The kindness Family
On the 15th December, I was finally reunited with Christl, a dear friend from Austria. Once I had made up my mind to travel the world again and had arranged everything, I still had to pick a destiny to start from. As Christl would visit her daughter Nicola in New Zealand, she thought it would be a great idea, that I would pick this country. And so I did.
After travelling the North Island and part of the South… I was very much looking forward to meeting up with Christl and her family. I was welcomed in the most warm-hearted way one can expect. From the minute I met them, the Dyer Family made me feel very much at home.
I had not only found a wonderful BASE for the next upcoming weeks, but more over a whanau (=family in Maori) to celebrate not only Christmas, but also New Year with.
Animals
Besides the humans I also became part of the life of the lovely animals. It was great to wake up by the sound of the ducks and the chicken, greating the goats, listening to the pigs moving around, feeding the fish, cuddling with the kittens and cats as well as going for a walk with Chico the dog.
Nicola is not only doing an amazing job at home, but she is also very much involved with an organisation called “Cat Rescue Wanaka“. During my stay she had various cats and kittens over to look after. For more information or if you would like to be part of this too. Have a look at http://www.catrescuewanaka.org.nz
Flax baskets
Besides travelling the world, I also want to learn a new skill, language or profession in each country I am visiting. Either by doing a course, being part of Wwoofing…or any kind of volunteering organisation. But preferably by meeting generous people willing to show me. Nicola turned out to be such a person.
One day, she showed me not only how to weave a basket out of the Flax leaves, but also how to harvest them. It was wonderful to learn about the plant, the whanau of leaves and how to make sure I would get the right ones in a respectful way! I just love these moments in life! She was an amazing, patient, teacher.
Christl and I were lucky to each make some wonderful baskets!
Adventures
During the holidays, I was invited to join the family participating in numerous adventures. We went kayaking on Lake Hawea… my first time in a sea-kayak with pedals and a ruder! Another day they took me on a 4WD drive via dirt roads over the Dunston Mountains into the Manuherekia Valley, where we had tasty toasties for lunch.
We shared some amazing moments during several hikes and walks in the nearby area. Some of them, I will mention in a separate post about hikes, for those who are looking for ideas! Overwhelming views, but most of all feeling blessed because of sharing the experience with Christl, Nicola, Matt and Carlos.
They took me places, such as Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Saint Bathans, Cardrona and the BRA Fence, Cromwell and even all the way to Queenstown. Thanks to them I was able to do some trips, which I would never have being able to do with the public bus service!
Gratitude
Soon my time here in New Zealand will come to an end. Herewith also me living “a normal life” surrounded by Whanau here in Hawea Flat. I am so grateful for each moment I was allowed to share with this wonderful family. Dinner-time together,… food definitely tastes better, when shared..., the laughs and us playing Skipbo by the end of the day.
I will miss you guys! Forever grateful for your love.
