Bay of Islands and a true, modern Maori Experience!

After completing the mediation retreat, Malte, John, Phillip, and I traveled north together for a few days. We spent one night camping in a nature reserve on a peninsula on the East Coast of NZ. We were able to hike around the peninsula on an ecological trail and made a nice, illegal fire on the beach that night. We played some 2 vs 2 soccer (futbol) and John and I, the Americans, barely beat the Germans. In the morning, Phillip and I did some yoga on the beach and then went skinny dipping in the ocean. We drove to Goat island, a marine reserve, where Malte and I went snorkeling! That night, we camped in the "bush" and ate some pesto pasta which reminded me of home. Although I greatly enjoyed traveling with the boys, I decided it was time for a change of pace and some new company. So rather spontaneously, I decided to join some Austrian girls we met on the beach as they traveled north. That day, we reached Bay of Islands- a gorgeous bay with 164 islands spread out on sparkling blue water. My first view of the bay was absolutely breathtaking. The girls spent the night in a hostel and I camped out in the "bush." I used a camp stove I made out of two soda cans for the first time and made myself a hot meal.
With 3 days until the girls drove to Cape Reinga (the northern most point in NZ)- where the sea meets the ocean) I hoped to meet some sailors/fisherman with whom I could join on their boats- but no luck. Instead I met William and Alex Wiki!

They were both fishing out on the rocks and I decided to have a rest and talk with them. After some conversation, they invited me back to their house to have some tea and meet their family. One thing lead to another, and I ended up staying not one, but two nights with the Wiki's and celebrating the father's birthday with the family. I joined in their feasts of bacon sandwiches, fresh sea urchins (they call KINAS), mussels, sausages, potatoes, and beer! I felt so lucky to have met such a warm and welcoming family. In addition to working around the house and helping prepare meals, I also helped William, Alex, and the father collect scrap metal from around town and from neighbors- $160 worth in one day. Between the children, relatives, and guests there were 11 of us sleeping in the 2 bedroom house. May I think of this household if one day I have my own. May I welcome anyone and everyone and be as kind as possible. Share what I can and don't be afraid or ashamed to ask my neighbors for help. Teach my children honesty and respect, and realize that we all have good days and bad. As the sign in their window says "Stay calm and carry on" and like the music that was always playing and eveyone was singing along with said, "Don't worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright."

And like Patara and Reece, the two local kids who showed me around town when I got to Paihia, say this trip is "cool-as"!!!