So Auckland may have put a poor showing together for my first week in NZ - rain, blustery winds and struggling to get above 16 degrees, however it sure knows how to pull it all together when it counts. I’ve just got back from talking Oscar (the dog) for a walk along the beach, and it can’t have been to far off paradise. The sun was just starting to set and sparkle on the water, Christmas carols could be faintly heard from the nearby pubs, there was the smell of fish and chips in the air, and families playing soccer in the sand. A typical kiwi Christmas! It was a well-needed relief.
My week in NZ so far has had some highs and lows. It has been great catching up with the whanau – particularly the nieces (as cute as ever), and getting to celebrate Dad’s 60th. I’ve also had some time with a lot of other friends, but all of that has been overshadowed in the last couple of days with the deterioration of my grandfather. The last two days have been a bit of a bedside vigil, but the old soldier isn’t giving up yet. Perhaps he wants to be around to see one more Christmas. So, it is on with the Christmas face and trying to keep the sad side of life upsetting the joy of Christmas, particularly for the littlies.
Anyway…this wasn’t supposed to be a downer note, but a reflection on some of the simpler joys of Christmas, and life in Aotearoa.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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