Chapter 51: Chapter 85: Exploring New Zealand
After their eventful visit to Los Angeles and the unexpected encounter with big celebrities, Gustavo and Paola set off for a completely different destination: New Zealand. Looking for a more peaceful experience and in direct contact with nature, the couple decided to spend some time in the country known for its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming culture.
When they landed at the airport in Auckland, the country's largest city, Gustavo and Paola were greeted with a pleasant calm. Unlike the crowds and hustle and bustle of Hollywood, New Zealand offered the peace they were looking for.
— "It's exactly what we needed," Paola commented, as she looked out the window of the car that took them to the hotel. "Look at those mountains... the green. It's so different from anything we've seen so far."
Gustavo, sitting next to her, agreed with a calm smile on his face.
— "After everything we've been through in the last few years, I think this tranquility will do us both a lot of good."
The driver of the car, a friendly middle-aged New Zealander who already knew who they were, struck up a conversation during the journey.
— "It's an honor to welcome you here. New Zealand is a place that greatly respects leaders like you, President. Many people here admire the transformation that Brazil has undergone."
Gustavo, always modest, nodded in thanks.
— "I'm glad to hear that. We came to enjoy the best the country has to offer, especially the landscapes and the tranquility. I've heard that the South Island is spectacular."
— "Oh, you're going to love it! The South Island has some of the most incredible views in the world. But before you get there, Auckland has a lot to offer," the driver replied with discreet enthusiasm.
First days in Auckland
During the first few days, Gustavo and Paola explored Auckland. They walked around Viaduct Harbour, where they admired the anchored yachts and boats, and had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the sea. During the tour, Paola, always attentive to details, noticed how the city mixed modernity with a sense of tranquility.
— "It's so modern, but at the same time, everything here seems calm," she commented, as they drank coffee at a small kiosk on the edge of the marina.
— "This is the difference between living a life full of commitments and simply enjoying what the world has to offer," Gustavo said, visibly relaxed.
They also visited the famous Mount Eden, an extinct volcano with a panoramic view of the city. When they reached the top, the wind was blowing hard, and the couple contemplated the view.
— "It's amazing to think that not long ago we were surrounded by tall buildings and people recognizing us everywhere," Paola commented.
— "This is the perfect place to disconnect from everything," Gustavo added, hugging her.
Adventure in the South Island
After a few days in Auckland, Gustavo and Paola took a flight to Queenstown, on the South Island, known as the extreme sports capital of New Zealand. Although they were not interested in activities like bungee jumping or skydiving, they wanted to explore nature in its purest form.
— "Let's go hiking to Milford Sound," Gustavo suggested, after reading about the famous attraction.
Milford Sound was one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes, with steep mountains plunging into the sea, surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls. When they arrived at the place, the silence and grandeur of the scenery left them speechless.
— "This... this is surreal," Paola murmured, admiring the mountains and their perfect reflection in the calm lake in front of her.
— "It's like we're on a movie set," Gustavo commented, impressed by the vastness of the place.
They walked along the trail together, hearing only the sound of the water and the occasional birdsong. There were very few other tourists around, which added to the sense of peace.
— "I think this is the most beautiful place we've ever been," Paola said, holding Gustavo's hand as they admired a waterfall in the distance.
— "It certainly is. And it's exactly what we were looking for: a place to reconnect not only with nature, but with ourselves."
After exploring Milford Sound, Gustavo and Paola returned to Queenstown. There, they were invited to dinner at one of the city's most renowned restaurants. To their surprise, they met a European business couple who recognized them from their appearances in the international media.
— "Gustavo? Paola? We're big admirers of you!" the man said, approaching the table where the couple was sitting.
— "I'm glad to hear that," Gustavo replied with a polite smile. "I hope you're enjoying New Zealand as much as we are."
The European couple explained that they were on a business trip, but that they had also seen the changes in Brazil during Gustavo's term.
— "What you did for Brazil was incredible," the woman commented. "The way you transformed the country into a world power... It's admirable."
Paola, always modest, smiled and thanked him, while Gustavo kept the conversation light and friendly, without getting too much into politics.
After dinner, Paola commented to Gustavo as they walked back to the hotel.
— "It's funny how, even on the other side of the world, people still recognize us."
— "I think, with time, we'll get used to it," Gustavo replied with a tired smile. "But it's good to know that our work has been recognized everywhere."
After a few more days exploring the natural wonders of New Zealand, Gustavo and Paola knew they had to move on with their journey around the world. However, the impact the country had left on them was undeniable.
— "New Zealand was one of the best surprises of this trip," Paola said, as they packed their bags at the hotel.
— "Absolutely. It's a place where I feel at peace. I think we were able to reconnect with what really matters."
After leaving the hotel, the couple headed to the airport, ready for their next destination. Although they hadn't decided where they were going yet, they knew that the journey was more important than the destination.
— "Where do we go next?" Paola asked with an excited smile.
— "Who knows... I think any place will be amazing if we're together," Gustavo replied, holding her hand.
As the plane took off, the views of New Zealand's mountains and valleys were behind them, but the sense of tranquility and reconnection they found there would stay with them forever.
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