I had destination Auckland for one reason: The wedding of my friends Matt (Kiwi) and Mariska (Dutch). I’ve known Mariska since our teens when her family was showing up every summer at the same French campingsite in the Rhone-Alpes as my family did. We formed a tight group together with Rick, a childhood friend whose family I grew up with. Our families did those holidays together for long weeks that never seemed to end and I’ve spent at least two years of my life in that region of France.
Mariska and I wrote a letter to the camping owners in 1999, stating that we were dissatisfied with the service of the Dutch help and that we thought we could do much better. The owners accepted and we spent a legendary summer hitch-hiking to France, working at the campingsite and spending our hard-earned money afterwards when we found people willing to take us to Spain. We’ve connected with so many people that I still get questions about her from random people when I occasionally visit the camping owners every few years.
Mariska moved to New Zealand in 2004, found Matt and I visited them in 2005. The three of us spent a great time exploring the South Island and shortly after that Matt proposed to her. It took 11 years and two beautiful daughters to finally get married and it was a magical sunny day in a lush vineyard estate.
Our friend Rick was supposed to join us here and explore the North Island with me. Sadly, his mum was sick and things changed for the worse. She was a very sweet woman who was always there for us, who taught me a lot about life and I will miss her dearly. In one of those weird coincidences of life, the funeral was at the same day as the wedding. As she had told me she wanted me to continue the trip that I had planned for so long, I did not return to the Netherlands but not without long hesitation.
Mariska’s wedding was as beautiful as it should be, she asked me to be bridesbuddy, her husband Matt had asked his sister to be best woman, slightly untraditional but fun. During the ceremony, I recited the poem All I Really Need To Know I learned In Kindergarten from Robert Fulghum. See the link here.
I feel very lucky to be able to make this trip after many years of anticipation but it is hard to not be there when people close to me are having a hard time, are receiving bad news or getting ill. I can only hope that some of my stories will at least make some of you smile or brighten your day.
Your thoughts were with your Dutch friends Chris, I’m sure they could feel that. Our condolances, hope you were still able to enjoy the wedding. Bride’s buddy, you’re made for that role ? The days after look nice! And ehm… Did the earthquake strike you guys?