Fifteen wonderful souls from Friendship Force of Chicago and
St. Louis recently joined together for a 17 day trip to New Zealand. The excursion included two fabulous home stays with
folks from the Friendship Force clubs in Christchurch and the Western Bay of Plenty plus a short visit with club members from
Nelson. Chicago had hosted visitors from the Christchurch club a year ago and the Nelson club five years ago.
Our hosts were wonderful. Gracious and warm, the Kiwis we met were very well informed citizens
of the world. They manage many inbound exchanges every year, have traveled extensively, and pay rapt attention to news from
around the world. We learned that New Zealand has more Friendship Force clubs and participants per capita than any other
country in the world! About us, they most wanted to know our views on the Presidential election process.
Most of us had heard that Kiwis were very relaxed people, casual, kind of laid back so to speak,
without really knowing what that meant. Our group came away believing that a better description is that Kiwis are very relaxed
and comfortable in their own skin. They exude a quiet confidence, can be very direct but kind in communicating what they
feel, and are very hard working souls.
The country, as advertised, is beyond beautiful. Our visual memories of
the mountains, seaside, countryside, and towns are vivid with rich colors and diverse landscapes. Our weather was perfect.
Late February to early April is an ideal time to go, similar to mid September in Chicago. Some of us stayed in town, others
lived on farms for a week, and in one case we spent time with our hosts at their island home among 2000 avocado trees. Kiwis
love to be outdoors.
Action highlights of our trip varied by individual but included such good
times as farm visits (dairy, sheep and avocado) that were very, very fun and interesting, picnics in those beautiful parks,
tramping (or we would call it hiking), harbor cruises, dolphin watching, bathing in hot springs, horseback riding, al fresco
dining, shopping, games around the kitchen table, helping out in the orchard, having fruit and ice cream for lunch, and all
of our going away parties.
New Zealand--a wonderful place on the planet Earth with loving people who
are committed to doing their part in creating a better future for everybody in the world.
Pictures
will be posted shortly.
