I wasn't sure what to talk about this week, then I found a hitchhiker on the side of the road. Fifteen minutes later, I am involved in the internal politics of the local high school, giving advice to a student about how to pressure his administration on a change of lunch policy. Plus, Willa shares her latest "Fish out of Water" experience.
News article on Kaitaia College food poisoning: https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/09/raw-chicken-served-at-kaitaia-college-horrific-disgusting-student/
L.A.B. “Take it Away” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3SsgF-q5mQ
This week I was able to travel to Auckland to pick up our campervan. I know it seems easy to transport a vehicle across the globe, but there were some challenges in getting this done. I'll tell you all about this week.
If you are interested in Bella Kalolo (this week's featured artist), check out this music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLpaxCsPOs
We tend to view places that are very far away as being very different and exotic. I have been fortunate to travel and live in places "very far away", and it seems to me that they aren't really that different. I seem to hear and have the same conversations wherever I am.
Stan Walker and Kings - Feelings https://youtu.be/xulglxV7Zwo
Stan Walker's kick ass version - Don't Dream its Over https://youtu.be/UzgKG3Xe8Tc
This week I really was fascinated with the idea of Land. Is there a difference between the way people from a Western background view "the land" and the way Indigenous and First Nations people view Land? This is a big question. But it plays out in a very real and imminent way just down the street from us.
Link to Chu Fe's song "Misty Frequencies": https://youtu.be/sBrToWx1ptA
Ryan rejoins Brian and brings his five questions about what it is like living in Aotearoa.
This week I speak about a few keen observations that stand out to me being here in the Far North for three weeks. I promise, not too much lecturing.
Link to Tama Waipara music: https://youtu.be/T2w1L_thEMI
We have been in New Zealand for 10 days so it is time to reflect and give the audience our first impressions of our time here so far.
This weeks' featured artist is Tipene Harmer. https://music.apple.com/us/album/west-side-hori/1260462305?i=1260462852
This week Brian talks about the origins of the New Zealand opportunity and how to actual trip played out.
This week's artist was Macey Rika. The song title was Te Hautapu.
This is just a quick introduction to "An American in Aotearoa", the new pod chronicling the Mowry family's experience living the the Far North of New Zealand for the first half of 2023. Remember to check out the Instagram account @brianmowryinNZ and my Twitter @teacher_mowry for updates, pictures, and video clips.