by Luke Bawden

Created on: March 05, 2009

I always return to this special place which holds so many treasured memories both past and present. Little had changed here over the years if anything it seems to be getting better in this enchanted slice of heaven. Playfully layered on the beach is white radiant sand on a base predominantly the more earthy pudgy variety. The beach vista is randomly interspersed with pebbles and shells from many unknown origins. The sea is at rest swirling with greeny blue hues, warmly sheltering all walks of life. It appears the crisp on shore breeze is gathering steam bringing with it a memories inspired by smells, gritty enough to taste. As the seagulls bid there larder farewell the last rays of sunshine bestow their greetings on some distant new horizon.

My child hood was rich with fun and excitement in this coastal playground. There was the clinker boat my Grandfather built that took in its stride the most outrageous childhood endeavours also supplying preschool fishing trips where we would egg Dad on to row faster as we trolled for shoaling kawai. I loved wandering these sandy shores for exploratory much cherished walks. There were our first motorbike thrills and spills and parking up the kayaks after hours in the surf. As time moved on the activities changed but the fun outcomes remained the same.

One special memory that always brings a smile was our final year of high school wind up. We lit a big bonfire and partied up a storm. The friendships from all those years of school were well special and when I reminisce about the farewell party to youth it still holds a very special place in my heart. I remember looking round the fire at one stage and just listening to what was being said in amongst the smoke dodging antics. The firelight was casting ever moving highlights on so many laughing faces and there was Johnny holding centre stage. He was the joker of the class and telling a story about a recent fishing trip with great gusto. Everyone was in hysterics when he explained that his fish was that magnanimous it took all day just to look at it. Julianne who I was trying to build up the courage to talk to had brought some school photos and was showing everyone pictures of those days when you wished your grandparents hadn't dressed you. Sue who was a great friend was saying that the torch light required to view the snaps had to give you at least an extra five pounds and right in centre shot Steve doing his best to crack onto her. It was a fantastic night and last I heard Steve and Sue were still happily together.

Being in this tranquil place once again brings so much back. I have thoughts of many great places I have been and lived forever expanding my appreciation of home. Travel brings with it a greater understanding of the world we live in and offers endless chance's for lived comparison. This paradise is like a magnet for good times and great memories, always drawing me back. With pride I think of some of those special things from our rich history like being the first Country to give woman the vote, climbing the highest peaks in so many forums and apparently the world's fastest Indian. It is truly amazing here being part of somewhere so unique because we celebrate difference and respect culture. We all are, after all threads in our multicultural fabric enveloping this wondrous place.

I look up at the stars fresh in the night sky comforted by the smells of the ocean and the sounds of the lapping waves. I focus over head on the twinkling angelic light sent so long ago helping brighten up our nights and give my heartfelt thanks because I know that I am truly blessed to call New Zealand home.

Learn more about this author, Luke Bawden.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.