Debbie's second post: Waiheke Dreaming

[Posted by Jason on behalf of Debbie] New Zealand is a gift that just keeps on giving. So... as previously stated, I had no preconception of New Zealand beyond the course packet material, and after experiencing Zealandia I thought I was finally getting a glimpse of the REAL New Zealand. But, not so fast. I have since travelled to Auckland and then to nearby Waiheke Island and let me tell you, this story is far from over. 

Auckland is a bustling city with hills that may rival San Francisco. Our first hour here was spent getting to the YHA. Picture twelve people dragging large pieces of luggage up (and down) 45 degree angle hills. We originally landed at the wrong YHA and the smiling desk clerk suggested we could "ride" our luggage down the frighteningly steep hill to the other YHA. Clearly said desk clerk is a sadist! As I gingerly inched down the ridiculous slope with my 50lb suitcase I kept thinking, "if one of us goes, we all go!" Fast forward several days to Weiheke Island.

If you're looking for a great place to retire, Weiheke Island is well worth consideration. Surrounded by azure waters, this small island is home to not one, not two, but THREE vineyards. Your eyes will not know which vista to enjoy first; the landscape is that beautiful. In typical Jason style (Runnin' up that road, runnin' up that hill...) we "tramped" along winding roads for twenty minutes, not sure what the trek would yield. "No worries." We walked into the perfect beachside village. Fashionable shops, restaurants, and a view of the water greeted our arrival. We had lunch at The Oyster Inn and the food was an added bonus to our already overwhelmed senses. However, the high point for me was standing atop the hills of Mudbrick Winery.

Every aspect had a view of impossibly blue water dotted with white sails, creating the perfect backdrop for the rolling green hills of the vineyard. Grapes hung in gentle boughs, soaking up the warmth of the sun. As we followed our guide glasses in hand, we learned about the vision, love, and hard work required to yield the delicious wines we gratefully enjoyed. Standing atop the winery I thought, small wonder that New Zealand is an ecologically minded country. If you lived in an environment this beautiful that yielded such rich fruits, wouldn't you want to protect it? 

Each person we spoke to was incredibly proud of their New Zealand heritage. However, as many of our readings have told us, this was not always the case. Sadly, many New Zealanders had to go away to truly appreciate the abundance held by their native land. For generations, many felt disconnected from the land, believing that England was the motherland. How sad to be told that the land of beauty and plenty that claims your birth, life, and possibly your death, is not your home. Even Katherine Mansfield, whose work is regarded as a national treasure, did not appreciate her native land until near death. As an outsider, each experience in this country causes me to shake my head at their hesitation.
Sitting in a rooftop bar, I gaze out at a tri-color sea. Silvery green waves hit the pier and roll back out to meet deeper, more intense shades of jade as the sun moves over the water, peeking through the clouds, illuminating the landscape. The easy rhythms of the music emanating from the speakers, fill the space with a mellow yet cool vibe. I feel vibrant, alive, and grateful. New Zealand is a blessing, a revelation. How could it take anyone a lifetime to see that?