2012 revisted

Follow my journey through 2012 with a few images
2012 revisited

from Hau Moana to Atauro - 2012 revisited

From research to publication, from salsa to tango, sailing to snorkeling, listening to singing… From linguistics to language policies – please enjoy whatever gets lost in translation

After a family-Xmas in Wellington, 2012 started in the company of friends, delicious food & a crisp wine in Haumoana, where the vistas extended from Cape Kidnappers to the lights of Napier, and Picton & the magical Sounds – thanks to Kathryn, Brett & Max; Lisa & Zao. The beginning almost felt like a dream until the thudding reality and increasing urgency struck as the inevitable deadline, marking the completion of my Masters thesis, darkened the horizon.  To enhance my heightened nerves, the distraction caused by the reappearance of an undesirable criminal who’d passed herself off as my mother’s grand-daughter way back when, added a splash of drama and numerous chats with police on untangling privacy laws & dropping trespass orders. Looking back, those first couple of months of 2012 required a degree of perseverance and a level of discipline unbeknown to me. I edited and re-edited to the point where I could no longer make head, let alone tail, of whatever it was that I was hoping to paraphrase. Thanks again to my draft-scanning team (Sally, Heather, Rebecca & Dagmar). Fortunately Stephanie’s last-minute visit was so animated that it prevented me from even trying to rewrite it all for the nth time. Once handed in (deformatting & reformatting with Lina’s technical assistance), it was time to catch up on life – salsa classes, learning to sail, celebrating my cousin Kate’s wedding, and 90+/- birthdays with my mother and my aunt. Thanks to all the encouragement throughout my studies, I got there in the end! Being awarded a Master of Tourism Management with First Class Honours has certainly given me the freedom to reach out to new horizons. And yes, after staying firmly grounded for such an extended period, over two years in fact, my mind, body and soul have been impatiently ready and waiting to venture out. Spending some downtime ‘at home’, catching up on walks and talks, and continuing to do visitor studies at Te Papa, allowed me the space to unwind and reconnect with the world. In my dreams the romantic notion of the Silk Road initially grabbed my attention as a potential starting place. I even caught a glimpse of myself high up in the mountains speaking Tajik and eating plov.

My destiny, however, was to be at sea level and below in the South Pacific – a region so close and yet unknown to me. On arrival, in July, I was thrown into an almost frenetic and rather surreal scene, unexpectedly attending the Tongan Crown Prince’s wedding only hours after landing (a touch of traditional attire allowed me into the church!), then spotting majestic humpback whales from the shore later in the day. From the start, I had to learn to ‘kai lahi’ (eat big) & politely took full advantage of generous buffet dinners – the evidence remains with a few extra kilos which I appear to treasure to this day. Although Sundays in Tonga are strictly for church and family gatherings, i.e. prayer, singing, food and rest, I managed to cycle slowly around Tongatapu aimlessly; trying to look as if I was going somewhere, showing no hint of actively engaging in exercise, which is strictly forbidden on the Sabbath. Not sure whether it was all those Sundays spent listening to choirs, those sweet harmonies resonating from the many churches overflowing with families dressed up in traditional garb, or my sister Finola’s up-coming film ‘Quartet’ which influenced my decision to join the Dili international choristers later in the year. A short trip back to NZ in October gave to time to see friends and family, and repack. My new destination with VSA being Dili, Timor-Leste until April (& who knows…). With so much stimulation around me, the weeks have raced by – thanks Sue, Nat & many others for enhancing my social life, dance moves & vocal chords - slowly coming out of denial about being a chorister & singing proud! Hopefully the images attached speak for themselves & spark your interest. 

2012 revisted

As always, it’s the people I meet along the way who make life special and experiences memorable. With fond and funny memories of friends near and far, and those who have departed early.

This year Xmas comes early with suckling pig is on the menu – oddly, the idea of DIY slaughtering & roasting was rejected early on. Spending a few days with friends from VSA relaxing at the beach in Baucau and wherever else the roads may lead. If the heavy rains don’t wipe out the roads, I’ll be tempted to head to coffee country or climb a mountain…  The New Year 2013 will find me gazing at corals and marine life on the reefs of Atauro Island. Of course, such adventures are mandatory for someone who dedicates life to travel & tourism

To all my friends and family dotted around the globe, Feliz Natal - happy festive season to all & all the best for 2013, whatever it may bring!!!

Trisha

You’ll always find me somewhere in cyberspace (& yes, it’s curious what comes up when you google yourself!)

trishadwyer@yahoo.com

http://trishatinkertrails.blogspot.com

Skype: trishadwyer

+670-7800-3717

For Christmas movies: check out “Quartet” 

 Quartet trailer