Over the past month and a half, time has taken on a curious dance – a mix of chaos and haste, tempered by moments of slow and seemingly eternal stretches. Life amid such a significant and known transition brings with it a kaleidoscope of to-do lists and intense emotions within each day. As a result, the hours overflow with activity, racing by in a blur. Yet, paradoxically, there's also a sense of being outside time's grip, a unique cadence that separates these moments from routine days, making them stand alone -- expansive, and enduring.
Anyway, in the spirit of standing back and looking in awe of how full (and also weirdly empty and unstructured) these days have been, I’ve found myself struggling to carve out time to write reflections. I’m puzzled, wondering – what have we even experienced yet outside of setting up our home? What exactly can I reflect on?
However, as I’ve finally found time to pause, take a deep breath, and let stillness envelop me for a brief moment, reflections emerge. Here are some initial impressions about our first few weeks in Auckland.
The Landscape We Read About, Now Our Reality
The beauty here truly takes our breath away -
We haven’t left the city really at all, and even still, we're consistently astounded by the unexpected beauty around every corner, during any spontaneous afternoon excursion. Each weekend, we explore a new little beach, each one a marvel. Because of the winter-rainy weather and general island climate, we see rainbows about every-other day. While they have become almost commonplace, they haven't lost their power to inspire awe.
Unwavering friendliness of the people here -
I’d read about this prior to coming, but it always seems like something that folks could easily gush about and overhype. But so far, I've been pleasantly surprised by the veracity behind all the buildup. During our flight to Auckland, Charlie struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger—an engineer from the States originally. Their connection has grown into regular texts, a wealth of local hiking tips, and an open invitation for dinner.
Even our online shopping escapades have led to human connections. While picking up a dresser, Charlie found himself in conversation with the seller, and when he heard we were new to the country, he declared casually “ah, you’re new here and looking to meet folks – we should hang out!”
Similar encounters have happened frequently, especially during park outings, where fellow parents approach with genuine curiosity and engaging conversations. One such encounter led to a coffee meetup and a newfound friendship.
The Café Culture and Coffee Alchemy -
The pre-trip hype about New Zealand's café and coffee scene was lofty, but the reality has more than matched our expectations. Cafes dot every street corner, offering cups of liquid magic. While Americano/drip coffee exists on menus, it's not the locals' choice. The barista's creations reign supreme—think flat whites, cappuccinos, and more. Fun fact: I discovered that the flat white originated here.
Charlie and I found ourselves amused by the at-home coffee setups—drip machines are a rarity. Espresso machines or French presses are the preferred methods for crafting the perfect cup.
Broader Reflections on the Vibes
There's an intangible charm in the air that transports me to the nostalgic days of my childhood in the late 80s and 90s America. The pace is mellower, lending a calmness to the atmosphere. Even the stores exude a vibe reminiscent of that era. Malls are bustling with in-person shoppers, and familiar names like 'Kmart,' 'Bed Bath and Beyond,' and 'Target' have established their unique presence here.(Note: These stores are not franchised/run by the same companies as in the states. But the brands were purchased and launched here, and they’ve had staying power.)
One of the things I love most about this vibe is how it’s felt at my kids’ school. On the first day the kids raved about a great day – and what they loved most was the autonomy they have on their school campus. At lunch they are allowed to roam freely around campus grounds and play as they want (on a very open, outdoor campus). There seems to be much more time within their day devoted to play and exploration, and I am here for that.
As we settled into our new space, it felt like a sprint. Yet, in this whirlwind, we've found our haven—an airy, sunlit dwelling surrounded by citrus trees. Just this morning, my children's delight in spotting parrot-like birds was infectious.
It’s been a full (and somewhat exhausting) first month, but I’m thrilled to know that now there is time to both rest and explore – and that this journey is just beginning. We're poised to plunge into local events, forge connections, and embark on adventures that will take us across this mesmerizing country. Stay tuned for more stories as venture out.
Bonus for making it to the end of the post: Have you heard of the New Zealand Group, The Beths, yet? If not - definitely give them a listen.
You’re such a beautiful writer. Sounds like paradise. I either missed this on an earlier Facebook post or have forgotten. What took you to Auckland? Your kids are beautiful. Nope…haven’t heard the Beths but will check them out.