Kiwi Mentality Stuff

After now more than half a year in New Zealand (the seven weeks of last NZ summer included) I begin to understand some of the mentality of the "Kiwis", at least I claim that for the Pakeha (= white) partition. However, I have decided not to write about them, at least not now. For all of you profoundly interested in the culture and lifestyle of New Zealand, exceeding terms like "laid-back", "adventurous" and "skilled in DIY (= do it yourself)", I recommend the book "Culture Wise New Zealand" by Graeme Chesters and John Irvine, survival books (www.survivalbooks.net), which helped me a lot in understanding the particularities of this country and it's people, shaped by their individual and interesting history.
Luis has been admitted to a special class at his school where he will learn Te Reo (the official name for the Maori language) and part of the lessons will be held in Maori, as far as possible. I hope that we will learn something through him about the Maori part of the Kiwi people.
At the end of the day, it's more about us and less about Kiwis. Everyone tries to make his way in a new and inspiring society. Less cultural events in the sense of theatre and music are more than compensated by a stunning nature where people meet, at rivers to take a bath or to jump from 5 or more meters height into a swimhole, at the beach to play, walk, kayak, surf, fish or just lie in the sun. In the bush on one of the numerous walks you will rather meet few people, depending on how famous that walk is.
Or am I wrong? Life consists of interaction, and we are part of it. We have to learn and at times we should teach or just accompany and grow together.
To sum up, we still think it was the right decision to come here and we are still looking forward with curiosity where and how God will lead us here...