Wanaka's Lonely Tree in Midwinter

During the transition between midwinter and early spring in the Southern Hemisphere, I visited Lake Wanaka and its famous lonely tree. Coming to New Zealand always gives me a sense of tranquility. Everyone here seems unhurried, as if they have all the time in the world. When you ask them questions, they answer with great patience and detail. It feels as though this place is at the edge of the world, where time has no relevance to the people, and the chaos of the outside world doesn't affect them. Listening quietly to the sound of waves lapping against the lake's surface replaces the noise within my heart.