It has been a busy two weeks for our family as we got out of our barely established routine and hosted Danny’s mom and step dad, Luanne and Jerry. I explored with them around Auckland and then we all travelled together to Queenstown in the South Island. I enjoyed learning more about the city on an official tour, was enamored with the relaxed vibe at the wineries on Waiheke island, and experienced that Queenstown really does live up to its hype. I am feeling a bit spoiled with everything we have been doing lately- wine tasting, ziplining, funyaking, taking in the beautiful mountain scenery on the South Island. I enjoyed seeing Luanne and Jerry’s reactions to the culture and differences here and seeing them go through some of the same thoughts and emotions we had when we first arrived. Seeing their reactions makes me realize how much we have moved beyond initial impressions and how much our time here has changed us. But in some ways, I’m still a newbie. While on our tour of Auckland, on the tour guide’s advice, I finally tried a meat pie. When people here speak of pie, they are more often referring to meat pies not dessert pies. As an American, the idea of meat with pie pastry reminds me of the shenanigans I saw at the Indiana State Fair years ago when I ate chocolate covered bacon. Meat pie seems like it would belong at a rundown country gas station for truck drivers who have no other options. So I was hesitant when I chose the steak and cheese pie. I love being wrong. It was so savory and delicious! I was surprised how good it was. Think warm tender stew beef with gravy in a pastry for just $5 usd. 

As much as we have settled in, the school and culture here continues to surprise me with its focus on athleticism and fun without being too competitive. One parent remarked to me that it is welcomed here for kids to continue to try things out even as they get older. Again, it’s that “have a go” mentality, encouraging everyone to give it a try and have fun. I think this has helped Charles be more open to new things. I was so impressed seeing older kids help Charles when he had a go at underwater hockey. And now he is trying out parkour. I had never heard of parkour before but a parent was telling me about it and I didn’t quite understand it without a youtube video. It involves negotiating obstacles by running, jumping, and climbing. I found out they offered parkour classes nearby and Charles agreed to try it. We found a class with kids from his school and now he is doing parkour. Audrey continues to enjoy the non-academic pursuits at her school. About a month ago, Audrey, along with 30 other classmates, attended a fun football day at a park 30min away where they played other schools in football (aka soccer). I was surprised she signed up considering she hasn’t played a lot of soccer. She started second guessing whether she should go, then tried to back out but couldn’t as the teams were formed already. I tried to reassure her but, in my mind, I was nervous for her. I worried it would be too competitive for her and she would feel the pressure from her teammates. Glad I was wrong again! She had a great time and didn’t feel at all out of place. A few weeks following this, Audrey’s grade had their EOTC experience (“Education Outside The Classroom”). Audrey and her classmates spent three school days in a row doing fun activities around town. One day was indoor rock climbing, another white-water rafting (at a nearby man-made rafting facility), and the third on a high ropes course. Of course she had a blast. Maria’s EOTC experience for her class is coming up this week. As if a day of swimming, a day of soccer, and EOTC wasn’t enough… just this week the school hosted their annual “Fun Run”. The kids were encouraged with prizes to raise money for the school for several weeks. This culminated in a school day event where each student got to participate with their classmates in a giant obstacle course set up on the school grounds with parents attending if able. I have never seen an obstacle course this big before. It was impressive! During the fun run and other times, kids are allowed to dress up in their house colors. The energy and excitement around these days reminds me of Halloween (just without the candy!). Hmmm, I actually just realized something. All these fun days occurred without CANDY for the kids. Candy seems to have a solid presence with anything kid fun related in the US. I don’t think there has been hardly any distribution of candy in the schools since we’ve been here.

The other surprising thing about the school is the freedom for parents to be on school grounds. There isn’t a whole lot of school security. There doesn’t seem to be a great need for it. A classmate asked Audrey once, “How many guns are in America?” Sadly, America is known for its gun violence. I’m guessing the US used to be safer. Here, I feel like I have stepped back in time. I remember asking the assistant principal after our school tour when we first arrived, “Where do I drop them off?” She gave me a quizzical look. After she realized what I was asking, she clarified that I could walk them in. I assumed it was allowed only on the first day. But no, in the mornings, I walk Maria and Audrey directly into school. I walk them right onto the school grounds where the classrooms are housed in separate one-story blocks around the campus and playground areas. Audrey walks to her building by herself (it isn’t cool at her age for mom to walk her in) and I go into Maria’s classroom with her. She sometimes shows me what she has been working on or I can browse her work posted with others on the walls. I can also see other parents dropping their kids off and catch a glimpse at Maria’s friends. Luanne and Jerry were able to go inside Maria’s classroom one morning and chat with her teacher. They also were able to watch the fun run. I am now volunteering a few days a week, helping a few kids in kindergarten equivalent learn to read. When I arrive, I just walk right into the school’s back gate entrance into the classroom. It feels so bizarre. 

Today we “fell back” in our time as you all back home have already “sprung forward” a couple of weeks ago. This has really messed up our time difference calculations. Today was also the last day of their sailing class. The weather afforded them some nice steady wind and they were able to test their new skills, sailing fast and far in choppy waters. Their confidence on the water made Danny and I realize how much they’ve learned. I am a bit sad knowing they won’t have a chance to continue learning but also grateful for the opportunity. 

We are preparing for our next set of visitors- my mom and dad, and two sets of aunts and uncles, one from NY and the other SC. I’m excited to see my parents. I’ll include here some pictures from our recent travels. One of my favorite activities was funyaking on the dart river near Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. It was amazing being in the remote wilderness surrounded by beautiful scenery. Now I am googling multi-day hiking trips- I may have to come back to New Zealand someday and complete one of their well-known “Great Walks” or hike the Appalachian trail.