A few months ago, I touched on finding the right balance between work and whānau life in one of my previous blog posts. It's time to share how we're navigating through it all.
This year has been a ride for us at Waiapu Road and our whānau! Our little team has grown from just the two of us to a vibrant group of seven, filling our days with laughter and, of course, mahi.
In July, my husband and I embarked on a truly unforgettable journey. Thanks to my māmā and both my kuia, who offered to look after our boys, we were able to escape for a little over two weeks. It was the break we needed ā wairua, ā hinengaro hoki, having not had a hararei for over two years.
Our Destination in Europe
With a limited time frame, we carefully handpicked a few places to explore: Istanbul and Cappadocia in Turkey and the long-awaited dream spot, Santorini. Flight bookings were a breeze through a local travel agent, and I curated our accommodation and itinerary.The main goal of our haerenga was simple - to unwind and recharge. We intentionally kept our schedule light, allowing our mood and wairua to guide us through each day.
Our first stop - Istanbul. We immersed ourselves in a culinary adventure that spanned both sides of the city. Sampling the rich tapestry of traditional Turkish dishes satisfied our taste buds and gave us a glimpse into the heart of their vibrant culture. Turkish culture shares many of the same values as we do as tangata whenua, especially in manaakitanga.
Moving on to Cappadocia, a short flight from Istanbul, we nestled in a quaint corner away from the tourist hustle. Our crack-of-dawn hot air balloon ride, a signature experience in Cappadocia, was the most magical highlight of our journey, offering panoramic views of the stunning whenua at sunrise.
And then came Santorini, the final leg of our adventure. Setting foot in Santorini, a place I've always wanted to visit, felt like a dream come true. It was as enchanting as we had imagined from postcards and travel shows, and spending a whole week exploring various corners of the island was a treat. The summer heat and bustling crowds added an extra buzz to the experience, but we soaked it all in, revelling in the island's charm. Our stay in Imerovigli blessed us with breathtaking views of the caldera, and witnessing the sunset in Oia was nothing short of magical. A yacht trip allowed us to explore hidden gems of the island that we couldn't reach by foot, and we had a refreshing swim in the salty Mediterranean Sea. It was so much saltier than our moana; it surprised me.
The Journey
The journey was beautiful, accentuated by the best kai we have ever had in our lives and the warmth of the locals, who showered compliments on my moko at every turn. It reinvigorated us, leaving us excited to dive back into our routines, filled with newfound inspiration and motivation for the road ahead.
Overall, our break was just what we needed, and we've made a pact to make time for more of these little getaways. I didn't work endlessly and enjoyed the break from hectic schedules. Not being in full-on parent mode all the time was refreshing, as we enjoyed being ourselves as individuals. Personally, the mental liberation was the most gratifying aspect of my overall hauora. The respite from work demands and whānau schedules was a welcome reprieve.
Our travels underscored the invaluable experience of exploring the world, broadening our perspective, and nurturing our wairua with enduring memories.
Nāku iti nei,
Jonique
