32. Traveling by Sleeper Van (Part 8), Lake Taupo

I headed to Lake Taupo; a popular spot located in the middle of the North Island. After driving almost around the lake, I finally found a quiet place to park. Around the lake, there are several spots where we can drive down to the lakeside. Some of these spots are popular with the crowd, but there are also some that are quiet, suitable for people who want to fish or just find a peaceful corner for a picnic.

I parked the car for a while and got the idea that I could do laundry here because all I needed was water. I already had detergent, and I had a small basin. So, I started the manual laundry project for the first time during the trip. Although it felt a bit strange, the task was completed. I wrung the clothes as dry as possible and hung them on hangers, which I then attached to the tailgate of the car or the side mirrors. Of course, I also hung them on trees where I could find a place to hang them. After finishing the laundry, I thought, why not take a bath in the lake? It might not be against the rules, even though the water was a bit cold. The excitement of doing it made it fun, even if it was a bit chilly.

While I was in the water, a car pulled up not far from mine. I caught a glimpse of the driver and the passenger sitting next to him. They were probably just looking for a quiet place to park. Even though I noticed they seemed surprised to see me in the lake like that, they probably understood what I was doing. Although I felt a bit embarrassed, I pretended not to care and continued bathing until I was done.

That afternoon was dark and gloomy with drizzling rain. All the clothes that had been hung out to dry were brought and hung in the car according to the imagination of creation. Most of my time-killing activities involved watching the countless raindrops fall onto the surface of the lake and listening to my favorite audio. Besides that, I would look for snacks to eat. Many times, the old map book that came with the car was also very useful, both in terms of knowledge and entertainment. I don't know why, but reading maps always makes me feel good and entertained. Learning about interesting places at various points also excites me even more. Additionally, I was practicing a third language, which is Spanish. Although at that time my progress was somewhat half-hearted, meaning I didn't have real discipline, I knew it would gradually improve as long as I didn't give it up completely.

Sometimes, during periods of uncertainty about whether to pursue something or not, it can be quite annoying. The solution I often find effective is to revisit my feelings and ask myself, "Why did I want to do this in the first place? Why did I think about developing something like this?" And it's precisely because of the initial reasons that are important to me that I never stop practicing and always have hope. Because what scares me is knowing what I want and knowing that I can achieve it, but neglecting to practice it myself. I guess, no, I know that if one day in the future I look back with this feeling, I might feel depressed. Knowing that I didn't put in our utmost effort in what I wanted, sometimes that image can be quite terrifying.

The rain continued to drizzle until evening. I still had some spare battery and internet data on my phone, which allowed me to browse and find something entertaining to watch. In the midst of the surrounding darkness, the sound of water gently lapping against the shore in the silence made me feel relaxed and calm. But I could only feel that way for a while before my heart's rhythm shifted to another tone.

          A car with headlights on drove close to my car. I started to feel anxious because I didn't expect anyone to drive here at this hour. But even so, I remained silent and continued to observe the situation, peeking through the curtains a little. I heard a man and a woman, who seemed to be in their uncle and aunt age, talking. This made me feel relieved, and all my worries disappeared when I finally realized that they were just here to fish at night. That's all...