The roaring and raging sea

"I hate to be near the sea, and to hear it roaring and raging like a wild beast in its den. It puts me in the mind of everlasting efforts of the human mind, struggling to be free, and ending just where it began." William Hazlitt

One could view it coming as you looked out over the sea. A heavy bank of clouds was spreading across the water. It reached as far as the eye could see. The brewing storm was fast approaching. The village families were finishing their evening meals and sipping coffee. Al and I hurried thru our dinner and quickly headed down to the beach. We were thrilled to see the roaring and raging beast. The surf was crashing and thrashing on the shore. No surfers dared to venture out. Only two crazy young men (reminding me of Alec and his friend Ben) in a flimsy dinghy were practicing rescue drills. I wondered if they might not need to rescued rather than doing the rescuing.

Al's first days at Taranaki District Base Hospital are not so full and therefore somewhat frustrating for him. He has been getting crash courses on the Maroi language. electronic medical records and socialized medicine. The hospital psychiatry program has many ancillary support personnel specifically for community support services. There is alot of governmental layers with the medical records being centralized into one data bank. One must be adapt at the computer, so he is practicing his skills.

Gabe is quiet about his experiences as an 8 year student in the primary school. He is an American curiosity but it sounds as if he is fitting in. Later in the year, he has a choice between "dam dropping" (tell ya more later) or rappelling on Sugar Loaf Mountains. There are few restrictions for the New Zealand children. No one worries about signing releases or getting approval for outdoor trips. I still shudder to see the children running in the rain with no shoes, but they like their bare feet come rain or shine. Gabe is thinking of going bare foot to school.

My time is occupied with exploring and meeting the friendly Kiwi people. They are truly gems-so relaxed and friendly but proper about their rules. No jaywalking (though we heard about an American family who did and I think it was us). No violating various governmental or Maori rules. It is intoxicating to hear them talk with their lovely British accent.

I have even tackled driving on the wrong-side of the road. It is OK as long as the weather is not "rubbish" or we've had a "pint". Head down south to the land of the Hobbits. We'd love to share the adventure.

"No worries" and "good on you".