An American, A Broad: Salsa love and Kai in the City

I have really amazing friends here. It overwhelms me how much they say they're going to miss me, especially given how we haven't known each other long. I am s so happy that I know them and know I can count them as friends for life. I can't wait to come back and visit through the years, as having these people in my life officially makes NZ feel like another home.
I really believe, when I sift through all the other more superficial reasons, that this was exactly what I hoped to find over here. Good good people and friends that are now a part of my extended family. Or, in Maori. my whanau.

My final salsa classes were on Tuesday night, and the gang surprised me with cake and a really lovely salsa send-off. Natalie was running aorund taking video and photos of everything, and eventually my teacher Rafa joined in on the action, having me pose with various backdrops and taking his own photos. I tell you, that guy is such a character and such a joy.
Brindha was the mastermind behind the cake, and she's probably the one I'll miss most...which is saying a LOT since I'm going to miss everyone TERRIBLY. But Brindha has been my best friend here, and we both found each other after we had given up on really connecting with someone. She, luckily for the northern hemisphere, is moving to Chicago early next year, so I get to have her back!!!

Anyway, on Wednesday, 15 of us (17 once Rafa and Rosina came after their class) had dinner at my favorite restaurant, Kai in the City.
It was a joint celebration as it was Brindha's birthday that day.

Kate & I