Click on the image below for a slideshow of photos to the tune "Walk in the Park" (played by the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra):
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09 June 2009
Mel-bourne Again
I spent a few days in Melbourne to meet up with a friend, Jen (from Perth, Western Australia). It was great to see her after nearly 10 years (she taught in Samoa when I did). We picked things up right where we had left off without missing a beat (although it took a full night without sleep, just lots of talking). I also drove along Victoria's Great Ocean Road with a Kiwi (Kevin). Events like this make me realize how quickly life goes by, and the importance of enjoying every moment while keeping in touch with those friends and family I love. It's all a magnificent journey, and I have been lucky.
Click on the image below for a slideshow of photos to the tune "Walk in the Park" (played by the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra):
Click on the image below for a slideshow of photos to the tune "Walk in the Park" (played by the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra):
08 June 2009
24
You might be familiar with the TV series 24, although I'd be surprised if it is still running. Basically Agent Jack Bauer heads an anti-terrorism unit and regardless of the origin of the terrorists or the type of terrorist attack, he has but 24 hours to save the day.
My final 24 hours in New Zealand were not as action-packed, but were wonderful nonetheless. They included a walk through some of my favorite parts of Wellington, a visit to a couple music shops and the Te Papa museum, and a last flat white and piece of cake at Sweet Mother's Kitchen, among other special stops.
Every time I spend living in a new place, I adjust and it becomes home. Whether in Ecuador, Samoa or New Zealand, I have managed to meet solid people (each country's best, I'm sure) and I gain an appreciation for the place. As good as the experiences have been, it is always a bittersweet ending when it comes time to leave. It's never a good time to leave something beautiful. Thankfully, I have an equally beautiful family (with aunts and uncles, and 13 nieces and nephews!) waiting for me at home.
But, back to New Zealand for a moment. I will miss walking or biking along Wellington Harbour every day. I'll miss the corner dairies, the flat whites, the fish and chips and the Embassy Theatre. I'll miss Courtenay Place, Cuba Street, Oriental Parade and Manners Mall. I'll miss the Botanical Gardens and the hills surrounding the city, and I'll miss the endless expanse of beautiful mountains, forests and coastline. I'll miss New Zealand's "no-nuclear" stance and its support for same sex marriage equality. I'll even miss being outnumbered 15 to 1 by sheep! Perhaps most of all I will miss the interesting mix of people - Maori, Pasifika, and Pakeha - and the constant influx of Islamic, Asian and others coming to make a new beginning for themselves in what is generally a very peaceful and progressive place.
My final 24 hours in New Zealand were not as action-packed, but were wonderful nonetheless. They included a walk through some of my favorite parts of Wellington, a visit to a couple music shops and the Te Papa museum, and a last flat white and piece of cake at Sweet Mother's Kitchen, among other special stops.
Every time I spend living in a new place, I adjust and it becomes home. Whether in Ecuador, Samoa or New Zealand, I have managed to meet solid people (each country's best, I'm sure) and I gain an appreciation for the place. As good as the experiences have been, it is always a bittersweet ending when it comes time to leave. It's never a good time to leave something beautiful. Thankfully, I have an equally beautiful family (with aunts and uncles, and 13 nieces and nephews!) waiting for me at home.
But, back to New Zealand for a moment. I will miss walking or biking along Wellington Harbour every day. I'll miss the corner dairies, the flat whites, the fish and chips and the Embassy Theatre. I'll miss Courtenay Place, Cuba Street, Oriental Parade and Manners Mall. I'll miss the Botanical Gardens and the hills surrounding the city, and I'll miss the endless expanse of beautiful mountains, forests and coastline. I'll miss New Zealand's "no-nuclear" stance and its support for same sex marriage equality. I'll even miss being outnumbered 15 to 1 by sheep! Perhaps most of all I will miss the interesting mix of people - Maori, Pasifika, and Pakeha - and the constant influx of Islamic, Asian and others coming to make a new beginning for themselves in what is generally a very peaceful and progressive place.
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