The end of our first week together is fast approaching and it has been filled with name games, intention setting and the start of new friendships! After meeting each other at LAX and enduring a twelve hour flight, we headed to Solscape, our first destination of many. Solscape is an eco-hostel set on the side of Karioi mountain over looking the sea in Whaingaroa.
For our first three days we got to know each other as best as possible. We adventured on a beautiful walk down to the ocean and took in the breathtaking views, letting it sink in that we had finally arrived on our three month journey. Solscape taught us about conservation, prevalent environmental issues including the dangers of seabed mining (thanks to Phil, check out the website at kasm.org.nz) and most importantly, about each other.
Now, we have moved on to a local marae called the Kokiri Center, and were introduced to the amazing culture of the Maori people through a welcoming ceremony yesterday. It is just the beginning of many days here at the Kokiri, as well as the beginning of many days in new countries together. We all have different reasons for being here, but our reasons have already bonded us for what I believe will last the rest of the trip.
Sending love from our whanau to all of the loved ones back home!
Photos to come soon :)…had trouble uploading!
-Katherine