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RECEIVE
Our internal horizons stretch with our external ones.
Julia Cameron
Originally from the Ukraine, Youri and Gallina were a travel agent couple I met in Rotorura, New Zealand. They lived in Auckland and were on what travel agents call a "fam" or familiarization tour to experience the area before marketing it to tourists.
On our day tour, Youri, ever gallant, offered his arm when I stepped off our little tour van, or cupped my elbow as we walked down slippery rocks at a nature farm.
I thought we'd part ways at the close of our day but on the way back to our hotel, the couple mentioned the hot springs baths for which Rotorura is famous. Did I want to join them for a relaxing dip?
I was exhausted and not ecstatic about the prospect of dipping in public waters. But Youri and Gallina exuded a gentle helpfulness I'd not often experienced in my life, a welcome respite from managing my own logistics. All I had to do was show up in my bathing suit, carrying a towel. The young Ukrainian couple had already researched the particulars.
When we arrived at the springs, I was relieved to find a potpourri of creatively landscaped pools moderately populated and enjoyed by young families as well as older adults. Youri gave me the tour: Each pool was set to a different temperature. The idea was to start at a low heat level and work one's way up while alternating dips in cooler pools to prevent overheating. Etiquette dictated that one dipped up to the waist or neck if so desired, rather than swim or submerge one's head underwater.
As the steaming blue-green waters soothed my lagging spirit, I thought, I could get into this. I was grateful to Youri and Gallina for coaxing me out of myself.
I was leaving Rotorura the next day. As I prepared to say good-bye, the young couple kissed me softly on each cheek and asked me what time I wanted to meet them for breakfast.
Breakfast?
After our morning meal, they helped me downstairs with my luggage and waited with me until my bus arrived.
Often, the key to getting what we want is simply to let it in.
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