Heart and Soul

By Jacquie Kelly

Something about stepping off the first ferry of the day, a new world awaits, you can smell the clean air the sky is so blue, the relaxed way that people go about their everyday business, the friendliness. Didn’t bring many clothes; shorts, t-shirts, walking shoes, running stuff, bathing stuff. Don’t forget the hat – big hole in the ozone layer above heads here and of course books, cameras and knitting. Okay, time to pick up the car, had a few to choose from but hey, why be sensible? I’ve had enough of being sensible, so here is my sports car with the Lamborghini doors. Head off to one of the nature reserves for some bird watching and as soon as I park the car I’m in luck. Toreo-pango or oyster catchers are nesting. Here is a male that I filmed for ages, he walks in a strange way and has a deformed foot. Later on a ranger told me that this oystercatcher hasn’t yet successfully mated but my telling him that this bird seemed to be running between two nests was great news. I could have stayed here all day just watching this wader but I had places to go. The scenery on this part of the island is out of this world I cannot find words to describe it, it’s colourful, peaceful, luscious, different and warm. It is early December and the heat fills my bones. This is my third visit yet I can hardly contain my excitement; I grin and laugh out loud. A visit to the olive farm for the tasting of different olive oils on my way back to the hotel means that I can take some of this warmth and sunshine back home with me. Home? This feels like home, I never want to leave. A run along the coast makes me realise I’m hungry so it’s stone-baked pizza on the beach after a float in the silken sea. I sleep like I’ve never slept before, so relaxed, a feeling of belonging, so deliriously happy. Little did I know what awaited me back in the UK, but that is another story. My heart is on Waiheki Island and I shall return.