It is our last day, and we spent it packing and shipping of course. A few final tasks, including selling our car (to Hannah, our babysitter after Karin), and then a final drive to the ferry (after the ferry, our friend and colleague Andrew Mason very kindly offered to drive us to the airport). At the ferry we were met by a final "goodbye" committee. Shawna was a true highlight of the island. She was nanny to Livvy, Alexander's number 1 girlfriend, and the driver of "Monkey Music" on Monday mornings. She also showed up on the island in various guises through her dancing. Hannah was our babysitter for the final two months. And Karin was wonderful with Alexander for 3 or 4 months of our stay, teaching him a number of bad habits: I fear he will spend years wondering why putting his hands over his head pretending to be a tree does not hide him from others. It was wonderful to see them all before we left.
But then it was time for our final ferry ride to Auckland, ending our year on Waiheke and in New Zealand. I think it will take some time to gain a perspective on our year. At times we loved it here, and at times we couldn't wait to get back home. The sense of community we found on Waiheke in such a short time was unbelievable, and we will miss the people we have met. I think we are surprised at the roots that went down in such a short time, and perhaps we learned a bit about how to strengthen our roots in Pittsburgh, or wherever we may end up. It was wonderful watching Alexander grow from a 2 and half year old to a 3 and a half year old. His resiliency was amazing. I suspect he will never have such spectacular playgrounds again!
At the end, we are grateful to the people we met throughout the year, both on the island and at the university. We felt very much a part of Waiheke and of New Zealand.
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