Family in NZ

Tauranga

After a 5 hr journey our arrival in Tauranga was welcomed by friendly faces and warm hearts of family long lost.  Philip and Natalie were so kind to pick us up and introduce us to the area with a picturesque walk up and around Mnt, Maunganui from which we could see a 360 degree view of the Bay of Plenty.  This also happens to be the spot Philip chose to propose to his beautiful bride almost a year ago which makes it that much more special.  

This vast bay was still recovering from an oil spill caused by a freighter taking a short cut and run-a-ground spilling out not only loads of oil but much more cargo including people's personal items being shipped.  The ship is still out there and they project it'll take about a year to get it all cleaned up.  Apparently the crew had been partying the night before and by morning there was no turning back, literally.  

The best meals are made by "mom"!  A short ride to Te Puke took us to Tannic Igna's where she had a lovely spread made for the family's Sunday dinner with steak and real South African "worse" grilling on the brai filling the whole neighborhood with that distinct smell initiating a rush of memories of my childhood . Thanks to Marie's diligence and love for bringing family together we were actually sitting around the table with "family" in a far off land with an indescribable feeling of love and acceptance .  Finding how we all fit in together and where we belong was a riot with uncle Lukas' humor intertwined.  And by the end we knew how and where I came from and were my dad fit into the whole mix of past family not speaking for one reason or another.  

We couldn't have asked for better tour guides and a more enjoyable experience the next day.   Philip and Nat took us to Hamairana  Spring by recommendation of Igna and we were so happy we went.  Just along side the Rotorua Lake up a little stream walk through Redwood trees we found a beautiful spring of sweet crystal clear water gushing from the earth.  At one point it was even bubbling from the ground agitating the sand above where the trout were swimming in the clear blue water.  Absolutely beautiful and so sweet to the taste.  

This ares of the country is filled with kiwi fruit farms that are unfortunately being attacked by a disease that still has no cure.  A lot of the crops are having to be burned out and since it's still so new theres a lot of uncertainty of what they'll do next season.

New Zealand is known for having more cows and sheep than people so how appropriate that they took us to a dairy farm just outside Whakatane run by Nat's sister and brother-in-law.  Even a thrill ride on the back of a truck holding on for dear life up to the top of a mountain for a spectacular view of the valley to the ocean and outlying islands in the Bay of Plenty.   I could have stayed for days exploring that area and the extremely kind people.  We returned to the Meyer house to cook the family a meal of delicious curry, and when I say "we" I mean Craig cooked an I chopped.   Dinner table talk turned to South Africa and the current condition which of course has Craig's eyes big and beady with fear.  Uncle Lukas continued the chat after everyone went home which left me with a feeling of  strange homesickness and Craig wondering if our pending visit really is a good idea after all.  South Africa still may not be the safest place to live but it's where my family lives and I tried to reassure him as much as possible that it's safe when you're with people who know where to go and where not to.  

Thank you to every one of our Kiwi family for your absolute kindness and open armed hospitality.  We had an inspiring time visiting and feeling your sincere love!  And thank you Marie for your love of family and the importance of generational connection.  xoxo