ABSTRACT
It is Christmas 2004, the height of summer in the southern hemi sphere, and I am in New Zealand. My friends and I are on holiday, touring the South Island for two weeks. Part of our trip is a three-day coastal walk in Kaikoura. We are walking towards the farm we are staying in on the eastern coast of the South Island. On the way we see dolphins and seals and wood pigeons. e air is fresh and the scenery beautiful. I am eager to hit the trail and confi dent because I have been exercising a lot lately and feel fi t and full of life. I have become a health freak, eating little fat, spending forty-fi ve minutes a day on the Stairmaster and lifting weights. I bounce and walk forwards, happy, energetic, bursting with joy. We walk at a brisk pace, chatting and enjoying the views and the sunshine.
