Ten hours to LAX, twelve hours to Auckland and waiting for two hours to Dunedin but it was all worth it for the walk from the International to the Domestic terminal in Auckland. It is one of my favorite walks in the world as it always follows a long flight, its always windy with a taste of moisture in the air and the oxygen count is high. Actually the flight was pretty good as well, two films and the rest was sleep. I'm now in New Zealand for a week, then Australia for a fortnight finishing with a week in Singapore. Lots of old friends to catch up with and new friends to meet.
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Comments (3)
Welcome to NZ!
Posted by Jennie Swann | June 19, 2010 11:21 AM
Posted on June 19, 2010 11:21
Hi Dave,
I know EXACTLY what you mean about that short walk and you have described it very well. It makes you feel like you are alive again. What I find interesting is the juxtaposition between the reality of the location (surrounded by runways, warehouses, carparks etc) and the feeling that is generated by the factors that you mention (esp the beautiful Pohutukawa trees they have planted there).
I do a lot of tramping in New Zealand to locations that simply can't be described adequately in words and that is because of the "feeling" you have when you are there. Strictly speaking that short walk you mention shouldn't really even rate on the list of great walks in NZ but it does for me as well.
So I guess its a great reminder of the importance of context. What would normally be a nondescript walk is made achingly beautiful by a 15hr flight just before, our yearning to "reconnect", the symbolism of the few trees that are there, the actual action of walking and the unexpected feelings that "emerge". The result is a connection between yourself and this little patch of ground that enables you to label it, rather incongruously, one of your "favourite walks in the world".
Interesting.
Cheers
Tim
Posted by Tim Kannegieter | June 20, 2010 10:12 PM
Posted on June 20, 2010 22:12
I love that walk between the International and Domestic terminal. I've been living in the UK for about 15 years now, but when I do that walk after landing in Auckland its the first thing that makes me feel like I'm home. I must look like an idiot as I'm usually beaming with happiness :-).
Posted by Megan | June 21, 2010 2:04 PM
Posted on June 21, 2010 14:04