SYLE in New Zealand

Servas experience: from Spain to New Zealand

AUGUST 2023. CELIA ROSEL

Hello Servas people, I am Celia from Servas Spain. I went to New Zealand for one month to visit the beautiful nature, the country, sharing experiences with its people, know about the culture and try to improve my English skills.

Saskia, who lives in Hamilton hosted me for the first 5 days (from 27 July to 1 August). She helped me to correct mistakes in English languages (even if she could speak perfect Spanish with me) I thank her for helping me to learn better English. We enjoyed watching a football match of the Women’s World Cup in Hamilton. She invited me to join her to go paddle on a dragon boat with her team. She guided me to see the Hamilton Gardens and the art museum. Also we shared daily life in her house with her cat and garden. I went with her friends and her to a second hand market with old fashion cars. And the last day we went to visit Raglan, a famous town for the ceramic shops, artisans, beach, surfers, and beautiful sunset.

Skye, who lives also in Hamilton hosted me for the 5 next days (from 1 August to 6 August). We shared interesting conversations and dinners with Spanish wine. She invited me to join her friends of the theatre and to see them acting. We also went to a class of aerobic in a swimming pool. The last day we tasted a good brunch in Hamilton city.

After that, I spent a couple of days on my own.

Julie, who lives in Napier hosted me for 3 days (from 10 to 13 of August). We shared the profession of teachers so we enjoyed exchanging ideas. We went to an Irish pub to support women’s world cup. She invited me to join with her friends and her to do handcraft, teaching me how to do it and meeting her friends who are really artistic. Also her sister drove me around in Wellington when I moved to the capital, just before crossing to the south island.

After a couple of day on my own, I met Rene and Leonie, who live in the region of Marlborough in a house in the country and they hosted me for 3 days (from 15 to 18 of August). I shared daily life with Rene (Leonie was working as a physiotherapist) and we biked around to her place. He invited me to join with his friend to check the traps for rats and mice in a forest track near the beach. And on the last day, we went all together to have dinner and participate in a night quiz in Blenheim.

Pru and Peter, who live in a small village near Dunedin, hosted me for 3 days (from 18 to 21 of August). They showed me the beautiful places around, the beach and the forest tracks. Pru invited me to join with the volunteer group of planting trees to have this Kiwi experience. We shared a passion about sports, specially skiing, so I enjoyed so much speaking about it. We went to a beer bar to have dinner from the food truck. They did everything they could so we could see the final football match of the World Women’s Cup. We supported the Spanish team in a neighbours house with Spanish wine and churros with chocolate. Another day they guided me to see Dunedin, the university, street art, museum, and food. Pru is a good cook, I tried to learn her recipes. She lent me ski equipment, so I went to Queenstown to do some skiing on my own during my last days.

I would like to thank so much to these five families that hosted me, and shared with me such happy days in New Zealand. I also would like to host you in my house in Spain and see you again.

So welcome everyone to Calatayud! Best wishes, Celia