Aunties visits from China to New Zealand

[helen]

My 2 aunties have yearned (and the other siblings) to come and visit their older sister - and after 64 years of waiting, they have finally been given a visa to travel to New Zealand. Alas, nearly 6 years late - to see my late Mother.

They arrived in Auckland yesterday, on a 2 week visa. Their comments to date - "no bars on the windows - how can you sleep soundly?"

and " the air is clean"

We spend the next 2 weeks travelling - with a visit their sister's grave in Taranaki being a main reason for coming.

[helen]

They have never seen a sun rise or a sun set - took them to see a sunset yesterday on Mt Eden. they were amazed at the clouds and blue sky.

[helen]

back from my trip - had an awesome bonding time - and emotional scene at the graves of Mother and Father.

[douglaslam]

Helen, are your aunties from Gua Leng? I am thinking of taking a day trip to Xintang then Gua Leng by myself from Dongguan in November. My aunt in Dongguan told me it is quite easy to get there by public transport. How did you get on with your aunts because your Cantonese is patchy at best. I guess the immediate bonding would dismantle any barriers. Douglas

[helen]

Hi Douglas - My Mother is Po-on Yue, but grew up in Canton City. I have visited the Aunties in China before. This is the first time they have been allowed to come to NZ - without having to go on a tour. So good news for others who have family in China, who may want to visit their country. Apparently the airfares are pretty cheap. My husband drove all the way around - nearly 3,000 Kms altogether.