Since we arrived we have been extremely busy. We spent about a week and half at the boat
yard dock, Gary worked tremendously hard. Numerous other yachties couldn't
believe how hard he was working. And of
course it rained about half the time making things more challenging. I spent
that time trying to help the kids power through 1 month of school in 1.5 weeks.
We still have a little to finish, but the big package is done and shipped to
the school in the US. I'm not sure who it was harder on, the kids or me, but it
was really trying.
It has been raining a lot and significantly colder than
normally at this time of year, so we are eagerly awaiting some nice weather. My
parents are nicely settled into a place up the hill from the marina and we just
moved to a long-term mooring. My parents had initially lined up a different
rental unit, but it didn't come with power or TV and looked a little spartan.
The rental we found for their first few days turned out to be way better and
they can have it for the majority of the time they are in NZ. Plus the landlady
is super friendly, a fantastic cook and goes out of her way to make sure they
have everything they need, so they are pleased with this rental. We have benefited from having them so close
and with a well equipped kitchen. All the weight we lost through the South
Pacific may come right back with Mom's good cooking and Dad's flowing wine.
Next week we will finish the rest of the school work and
prepare for Christmas. We probably won't go sailing until after Christmas when
we plan to spend 4 nights out in the Bay of Islands. Hopefully by then it will
stop raining.
Today we finally did some site seeing. We went to the
Whaitainga Treaty grounds. It is the location where the Maoris signed a treaty
with the British that was intended to give both parties equal rights in the
country. It was a stunning property, with many significant buildings and the
largest dugout war canoe in the world. The canoe was made from 3 giant kauri
trees.
We participated in a Maori welcoming ceremony. They selected
Gary to be the white man Chief and the Maori group greeted him. Their first
greeting was a sharp war spear inches from his face. Quite shocking. They also
performed a number of their dances, including the Haka. It was a wonderful
experience.
As much as we are enjoying NZ, we are back into the western
world lifestyle with phones, internet, TV, etc. The kids are happy with these
changes, but Gary really isn't and I not sure I want to get sucked into the always
connected, busy lifestyle. The tropics were nice as you didn't have a choice,
you just had to slow down.
Cheers,
Julie
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