Summer In The City

It was an incredible summer. It started the moment winter finished at the end of October and reigned supreme to the end of February. We spent most weekends in disbelief, hoping it would last, and at the same time expecting its sudden downfall and disappearance for another year. Most weekends, we jumped on a bus to the north shore and grazed Takapuna beach, but we also explored the Hauraki gulf a little more, with a trip to Motuihe Island. As with so many other short trips away from the city centre we were amazed at the peace and tranquility so easily available within close proximity to the busiest area of the country.

The unusually warm weather attracted a large number of sharks to the shores of New Zealand, with one worrying photo of a popular holiday spot showing over 40 sharks around a sand bank not 20 metres from the shore – Hammerheads, Makos, and Bronze Whalers. Contrary to their dreaded reputation though, no-one suffered an unprovoked attack, although a couple of life-guards that were trying to scare off one shark did endure some bite damage to their dingy.

We didn’t explore as much of the country as last summer, but instead spent more time around the city, enjoying lunches at the waterfront, trips to the beaches, and walks in all directions. We attended an exhibition of the Terracotta Warriors, wandered around the "Aquatica Festival" and watched a man squeeze himself through a tennis racket. It wasn’t a summer of obvious achievement, but and a synchronization of rhythms, coalescing environment and person.