Tēnā Koutou

Tēnā koutou to all! Greetings from the land of the Maori people, the lovely New Zealand. The trip getting here was quite an experience...as I most definitely lost the day of August 9th forever and stayed up for 72 hours straight, with the exception of a little 1 hour-snooze on one of the four plane rides. My long layover in Los Angeles allowed me to go explore the beautiful Santa Monica area, walk along the beach, and look out over that side of the Pacific. I met an angel of a woman on the bus and had a short but very memorable interaction. And, there was a MARKET of fresh fruit, vegetables, locally-grown cheeses, and various other Californian products along the 3rd Street Promenade, so I was set! Also, it was the first time I could buy fruit and EAT it since I left the states = A-Mazing! The peaches, plums, and nectarines were all ripe and tasted better than I remember :)

On the flight from Auckland to Christchurch, I sat next to a man named Axel who enlightened me about his businesses and introduced me to a line of health products I'd never heard of before. He reassured me that many in my "field" (good 'ole nursing) hadn't heard of it either because, he reasoned, "you are in a sickness profession and I am in a health profession." That line holds great significance with me because it opened up a whole different perspective about nursing, about health, and about life. It has helped push me to think about ways in which I can use my degree to teach health promotion to various people in a way that would make them motivated to change their health habits, their ways, their life. Though the statement and conversation initially caused me to feel quite discouraged, it was his stories of individuals whose lives have changed for the better that create hope. For these realizations...I thank you Axel.

When we landed in Christchurch, Axel was to meet his friend Bob, a New Zealand grandfather-type who is most delightful and true to Kiwi style, incredibly welcoming. They invited me to spend the day with them and offer me a tour of the city and all its little gems. I continued to be amazed by how honest and intelligent these two men were, both in their words and actions. I learned so much more yesterday than I ever could have reading even the most detailed history or cultural guide to Christchurch. Their generosity and hospitality were quite overwhelming but VERY appreciated. Thank you to Bob and Axel once again.

Today brought more fantastic weather, outdoor markets, and ample opportunities for me to get lost in this beautiful city. Also, while wandering about, I ran into the two Korean women who are staying in the same dorm as I am at this A-MAZING hostel designed solely for female travelers who pass through this area. The owner is an absolutely wonderful woman and has done such a great job creating this warm, inviting, and safe haven for all women travelers. Anyways, getting back on topic, it is really interesting to spend time "conversing" with these two women, as there are extreme language barriers! However, both last night and today, we bonded by sharing and teaching each other our languages (BEAUTIFUL)!!! I've never seen someone so excited and responsive to learning simple phrases like "no worries" (c'mon, I HAD to teach them that one). They taught me so much about motivation, drive, and the desire to learn, in addition to some slang Korean - whoop whoop! Thanks to them as well. They day is winding down and sunset is approaching...and here, with the sunset, we also get this frigid-cold breeze coming off Antartica that blows right through ya, regardless of how many layers of clothes I am wearing...even if I am bundled up as much as that kid from "A Christmas Story" - the breeze will FIND YOU! That being said, I am off to enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa in front of the "fireplace" - a lovely DVD that captures the sound and image of a real fire, minus the heat, and set to the background of elevator music on repeat. YESSSSSSSSS! Much love to all. Miss yous.