Life has been an adventure so far. Some unexpected turns, some interesting paths, a life lived out loud - and certainly not a straight path. That has been the fun of it.
This latest journey has been the culmination of many things. A few factors that allowed it to happen and for which I would like to thank some key people in my life.
Firstly, to my DNA - to two people who paved the way in terms of my outlook, attitude to travel and adventure.
Evelyn Terris (nee Roberton) hopped on a horse and together with her best friend, rode around New Zealand while still in her teenage years. With her friend, she travelled to Europe in the late 1950s 1960s and toured there. She led her profession in New Zealand and paved the way for it to move to a University tertiary qualification in New Zealand. She has been a stalwart defender of her profession and work colleagues and frequently represented them in negotiations with the government. It would be a special person who gained her attention and affection.
Alex Terris is a self-made man. Living life the hard way, moving to Australia in his late teens to cut cane. Putting himself through electrical engineering qualification. Moving on to become a project manager and being the project manager of one of the largest projects in New Zealand of its time - the construction of the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter. Together with his wife Evelyn and young family of 2 boys, moving to Fiji to manage some key building projects on behalf of an American consortium in the early 1970s.
Together they agreed that they would not send their sons to the expat school in Fiji. If they were going to live in a new country, they would immerse themselves in the culture. Duncan and I went to Suva Primary School, mum learnt Fijian, Dad learnt Hindi. We became "locals" and Dad was one of the few with a 4WD in Suva when Hurricane BeeBee destroyed many of the local towns and villages - he became a life line of support to many over that time. Staying in Fjji through one of the coups at the time, Dad helped a number of his old friends through some troubled times.
I am immensely proud of my parents - though I don't think I have ever told them so enough. Both taught me tenacity, good humour and to strive to be the best I could possibly be. They, by example, also taught me the value of different cultures, travel and adventure.
To you both, Alex and Evelyn, my great thanks. You have taught me that the "norm" in my life does not need to be mundane.
To my friends along the way - mostly larger than life. While much of my life has involved travel and being in various places and not being good to staying in regular contact with people - those true friends that I have I know I can pick up the conversation (sometimes with years gap in between) where we left off - or at any point on any number of interesting topics - most of which they have personal and in-depth experience in.
Lastly, to my wife, Carolann who I have spent a wonderful 23 years together with - as a best friend. Someone who encouraged this trip as needed and has forged her own winding path. Someone many turn to as a pillar of strength and others look to for expertise in mother nature and sustainability.
To you all and to those I have met on this wonderful journey, my thanks.
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