When vision becomes reality

I have a picture from Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel peninsula on my blog page. I picked it because it was majestic and beautiful and represented what I think of when I think of New Zealand.

The borders have finally opened allowing travel in and out of Auckland and we got to go see Cathedral Cove for ourselves. It didn't disappoint.

We did a kayak trip, we also went to Hot Water Beach, we stayed in a cabin resort by the beach, we enjoyed the beautiful summer here. To be in the presence of some of the places that I looked at with yearning back in the States leaves me in awe and filled with gratitude.

I have honestly been too busy living to blog and maybe that is a good thing. Just sharing some pictures here with you all from our last 10 days.

Hot Water Beach. Where hot springs flow under the sand and during low tide, many people go to dig their own little jacuzzi. The water is literally boiling hot, but if you find the right spot, the cold water will be perfectly warmed by the hot water also flowing in. Everyone is there for the same purpose and immediately people who were before perfect strangers will work together to make the perfect pool. Those who are done enjoying theirs, seek out newcomers to give theirs to. As a local Kiwi said to us that day, "The only cost of entrance is a smile".

Hahei Beach

Walking not even a minute from our Cabin to seeing this.... no words could describe.

The moonlight over Hahei Beach in the Coromandel Peninsula. The sun didn't set till almost 9pm.

A couple days after returning from Coromandel, we went to Muriwai beach which is on the West Coast of Auckland.

Horseback riding at Muriwai Beach in Auckland

We went from the beach to deep shades of lush green to this towering monochromatic forest.

Every day I ask myself if all of this is real. Could this really be my life now? Could I really just go places, see things and do things with my children that would have been either cost or time prohibitive before, or simply in regions of my country where I as a Black woman had no desire to ever tread? It is not just about vacations and trips. It is about safety and security and peace of mind. It is about the ability to make your every day existence and your vacations/that which feeds your spirit, seem as one. I am constantly filled with gratitude. I am filled with Joy.