by Jim
on Oct 8th, 2007

Farewell NZ

It’s a good day to leave New Zealand.  A few weeks ago I was tramping in the hills on a bright sunny day, gazing at the mountains, enjoying the last bit of my good coffee…  Well, that would have been a tough day to leave NZ.  I had many good days here, but as always such things must end.  And today is a good day for it.

The weather is crappy today, but the mood is crappier.  The All Blacks loss has put the country in a state of shock, dismay and anger.  I’ve listened to the radio all day and read the newspapers, and it really is the only story, and that will probably continue for a while yet.  I’ve tried to find a sports parallel in the US but haven’t come up with one.  The best recent US example of wall-to-wall coverage and sweeping malaise was when Bush was reelected, and a lot of the country had to endure “Four More Years”, just like NZ does until the next World Cup.  Now imagine that the whole US had actually supported Kerry, so the entire lot are just mopey and licking their wounds.  It’s kinda like that here.

So, I’m going to let that all be and quietly leave the country on a bit higher note of a few weeks ago.  It’s been a great adventure–once in a lifetime probably–and something I feel very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to experience. 

On that note I’ll say to NZ one last time: “See ya.”

2 Responses to “Farewell NZ”

  1. Erinon 11 Oct 2007 at 1:51 pm

    I hope you’ll continue this blog as Peoria Life or “Central Illinois Times” I know it won’t be as exciting and exotic, but I like reading about what you are up to. 🙂

  2. Ngairaon 13 Oct 2007 at 12:19 pm

    I concur with Erin – you two have to make sure you keep those new friends of yours here in l’il ole NZ up with what you are doing in Peoria – like, what’s the favourite drink – coffee, tea, wine?, and where do you go for meals when Angela dones/t cook her gorgeous creations etc etc etc…don’t just come and then fade from view guys. We loved meeting and getting to know you, so want to keep that up. Okay!!! Ngaira
    PS David SOLD the house after you left – new people move in next week!! What did you do to the house he had to SELL it???

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