As I awoke in the arms of my sweetheart...

GeoTagged, [S39.06716, W177.79890]

Admittedly I am so sleepy this morning. Yesterday we made the hour drive down to Mahia, a peninsula south of Gisborne, for the celebration of a young woman's birthday. Charlotte is the sister of my sweetie's friend, a beautiful girl with a big smile and what seems a bigger heart. Yesterday was her 21st birthday and I had the privilege of partaking in the observance. Two dozen family and friends surrounded her and shared stories and love. She is part Maori, and that tradition was prominent in the day, an educational treat for me as a visitor. There was kye (food), drink, speeches, song, a lovely celebration that continued past the striking sunset, on and on until the orange moon rose above the horizon. The night was chilly and more layers of clothing added to keep the porch hospitable. Finally, tired from a long day, we moved to mattresses put out by the hostess and huddled together to stay warm. All in all a very special night. This morning we were awake by dawn, and drove down to the beach to scout seashells while we watched the sunrise. This place, this country, this ocean...truly amazing, truly beautiful...