What I learned
#1 There is really something to the concept of being on your home turf. I finally understand what it means to be "home" and as corny as it sounds, there is a connection to the earth that I didn't feel before. I feel like an impassioned professor of US history on some Ken Burns documentary talking about California representing manifest destiny, a Shangri-La where the weather and produce are good, opportunity is better, and life can be what you make it. Guess what, its all fucking true - at least to me. #2 There are native people living in America too. I really appreciate how New Zealand is trying to recognize and assimilate Maori language and culture back into everyday life. A few days after we landed in New Zealand, I had this realization that in my daily American life, I didn't think 2 seconds about Native Americans unless it was related to loan repayment or casinos and that really disturbed me. The native people in both countries have similar issues and problems - its just easier for me to ignore they exist while living in the US. For example, I was completely surprised to find out that Native American Health in Oakland serves 65,000 people of Native American heritage in the Bay Area alone. What do all these realizations and thoughts mean for me now? I don't really know but I'm going to find out. First off, I'm completely ignorant about Native American history and the different tribes of California. I'm going to start there.
What I miss about New Zealand
- Coffee - 100% and almost daily. It was ridiculously good and every cup seemed perfect. This is a shout out to People's Coffee!
- The staff and clients of Te Menegna Pai - it was a challenge getting motivated to go there every week but it was one of those places where I felt like I really made a difference in someone's life. I always walked out of there feeling like I really accomplished something. It also taught me that the small stuff matters too: listening, being present, and even how just watching tv with someone can be of benefit.
- Waterslides - at most public pools using the waterslides were included in the price of admission. If you there early enough you didn't have to compete with any kids and the line usually consisted of 3 people (lucas and I being 2 of the 3).
- The Ramen Shop - That place is amazing
- Friends - we made some great friends but glad to report 2 of them were actually from the US and will be living in the Bay Area soon.
What I'm grateful for
In my mind the list goes on and on but mostly I'm grateful for the opportunity to have this experience. Not many people can move across the world, get out of their comfort zone, travel, eat new things, experience a different culture, and make a (very) little money on the side. But back to this long list which includes the great friends we made - we wouldn't have survived that year without them. Oh and target, trader joe's, good and affordable produce, Ikea, acupuncture supplies, good tea, family, friends, coffee shops and cafes that stay open after 4pm, a hard working and efficient work ethic, California weather, Big Sur, SF, LA, living in an ethnically diverse community where the different groups actually mix, Chinese foot massage, Korean spas, premade cookie dough from trader joes, ICE CREAM!, a well coached swim team, Mexican food, Netflix, Hulu, and of course burgers...there are amazing and varied burgers all across this great land of mine and I am enjoying trying all of them now that I'm home.
Some Photos From Our Last Days
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| View from the Kenepuru Hospital |
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| Last view from our Wellington apartment |
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| Tai picked us up from the airport when we first arrived and dropped us off on our way home, extremely grateful to have met him |
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| Auckland Airport |
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| Made by our friend - each cake represents part of our stay in NZ |
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| Paul - one of the best people and a fabulous cook |
