably beautiful every single day. Peter Jackson also lived down the road, which was hilarious.

I miss our friends there, and the life we lived during our short months in the city.

Given Mondays can feel sufficiently ordinary, I decided it would be fun to write a quick bit on the capital of New Zealand and why I think it should be on your list. If you’ve been before, drop me a quick reply and let me know what you thought?

Also, if you are looking for a great song for today’s soundtrack, check out this new drop by Elijah Vale (also on Apple and Spotify). It is really strong.

645 words today: let’s get going.

Links

New Spirit routes; get on them before they run out of money (seriously).

Fun Monday read on some great, low cost luxury options in Thailand.

Story

When you arrive in Wellington, the Eagles from The Lord of the Rings meet you. They are suspended from the ceiling of the terminal and to say it feels apt is, well, an understatement.

When my family landed there last January, we had no idea what our time in the city would hold. Our move was motivated by a leading in prayer months prior that was followed by a connection to the local church and a deal we could not refuse on an AirBnb in Seatoun.

So, we boarded American flight 35 on a cold winter night in Dallas to land in the Kiwi summer two days later (you’re welcome, Olaf). We ate breakfast on the beach down the road from our house the next day, and had no idea what was going on.

We just knew this place was good.

The story goes on, but for today I just want to highlight why I think you would also love Wellington (because we are here to remember and to encourage your adventures). Here are three quick reasons why Wellington belongs on your list:

1. Cook Strait: the city is shaped by the water around it, which is (literally) wild. It is unlike any other ‘city by the sea’ that I have visited, and the fact that the South Island is visible on a clear day is so cool.

2. CBD: For the mountains and sea it is built on and around, the city has fantastic restaurants and an incredible CBD that we had a blast exploring.

3. The views: another expat in Wellington told me that as you live in New Zealand you come to learn that, ‘man cannot live on scenery alone’—but it takes a while. I was floored by the constancy of the beauty: it is inspiring and materially humbling.

Our time in Wellington was, to be sure, shaped by the people. We were shown true hospitality from our church and I miss our friends there in the best way. Wellington is a city that captures so much of New Zealand in a single place.

I cannot wait to go back.

Big Picture: Put Wellington on your list. And believe me—New Zealand doesn’t just live up to the hype, it exceeds it.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next issue.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.