Ten Last(ing) Impressions

As we leave for home, we came up with 10 points about NZ. There are more, but 10 seemed like a good number. So, in no particular order:

1. NZ is BEAUTIFUL! (Didn’t see that one coming, did you?!)
2. NZ is a very laid back country, with less emphasis on what you wear, the things you have, etc. Very refreshing.
3. NZ seems to be inhabited entirely by nice people.
4. Talking to strangers/fellow travelers has lead to exciting conversations and some surprising coincidences. It’s good to talk!
5. We can live with a lot less: space, clothes, accessories, shower water pressure….Happiness CAN be achieved with less.
6. We will never take central heating for granted again!
7. It’s really exciting when students have read the readings re: the day’s lecture!
8. The no tipping idea sure is nice. And servers still provide quality service because that’s the right thing to do.
9. Public transportation, when done well (as in Christchurch), is great!
10. We benefited so much from living in and learning about a new culture. It made us feel more connected to a wonderful group of people and helped us learn (now and for the future) to be less judgmental and more open to options for how things occur and how we all are more alike than different.

For those of you who read these ramblings, many thanks. We are thankful for everyone’s great thoughts, prayers, and comments. We had a blast and hope someday you get an equally exciting adventure. Love, Kenn and Lynda