Thoughts of Auckland, NZ
(after 1 week)
Date written: February 7th 2018
What stands out?
It’s more ‘normal’ than I expected. Even though it’s ‘far’ it’s not completely out of the ordinary. Basically like any typical temperate country colonised by the British.
What does “any typical temperate country colonised by the British” look like (to me)? Well polished and painted roads with a look of ‘order’ written all over da place. Predominantly ‘white society’ (aka white people walking around like normal). Very businessy but also naturery. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
View of the ‘Sky Tower’ in Auckland from one of their many parks.
I basically thought it was going to be this whole new culture that I’d need to adjust to. That it would be less on a level of say the USA or Canada in regards to infrastructure but on a higher level than Antigua. I thought the culture would be oozing out of the place as soon as you stepped out of the airport. Like, BOOM, in your face.
But, that wasn’t the case (for me).
Turns out, it’s a country like the rest of us (at first glance). Shared colonised history. People displaced. Land ‘taken over’.
However, as time went on and you looked a lil closer, you realised that this country – has a lot to say for its self. Not as one of Britain’s colonies or as a major power force – but instead, a country that has done a lot for itself and for others and whose history is unique in more ways than one.
The country, is like how they describe its people. Dem na boosie. Quiet at first, but when they warm up to ya they’re a friendly sort. Modest as ever, but when you uncover ‘who they are’ you’ll truly be amazed.
Flag of New Zealand (photo courtesy Wikipedia)
Has anyone ever traveled to New Zealand? What were your initial thoughts? If you haven’t been, when you hear New Zealand, what do you think of? Curious minds wanna know!
4 Comments
Ina Howe · December 9, 2018 at 10:58 am
Hi Alyssa! Glad you have gotten this project going. Good to have your Global Gal perspective. I think of Lord of the Rings when I think of New Zealand. Have never been and my main reference in recent years has been that film which displays a magnificent landscape with expansive mountains, forests, rivers, and greenery. It would be great to know more about Maori people of New Zealand. As an American, our Native populations have had minimal influence in society, is that the case in NZ too? Are there reservations in NZ for Maori or has the country found better ways to share the land with their native people? In what parts of New Zealand does one encounter more influence from the Maori in society or is there a Maori cultural presence in the whole of NZ?
Lucette · December 13, 2018 at 6:36 pm
Really great comments Ina.
Global Gyal · December 15, 2018 at 1:00 am
Hey Ina, thanks for the comment and great questions! The Maori culture here has had it’s battles but it’s DEFINITELY more embraced and has more ‘power’ in NZ society (esp in comparison to the USA Native American people). This gives me a great idea to probably do a write up on them and my thoughts on the whole thing. Cause it’s a lot to tackle in one comment. I’ll be sure to answer your questions in the piece though!
Lucette · December 13, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Great comment Ina.. I’m interested to know too.