Kia Orana Rarotonga

The exotic white flower behind her ear is the first thing I see. The blossom lets the chubby lady with the dark hair look like she is from paradise. Dressed in a light blue shirt and dark trousers she welcomes me with a big smile. “Kia Orana”, I say as I approach her table with some electronic devices on it. In the background I hear someone playing the guitar and singing loud in what I assume is the local language. The people behind me are chatting. Laughter everywhere. Someone is on the phone, another person takes a picture. “Kia Orana, welcome to Rarotonga”, says the guy with the guitar. He is standing on top of a carousel of suitcases and backpacks circling around him. I am lost, don’t know where to look first when I suddenly see the “Customs Cook Island” label on the lady with the exotic hair’s shirt. “Your passport please, Sir!” – My passport. Of course. I nearly forgot the seriousness of the situation: I am at an international border – by far the most exotic one I ever came across.

A story about apples and hot water.

The asphalt winds its way through the region like a long, dark snake. We are passing fields with cows and sheep, deserted houses, rivers with water as clear as glass and pristine lakes. Green hills and mountains as far the eye can see. After a weekend full of adventure, fruitful conversations, long hikes and the highest jump of my life I am sitting in a double-decker bus on my way back to Auckland. When I am looking out of the bus windows I realize again how wonderful this country is! Home is where I am. Home was Taupo last weekend. (Fuer hier klicken.)

Von Aepfeln und heissem Wasser.

Wie eine lange, schwarze Schlange windet sich der Asphalt seinen Weg durch die Region. Wir fahren an Feldern mit Kuehen und Schafen entlang, leerstehende Haeuser, Fluesse mit glasklarem Wasser und wunderschoene Seen. Gruene Huegel und Berge soweit das Auge reicht. Nach einem Wochenende voller Abenteuer, intensiver Gespraeche, langen Wanderungen und dem hoechsten Sprung meines Lebens sitze ich nun im Doppeldeckerbus auf meinem Weg zurueck nach Auckland. Wenn ich aus dem Fenster schaue, realisiere ich mal wieder die Schoenheit Neuseelands.  Zuhause ist, wo ich bin. Zuhause war dieses Wochenende Taupo. (Click here for the version in )