We have been in New Zealand now for just over seven months. At times it seems like we are still new to the land but other times we are so comfortable that it seems like we have been here much longer but it was fun to experience the Christmas season and all the festivities here for the first time. It is really like nothing we have ever seen or experienced before. I mentioned in a family letter that is was almost hard to even know that it was Christmas given the lack of trappings all about. From some of our previous adventures we were not surprised that it was warm and summer but we were surprised by the lack of participation in decorating and the visual evidences of it.
One difference that I observed and was so grateful for was there was no fear or concern or discomfort at wishing someone a merry Christmas and never was someone saying have a happy holiday. The concert at Town Hall was certainly a celebration of the birth of the Savior and it was evidenced in the music that was performed and the words that were spoken. The church across the street from us was very busy with cars going in and out bringing people for Mass on both Christmas eve and the actual day as well.
As the new year has begun it is weird that so many people are still not back to work and that not all the shops and restaurants are open. Since school is still our people take the chance to go on a holiday and to leave town. We were concerned that during the vacation season that our little Takapuna would be full of visitors and that it would be so busy but it is quite the contrary. We were at the beach last Saturday for a few minutes, really just walking about and observing people. It was busy and people were enjoying the day. It was a bit funny to see all these dark Tongans and Samoans slathering sun screen on themselves and their kids. They believe that the best sun tan is one that leaves no marks or evidence on your body! The water was busy with kayaks, long boards, jet skis, swimmers, fishing boats and walkers. They were there by themselves or as large families with everything in between. They were having picnics that they brought or were eating just fruit or a sandwich from a vendor or a pizza.
But then we were there yesterday afternoon just for a short walk and the area was almost empty of people. There was noting that would indicate that people were there vacationing. So maybe our little part of the world will just stay like we like it. Kamryn wanted to know if we walked on the sea shells --we certainly do. People here are not very impressed with a nice shell.
I suppose the other thing I have observed is that they are really concerned and participate with new goals and resolutions. There were so many testimonies in church on Sunday about wanting to be better and do better and have a greater love and knowledge of the Savior. It was nice. They are a people that like to be better than they were. They love their country and will strive to make it better and to improve it. Recycling is not even questioned. Nice yards are a given. Polite children are the norm. And polite cashiers are expected. When you check out they ask how you are and they really expect an answer. If you just say fine that is not enough. They will ask if your work went well, if you have plans for the evening, what you are going to bake with the flour you are buying. We have met some lovely people at the market. One is a young man, 23, who is from India. He is going back in March to visit his family and to meet the girl they have picked to be his bride. Another is a lady from Iran. She loves her country but knows that it is now ruined and she will never go back. It is too late for us to visit and find it nice.
Just a few observations of our time here. Hope you enjoyed the ramblings!
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