I was pleasantly surprised when I boarded the plane home today and the guy at the counter said to me “kiaora” and then as I left he said, “Tēnā koe” I thought, wow that is SO awesome that someone has taken the time to learn our reo and is using it to greet people as they leave Australia.

It really made me feel looked after on my journey home to Aotearoa today… It was a very special experience for me…
And I heard that flights were cancelled at 1pm due to ash coming from somewhere… my flight left at 12.50pm – now how is that for divine timing?

Tēnā koe to the man who greeted me in my language – I have no idea if I will see him again but from that moment I felt like I was looked after for my journey home!
Arohanui,
Jo x
Much love to cousin Kiri – so lovely to spend a little time with ya even for a short while xx