Bula

Last weekend I went to a family wedding.

This was a wedding with a difference, a blending of several cultures.

The Bride, was my neice, my brother's daughter, and although born in New Zealand, she has a German mother. Her new husband is Fijian. His family have lived and worked in New Zealand for about 10 years. They come from one of the smaller Fijian islands.

After the usual wedding ceremony and dinner we were invited around to the Groom's parents house for the evening. What a wonderful evening we had! The furniture had been pushed back, the lounge floor had been covered with traditional woven mats, some of the men had changed into lavalavas, and the women were in their beautiful Island dresses.

They began with the kava ceremony and we all partook of the drink (my nephew reminded me as I was happily sipping my third drink - you know that you can get smashed/stoned on this stuff!). I didn't get smashed or stoned - just was feeling very 'mellow' and had slightly numb lips, but decided perhaps it was time to accept the offered cup of tea!

Kava has a rather unusual taste, a bit like the water that potatoes has been boiled in. Not unpleasant but not highly flavoured either.

Then the singing began. This. was. amazing. They sang mostly hymns, in harmony, it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. They sang like angels. More visitors arrived carrying ukeleles. More singing well into the night.

Unfortunately I was the driver for some of the older guests and had to depart, never have I had to so reluctantly leave a party! My neice, in the latter stages of pregnancy, also needed to go home.

And two days later we welcomed our beautiful little great-nephew into our family, part Fijian, part New Zealander, part German, - but above all a citizen of the world.

He will grow up speaking German, English and Fijian and be comfortable in all three cultures.

Bula , Willkommen and Kia ora to little Mikaele.

Brief Return

I am back again, briefly though, from my travels to Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch.

The photo is taken outside an antique shop in a small town called Paeroa.

They always have this amazing line up of old dolls prams. As well as a shop crammed full of knick knacks.

Garden Break

Here are some photos taken this morning of the current garden colour.

A poinsettia which grows in a very sheltered spot , my slipper orchid is covered in blooms, and some autumn colour - leaves from the flowering cherry tree, and our little Japanese maple wearing its annual red coat.

And its time for me to take a break also. I have a very busy month and will be away from home for much of the time.

Several members of our extended family are having minor operations that require someone to 'watch over' them afterwards. As none of them have close family nearby, I am the closest to hand. And I enjoy helping out.

And in the midst of it all there is a wedding in Christchurch in the South Island to attend so I am having a short trip to the chilly south. A wonderful chance to see some of my cousins - the warmth of their welcome will offset the chill of the weather for sure.

I will stop by from time to time to check your blogs but won't be posting here until the world returns to normal!

See you in July sometime.

PS And its my birthday today.