long-lasting friendship… till the end of the world
About 22 years ago while walking “el Camino de Santiago” I came across a strong, tall Kiwi woman named Amanda. Right from the start we had a click. Both driving a motorbike, very much into sports and food-lovers! A true thing: those who travel bond easily….even when this new friend lives at the other end of the world.
So here I am today, finding myself on a bus to Tauranga to finally meeting up again! A kind, middle-aged blond lady from Germany is taking the free seat next to me. A vivid conversation starts and after a couple of hours we know all about eachother. It’s interesting how easy you share intimate details about yourself just because you are travelling. Would we have met on a bus to Munich Airport we would most likely not even have exchanged one single word!
At the busstop I spot the grey van instantly. And there she comes rolling towards me. My strong awesome kiwi babe Amanda! Nothing has changed, although her life couldn´t be more different from when we met 22 years ago. Still this sneaky playful smile, with bright sparkling eyes… still good FUN! After her life-changing surfing-accident when she broke her neck, nothing is like it was before. Ever since I know what happend to her, I have even been more impressed by her character. No doubt she is the most determined and resilience person I know. Her perseverance to face the obstacles and challanges of her new life go way beyond imagination.
Mt. Maunganui
Active as always being with Amanda means: never a dull moment! So at 06.15 am I get up and take their gentle dog “Tato” (Potato) for a walk in the park just across the road. Never seen so many birds, goose, black swans, ducks, Pukeko’s living harmoniously together. And their cute little chicks due to breeding time take my breath way. I’m in AWE all the time… and Tato… couldn’t be less interested except for there fecal matter. Pheww!
At approx. 07.15 am Amanda is ready to take us to the swimming pool. Four mornings a week she is going for her swim. I agree on accompanying her as it will be good exercise for me too! Man… I should have known better. This girl is an athlete. She swims longer than I was hoping for… and I can´t stay behind… can I? So much for a sporty morning to start with! To make sure I will not go lazy… the next day she set me up with two Irish girls. Who said IRISH?! Hey… I am your woman! Love the accent – love their humour, so a good day is programmed again!
Mt. Maunganui it is. We meet at the beach and it is good fun right from the start! A lovely brisk walk with an amazing view right on the top. Stories about Maori culture, living abroad, surfing and sports. A refreshing dip in the ocean at the Bay of plenty “Te Moana-a-Toitehuatahi” afterwards is very welcome to cool down! There is definitely plenty to do here. Unfortunately also for the rescue-team. Once back home Amanda’s daughter tells me that they have had 10 rescues that day!
Time flies….while spending time at Amanda’s. Meeting the wheelchair-Rugby team over great food… of course all prepared by Amanda – who else?! – was great. Getting a better idea about what life is like when you’re stuck to a wheelchair opens my eyes. There’s so much what we as “abled-people” do not realize.
When we say goodbye she tells me to close my eyes and open my hands. I do so…
I feel something smooth and hard. When I open my eyes I look at the most beautiful deep green jade whale tail. Amanda clearifies that my “Pounamu” symbolizes strenght, protection and guidance, especially over water. To keep me safe during my upcoming sailing adventure. I feel like I am gonna cry her an ocean right here, right now.
So we hug and kiss one more time… before she sends me off.
**As Amanda is a story on its own… soon I will get back to her, her work, her projects. I am convinced they will inspire every single human being who will come across it**
