A request for me to write about Auckland earlier today got me thinking of what exactly should I put in writing about this city that I was living in for a couple years? To this point, I never thought of writing lengthily about it.
Other than the fact that it’s the most populous urban area in NZ (the country’s population is only about 4.8 million people and more than 1.5 million of them live in Auckland), I can say that this city for me was a “home away from home.” But what was it exactly that turned a city you’re supposed to just stay in temporarily became a place you hold dearly in your heart to this day?
Perhaps, I loved the fact that it has everything you need from a city: the city centre is so compact that you can find anything within walkable distance, its heaps of gorgeous beaches (both within the city and outskirts area), its beautiful parks everywhere you go, completed with farms (yes, you read that correctly: actual animal farms!) in just 20-minute drive out of the city centre.
Perhaps, I loved that it is not as quiet as other NZ’s regions, yet not as crowded as many big cities in Asia.
Perhaps, I was just so fond of its landmarks and picturesque spots: the Sky Tower, Auckland Domain, Viaduct Harbour, Devonport, One Tree Hill, and not to forget, my own beloved campus.
Perhaps, I admired how the city itself is diverse, multicultural and cosmopolitan, yet at the same is still in harmony with the nature, indigenous culture and history — and wondered, can my home country ever be close to this?
But perhaps, above all, I just loved how the city helped me grew up as a person — to learn and unlearn about life. The way it introduced me to circumstances I never thought of learning from, the people I never thought of encountering or even being inspired from, the food I never thought of liking, the viewpoints I never thought of considering… the list goes on.
How it challenged my perspectives, questioned my understandings, forced me out of my comfort zone, while concurrently introduced me to a whole new comfy place to live in… is perhaps, why it was a dear home.
Penulis: Rima Hasanah
Master of Development Studies, University of Auckland
Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investments
