Our team arrived in the very early hours of Saturday morning in Auckland to a very warm welcome. What an awesome site and greeting. We quickly met our GSE Coordinator and host families for the week and then were brought to our respective homes to visit and for some rest.A couple hours later, we were invited to go sailing with Graeme, host to Michael, and were joined by Miguel's host Colin. What a wonderful way to unwind from a long trip, see the beauty of the place we will call home for the next few weeks and relax by enjoying the amazing weather of the day. It was really perfect and we were all feeling like the luckiest people on earth and with a start like this, could only imagine all that was to follow. During our time on the boat, Miguel took his first swim ever in sea waters and Michael was the first in and the last one out - enjoying every moment of it. The scenery was breath-taking - every direction you looked.
Sunday, March 20
The next day we went out for tramping. We have been having a lot of fun with that term as it has a different meaning back home. Some Rotarians and others meet every fourth Sunday at a different location for tramping and invited us for this trek. It was a four-hour hike in total - two hours to get to the shore, passing native trees and foliage, a bit of a break for lunch outside a little cottage, and then another hour/hour-and-a-half back to the car shortened by walking the shore due to low tide. Some of us talked later about how we really need to incorporate more of this into our lives back home - scheduling time to enjoy and learn more about nature. We love that they make a point to do this once a month in a different location. Anyone interested when we return?
That night was the official welcome for the team. It was amazing. It began with a Maori ceremony performed by a terrific group of children. There was a point when they presented a message and Miguel from our team responded back with a message in Nahualt, a native language of Mexico. The whole thing was very moving. The District Governor traveled from Tahiti to welcome us. And the entire GSE team from 9920 traveling to Texas was there as well. We met wonderful people, just increasing our excitement, and had a very nice night. The sunset over Rangitoto was incredible that night, making for some great pictures.
Monday, March 21
The next day was orientation at the Price Waterhouse building. Thank you to Ash and Alex who spoke to us about the economy and the vibrancy of the city. Both very intriguing! Alex, CEO from Heart of the City - is infectious with his enthusiasm and love for Auckland. Any one he talks with outside of the area is sure to book a flight straight away! We went to our first Rotary meeting (Rotary Club of Auckland) at lunch time and our second that evening (Auckland East) where we gave our first presentation. They meet at the Boat House right on the water with Harbor views. What a place to meet each week! We are looking forward to seeing these members again on Sunday for the Auckland East Derby Trolley!!
Will upload pictures to follow. More details to post soon!
